THE RIDE

The ride was silent. If you don't count the driver sniffling every five seconds. Or Ace turning pages in a book that was conveniently in the car, over and over and over again. Or me, sighing loudly to get my point across. That I didn't want to be here, going where we were going. That I wasn't happy with my new predicament. But it was never noticed by a certain someone, who was glued to their book the whole time. I kept my head down the whole ride. I did not want to make eye contact with anyone, especially him. I didn't even have the courage to look out the window. I was mostly in my own head, which was filled with questions.

I didn't understand him. One second, he's kissing me, the next he's leaving. Then, he shows up being sweet and gentle to come get me. Then, he ignores me. What was his deal? I still don't understand any of this, how I felt, or what he meant by telling everyone I was his. I'm going to need some answers if he thinks this is going to work.

I turned my head to ask him what was going on, hopefully being able to quiet these questions floating around my head, when Ace abruptly closed his book. He slowly raised his head, not looking at me, and ominously spoke.

"We are almost there."

I moved my head to look out the window and was speechless.

I noticed the grass first, for some reason. It was the greenest grass I had ever seen and there was a lot of it. It looked soft and plush. Where I come from, the grass is brown and hard, like crunching leaves. I wanted to roll around in the grass here. I felt as though I could sleep on it and it would have been more comfortable than my bed back home. I mean, at my parent's house.

The next thing to catch my eye were the trees. So many trees. The roads were lined with them, creating a tunnel of green. They were luscious and tall. The tallest trees I had ever seen. Back home, the trees were small and thin. You could probably climb these trees. I had never done that before. Maybe I would.

It was clear to me from seeing the greenery that we were definitely not in the Capital. I had imagined that it would have been busier and more crowded. This place was open land and had a lot more space.

"I though we were going to the Capital," I questioned, not to anyone in particular, my head still in the direction of the window.

"This is the entrance to the King Alpha's main house. It is located on the outskirts of the Capital so that the King, his family, and staff have privacy. The Capital is located 10 miles east of here," Ace answered. I moved to look at him and he was looking out his window. He did not turn to me as he answered. I wasn't sure if I was happy or sad about that.

I move back to my own window as the most beautiful building came into view.

Stones. It was made of grey stones, yet somehow it looked soft. It was like a castle. One from the stories I would sometimes read. I had never seen a house this large. How many lived in it? This house could fit everyone from my hometown. It had a main entrance that could fit a horse. And cylinder-shaped structures on the sides of that large door. There were flowers lining the walls that were pink and purple and yellow. The windows were large and clear. I could look out of them all day if given the chance. I was in awe. Was this where I was to live?

"It's beautiful," I state.

"Yes, it is."

I turn my head towards the reply and come face to face with a certain green-eyed man. My breath hitched in my throat. How hadn't I noticed that he was this close to me? I could smell his breath. Mint. Again. He was looking intently into my eyes. His eyes, however, kept my gaze and showed no intention of wavering. I felt like I couldn't breathe. Again. He stayed there, holding me hostage with his proximity, as we pulled into the driveway of the castle. This driveway seemed to be eight miles long. I couldn't look away from him, no matter how much I had wanted to. Did I want to?

The car came to a stop after what felt like forever. Ace smirked as he moved back, exiting the car out of his door. I let go of the breath I was holding and tried to calm myself down. I fixed my glasses. I still was unsure of how he made me feel this way already. I thought, when I found someone who made me feel like this, it would take time to form the bond I already somehow felt with Ace. I need answers. And soon.

My door opened suddenly, startling me. That had been happening a lot lately. The scare not the door opening. That had never really happened. And it was kind of sweet.

Ace cleared his throat, as I have been just sitting there. Great. Now I was embarrassed. Again.

I fix my glasses and stand out of the car. I straighten my dress and look towards the castle. This is my home now. This is where I will be for the rest of my life. There is no going back.

"Shall we?", Ace asks, holding his arm out to me. I take it. Sparks automatically shoot up my arm and into my body. I try to ignore them as we start toward the castle. I can smell the flowers from the end of the walkway. They smell fresh and light. We keep walking towards the door, and I feel like I'm floating. This still doesn't feel real. It feels like a fairy tale.

And that is the last thought I had before the door opened.