6 She Belongs to Me

The Next Day at the Celebration… 3rd P.O.V.

There were many people dressed elegantly for the party. King Caldwell and Queen Fiona sat in their thrones, which were perched on a stage-like platform, elevated above the masses. There were many tables with divine foods and drinks on them, hand selected to impress. Servers busied themselves with the guests, attending to their every whim with smiles on their faces. Meanwhile, Christina walked awkwardly around the room, her mind fumbling with thoughts of Andrew's threat and the chance of seeing Treyvon.

"Two weeks," she thought. "It's such a short time."

She hadn't seen the younger prince, and her heart ached. She wanted to see him, yet didn't want to put him in any more danger. He was someone she trusted, someone she could relax around. But he couldn't save her from Andrew. He also couldn't save her from gossip that would surely arise from her spending time with him.

She conversed with different people, danced with others, and mindlessly tasted food when servers insisted. As the night began to crawl on, she still didn't see Treyvon. Then, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned excitedly, hoping to see him, but it was just another person.

"May I have a dance with you, princess?" the gentleman asked. His voice sounded familiar, but then again, all higher-established people sounded the same.

"Sure," she said politely. After of few seconds of dancing, she heard him speak.

"You should've known I'd be here, little runaway," he said.

With Treyvon… 3rd P.O.V.

Treyvon stood in his room, adjusting his clothes.

"You do know that you are very late for the party, correct?" William asked him.

"Yes," the prince answered. "It's just...I'm nervous about tonight."

"Treyvon, yesterday you were determined to tell her," William reminded him. "Nothing can stop true love. At least, that is what I believe. I am more than your servant. I am your friend, and friends help each other when they need each other. I will support you and your decision, no matter how far it goes. If it becomes a life or death situation, I will be there right next to you. Understand?" Treyvon smiled then hugged him.

"Thanks, William," he said quietly. William nodded his head and patted the young man's back.

"Now go before it's too late," he told him. Treyvon took a deep breath and quickly left his room in search for Christina.

Christina 1st P.O.V

I instinctively pushed the stranger away from me, but he kept a tight grip.

"Don't make such a big commotion," he told me harshly.

"Well then let go of me," I replied fiercely. "I will call the guards."

"I swear to you, if you call them, I'll be gone before they can even turn their heads, and you'll have to solve all your problems on your own." His words caught my attention.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"I'm the man you talked to outside of Sarah's house in the village," he said in a whisper. I gasped.

"How do you know all of those things you told me?" I inquired.

"I'm a thief," he said simply. "I have nice clothes to fit in here because I can steal money and buy them. Stealing information is the same. I've been doing this for years."

"Stealing is not something to brag about," I said.

"I felt that I held a more informative tone, oh well," his hazel eyes shined with confidence. "But I steal with purpose, from those who deserve it." His eyes grew more serious.

"I need your help, princess," he said. I raised his eyebrow at his sudden sincerity.

"With what?" I questioned. He quickly looked around the room then looked back at me.

"We cannot talk here," he told me. With that, he led me through the large crowd and out of the noisy room. I could easily tell he was good at staying hidden. If he could get a princess out of the room without anyone noticing, who knows what else he was capable of. He finally stopped at my room.

"How do you know where my quarters are?" I asked him suspiciously.

"Might I remind you that I do steal information?" he said casually. "I can get to any room in this castle so I can hear in on important matters. How else do you think I know about you and Prince Treyvon?" His words made me question the security in this kingdom. How could one man slip past this many guards?

"I know part of Andrew's plans for his brother," he continued. "If I help you save him, you will help me, correct?" As much as I wanted to plead "yes", I knew I had to think about this.

"What is your request?" I asked. His eyes clouded over.

"A long time ago, I was courting a woman named Nicole," he started. "I loved her with everything in my heart, and I still do 'til this day. I stole from people, selling those items to get money. With that money, I would buy her jewelry and clothes, and other things she adored. I decided I wanted to marry her, so I stole even more to buy her a beautiful ring." He sighed and turned to look over the balcony.

