Chapter 9
*The Next Month*
“Leah, you should be very excited. Your wedding is in a month!” Alice smiled.
“I’m not excited. Can’t I get to know him a little bit more?”
“You’ve had an entire month to get to know him.”
“I know, but-”
“But nothing. You should be happy.”
“I don’t see why. I’m being forced to marry someone I don’t even know.”
“You would have known him better if you stopped talking to Michael.”
“Whatever, Alice. Oh! Thanks for reminding me.”
“About what?”
“Michael and I are going to look for a dress today.”
“Leah, no. That’s my job.”
“Well, Michale and I are going. Sorry, Alice.”
“No, I won’t allow this. Your mother won’t allow this either.”
“My mother is the one who set it up,” I smiled. She stared at me and walked out. Serves her right.
I walked out the room and went to my mother’s room. “Mother?” I asked as I walked dinner room to find her holding my baby brother, Robert. “How is he?” I asked as I walked over to sit on her bed.
“He’s doing great,” she smiled. I went over to kiss his forehead.
“I’ll be back soon,” I said.
“You’re going out with Michael today, right?” She asked.
“Yes, ma’am. All we’re doing is going for a dress, right?”
“I also planned some other things,” she smiled.
“Mom, Dad is going to be so mad that you’re helping me with Michael.”
“I’ll deal with your father. You have fun.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive,” she smiled and sent me off.
“So, how did you get Alice off your back?” Michael asked me as we walked hand in hand toward the tailor.
“It was kind of hard. I told her that I would be getting a dress with you and she flipped.”
“Does she know we’re in a relationship.”
“No.”
“Oh. Then she has problems,” he laughed and kissed my hand as we walked in the shop.
“I don’t want to marry him,” I sighed and looked at the different designs and fabrics.
“You know what I think?” Michael asked as he looked at the fabrics too.
“What?” I asked.
“I think you shouldn’t have to marry someone you don’t want to marry.”
“Finally! Someone who agrees with me.”
“So, with that being said… I think you and I should run away for a while,” he said almost n a whisper.
“What?” I asked, clearly shocked. He looked at me with a look that said “you heard me.” “I don’t know what to say to that,” I said and avoided eye contact.
“Come on,” he smiled and took my hand.
I thanked the tailor and followed Michael out the shop. He led me to the forest where we walked to the end of the town. I looked back and thought of my mother and Robert.
“What about my mother?” I asked.
“She’ll be fine. We’ll be back in time,” he said as he kept walking.
“Michael, where exactly are we going?” I asked. We had been walking for hours and it looked as if we were heading nowhere.
“It’s a secret.”
“A secret? Michael, who is going to know but me?” I laughed.
“Hmm. No one. You have a point there. Well, it’s the place I lived for quite awhile.”
“Where is it?”
“You’ll see. Just relax.”
“Ya know, Michael, not to sound like a spoiled brat or anything, but my feet hurt. I’m usually in a carriage.
He looked back at me and laughed, “come on, girl. Stop complaining.”
I smiled and kept walking. This dress is getting on my nervous and it’s just a casual dress. “I noticed you weren’t wearing your knight gear today.”
“I decided not to. I can protect my girl no matter what I’m wearing,” he smiled.
“I like how you called me your girl,” I blushed and kissed him.
“You are my girl. I highly doubt you’re Rupert’s.”
“You’ve got that right. I wonder what Alice sees in him.”
“Me too. She hates me. I don’t even know why!”
“I guess… I don’t know,” I sighed.
(Alice’s POV)
“You’ve got to get your head in the game, Rupert! How else are we going to get the palace? I am not going to be watching after Leah forever. It’s your turn!”
“But mother-”
“No, buts, Rupert! This is serious!”
“I know, I know,” he sighed and lowered his head.
“What will you think if Michael is her husband?”
“I don’t know. I don’t really care. I don’t even like her for Pete’s sake! Why don’t you do something?”
“I understand you don’t like her. Hell, I don’t even like her, but to keep your mother from wiping Princess Leah’s ass all her life, then you must do this for me. She you two get married, you can screw anyone you want! As long as we have the palace. You got that?” I smiled.
“Yeah,” he sighed heavily and gathered his things.
“One more thing, Rupert!”
“What?” He asked sternly.
“I love you.”
“Yeah, right,” he sighed and left.
Rupert is my only chance. He has to marry her. There is no way I’m going to let Michael get to her. No way. This has gone too far.
“Mother?” Rupert asked, running back to me.
“What?” I asked.
“Where is Leah? We have an engagement today.”
“She’s at the tailors shop with Michael. They should be there.”
“Alright,” he said and finally left. It’s been quite a while. I hope they’re still there.
(Leah’s POV)
Michael and I finally got to the beach shore. The sun began to set signaling that it was almost dusk.
“Leah,” Michael said, snapping me back to reality.
“Huh?” I asked, tearing my eyes from the beautiful scene.
“Come on. This is it,” he said and grabbed my hand. I followed behind him as we walked up to a big white house with a balcony facing the sea.
“Michael, did you build this?” I asked.
“Yeah. It took me a while. Remember the time when I was gone for a whole week?”
“Yeah,” I sighed at the memory of that horrid week.
“I came here. This is where I come to think.”
“Michael, I don’t belong here then.”
“Come on, Leah. I’m allowing you to come.” I followed him inside. The house was so beautiful. Through every window, the sun shone so bright.
“You play the piano?” I asked as I ran my fingers over the keys.
“Occasionally.”
“Can you play for me?”
“Uh, sure,” he said. I sat on the bench in front of the piano and pressed a key. He sat beside me and began to play a soft tune. I watched his fingers at work. He swiftly moved his fingers across the keys. As he played the soft tune, I watched him. His soft black hair pulled back into a nice ponytail, his biceps hidden under the white shirt. Gawd, he’s so beautiful. I kissed his cheek and lay my head on his shoulder. The beautiful tune almost lulled me to sleep.
(Michael’s POV)
When I was done playing the piano, I looked over at Leah.
“That as beautiful,” she smiled. I kissed her cheek and stood up from the bench. “Where’s your room?” She asked.
“Come on,” I said as she followed me. “This is it,” I said.
“It’s nice and relaxing,” she said and looked at the moon through the window above my bed. I look off my shirt and sat on the bed. She sat beside me and examined my chest then opened her mouth say something. “Michael?”
“Hmm?” I asked.
“Make love to me.”