12 Chapter 12: Don´t Thight On My Heartstrings

I was in my room and was dressed by my chambermaids. I let everything happen to me. Nicolas had sent a servant to fetch me from my room. I was put into a green dress with a paisley pattern, fortunately, I was able to talk them out of the corset. We sewed a length shorter for you so you wouldn't fall down the stairs again," one of them said, "Will I be remembered forever as the stair girl?" "Yes, you will, Belle, but in return, you will have earned sympathy points with the people," Marie smiled at me. There was a knock at the door and all heads looked up. The next moment I was pushed to the door. Nicolas seemed surprised that I was already at the door when he opened it. He had almost stumbled into me: "Are you coming?" I took my dress in my hands, wriggled past him and entered the hallway, then dropped my robe: "Where are we going?" The door to my chambers was closed. I kept as neutral as possible, Nicolas made no move to touch me either, good thing. "Into the garden, I warn you it's going to be very filmy and the team will be there too, but I've arranged everything so we'll only be bothered by everyone for half an hour. After that we can call it a day, so don't worry." I looked down at him he was wearing a suit, like every day. His get-up resembled that of his pictures in the tabloid The Winter White: "Is this your perfect prince look?" He glanced down: "No, this is my, I mean a good prince and good successor suit. Not very original I know." I see," I smiled slightly. No, not smirk, I became neutral again. "Are you still angry with me?" I shook my head: "No, I'm not." Do you ever listen to yourself Belle, what happened to keep your distance? You'll only put him in danger. Why did I feel anything for Prince Nicolas, because he was basically as trapped in this system as I was? He didn't deserve to die, at least not like this. "Belle." I shook my head briefly, I must have been distracted. "Thank you for forgiving me, I know we don't always speak the same language," this time his expression was honest. I ignored myself, at least for that half-hour, and strolled with Nicolas across the hall to the garden. It was really big and beautiful, I was invited behind the sheltering canopy of a weeping willow. He held the leaves aside for me to pass through. I was already mentally preparing myself for the fact that we were not alone. Nicolas was right, it was very romantic, but unfortunately not to my advantage. Romance always means attraction, and what was I trying to avoid, yes exactly that. We took our seats at a table for two, lit by hanging lanterns. Musicians played in the background. He whispered to me across the table: "I'm so sorry Belle, but don't worry we're still just friends, but can you please pretend for the half-hour that we're more and we've seen each other for the first time." "What won't a woman do to be left alone," I whispered back and grinned slightly. "That's what men have to go through," he added. We were both masters at wordplay. He straightened up and started to play: "So you are 17 years old?" "Yes, I am Prince Nicolas, so soon. There are only three months to go," I joined in this ridiculous conversation. I hope you are enjoying the palace so far," he leaned forward slightly. I played with the rim of the glass, surprisingly I didn't find this spectacle difficult. Yes, I find it very nice so far, but of course, I can't say that much yet," I smiled and shrugged my shoulders. He seemed to know what I was talking about. I took a sip from my glass, I instantly screwed up my face and put it down. Mint water, oh how I loved it. Is everything all right?" he asked, slightly amused. Yes, yes, everything is fine," I said after choking down the drink. Why would you like to read "I'm counting the stars, little bear", he asked me with interest. I took another sip and screwed up my face, again, I recognised the champagne with mint. I didn't know what to say, I never thought he would read it. Children's books are very educational, it's never wrong to educate yourself, especially as we can't afford books, it's an heirloom," it was an honest statement from me. Now it was he who choked: "Yes, that's true." I leaned against the table, the candle casting warmth on my skin and painting a pattern on Nicola's face: "What is your favourite hobby?" He was as surprised as I was that I asked a question. "Porridge," he laughed. No, that doesn't count, please, neatly," I slapped him lightly on the arm and had to smile. He also leaned over the table and stroked the back of my hand: "History!" He also liked history as much as I did, that could also be a coincidence. I felt a slight shiver run through me: "And what time?" "The time I spend with you," he whispered. We were very close, the light reflected in his eyes and made them look golden. It became so quiet around us, I felt my heart and it became uncomfortable. Cut, we have everything, Your Majesty!" shouted Johnath the Director. A second later, Nicola's hand let go of me and he rose to speak to the crew. I slumped back in my chair and exhaled, it felt like I hadn't been breathing all this time. As the team left I tipped out the glass of mint, I had to drown these feelings with alcohol. The first time I had one was at Madame Pariese's, she wanted to toast me, I was okay, at least I liked the effect she had on me. You poor thing, you had to drink the glass with mint. I actually said you didn't want any on purpose, but they obviously didn't follow my instructions," he said above me, I could smell his perfume. "I survived it, why did you call me out on that stupid test?", I pulled out and stood up., I wanted to see how you reacted, you were good," he answered me and followed me around the table. I rolled my eyes: "Really, are you serious?" "Yes," he grinned mischievously. "You're amazing...", I replied. Charming," he interrupted me. "No, superficial." I headed for the exit of the pasture. You can't go, Belle, stay a little longer," he came to me and held my wrist gently. I pulled away from him and hissed: "I can do what I want." He looked at me, it was so attractive. He towered over me by ahead, which had never bothered me until now, but now I felt small and weak. Belle, what are you doing to me?" he gently ran his hand over my arm. I closed my eyes. Many things and nothing," I whispered and opened my eyes again. We were only a few millimetres away from our lips. My heart beat faster. I wanted him, I wanted him to kiss me, I didn't care what the consequences would be. Suddenly I felt a drop of rain on the tip of my nose, a few seconds later it was pouring down. As if the rain had shaken me awake, I was brought back to reality. It was like a slap in the face. I backed away, trying to collect myself. Judging by his looks, "Nicolas, I can't, I'm sorry!", I groaned, I was desperate. Without waiting for an answer from him, I left him and ran through the rain back to the palace. When I was dry, the water ran off me like a rivulet. What had I almost done? I would have put his life at risk. My heart had skipped a beat at his touch. I was not allowed to feel that way about him. I hate you my heart, I hate you!