"Unfortunately, she found out that I stole things," he said sadly. "She left. She said she didn't want to be in a relationship with a man like me. A criminal. She moved to the South kingdom after that, and I have never seen her since."

"So why do you still steal if that's the reason she left?" I asked, confused.

"I do not know much else," he explained. "I am not so educated, but I do have a small job. However, it doesn't pay well so I still need to steal to survive. But I decided long ago to only steal from those who have done wrong. It only makes me feel slightly better, though." He turned back to me.

"Don't feel sorry for me, princess," he said, shaking his head. "I'm a sinner who hasn't changed his ways. I understand I deserve to be lonely. But I know I deserve to see my love and apologize. Maybe then she will forgive me."

"I'll help you," I said confidently. Though he does steal, he at least is trying to do something right with his life. Besides, I cannot allow someone to feel separated from their love for their entire lives.

"You will?" he looked surprised. "Thank you, Your Majesty." He bowed. He immediately turned serious.

"Now since we've gotten through the formalities, we have some serious things to discuss."

Treyvon...1st P.O.V.

I walked into the ballroom to see many people. I'm pretty sure I didn't know some of the faces, but that didn't matter. It was getting late, and I couldn't find Christina. I asked one of the guards for her location, but he said he wasn't sure. Gratefully, he said that some men were going to look for her in a few minutes. I thanked him for the information, and finally focused on the party. There were so many people in fancy clothes, and I suddenly felt out of place. I was dressed in royal garments also, but it didn't seem the same.

"...he dresses like a peasant half of the time." I tried to end that thought. Tonight wasn't going to be about my conflicts involving Andrew.

"Treyvon, why are you acting so anxious?" I heard a voice ask. I turned around to see Andrew.

"It's bothering me," he stated. Annoyance and question were plastered on his face. I fought back a sigh.

"I was thinking about something important," I told him.

"Well, you came in here seeming like you were searching for something," he started. "I've also noticed that Christina has also disappeared." His gaze was accusing, and I came to a decision to not say anything.

"Why are you so worried about her?" he questioned.

"Why are you assuming my thoughts and actions are centered on her?" I countered. "Even if I was looking for her, I'm sure anyone would be worried if the princess suddenly went missing at a royal celebration." I turned to walk away, but Andrew started again.

"Treyvon, I thought you knew enough royal etiquette to be aware that lying is rude," he said harshly. Before I could say anything, he continued, saying, "I know you like Christina more than you are supposed to. Well unfortunately for you, I am the one courting her. In 2 weeks, she will be my wife. I suggest you reconsider your actions before you get into a situation you will not escape alive."

The air around us was cold. I know Andrew can be nasty, but I had never seen that look in his eye before. He was annoyed and upset earlier, which is normal, but I could see and feel the fire in his eyes. It unnerved me. I felt as if I was stumbled into a battle in an unknown territory by myself, and I was surely unarmed. But it didn't matter. I wasn't going to bow to him anymore and give him that satisfaction.

"Are you threatening my life?" I asked him.

"If you are foolish, then perhaps I am," he challenged. "But it wouldn't matter. If you were to act upon any type of treason, you know the consequences." With that said, he left just as quickly as he came. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. I was really digging my grave even further into the ground. But I had to remind myself of my original purpose: I had to tell Christina I love her and save her from the wrath of Andrew.

With Christina and the Thief 3rd P.O.V.

"First thing's first, my name is Xavier Mason," Xavier said. "Using my abilities, I have been able to hear many important conversations within the castle walls. Save your questions until the end, because we do not much time before guards start to look for you. Andrew has already started to piece together that you and Treyvon like each other. he thinks that treyvon could ruin his plans to be the perfect king in the eyes of the people. That's why he really wants to catch you guys together so he can have enough evidence to get rid of his brother."

Christina interjected, "But why would he-"

"Andrew does not like Treyvon," Xavier continued over her. "I do not know why, but it has been that way for years."

"How do I help him?" Christina asked quickly.

"I believe there are only to choices," Xavier offered grimly. "You could go to Treyvon and try to escape this town alive. Unfortunately, you may be brought back to the castle for your consequences. Most likely, you will be kept in the dungeon or killed." Christina's breath caught in her throat when she thought about being hunted down and killed.

