One of the worst parts of waking up is having your dreams that are better than reality disappear. The saddest part of it is, though, that eventually, even the memory of your dream will fade - if you are even lucky enough to remember it that is.
I woke up from a restless sleep due to the loud knocks that seemed like sirens blaring. Slowly and reluctantly, I uncover my face. Everything is blurry. I blink, close my eyes, and blink again. Streaks of sunlight penetrate the window and blind me. I squint angrily as it felt like I was being attacked by the sun.
The pounding in my head seemed to kick into overdrive as I sat up, drug my feet off the bed, and rub my knuckles into my eyes. I let out an exasperated sigh, groaning as I got out of bed and stumbled across to the other side of my room as my drowsiness had still not left me.
"What!" I snapped at the figure in my doorway. My face contorts into one of even more annoyance when I realize who the person was. "Enzo? What do you want?"
"I came here to make sure you were getting ready and we weren't late because of you," My brother says with a determined look on his face. My eyes narrowed as I looked him up and down.
Enzo was wearing a navy blue suit with an aqua blue button-down shirt that fit his athletic form perfectly.
"I was gonna get up," I lie. The last thing on earth I wanted to do, was go to the place where the one person who I was meant for resided. I loved him and he loved me, but our parents chose a different path for us. I didn't have a choice.
I was sent away last year. It was time for my mate to choose the next queen, his wife. There were twenty girls the king hand-picked to choose from. My mate had to take time to get to know them and choose who was most fit, whether he loved them or not. A rather hard task to do when your mate is around.
So the king sent me off to the countryside hoping it would make his son forget about me. He had his own plans for me.
Everyone in the court was aware of our past, and if I didn't show up I would be publically disrespecting him. Unless you wanted to lose your neck, disrespecting the future King of the Lycan Dynasty was the last thing you wanted to do, and I quite like my neck.
He gives me a look. "You're hungover and you look like shit. There is no way you were planning on going."
"Watch it," I sneer. "Just because I'm a lady doesn't mean I'm above kicking your ass."
"You couldn't in the first place," Enzo steps into my room pushing me aside. "Celeste, we both know Marcel and you belong together, and I'd rather side with the humans in the upcoming war than have anyone but you by his side."
I shrug, not caring. It's been a year since I've seen him. We had planned to secretly send one another letters in rebellion. It went well at first, but after four months one day, the letters just stopped.
I knew it had to be because the king found out. It had to be. My mate loved me. He wouldn't fall in love with another. He loved me.
"There won't be a war. The humans aren't that stupid."
Enzo walks into my closet looking at my clothes. " Everyone knows that you will be the next queen of the Lycan Empire. Even if you don't know it. You're the fan-favorite, the OG."
I roll my eyes. "Why because the papers and gossips say it? There's talk that he's made his final decision...and in her letters, Rebekah told me all about him and Amelia Woodwork. How he is absolutely smitten with her."
Three Months Ago...
I lay on the living room couch tearing into the letter I received from my little sister Rebekah.
Dear Celeste,
I've slipped back into the routine of the Lycan court and am awaiting my wedding day to fulfill my role in advancing our family. I still have not met my husband-to-be, and the arguments about my dowry and settlements seem as if they will take forever. Not even the influence of Cardinal Watson could speed the business along.
In the meantime I've been having fun flirting as elegantly as a princess, I've been assigned as a lady for her majesty the queen, which is what you will be also I assume. When I'm not making moves on finding a powerful man I'm with the other ladies gossiping, riding, and playing. I'm trying to enjoy the summer times as much as I can before lessons start.
I do miss home though. I even miss being teased and made fun of by you and George. I am happy that my father let me leave earlier. I'm sure you're bored since George is busy learning his trade as a courtier. Now, for what I'm sure you're truly interested in. Marcel. He's not like how we remember him. He's more mature, kind...and there's a sadness about him. He likes to invite me to go riding. I think because I remind him of you.
The king seems to favor Princess Amelia. She came to court a little later than the other girls. I fear Marcel and her have become somewhat inseparable. Most people believe they are in love, but I know his heart still belongs to you. That's all I have, for now, sister.
You're better half, Rebekah.
Present.....
"You know how much Rebekah loves to gossip. Amelia is nothing compared to you. If it's royalty they want, father is a king in his own right, which gives you ties to the Lamia throne. Besides I'm sure you've heard the queen is rooting for you."
I sigh. "Of course she is I'm to be one of her ladies, plus she's mother's best friend. What if I want to run away with Marcel, settle down, and be around people who aren't constantly plotting to take my neck off."
