Hazel's pov;
It was already evening ,and the sun had set down, leaving the darkness to take over. I sat at the balcony of my room, gazing around at the environment. My mind felt blank,I was bored out of my mind. The thought of spending another night alone, annoyed me,I wished the ground will just open up and swallow me. Since Lucian left, a part of me thought it was my fault,I shouldn't have acted out of my impulse. I showed him how vulnerable I can be,my emotions got the better of me and maybe he didn't like it. What if I'm not supposed to catch feelings for him,what if he doesn't want anyone to show him affection. I just didn't know how not to care for him.
"Her highness your bath is ready." One of my maidservants said taking me out of my reverie.
I stood from the couch, walked back into the room.
She then closed the double doors. The room was already lit with candles and I could smell the peach fragrance coming from the smoke sticks they lit every night. I then sighed,took off my robe and walked into the bathroom.
***
My hair was getting dried,then there was a knock on the door. After my permission,I saw it was my meal, I was so carried away by my thoughts that I forgot how hungry I was. After the servants brought in the food, I saw Rafael get in. I ordered the servants to leave. They all bowed and left, leaving the last one to close the door.
Rafael was staring at me curiously, which was annoying me. "Haven't you ever seen a lady out of a bath?" I asked. I was in my sleep attire and I wore a black robe that covered up to my feet.
He just smiled. "My apologies for staring too much, it's just that I still wonder how my brother hasn't touched you yet." He said then sat at the couch. I turned away from the mirror and faced him. I wondered how he knew I was still a virgin.
" That's a private matter and it doesn't concern you Prince Rafael." I said.
He then changed the topic. " I found Lucian and he is fine." He said.
My heart skipped having to hear the news. " Where is he?" I asked curiously.
"Somewhere far from here,I can't reveal his exact location,you never know when the enemy is listening." He state.
"So,is he coming back?" I asked hoping for a positive answer.
"Yes." He answered immediately. " Though I don't know when,but he us definitely coming back." He replied.
I felt relieved a bit,but I still wanted to see him so badly. Rafael then stood from the seat,he fixed coat,then looked at me. " I think my work here is done Princess." He told me.
I stood still facing him. " Thank you,I'll pay you back." I promised.
"If you insist... I'll keep that in mind." He said then he walked towards the door. He held the door knob."See you soon Princess Hazel." He said the opened the door and he disappeared.
I just sighed, uncovered the food that was brought to me. I picked up a green apple,took a bite. I then thought of how could Rafael know that I'm not touched, did Lucian said something to him? But no I don't think so, he's not the type to go around telling people about his business,I tried to let it go but something felt odd. I sat on the bed. Took a second bite,then I remembered I should have asked Rafael why Lucian left, maybe he would have told me if he knew. I just groan out of annoyance and laid on my back facing the ceiling. "Lucian where are you?" I whispered.
Soon I slept,the apple still in my hand.
***
I squint my eyes tightly as light hit my eyes. I opened my eyes only to see a maid opening the curtains of the windows,just to realize it was already morning. I was inside the sheets, probably the maids doing, because I slept on top of the sheets and the apple in my hand was missing.
"Good morning My princess, your bath is ready, take it so you can have breakfast because you didn't touch your dinner yesterday." She reminded me.
After my bath, maidservants helped me into a light pink gown. The corset was fixed tight enough for my waist to appear like that of twenty four inches,even though I'm a twenty six size. As usual my hair was combed making it to fall to my butt. A silver tiara was placed on my head. I tried to get it off but,one maid said that I had to keep it on for there shall be a royal meeting later. Then I got into my glass slippers which perfectly fit with the outfit. Then they sprayed my Cocoa butter fragrance on me.
I had ordered that I have my breakfast at the garden,so that was where I was headed. When I got there it was perfectly set,and the morning sun wasn't hot yet. I sat under the shade,and my breakfast was served. I was so hungry that devoured everything on my plate. I haven't been eating well for last few days that I didn't realize how hungry I was.
"Shall I add more for you her highness?" A maid asked bowing.
" Just more fruits, I'll eat the bread later." I told her. She did as I told her,I stuffed myself so much that I told them losen the corset,but it was worth it,I wasn't hungry anymore.
I didn't expect my day to go like this, Princess Elsa walked in on me as I was still stuffing the fruits.
" Slow down princess, it's all yours." She said.
I ignored her and watch her sit across me at the table. " Are you pregnant or are you just stuffing yourself because you're sad?" She asked then proceed to pick a sliced piece of apple from my plate. I didn't like that at all,why can't she just pick from the tray,why choose mine.
" Think whatever you want Princess Elsa." I said then wiped my mouth with the napkin,then I sat back and stared at her.
"I could start a rumor you know." I said. Elsa thought she could scare me with that,but I know I'm still a virgin so,the joke is on her,so sad.
I just rolled my eyes." What do you want?" I asked her. She was almost through with the apple she was still eating.
"I heard Prince Lucian is coming soon." She said.
"So? " I asked.
"So, why don't you look excited about it?" She asked back. I really wanted to roll my eyes again.
She went silent then smirked." You knew about it..."
" So I'm thinking you already know where he is right now." She said.
I didn't understand her plan,or whatever she was planning with her husband,but I had to play dumb.
"I don't understand what you're talking about,if I knew, do you think I will be here stuck at this palace,I would be out there with him also." I said.
Her suspicion facial changed into that one of pity,and that pissed me even more.
" Poor Princess Hazel,you must be going through alot, it's seen clearly that you're just a lamb without your husband, your fragile side is showing,makes it easier to break you."
I didn't like where she was going with this. But I'm not fragile and I couldn't show it to her because I know that's what she wanted. " You're so wrong, Princess Elsa,I don't need to boost my confidence through someone else,so if you're trying to find my weakness,then you will not succeed." I said. "Guards, escort her out." I ordered.
Two of them came towards her,but she declined being held. " I'll see myself out." She said. " It was nice talking to you Princess Hazel." She said smiling. I smiled back then she walked away lifting her gown up so she couldn't trip on it.
***
Later on after spending my time busking at the warm sun, I decided to head back to my room. My maids servants walked behind me and two guards were besides me, Diego and the one he is always with. " You know you don't have to keep following me ." I told him.
"My command is to protect you My princess,and I will not disobey it." He said with that British accent of his. I didn't argue. We were about to reach to my room,then I smelled that familiar cinnamon scent.
Lucian came from the stairs and he turned and saw me. My heart beat rapidly that I could hear it in my ears,my body started shaking and I could feel tears coming out of my eyes. The servants and the guards read the room, they bowed and all left heading downstairs to give us privacy. Lucian quickly headed to me,I didn't react and just stood waiting for him,but more tears rolled to my cheeks.