"Your other option," Xavier continued. "Is to cut off any feelings for Treyvon. if you reject him, he will try to get over you. If he doesn't pay as much attention to you as he used to, Andrew will notice. That way, he may be less suspicious and won't believe he has to kill him. It will definitely save his life."

Christina thought about her choices. Stay with him but risk the likely chance of them being killed, or she could let him go and see him alive. Xavier suddenly interrupted her thoughts.

"I must leave now, princess," he told her. "The guards will be coming for you." He turned around and walked back to the balcony. Christina watched him put his right foot on the ledge and called out to him.

"Be careful," she warned. He shot her a confident smile and disappeared.

Christina's P.O.V.

I decided to not wait for the guards and just return to the celebration myself. On my way back, I accidentally ran into one.

"Where did you go, princess?" he asked me.

"Oh, I went to the restroom, but I got a little lost on the way," I told him quickly.

"Thankfully, we have found you now, because Prince Andrew was getting worried," he explained.

"He doesn't have to worry," I assured him. "I'm fine." In my mind, I knew everything wasn't fine. Things had become so complicated, and it was all my fault. The guard had escorted me back to the ballroom and a few minutes later, Treyvon found me.

"Hello, Christina," he greeted. "Everyone was getting anxious about you when you suddenly left."

"I just went to the restroom and got lost," I said.

"Well, would you like to dance?" he asked as he held a hand out to me.

I accepted and was instantly pulled into a world of bliss. His right arm was around my waist and my left arm rested around his neck. Our other hands joined warmly, and I couldn't help but feel like we were a perfect fit. I lost track of all problems as I thought about his embrace. He was gentle, yet strong; protective and genuine. After a minute of peaceful, silent dancing, he turned to look me in my eyes. High light brown eyes seemed to sparkle earnestly, and I was lost in them. At that moment, he had my full attention and I wouldn't deny him anything.

"Christina, I need to tell you something of the utmost importance," he started. His smooth voice rang through my ears like lovely music. I just nodded softly, unable to speak. I watched him take a deep breath.

"In this little time of knowing you, I have been blessed to realize how much of a wonderful person you are," he told me. "You are beautiful inside out, you are kind, and you are a very strong woman. No matter how wrong people may believe it is, I have very strong feelings for you." He took another breath, continuing, "And they have become so strong, I can honestly say I love you."

His enticing words made me want to hold him tight, forget the world around us, and tell him everything I felt. Then, the hypnotizing trance crashed down and disappeared. I couldn't tell him the truth, it would put his life in danger. I would never be able to live with myself if I was the cause of his demise. He looked at me, waiting for an answer. I looked down because I knew I wouldn't be able to look into his eyes. My eyes began to sting and water, and I held my breath to prevent tears from falling.

"I'm sorry, I can't," I said softly. I tried to walk away, but he held me close to him.

"Christina, what's wrong?" he asked me. His left hand gently lifted my chin to make me look at him.

"Treyvon, you know your brother and I are to marry soon," I said. "You can't say such things."

"But I feel such things," he insisted. "And I plead for you to feel them also. I care about you, Christina." I shook my head and looked away.

"Please, don't say that again, Treyvon," I told him. "I...it's for the best." He looked utterly crestfallen and confused. I couldn't take it anymore. He didn't say anything, and I took that as an opportunity to detach from him and leave, never turning back.

A Little While Later 3rd P.O.V.

The North King informed a heartbroken Christina that the guests requested a romantic dance, done by Andrew and herself. So there she was, in the middle of the dance floor with her future husband, but no one knew of her pain. She masked her emotions with a weak smile so people wouldn't ask questions. Their dance wasn't even as romantic as the one she had shared with Treyvon, even if it was only two minutes. Of course, she didn't feel any affection. Treyvon's loving embrace was replaced by Andrew's possessive grip. She almost regretted rejecting him, but she knew it was for the best. When the party ended, Andrew escorted Christina to her room.

"Well goodnight, Andrew," she told him.

"Actually, I will be in your room tonight," he said simply.