"Your neck will stay on." He handed me one of my dresses. "It's your duty, Celeste. And you know father would never allow you to. Now hurry up and get ready. Mother's ready and had all your things sent to the carriage."
"I wish she was coming."
"I know."
I watch him as he leaves the room, closing the door behind him. The dress he handed me was one of my favorites. It was the one I was wearing when I found out I was moving back into the castle to come to court.
Five Months Ago
I stood by the window, waiting impatiently for the carriage to arrive. My mother was returning today from court. My sister Rebekah approaches me and looks out the window.
"Do you see them yet?" she asks.
"Do you? We're looking out the same window."
She rolls her eyes. "You're such a joy to be around."
"I know." I walk away from her smirking knowing that'd piss her off.
"You know you're infuriating right?"
"And you know I don't care," I say sitting down on our living room couch.
"Do you think moms gonna finally take us back to court?"
"I hope so...but I do love living here. The country is amazing. I don't want to leave my new friends behind. Besides, Sebastian couldn't function without me. He was my best friend and I was really his only friend. According to him, it was because I was the only person on this planet worthy of his attention.
"I heard father talking about us marrying." I roll my eyes as she looks out the window dreamily. She was always a hopeless romantic. "Just imagine me Rebekah, a duchess or viscountess."
"Yes, I'm sure you and the many mistresses he's sure to have will live happily ever after."
Rebekah throws a seat cushion at me in anger. "Must you be so...dark and dreary?."
I stand up, flicking her forehead. She opens her mouth to yell at me when our older brother Enzo goes outside.
Rebekah and I followed after Enzo as our parents' carriage approached. My father stepped out with a heavy smile on his face. The smile he always gave off when he got his way with something.
"What is it, father!?" Rebekah asks with excitement.
"I've gotten permission from the king for you girls to return to court. You will be serving Queen Anne as one of her ladies."
He takes my face in his hands as his face shines with pride. "You will have everything you deserve my little dove." He drops his hands to my waist twirling me around. "The first step in restoring our family to its rightful place!"
My face drops at this news. I knew the happiness my father carried wouldn't last long.
I cringe remembering what I was like at sixteen. I've changed completely. I open my mouth to remind my dad to not get his hopes up just yet, but he beats me to it.
"You've grown a lot since the last time he's seen you little dove. You're a woman now and a beautiful one at that. Trust me. One day you will be a queen. Whether it's of the Otsana Or Lamia. You will be the queen."
Present Time.....
After preparing to leave, I stand by the front door as I'm greeted one last time by my mother.
"I don't know if I'm ready."
My mother places a hand on my back trying to soothe my nerves. "To leave here, or see the future King?"
"Both. What if he doesn't want me? What if Amelia has already won his heart?"
"Your friends will be there. Girls you've known your whole life. You're safer in court. You're now a woman, and Marcel is now a man. It's time."
We hug one final time as the carriage pulls closer. "How will I do this without you?" my voice broke as I spoke and a tear ran down my face.
"Celeste you have always been a strong girl. You will wed young Marcel, someday soon, for your future, for your family. He will love you."
"I'm not sure that matters."
"It does to you."
I look around one last time, annoyed that Sebastian didn't show up. "When you see Seb tell him the next time I see him it's on sight." She chuckles moving me towards the car.
ROYAL COURT
Queen Anne examines King Henry as he tries on a suit and models it. "Henry. Celeste is the obvious choice for Marcel."
"So you've claimed, but the simple fact is our alliance with the king is more important than Marcel's love life. He can always keep her as a mistress."
Marcel walks by as the two continue to bicker, catching the attention of a pretty brunette.
"There are those that say too many alliances make a king look weak." Anne points out.
"Then why did we sell our daughter to the alpha of Spain?"
Marcel who is now tired of listening to them bicker about his future decides to cut in. "I'm told I was needed. Or should I just come back on my wedding day? You've chosen my wife; have you set the date, too?"
"Technically your choosing and the witches are a powerful ally, but when the vampires turn their fangs in our direction I'm sure Celeste will be useful, just not as your wife. She's on her way."
"I heard."
"You don't sound very enthusiastic. Didn't you say you'd rather die than marry another? After I caught you trying to send a letter to her," Henry gives Anne a pointed look. "I mean a tad dramatic, but-"
"She was annoying, loud, and full of strong opinions, but she is-was mine."
"She could still be," Anne says.
