Garden Date

XAVIER'S POV;

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I looked down at the woman, with an almost smile making its way to my face but I didn't let it.

She claimed not to be hungry but I clearly heard her stomach grumble earlier when she almost devoured the food with her eyes. I wasn't going to force her anyways, I didn't have the strength to.

But I needed to thank her, it's been so long since someone had taken care of me; and a tiny part of me loved the fact that we shared a bed together, at least I didn't have my nightmares. I'm grateful for that.

I settled on the mattress and slowly started feasting on the food. She was still staring at me with that starved look in her eyes.

If she wanted some, why act like she didn't? " Are you sure you don't want some?" I asked again and she shook her head.

Then, awkward silence followed. She looked quite uncomfortable. " Yeah then, I'll take my leave." She muttered and turned when I held her back, my eyes met with hers.

" Thanks for taking care of me…" My voice came out soft and she smiled shortly.

" You're welcome." Silence followed again. I'd totally forgotten that I was still holding her. "Um, my arm." She reminded and I let go of her flashing her another awkward smile.

Even though I didn't want to let go, I had to. She walked to the door, opened it and I didn't know why, I wanted to say something, I wanted her to stay, I wanted to continue to feel her presence even though I was scared of hurting her... Scared of the danger I could cause her.

Maybe because she gave me comfort. My lips parted, my throat itched. , 'stay' I voiced in my head but instead. " B-bye!" I blurted without thinking. What was wrong with me? I mentally facepalmed.

She looked over shoulders with an awkward smile. "Bye too." Then she closed the door.

Bye? Really Xavier? You couldn't think of anything cool to say? What would she think of me now? She must probably think I'm a creep!

I brushed through my hair strands. " Get a grip Xavier." I continued with my meal, the silence settling inside the room.

The door opened hard, almost breaking the hinges, I flinched but calmed when I saw who it was.

Betty marched in, worry lines danced on her forehead. When she saw me, she exhaled as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. " Your Majesty, are you alright? I heard what happened." How sweet of her to worry. But she didn't have to, I didn't deserve her kindness. Nor did I deserve Eliana's.

" I'm fine Betty. You shouldn't have come back because of me; I gave you a week off and you cut your holiday short because of me." I muttered guiltly.

She shook her head. " Don't say that; you're like a son to me." Yes, she did treat me like her child, she was far older than me too. Just that didn't know the truth about me; if she did. She wouldn't want me anymore.

" I know Betty but please. For now go home and rest, you need it."

" Are you sure you're fine? Does your head still hurt? Have you had breakfast?" She rained what seemed like a million questions.

" Yes, Aunt Betty," I mumbled like a child, only she could bring out this side of mine. She ruffled my hair and passed me a motherly look then turned.

A motherly look, one that I didn't deserve. One I wasn't worthy of…No matter how much I tried to forget, no matter how much I tried to hide it. I was still a monster…a murderer.

Before reaching the door she snapped her gaze to me. " Your Highness." She called and I blinked away my thoughts. " Yes?"

" Don't think too much, if you ever get lonely. Go talk to your wife; I'm sure she'll be there to listen to you." She said and I shook my head.

A smile crept up my lips.

Mrs Betty, such a sweet lady.

I do hope that she too doesn't hate me too much when my true colours come to light.

Then, my wife; Eliana.

She stayed with me all night because she was worried about me and then claimed that it was because of her wifely duties.

Yes, it hurt when she said that but It's best she doesn't feel for me. She should just see me as an obligation, a chore even. That's the only way I can keep her safe.

Speaking of Eliana, I remembered something. Alex told me that she cried yesterday, what was that about? I guess I had to fulfill my marital duties as well.

I called for some maids and they prepared my bath and clothes. I let the water trail down my skin, soothing my nerves while they scrubbed my skin gently. Although one particular maid continued touching my chest and I frowned. " What are you doing?" I glared and she flinched, her head down.

" I-i'm sorry your H-highness. It won't h-happen again." she stammered, her voice trembling.

" Better." I clasped my eyes shut. The reminder of the bath went smoothly and I dried my skin and they helped me with my outfit.

It was a deep navy tunic trimmed with silver embroidery, fitted perfectly to my broad shoulders and tapered waist. The sleeves were long, cuffed in white lace, and a matching belt cinched the tunic at the waist.

The trousers were black, smooth, and tucked neatly into knee-high leather boots polished to a gleam. A velvet cloak was draped over one shoulder, clasped with the royal crest—a subtle reminder of my status, though I rarely felt like a prince.

The maids bowed shortly and were about to leave when I called out to one. " Can you inform my wife to meet me at the garden at noon?"

"Yes your highness," she bowed and walked out.

I needed to make it up to her, she was upset yesterday yet she still took care of me so maybe I could treat her to lunch.

After much contemplation, I decided on the garden date…well not date, but meeting and I strode out of the room to prepare for it.

As I walked down the hall, the guards and maids stared at me; some with disgust while some with lust but I barely acknowledged them, I had a date…No, meeting to prepare for.

Then I reached Eliana's room, my heart palpitating in my chest, should I see her? I walked to the door knob and was about to touch it when I chickened out. What if she doesn't want to see me?

But what if she wants to see me? I thought, walking back to the door. But what if she doesn't? Arghhh this is so confusing.

I turned about to walk away when the door opened revealing Amara. " Your Highness?" She called and I turned around as though I wasn't the one prancing in front of this doorway minutes ago.

" Oh, Amara. How are you?" I asked calmly. She smiled. " I'm fine, your Highness."

I wanted to ask about Eliana but it seemed as though she read my mind. " Did you want to see My Lady?" She asked and I nodded. " Oh, she went to the library some minutes ago." She explained.

" Oh, Okay.

" Should I take you to her?" She offered but I shook my head. She was probably busy.

I was about to walk away when I remembered something. " Um Amara,"

" Your Highness."

" Do you know what flowers she likes?"

" Not really." She said then paused as though thinking about it before she suddenly spoke. " Oh, I didn't see her admiring a Lilac flower a few days ago."

Just like mum, she too loved Lilacs

I muttered my thanks and walked away, making my way to the garden.

After a few minutes, I gingerly gathered the flowers into a bouquet and held it as I waited for lunchtime. I didn't know why but I couldn't wait to see her again. Even though I'd only seen her some hours ago.

******

LUNCHTIME*

" Thank you." I muttered as the maids dropped the basket of food and spread a blanket across the moist grass.

The sun was bright and warm but not too warm, the clouds were white and puffy. The sky was a bright shade of blue— a perfect day for a picnic.

I waited and waited but she didn't come. What was she doing? Was she still reading?

I carried the bouquet and was about to walk inside to look for her when I saw her coming this way, I didn't know when a smile formed on my face. But my mood turned sour when I saw someone behind her.

It was Alex and they were laughing together...

My grip on the bouquet tightened, my heart clenched.