"I beg your pardon?" she asked. "Why would you do that?"

"Well, since I will be your husband, don't you think we should be more comfortable with each other?" he suggested. "After all, when we get married, we will be sleeping in the same quarters."

Before Christina could say anything, Andrew pulled her into her room. He locked the door then went to sit on her bed. The princess stayed near the door, still uncomfortable with the situation.

"I know you don't want to stay over there by yourself," the prince said confidently. He held his arms wide open.

"It's just...this seems very peculiar," Christina told him.

"And that is why I want you to get used to this," he answered. When she didn't move, Andrew got up off her bed, grabbed her hands, and pulled her to him. She immediately stiffened then tried to move out of his grasp. He turned her around and sat her down on his lap.

"Do you not trust me, Christina?" he questioned. Both of his arms were around her, holding her down.

"I know who you shouldn't trust." He moved his right hand to brush her hair back behind her ear.

"I saw you and Treyvon dancing," he said scarily calm. "I believe he is becoming attached to you. Is that correct?"

"I have to do this for Treyvon," Christina thought.

"No, I was just being polite because he is your brother," she answered. Andrew laughed.

"You should not feel obligated to cater to his feelings," he told her. "I don't want him to believe he has any chance with you." He suddenly turned her body around and turned her face to him. His eyes seemed cold and demanding, and Christina felt her pulse quicken.

She tried to move, saying, "Andrew, what's -"

"I know Treyvon likes you," the prince stated plainly. "And do you know that can lead to breaking one of the highest laws of this kingdom?" Christina just nodded. "Good. And I'm pretty sure you like him also."

"If things keep going like this, Andrew will have Treyvon killed," Christina thought.

"But maybe I'm mistaken," Andrew said as she shrugged. "Maybe the relationship between you two is one-sided. Maybe you only love me like how I love you." The word "love" coming from Andrew was poison to Christina's soul.

"...Yes," she said softly.

"Yes what?" he pushed.

"...Yes, I...love you," she said, as she faced the other way. Andrew smirked.

"Yes, you do," he affirmed. "Because if you say otherwise at the altar, I will have Treyvon annihilated.

"You would murder your own brother?" Christina questioned breathlessly. She wasn't surprised, but to hear him say it with such conviction..that level of malice was unheard of.

"Of course," Andrew said nonchalantly. "I can't have my wife lie at our wedding, can I?" Christina didn't say anything, and Andrew suddenly let go of her.

"You should change into your night clothes," he told her.

She silently nodded her head, took her clothes out of the dresser, and walked into her bathroom. She changed and looked into the mirror. Then, she noticed the wilted rose on the counter. She remembered when she first got it, and it made her smile. She remembered how she put it in her hair, then she and Treyvon met. She held the flower and prayed to God that Andrew had somehow fallen asleep. She put it down, sighed, then walked out. Unfortunately, he was under her blankets, waiting for her. He made her lie down next to him and pulled her closer to his frame. She signed sadly.

"Things can't get any worse," she thought. Little did she know, someone not that far away was thinking the same thing.

With Treyvon 3rd P.O.V.

To say that Treyvon was heartbroken was an understatement. He was distressed, enraged, and mortified. The first time he had put his heart out in the open, and it was crushed. He couldn't believe she didn't love him back. Sure, he knew that it was a risk, but it hurt all the same. He had been so certain that she felt the same.

Had he overanalyzed things? After all, he had problems thinking straight, considering all the emotions he was going through in his brain. He wanted to scream, but he knew he shouldn't. Instead, he settled for a pathetic sigh and opted to lie down on his bed. He chucked a pristine, white pillow across the room. The memory of earlier flooded into his mind, and he felt the tears coming to his eyes. He fought them back, fearing to feel ashamed. He knew that Christina could never be his. He had known all along. Only a fool would cry. He heard a knock at his door.

"Come in, William," called out. William walked into the room to see Treyvon lying motionless on his bed.

"Did you ask her?" he questioned. Treyvon just nodded his head, and the servant instantly knew something bad had happened. He also knew that he shouldn't push, so he opted to wait until the prince was ready.