"Or you can just happily marry Amelia who I've heard you've gotten well acquainted with."
Henry smirks as he and Marcel give each other knowing looks. Henry looks over at Anne, asking for reassurance.
"Isn't that right Anne?"
Anne rolls her eyes and takes Marcel's hand. "Do you still love her?"
"Mum- ."
"It doesn't matter whether he loves her or not. He's marrying Amelia." Snaps Henry.
"I didn't hear a no," says Anne to Marcel.
***
Outside people have gathered around awaiting Celeste's arrival. "Here she comes." Joan Bennett who works for the Lycan Today says to the other reporters as Celeste's carriage comes into view.
My hands shake nervously as the car pulls up to the entrance. I could see all the people staring at me through the tinted glass, with their pens and papers ready to capture the words of the future king's mate.
"We're here m' lady."
"Can I have a few minutes please?" He nods, getting out of the car, waiting for me to be ready.
"Okay Celeste," I mutter to myself. "You are strong, intelligent, beautiful, and you deserve the world. Don't settle for less and don't be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve."
I take one last deep breath before knocking on the window. The door opens and the gentleman offers me a hand to get out. I take it stepping out of the car and am immediately ambushed by a small army of loud voices.
I let out a nervous smile as I'm bombarded with questions doing my best to ignore them. I've been hounded by the paparazzi my entire life because of who my father was, but I'd never get used to it. I felt so out of place as the types of questions got worse and more hurtful. I was ready to just get back in the carriage and have myself taken home when I found myself engulfed with hugs.
"Oh, Cel! We missed you so much!" Meira says happily.
"Ugh, I've missed you guys so much!"
"Of course you have, we're the best thing in your life," Mazikeen says pulling the three of us into a hug.
A few officers keep the reporters from crossing their designated line as I pass them and enter the castle. I walk slightly ahead of the girls as we're led by two guards. Meira, who was closest to me grabbed my hand and gave me a gentle squeeze. I gave her a grateful smile.
We stopped in front of two large double doors and stood waiting for permission to enter. "I'm gonna throw up," I say to the girls. My legs shook slightly as I'm overwhelmed with anxiety. Tears brimmed my eyes and it took everything in me to not turn around and leave.
"No no no don't cry," says Mazikeen, taking my face in her hands.
"Is it just me or is it really hot in here," I gasp, fanning myself with my hand.
"Just Breathe Cel," says Meira fanning me with her hands. "It'll be over before you know it."
"They are ready for you lady Medici," says the guard as he returns.
I nod, taking in deep breaths to calm myself. I turned to face the doors and held my head high. I couldn't show them how nervous I truly was. The doors opened and I walked into a large room filled with dozens of people. I walk past them all, approaching the royal family, who sat in wait. The girls walked behind me as I tried my best to not look too nervous as I faced the king first.
"Your majesty," I say bowing respectfully. The air was thick with tension as I waited for his reply and permission to raise my head.
"Celeste!" His loud and deep voice boomed. "Look how much you've grown," he chuckles. "Raise your head child. I guess I can't call you little one anymore."
I stood upright and smiled politely. "I suppose it's time for a new nickname than your grace."
He chuckles. "I suppose so." He touches Veronica's shoulder. "Sister you remember Celeste."
She eyes me for a moment before smiling. "How could I forget this little know-it-all." I blush in embarrassment before looking at the queen who was beaming at me.
"Your grace," I curtsy, smiling from ear to ear.
"Oh child there's no need for that," Queen Anne proclaims. She wastes no time coming down the small steps and pulling me in for a hug. "Look how beautiful you are! It's been so long!"
"Too long," I reply, hugging her back.
A throat clears behind her and our heads turn. "Mum, stop hogging her."
Queen Anne rolls her eyes. "Go on dear."
I turn to the interrupter with an annoyed look. "Harry I see you're still annoying."
I could hear the whispers erupting as everyone awaited the young prince's response. They were all shocked that anyone had the audacity to speak to him this way.
"And you're still ugly."
"Still better looking than you." We stared at each other for a moment before we both burst into fits of laughter. "I'm sure you've missed me a lot, I am me."
I roll my eyes laughing. "You've visited me so many times, I'm actually sick of you."
"We'll see about that." he teases.
I finally turn to look at Marcel, whose eyes I could feel on me this entire time. As our eyes connected my breath hitches. Nothing had changed and I couldn't help but grin and rejoice as the butterflies fluttered around my gut. He still looks at me as if I were the last diamond on this earth. I was feeling like a love-sick puppy.
