CHAPTER. 16 MOVING ON

Was everyone always this nervous the night before the wedding or was she the only one. She tried to get herself ready for the wedding but the knot on her stomach could not let go of her tension. She was sure that she was not going to get a glimpse of sleep the whole night. She also knew that she would be woken up early to get ready for the wedding. She stood at the window after fidgeting on the bed long enough. The bed felt like it was not hers at all. She rolled from side to side and kicked the blanket. It was unusually hot in the room. She went to the window and opened it as the night breeze blew her hair. She took a deep breath and glanced at the ceiling. She could not help but remember it was her wedding to the most powerful prince. She also could not help but think of their first night. Was she really going to give herself to him. The idea filled her mind but she pushed it away tying he hair behind her. She stared at the stars and the moon. She could see the dark roof and the guards on the ground taking walks around. Some stood still and she could guess that they were sleeping. This time they were asleep, she could tell it was past midnight. She envied them that they could sleep in the cold when she was there in the warm rooms unable to even close her eyes and sleep.

  Suddenly she saw a dark figure on the roof. The person walked on the roof like he was walking on the ground. Those stupid guards. Could they not think of looking up? She watched as the person jumped from one rooftop to another. He was heading towards her direction. She had to see how he was going to climb all the way up. She watched as the person got closer and still no guard noticed him. This person must have had a lot of knowledge about the palace for he did not miss or get close to getting caught. Also he was stealthy for no sound could be heard. She did not know how but he was standing at the balcony of the window. The person was wearing a black mask. What was she doing there instead of screaming. She had to alert her guards but his domineering presence could not let her. He also felt familiar. She could tell he had no intention of hurting her. She watched as he removed the mask. He mind freaked out but she could not scream. It was Slain. How had he gotten through the palace guards. She cursed herself for she knew if someone knew the palace was him. She hid her joy of seeing him with an angry face.

"Please do not freak out, I mean no harm I just want to talk to you," Slain said.

"Speak before I call the guards," she teased.

"I really did not mean to kill the prince am sorry," he started but she cut him in his words.

"You are a traitor who dared lay hands on a royal family member. I hate to break it to you but am getting married tomorrow and i need to have a calm mind so before you ruin my mood and make me call the guards just leave," she said angrily.

"Please..."

"Get out!" She shouted. This caused a commotion as the doors opened. Calixta was the first to get in. She saw Slain put on a black mask. He saw her but the other guards got in before she could say anything to him. He jumped and as she rushed to the princess, they watched as he landed on one of the roofs. Someone rang the bell and all the guards saw him. They chased after him but they lost him just like they were chasing the wind.

"Did you have to do that? Could you not at least listen to him?" Calixta asked hiding her anger. She watched as Arriety went and sat on the bed. She then looked up and then to Calixta.

"I am sorry but I just can't help it. I always try to justify him in my mind but i know he is not the same as he always was. As you remember Slain was never into me wven once despite him being my knight. He also never showed any hint of jealousy when je heard that I was getting married. He changed immediately the time he fell from his horse and woke up as a different man and his first instinct was to kiss me if you remember. If you noted, Slain also changed. He was slow to react and even his fighting changed. He was beaten almost close to death but he woke up unharmed which never happened. He also had a change of attitude as he showed no respect for either the prince or generals. He even went as far and tried to kill the prince. Its hard to beleive but I know something is off about him. And I do not know if I can stand seeing an imposter which is why I want him dead. Am gonna prove to you that he is not the Slain we used to know but a stranger, I know he will be back in a short time, " Arriety said.

Calixta nodded and agreed. Ahe also found it strange that Slain showed interest in Arriety when he had promised that he had no feelings for her.

" Just you know, the wedding tomorrow must take place am sorry that I will leave you behind. It breaks my heart even leaving the kingdom, "Arriety said. Guards were always left in their kingdom so they would not spit the swcrets of their kingdom's defence. Only one loyal knight was sent with the princess. As for the fact that it was supposed to be Slain but now it was unkown for no guard was strong enough.