"...She doesn't love me back, William," Treyvon said softly."I've been blind this whole time." William contemplated, trying to use his words carefully.

"...At least you know the truth now," he said wisely. "It's better than not knowing for your whole life. Now you can begin moving on. You are a great young man, there's an amazing future waiting for you."

"That's the problem," Treyvon said bitterly. "I don't know if I can forget these feelings so easily. Especially since I know Andrew will never deserve her love."

"Well I know Andrew doesn't deserve a woman like her right now, but you also don't deserve to chase after a woman that doesn't love you back," the servant stated. "A life chasing unattainable love...I wouldn't wish that upon anyone." He walked to Treyvon's bedside and patted his back.

"But I never said to forget what you feel. We cannot forget feelings, especially love. Be grateful that you have experienced it, but be wise enough to take your love to a place where it can be appreciated." Treyvon sat up in his bed and hunched over in thought.

"You're probably right," he said mournfully. William decided to leave the prince alone, to let him think by himself. Treyvon sighed loudly. A battle was still going on his head. One side told him to hold on and not give up on his chance with Christina. On the other hand, doubt still plagued the other side, telling him that he needed to let go; he had lost her already.

The Next Day 3rd P.O.V.

The next day went quieter than usual. Treyvon seemed to go back to his old routines of avoiding breakfast with his family and disappearing at a moment's notice.

"Christina and I had a wonderful talk last night," Andrew started. "I believe we are closer now because we now know important things about each other."

"Well that is marvelous," Queen Fiona told him. "As future king and queen, you two need to have a special bond that holds you together."

"Well, we definitely have that," Andrew agreed. He immediately grabbed Christina's right hand and intertwined her fingers with his own. The older prince smiled at his parents, but Christina fought back a natural frown. When she tried secretly let go, Andrew squeezed her hand harder. She fought back a grimace.

"Andrew," she started. "You're holding my hand a little too tight." He flashed her a handsome, artificial smile.

"Oh, my deepest apologies, Christina," he said. "You know how much I love you. It just seems my feelings cannot be contained." He hesitantly released her, and the table grew silent with expectancy. Christina noticed everyone's eyes on her.

"Oh...I feel the same way," she said softly. She couldn't bring herself to say "I love you" a second time. The poison of the lie was killing her, killing her heart because she knew she could only love another man.

"She's just so bashful right now," Andrew proudly told his parents. "Soon, she will learn to embrace our love openly until our last days."

"Andrew, I am so proud of you," King Caldwell told his son. "I have complete faith that this kingdom will flourish under your ruling of love and peace." A cocky smile came upon Andrew's face.

"Yes, father," he said confidently. "I will continue the practices of ruling set in stone by our ancestors. Similar to their time, this land will know how it feels to be ruled by a loving king." Christina nearly rolled her eyes but controlled herself.

Breakfast continued as such until Andrew decided that he would like to venture into the village with his bride. Christina was puzzled by his change in character. Not long ago, he scoffed at the idea of interacting with "peasants". She figured he had to have some trick in his mind.

"Get dressed," Andrew told her. "We will be leaving soon." She just nodded and went to her room. She noticed a crimson colored dress and gold shoes on her bed. Exhausted, she sighed. Wordlessly, she washed in the bathroom and got dressed. After they were both ready, Andrew and Christina walked down the hallways that led to the front gate. While walking, Andrew began a conversation.

"We would make a lovely family, wouldn't we?" he asked her.

"Perhaps," she stated blandly.

"It is a fact," Andrew boasted. "They would definitely be beautiful because I am undoubtedly handsome, and you are gorgeous. Also, with our brilliant minds put together, our children would be the most educated in the land. It will be wonderful. We will be the perfect family." Christina let him ramble on with himself. She didn't want to think about having a family with a man like him. A man met them with a white steed, and they both mounted then left.

With Treyvon (3rd P.O.V.)

This morning, Treyvon decided to not eat breakfast with everyone else. William brought him his food, and they had small talk.

"I feel a little better today, William," Treyvon told his friend. "But I'm not ready to dine with them yet." William nodded his head.

"No one can easily recover from a broken heart," he reassured.