"You're highness," I say with a curtsy, not breaking eye contact. How could I? When his baby blue's lured me into the depths of the ocean.
"Lady Medici."
His tone was empty of all emotions and I felt the color drain from my face. I didn't understand. He spoke as if I was a stranger he met for the first time, yet his eyes told me something different.
Had Marcel really moved on?
* * *
After an emotionally exhausting lunch, the girls and I all sat around talking to each other happily in my old room.
"Celeste there's so much that's happened since you've been gone! I don't think there's enough time to get you caught up with it all." Meira says laying on my bed and staring at my beautifully painted ceiling.
Mazikeen goes through my suitcase looking at my clothes. "Girl you've got a lot of work to do, Amelia has her claws deep in Marcel."
I sigh, not ready to hear any of this. "Guys I just got here there is plenty of time for me to figure everything out." They both looked at one another as I stood and slipped my slippers on. "But for now, there's something I want to see."
I make my way down the creaking staircase that goes all the way to the dungeons. My hands run along the wall as a memory enters my mind. We use to sneak off down here to get away from everyone. It was where Marcel and I had our first kiss. As creepy as it may sound it was in a room that kept royals who betrayed the crown. It was rare for anyone to ever be in there so we always found ourselves escaping the world.
When I finally make it to the bottom of the stairs, I see no guards, but a distant creek catches my attention. I follow the noise to the room. When I peek inside I'm surprised to see Marcel is working on something.
"Celeste," he says, slightly startled.
"Marcel. Um, I didn't know you.."
"What are you doing here?"
"I thought I'd visit the places I missed the most." I looked around the room that had now been turned into what looked like a man cave. "I see you've renovated."
"No one comes down here anymore, so I thought I'd make use of the space."
I pick up a box of condoms and shake it, masking the hurt I felt with a smirk. He looks embarrassed when it barely makes any noise. "I see it's been very useful."
I walk further into the room looking at the array of different things that sit on a nearby table in the room.
"Is all of this yours?"
"Yes."
"What are you doing?"
"Painting. At least, I'm trying to learn...it relaxes me. Our hangout always has."
"I'm glad. You've always been interested in art." I picked up something that looked like it had been painted a while ago. "I notice you said...our?"
"Did I?"
I nod. "You did."
He looks away not bothering to say anything else. We were silent for a moment as I examined his various paintings.
"Do you like it?" He asks motioning to the one he was currently working on.
I moved closer to see my chest touching his arm. "I think it's beautiful...but it could use a little...color?" He had only used black paint.
We smile at each other for a moment before he nods. "That's a good idea." I nod and it wasn't till his eyes flickered to my lips that I realized how close we were. Puddles of warmth pooled into my stomach as his warm breath fanned against my lips.
Our eyes met and I couldn't look away. I haven't seen his beautiful face in an entire year. I wanted to study every line and dip so I'd never forget it.
"Marcel," I whisper, lips brushing against his.
He closes his eyes in frustration leaning his forehead against mine. I don't move as he takes in my scent as if he was branding it into his memories. "Now if you'll excuse me I have a meeting to get to."
"But-" he doesn't stay to hear what I wanted to say, rushing off towards the door.
My eyes lingered on his back as he walked away. Hoping he would turn around, but he never did.
***
Marcel closes his room door and turns to see that Dalilah is waiting for him.
"Did anyone see you come in here?" He questions.
"No. They never do. They never will. Nothing's changed here." Dalilah inches her way across the room, towards Marcel. When she's within touching distance, she massages his shoulders. "Nothing has to change."
"My mate is here."
"I know," she mutters pulling him towards the bed.
* * *
I walk down the hall inspecting various paints that I hold in my hand. I figured I'd try to be friends with him and maybe this is the way to do it. Marcel was never the type of person to break an awkward situation first, so it was up to me.
I knock on his door wanting to give him the pebbles I've found. When he finally opened it I noticed his now tousled hair and lack of a shirt.
"Celeste. What is it?" He is clearly annoyed. I'm caught off guard by his sudden change.
I hold up some of the paints to show him. "Um, I brought you something, to paint with. I noticed you were running out."
His demeanor softens. "Now's not a good time. Next time, you should be announced."
"I don't understand?" I say getting annoyed myself. I never needed to be before.
"You shouldn't be here."
"Why do you sound so... Are you alone? Are you with someone?"
"My affairs are no longer your business or concern lady Medici ."
