"What the hell is he doing here with you?" Prince Cornell yelled. His face was turning red. He was livid, and I was thinking a little jealous. It was cute but a little much.
"Pipe down, Thor, he is giving me riding lessons," I answered, taking a step back.
"Alone?" he asked as If I had violated curfew.
"So, I guess my ladies are nobody?" I asked, arching an eyebrow. "And how could you miss the discreetly placed guards? We are not alone hot stuff. I am following my schedule, as you advised."
I had made it make sense, and I was already over this over-the-top moment. However, looking at him now, I knew that was not an option. He looked at me with such possessiveness, I stopped in my tracks. The look he sent past my shoulder to Hayden, was deadly. I sighed as I realized he hadn't heard a thing I said.
Abruptly, He grabbed my arm and steered me away from Hayden, who looked just as pissed but was trying to hide it. As nice as it was to know that he was jealous, I did not appreciate being manhandled and pulled like a puppy. I thought he would stop after a while, but he just kept right on pulling me. So, I dug my heels in and made him stop, and then I grabbed his arm and pulled him closer to me.
"Do you like that?" I asked, all up in his face. He started to speak, and I stopped him. "I really could not care less whether you like to be carted around. However, I don't. God gave me two feet to stand and walk on my own. I intend to use them until they are no good and you ain't getting no brownie points by manhandling me."
"I don't want you alone with that boy." He seethed.
"Oh yeah, why?" I asked, daring him to admit that he was jealous and lousy at hiding it.
Cornell smirked and gave me a penetrating gaze. "Because I don't like him and because you're mine," he said.
"I don't belong to anyone, beefcake. I agreed to try, and you know what? Last night I saw a side of you I liked. This side of you, though, this side sucks. You fuck up every time." I said, poking him in the chest.
"And yet, you keep ending up in my arms." He said as his arms circled my waist. He pulled me closer, locking my hands between us. He was smooth, I thought, real smooth. "You are going to be my wife; I gave you an out, and you refused to take it. That chance is gone, and it won't be coming back around for you. I prefer you like me, but if you don't, I'll just have to convince you I'm not so bad again."
"You're so arrogant," I sighed.
He relaxed but didn't release me. Then he said, "I'm a prince, and yes, I'm arrogant. I am also very obsessed with you." He tilted my head up with one hand, making me stare into his ocean eyes. "So, when I go looking for my woman and you're all cozy with any other guy...there will be issues. I'm a prince, but you have my undivided attention only to you. If you are having riding lessons, I'd like to know that. If you have a meeting, I'd like to know that. If you feel lonely, I'd like to know that too."
My mouth dropped open, and my heart sped up. Just like that, he was back. I would have to be careful with these LeCresian men. They all had tempers but never directed towards me. They were fiercely protective and deep down, they were sweet. I only had two to judge by, but that was the vibe they both gave me. I listened closely to everything he said. I would never tell him, at least not today, but it touched my heart. He gave me butterflies, and I wanted to give them to him as well.
"It was just a riding lesson," I mumbled, "and I kind of made him my chief advisor."
"Okay," he whispered. With one finger, he lifted my chin until our eyes met. The swimming ocean blue was pulling me in. He was definitely better looking than Hayden. Hayden was manly and so nice to just look at. Cornell, though, Cornell was in a league of his own. He was the total package. Then he asked, "did you learn to ride?"
Well, damn. Hell no, it was my first lesson, but I'd like to ride something. "A little."
"Show me."
I rolled my eyes even as my vagina jumped. I didn't know if it was on purpose or not, but he was turning me on. it was the seemingly innocent words mixed with a mischievous look in his eyes. I narrowed my eyes, and he licked his lips. I wanted to jump him, right there. Spinning on my heels, I released a sigh of frustration and said way calmer than I felt, "Sure."
We started back towards a waiting Hayden and my eagerly waiting ladies. "You know, you can't just make him your chief advisor. There are steps to that." Cornell said, still out of earshot of the small party.
"I'm prepared to take them all," I said.
"He must have made a great first impression."
I rolled my eyes and said, "He's a friend. He's one of the first people I met here."
"He likes you. He had his hands all over you and you." I could feel his breath on my neck, as he snaked a hand around my waist, stopping me in my tracks. "You did nothing to stop him."
"Hayden is my friend, and he happens to be one of the most real people here. He does like me too and I could have him in the blink of an eye, but he respects you too much and said we... you and me... would make a great couple. He made me believe it. So be nice." I said, pulling from his arms and grabbing his hand, tugging him towards Hayden. I made introductions, before mounting my horse. I smirked before riding off.
I started slowly at first, gradually gaining speed. My horse took directions with the slightest nudge. She was so well trained; it was a dream. I rode until my thighs ached, then I turned and started back towards them. Hayden was clapping and Cornell looked proud. It filled me with pride. It was important that I learn to ride because riding a horse through the town was a big part of becoming Queen. It was necessary.