Overly Beating Heart

.

Having to spend time with Alan, Orchid was all smiles. Not only had they had a nice meal, but they had also watched the sun go down

Alan escorted her to the royal carriage as he tried to maintain the smile on his lips. Although they had ate together but he wasn't the least pleased. The thought of her leaving his side to another man was troubling

"How long are you going to be in Regalon?" Orchid asked as they stood in front of the carriage

"I have to return to Atlank by morning, princess" he had left without informing anyone, not only did he have his crew to explain to but also the King as he had left unannounced

"Have a safe trip then...and thank you for today" Orchid said with a slight bow and turned around to get on the carriage

Alan's hand reached out to hers and he held her hand

"Let's do this again...another time?"

"Of course" Hesitantly, he left her hand and watched her get into the carriage. It rode away

With the royal carriage gone, his eyes moved over to the figure behind a building. He had noticed it following them earlier but he wanted Orchid to be at ease as he had suggested the picnic

Alan stalked towards the building but then a local carriage rode through and when it was gone, the figure was also gone

.

Orchid stepped into her room after coming across Ava. She didn't know why but she was a bit relieved when she found out that Ciaran hadn't arrived yet

She took of her coat and placed it on the stand when...

"The bed is cold" her eyes widened upon hearing his voice

She felt a sudden chill go down her spine as she turned around. He was seated on the bed, one leg crossed over the other as he stared at her

Those predatory grey eyes looked intense and dangerous, staring right at her as if he could see right through her

"Did you go see him?"

'Why was he asking when he already knew?'

"I am not a child to be kept locked up"

"I never said you were a child and I never locked you up. You were free to roam about in the palace"

"It feels like I'm in a cage. I don't get to leave the palace. Even at Atlank, my movements weren't restricted"

"In a cage? You have no idea what it's like to be in a cage. Why don't we ask the prisoners living in the dungeon? I'm sure they'd be glad to share their experience with you" He stood up and approached her but she didn't back away

Although it was hard with his unwavering gaze, she stood her ground

And when he was only a meter away from her, she backed away. He showed no sign of stopping as he seemed amused by her action

Her feet stopped when her back bumped against the wall

He raised a brow at her, wondering what she was going to do next

His hands slammed against the wall as she made an attempt to leave, trapping her in-between his arms

"Look at me" he demanded but Orchid turned her face to the side, she couldn't meet his eyes

His hand cupped her chin and he harshly turned her head to face him, forcing her eyes to meet his

Those eyes...he remembered how she had gazed lovingly at that man. Yes, he did see them...having a lovely meal under the setting sun. They looked like the perfect couple of the season

"Ciaran, step away" she requested and his grip tightened around her chin

His cold fingers were locked on her jaw

"Alan Tate, was it? What relationship do you both share? I got to know he was here even before the wake of the crown prince. He came that far to see you. Which makes me wonder, does it end with friendship? Or does he have other motives?"

"What are you talking about? Alan-"

"And you speak his name so openly" he chuckled darkly. His hand left her jawline to caress her cheek

His cold hand on her cheek made goosebumps appear over her body as her hair stood on edge

"Makes my hands itch to snap his neck" his finger went to her lips to shush her as she was about to say something "Now, we could put this to better use than uttering another man's name"

What was it with him? He was acting different. Because she went out with Alan? Or was it something else?

His thumb caressed her pink tender lips and she gasped at this little action of his. As their skin brushed, it gave her a weird sensation

"D-did you drink?" there was no other explanation as to why he was standing this close to her and staring at her with such a gaze she couldn't decipher

"Do I look drunk?" he questioned as he hauled her to him. He placed his hand on her waist and held her tightly as she tried to wriggle out

"This-" her eyes were wide in shock as she asked, her hand trying to take his off her

She felt his hot breath fanning against her face as his face leaned closer

"Wait..." she nervously whispered, stopping him from moving any further "I'm uncomfortable..." she managed to say out, in hope that he might stop whatever it was he was doing if she wasn't at ease

"Then I shall try all means to make you comfortable...in my arms, that is..." he said with a light chuckle "It bothers me when I see you getting intimate with another man"

"Alan...he's a friend. I did not get intimate with him. You can't tell me not to interact with my friends"

"I'm not telling you to. Just don't say his name... don't smile when you're with him, don't gaze at him with such lovely eyes and don't get so close to him"

"That's like telling me not to do anything when I'm with him" she squinted her brows in puzzlement

"If it's possible, then yes" his hold on her waist tightened as her breath cut short "You...smell nice. It's probably been a while since I had your blood. I feel frustrated, with my fangs itching to once again have a taste, hold you in my arms as I drink from you. The thought..." he nudged his cheek against hers as he took a long whiff of her hair

She was glad it was only a thought, but then again...what if he decides to put it into action

This was the second time he held her in his arms, but this time the look in his eyes was more intense and different

She felt confused and dazed as her lids flapped several times. She felt him lean in as his lips got incredibly close to hers

"This is a headstart...I won't let you go free the next time you refuse to heed to my words" he spoke against her lips before stepping away from her, finally giving her the distance she wanted

He could hear her heart pace increasing and the blush on her cheek. He was getting her ready, for he wasn't going to let her off easily the next time

But the moment his touch left her, she suddenly felt empty and wanted to creep closer to feel his warmth once more

"It must have been a tiring day for you. I'll leave you to rest" he stated and left the room. Fighting off the burning desire he felt at the moment

She was his to begin with, he didn't have to worry because of the arrival of some human

Hearing the sound of the door close behind him, her hand flew to her chest as she clutched her dress

Why was her heart so loud?

This wasn't the first time she was feeling this way, it always happened when he was next to her. And she couldn't find the right word to explain it

Taking a deep breath, she took a step trying to steady herself and her overly beating heart