My heart aches hearing his hurtful words. "Is there something I have done?" I ask softly. "In our letter did I say something to offen-"
"Your majesty."
My eyes widened as I heard an unfamiliar voice coming from his bedroom. "Is that...one of the girls?"
"Yes."
I opened my mouth, but I stopped myself. I had to be careful with what I said to him. I could be punished severely even if I was his mate.
"Oh hey," A beautiful Arab girl appears next to Marcel with a smile on her face. My eyes widened. I had never seen such a beautiful woman before. I almost apologized like I was the one intruding on a relationship. "Do you think you can come back later? I don't have much time left."
I tried my best to hide the hurt I felt as I looked at both of them. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, women of court were as ambitious as they come. They'd step on anyone and do anything to reach their goal. "Of course I understand. I'm sure keeping your legs open is a very tiring job." I sneer.
She gasps, mouth open in shock. I wasn't worried though he would soon grow tired of her. She gave herself to him way too easily.
Marcel looks at me blankly before shutting the door in my face. I stood there for a second getting all the feelings bubbling to the surface under control. I wanted to kick his door down and make him hurt like how he hurt me, but I remembered what my mother taught me. A lady was not violent, but nice and respectful.
Marcel stands with his back against his door, realizing the mess he's created. He cursed to himself.
"You could have told her the truth," Delilah says. "That misunderstanding is gonna haunt you later."
"Like she'd believe you were just gonna give me a massage," he sighs running a hand over his face. "It's easier this way. Easier if she hates me."
"That girl will ever hate you, your grace," Dalilah smiles gently. "I can see it in her eyes. She loves you."
"Get out," Marcel says not even sparing her another glance.
"But-"
"Now."
I wipe away an angry tear that managed to break free while walking back outside. "Ughhh!" I yell throwing the paints back into the trash can.
"Celeste?"
I turn around to see Harry. "Harry."
"You've been here for half a day and you're already hurting something. What did the trash can ever do to you?"
"I'm in no mood for your jokes Harry!" I turn from him sitting in the grass.
"Are you in the mood for something else? Perhaps something that will blow off a lot of steam." I give him a look of disgust and he holds his hands up in surrender. "Just tryna help."
"Yeah yeah," I mutter.
"You know you shouldn't be outside by yourself."
"What am I a prisoner?"
"Who wouldn't want to be at the castle? Except, perhaps, you. Rather be at home, would you? Eating chips and watching T.V?"
"I quite like watching T.V and eating chips and I can do that here too."
"So what's not to like?"
"You should ask your brother."
"Ask him what?"
"Why he is such a moody, arrogant ass!"
"That my dear is a mystery I'm afraid we'll never solve. Tho you could do with someone better, for instance, a younger more handsome-"
I roll my eyes turning towards the castle. "-It's not happening, Harry."
He leans in close, whispering in my ear. "You forgot the again." He smirks walking backward. "You can't resist me, Celeste Medici!"
* * *
I enter my room with Mazikeen by my side, talking about my run-in with Harry.
"So Harry really said that? He has a terrible reputation with women, he has no boundaries. He can't lie about something like that. You'd be labeled a whore and you're his brother's mate for God's sake."
"It runs in the family," I mutter.
"Did something happen with Marcel?"
"No, no, nothing."
She looks at me unconvinced and I sigh giving in. I never could keep anything away from her. "I caught him in bed with another woman."
Her eyes widened in shock then quickly turned to anger. "You come all this way and he goes and sleeps with someone the first day?"
"It's fine....besides Harry wasn't lying exactly," I mutter the last part quickly.
Her eyes widen. "Celeste! What? How? When?"
"Well after Marcel stopped writing to me and we broke up, Harry made it very clear he had...intentions. After a drunken night when he came to visit me we kissed."
"He's not your mate."
"So I should be alone forever? Marcel is going to marry someone else, and he's clearly wasted no time moving on."
Mazikeen wanted to say something, but she kept her mouth shut. I didn't see how broken up Marcel was when his father sent me away. For months he moped around till he finally decided to give Amelia a fair chance.
"I always pictured choosing the man I'd fall in love with. With Marcel, I don't have a choice."
"But with Harry you did."
"Exactly, I've been back for a day and already- I don't know if I can do this."
"So are you and Harry like...together?"
"No, it was just a kiss."
"Does Harry know this tho? It seems like he's invested in you."
"I...don't know." I sigh. "I guess it's foolish of me to think I can choose who I fall in love with. My father is not a man you want to disappoint."
