Three Men of Foe

A lump grew in Rain's throat and she nearly regretted having come here.

"I didn't mean to interrupt Your Highness. I'm sorry. It's just…I just…" she sighed, hating her nervousness, "I owe you my deepest apologies."

He suddenly looked amused and a corner of his mouth made a slight curl. "Let's hear it then."

The jest in his voice discouraged Rain, but she still went along with it. "I wish to apologize for…" heavens! The words were embarrassing to say. "…for leaving the carriage yesterday."

"You didn't just leave the carriage, princess," he corrected, resting an arm listlessly on a chair's headrest. "You escaped. Ran right into the arms of an ogre."

"Do forgive my foolishness, Your Highness. I'll be forever grateful to you for saving my life. It wasn't my intention to displease your Highness. If you give me…"

"What are you called?"

Rain solemny lifted her lashes to glance at him and though she was stomped by his question, she said calmly, "My name is Rain. Rain Attor, Your Highness."

"Rain." He mentioned her name like it puzzled him and it ran smoothly over his tongue like it was coated with honey. " I'm merely curious. Do I scare you that much?"

Just a little bit, Rain almost blurted.

At first, she'd wanted to flee from been bound to the old, grotesque and ruthless man the rumors had painted the prince of Eragon to be. And now, though the prince wasn't any of that, his aura seemed so dangerous and powerful. She was wise not to displease his kind.

In the end, she gave him no answer.

"If you have nothing more to say, you can leave." Prince Derek concluded so abruptly that Rain couldn't help frowning.

He pondered on her fragile disposition and said next, "In the future, steer clear of those three men. And don't listen to the gibberish of that old man, ever."

He paused again as though uncertain and then finally informed,

The wedding will be held in three days. If you have any requests, let the maids know early on."

The marriage still held!

Rain froze. But she'd been unladylike, daring and unruly.

Her blue eyes followed the retreating back of the prince and asked readily before he could leave.

"Will I be getting married to you, Your Highness?"

"Do you have someone else in mind to marry?" He cocked a thick brow at her.

Rain shook her head almost instantly.

"Certainly not, Your Highness. I'll be married to you."

Rain missed to see the charming smirk that gradually gave color to the his pale face as he tilted to grab his coat. She also didn't realize the blush that caressed her cheeks and the light that brightened her eyes.