"Can't you take me as your loyal knight? " Calixta asked.

" I would really love to but am mot sure if father would agree." Arriety replied with a sigh. It was going to be stressful with no one she could talk to. She wanted it to be Slain but now he was no longer in the topic. Even mentioning his name was a taboo. She said he would come back before the wedding but she was not sure that he would come. After a short chat with Calixta she excused herself that she was sleepy but it was a lie. Calixta walked out and locked the door. She went to the window and saw the security had been tightened. If she did not have a good night sleep she would be dozing in front of the crowd during her wedding. She pulled the panes and closed them as a palm landed on her hand. She then felt strong hand on her mouth as her eyes widened. Her pupils dilated as she saw his face. So he was not gone after all. She used her other hand and pushed him away. He placed his hand forward trying to calm her down.

"Please don't freak out again," he said fearing she would scream again. He stepped on the window and got in. She followed him as he went to sit on her bed. The Slain she knew would never get in her room even when she forced him. This time he went and sat on her bed. He gestured her to come and sit next to him and as if hypnotized she walked eyes on his and sat next to him.

"What is it that you want now?" She asked with a snort and a smuggish look on her face. She was filled with disdain remebering what he had done but now she was going to solve everything and make sure he never showed up infront of her. "You have less than five minutes to state your business." She said looking at him eyes wide open as if staring at her prey.

She saw him raise his hand and his cold fingers brushed her cheek. This sent chills down her spine and her heart beat faster. No... There was no way she was being vulnerable just to a touch. He cupped her face in his hands and they stared at each other for a while. The magnetic eyes in each other drew their faces close to each other and before they knew it their lips were together. His kiss was light but he pulled away as fast as she did. She stood up and cursed her hands on her face.

"Oh my god... What am I doing... Is this even possible?" She paced around the room repeating the words. This was not possible. There was no way she could lose control of her body. No. Not when she hated him enough to kill him. She then felt him behind her and as she tried to move she felt his strong hand around her belly freezing her on the spot. His other hand was intertwined with hers. He then whispered in her ears which shook her whole body. She trembled and her legs could no longer support her. She felt like she was losing her balance and she would fall at any second.

"Do you remember at the night club,

" The lights shone all over,

"And the background music was perfect,

" I had my arms around you just like this,

"Your scent lingered all over the place,

" And my emotions went amok,

"Your lips sweet as ever,

" And your body as warm as the summer.

"Love lingered in our midst,

" Enjoyed life free as the wind.

"Remember your promise Kate,

" To be together till late

"To be free from all the hate

" And move smoothly on the snow,

"Like every skater would know.

" Keep that of yours promise

" And make your decision wise.

"Your haste will cause you pain,

" And I do not want to lose you again.

"Maybe its just my karma,

" These word I murmer,

"For you were my lover,

" But here our fate I sever. "

" I will try to forget you, Kate, " Slain said and turned her to look at him. He then kissed her forehead and hugged her for a while then let her go. He looked away to hide his eyes which were tearing up. She looked at him and forced him to face her. She saw the tears but before she could say a wotd he pulled away from her and went to the window.

" I will not follow you again. I finaally got to say what has been holding me back, " he stood there at the window and jumped. She rushed towards him hoping that he would not do something as stupid as commiting suicide. She saw him drop and she covered her mouth to not produce a word. That lunatic was trying to kill himself. He fell his hands set like the wings. He fell freely but before she knew it he flew forward and he flew outside the palace.  It was just then that she saw the rope. She smiled and went back to sleep. She felt a tear from her eye but she could not understand why all that time she was crying.

Before she knew it she was asleep and she had a good dream where she cut her ties with him. Now that it was settled she was going to make sure to hunt him well. She still cold not understand why he called her Kate. Look lllp Before she knew it she was woken by her mother. It was time to get ready.