"Hayley your father can choose who you marry, but not who you fall in love with."
I give her a look. "You know how dangerous it is for women like us to fall in love with men who aren't our husbands. I already have a list of things, like my mouth, that's gonna get me killed one day. I don't need to add falling in love on that list."
"Well in that case have a little fun. Marcel is so I don't see why you can't," she shrugs, putting her hair up in a ponytail.
"We need to get ready for dinner. The king orders it to be outside today since the weather is so nice."
" Ugh doesn't he appreciate the luxury of shade?" She goes to leave but stops at the door. "Celeste...what are you gonna do about Marcel?"
"I'll handle him like I handle all of life's problems. Ignore it until it goes away."
* * *
Outside the castle, festive music plays, while people are standing around and watching others dance and eat.
"Meira, I want to go dance," I say moving to the music.
"You can't dance alone."
"I won't be alone."
We walk towards Mazikeen who spoke to a girl I've never seen before. "Hello, and who might you be?" I ask.
"Hi, I'm Arabella, Bella for short."
"It's nice to meet you," I grabbed her hand. "Bella, come dance with us. Take off your shoes. Come on. Dance with me."
The girls liven up to the idea and begin removing their shoes. We all laugh entering the dance space, and dancing wildly, while the king and his sister look on. Veronica looked unamused, but queen Anne smiled.
The rest of the onlookers clap and laugh along. Some of them even join us in dancing. Meanwhile, Harry and my eyes meet and I smile at him twirling around. Marcel notices this and looks annoyed.
When the girls and I became tired I decided to go looking for a walk to think. I wanted to admire all the changes to the garden since I'd been gone.
I enter the large maze and begin walking, smiling at a few people I pass.
I turn a corner and spot, Marcel, leaning in and whispering in the ear of a beautiful woman I've never seen before. She goes in for a kiss but our eyes meet. I look away quickly, quickening my pace. I could hear him excuse himself and walk towards me until he caught up.
"I've been wanting to talk to you."
"Oh, really that's a surprise." My sarcasm takes him by surprise. He takes my arm gently leading me away from prying eyes and ears. "There's something I want to say to you." I start.
"Wait when you came to my room, I-I shouldn't have said what I did. There were other ways of handling this."
"Handling what? Me?"
"Yes, you haven't changed a bit. You're still as difficult as I remember, maybe even more."
"Difficult!?" My head tilts slightly with attitude. "Is that why you're sleeping with another? To make me want to leave?"
"It's not about that."
"Don't you think that we owe it to each other, to give it a chance? Your father may not listen now but-"
"-It's not that simple."
"Not that simple? What's not simple? We've known we were mates since we were young. We've known each other since we were toddlers. We've been in love since we were sixteen. We were made for each other. Did I do somet--"
He puts his hands on my shoulders turning me towards him. "It's not you. You, You're beautiful, clever, and unpredictable, but it doesn't matter. What matters is what's right for my empire. Our dynasty is not as strong as you might think, or care; which maybe you don't, but I do. I'm going to be king someday, responsible for my people. And right now, an alliance with the witches could determine whether we win the war."
"If we were to marry we'd have a claim on the Lamia throne. The humans would have no allies and there are other ways to ally with the witches. You don't have to marry her or anyone else."
"You don't understand." He drops his hands to his side.
"Well I thought it was your father's decision, but it seems that you know what you want...You want her."
"I know it's not what you want to hear..."
"You love me, yet you won't let yourself."
"All I'm asking you to do is wait and see how things go."
"I've already waited a year and this has shown no signs of going away... I suppose if you can find someone else, so can I."
"Is that a threat?"
"Why do you care? Aren't you in love?" I sneer storming off before I can break down. I was furious with him.
"Celeste!" I turned around to see Marcel coming toward me.
"What!?" We were alone and overlooking the castle as Marcel confronted me.
"Please don't be upset with me. One way or another I want you in my life."
I roll my eyes. "Cut the bullshit! Do I have dumb bitch written on my forehead?" I tapped my forehead making him look at it.
"Cel-"
"-Just...answer this. If you weren't the future king of the Lycan Empire, and you were just a boy, would you want this?"
Our faces inch closer together, I could feel his breath on mine. How I missed this. I wanted nothing more than for him to close the gap between us, or for me to just grab him by the shirt, but I knew he needed to make the first move in this. I needed to know that he truly wanted me still.
"More than anything mi amore," he kisses my temple, but my face falls in disappointment as Marcel pulls away. "I can't do this. I won't."