"Well, I'm going to go out to the town," Treyvon announced, standing up and stretching. "It'll make me feel better if I have a nice conversation with some friendly people." Treyvon got dressed, retrieved Midnight, and rode out into the village. Once he was there, many people greeted him excitedly, one of them being the castle gardener.

"Prince Treyvon!" he called out. "I have a question for you!" He ran up with a basket of flowers.

"I have asked many people about this, and I would also like your opinion," he explained. "For your brother's wedding, I believe there should be bouquets of red roses laced together with white and gold ribbons." Treyvon began to imagine it in his head.

"Maybe you should ask the opinion of the bride and groom of the wedding." Treyvon turned around to see Andrew and Christina on a horse. "It would be an easier solution," Andrew concluded.

"Good morning, Your Majesties," the gardener greeted, bowing. "So do you care for red roses tied with gold and white bows?"

"That is our kingdom colors, so that should be acceptable," Andrew shrugged. "But make sure those roses are all perfect. I do not wish for the purity of this marriage to be ruined by careless choices."

Annoyance flashed across his face again as he remembered the last time the gardener angered him, but he quickly replaced it with a small smile. Christina dismounted the snow-colored horse and walked next to Treyvon and the gardner.

"I believe these are beautiful," she commented. "Just like the others in the garden in the castle walls."

"Thank you, princess," the gardener told her. "You may keep one if you like."

"Thank you," she replied. She carefully pulled one out of his basket. Watching her, Treyvon was in awe.

"It's like the one from before," he said murmured.

"Yes, it is," Christina agreed softly. She put the red rose in her hair like before, and looked at him. They gazed into each other's eyes, and the same feelings from before began to spark again. Andrew narrowed his eyes then cleared his throat.

"Treyvon, when are you going to find the right woman for yourself?" he asked. The villagers around them began to chatter happily and glanced at Treyvon with bright eyes.

"I mean, I'm getting married soon, and I'm going to be very happy," he elaborated innocently. As brothers, we've had many wonderful memories together. When I'm king, I'll be much too busy to spend time with you like we used to. I just want to make sure you're in good hands." Treyvon raised an eyebrow and decided to choose his words wisely. He knew Andrew's statements were either a challenge or a way to improve his own image.

"Well, thank you for your concern, brother," Treyvon told him kindly. "But I've met a woman who I think caught my eye already." He mindlessly grabbed a rose from the gardener's basket and toyed with the petals. Andrew glared at his brother, but then another thought came to his head.

"Well, that'll be nice," Andrew agreed. "Hopefully you two will get married, and our children will grow up together."

"I beg your pardon?" Treyvon questioned. Treyvon looked at Christina, but she just looked away with her head down.

"Well, would be wonderful!" the gardener exclaimed. "Won't it Treyvon? Imagine you and your brother's children, frolicking and playing, just as you must've." He smiled and shook his head in merriment.

"Yes, it's a thing to imagine," Treyvon offered breathlessly. Andrew nodded, satisfied with seeing his brother's confidence broken.

"Well, Christina and I should be leaving now," Andrew announced. "We didn't see you in the morning, so we opted to stop by. Come now, Christina."

She mounted the horse silently. Before they left, Andrew gave the people a charming smile then placed a kiss on his bride's cheek. Finally, he turned the horse around and they left. Treyvon released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and grimaced. A new wave of emotion coursed through him as he watched his brother touch Christina.

"I believe they will be very happy together," the gardener said, smiling. Then he went on his way.

Treyvon couldn't help but feel he was wrong. Even though Christina had denied him, his heart still felt it should be him and her together. He loved her more than Andrew ever could; he couldn't deny that. Then, he realized the feeling was jealousy. People had always said it was a terrible thing, and a part of him felt terrible to feel that way about his brother. On the other hand, he also knew that it only further proved that his feelings were true - only Christina could pull that out of him.

Noticing the villagers were still around him, Treyvon inwardly sighed. Avoiding Andrew and Christina clearly wasn't going to work. Everywhere he went, people would ask him about their wedding. Even though their questions bothered him, he kept on his smiling facade.