The First Prince

The voice was deep and angry; brushing her face with heavy breaths that reminded her that she was still alive. The faint scent of mint and cedar rushed into her nose, bringing her numbed senses awake.

Rain was lost for words and her lashes fluttered in shock to look up at the man whose arm hung tightly over her waist. She'd been brought into his solid embrace and was not to let any space to breath.

"I…I…I…" she didn't know why she was stammering. What she felt when she looked up or the fact that she'd nearly died. This demeanor … this perfect sculpt… her nightmares… A feeling of familiarity and enmity embodied her but quickly vanished the next second.

Soon, the sinewy hand around her slipped away and she stumbled to stand on her feet, supporting her body on a tree stem. The tall silhouette of a broad chest hovered over her and she had to narrow her gaze to get a clear look.

The forest was dim and it was hard to see, but she could tell that this strange man who'd appeared out of nowhere had a tall, masculine build and pale skin that only came alive with the orange sun-rays striking his back.

He had long hair which fell smoothly over his neck, dark as ink, and so sleek that one was tempted to touch it.

He stepped away when he noticed her staring and looked down at her coldly, caressing the tilt of a dagger on his thigh leisurely.

"Where were you headed to?" he asked calmly.

"I…I…I was heading…heading for…"

"Do you have a problem with speaking, mi'lady?"

Rain frowned. She didn't know where she was headed. Besides, though she tried to ignore the hints of mockery in the manner this stranger spoke, she couldn't help feeling dubious.

"Are you lost, then?" He lowered his gaze to scrutinize her. His eyes ran over her slowly as if taking every part of her into deep consideration. After a while he said, "Or maybe not. Do you wish to be on your way, then? I'll be glad to leave you be." His tone was coldly taunting.

"No!" Rain straightened her back instantly and took quick little steps closer to him. "No sir. I do not wish to do that."

A brash glance later, he turned away and began walking in an opposite path. His long legs made wide strides and moved with ease through the bushes. The princess behind could only jog to catch up.

The evening brightened as soon as they were out from the canopy of trees.

Derek looked back to eye the disheveled state of the young princess. Her dress had mud stains from the forest and many strands of her red wavy hair fell out of face and stuck to her sweat-drenched face.

She didn't seem to care for the scratches on her cheek and legs, neither did she grumble from exhaustion or moan from pain.

The bleeding cuts must hurt a lot and her limbs must ache too, for he'd seen her been thrown over by the ogre. His save hadn't been any kinder either.

She looked back at him with innocent blue eyes that froze when they met his and immediately averted as if startled.

In awe of the face she met, Rain held onto her skirt tightly and shifted her gaze away from him. Besides the strong sense of ominous familiarity she felt, she was stunned beyond words by the flawlessness of the man before her.

He had a face that told of allure and silver eyes that emitted charm.

His eyes reminded her of sword blades and rushing spring. They were deep and hooded below his thick brows, making them appear dim and mysterious.

Clad in fine regalia, a majestic air shrouded him, and every single step of his legs, every slight flay of his hands and the slow tousling of his hair against the wind was graceful.

Even so, something about him felt eerie and Rain dared not to meet his gaze again, for fear that she would be beguiled. However, she couldn't stop her eyes from taking an inquisitive glance from the corners of her eye.

His gorgeous visage, his silver eyes, his powerful demeanor; everything about him seemed unearthly and her spirit perceived it.

Who was he, and why and how had he saved her?

"Your Highness," the greeting of the escort guard came from nowhere, interrupting her train of thoughts.