'Tempting…'
Despite her heart escalating its irregular rhythm, Ysabel gasped, suddenly remembering Reis.
Unintentionally, she pushed Prince Hinrik again, not caring to apologize or explain what was happening. She sprinted away, leaving the other young monarch wondering if she was alright at all.
Rushing to get to the pantry, Ysabel pulled her skirts up and didn't bother to mind the surprised palace servants as she pushed past them and made it to her destination.
The faint smell of apple wafted in her nose, allowing Ysabel to spot the bigger piece of the pie she requested the baker to make for her. One-fourth was missing, letting Ysabel breathe a sigh of relief.
Reis was probably waiting for her in her chamber.
With a smile, Ysabel went on her way to meet her friend. She almost missed a shiny little emblem lying on the ground if her shoes didn't accidentally step on it.
'Huh?'
Looking down, Ysabel moved her feet and picked up the emblem. It shone against the light, glinting proudly as it bore the insignia of their kingdom; the dove.
'This looks like one of the palace guards.'
The pantry door swung open, having the young lady hide her find behind her. When she let her gaze fall on the intruder, she expected the baker to be standing there or one of the servants.
However, much to her chagrin, it was Prince Hinrik.
Partly irritated and mostly conscious, Ysabel stood her ground and held his confused gaze.
"That's a lovely apple pie. Would you mind if I take a bite?"
Ysabel cleared her throat and pursed her lips.
"You are here as a guest. Take as many as you like. I shall leave you to it," Ysabel curtsied, her heart on her sleeve as she tried to walk past him.
But the young monarch blocked her path.
"Not so fast," Prince Hinrik folded his arms over his chest. "Are you avoiding me, Ysabel?"
His casual way of stating her name made Ysabel's insides quiver. She was tempted to throw her hands around his neck and let him comfort her with a warm embrace.
But Ysabel reminded herself that she was on a mission. She needed to address more pressing matters, and participating in a whirlwind romance with the charming Prince wasn't one of them.
"Yes," Ysabel replied.
If she wanted to keep her focus, she needed to stay away from the Prince at all costs.
Denying her feelings and hurting him might make him leave her alone. It would save her from needing to run away every time their paths crossed.
'Just forget about me, Hinrik.' Ysabel thought inwardly.
She knew this would hurt her more than it would hurt him. But she cannot lose her mother again.
She cannot afford to lose the crown, or Eyeris will fall.
"What did I do wrong? I need some explanation, at least."
Ysabel looked at Prince Hinrik's eyes. He was undeniably concerned about her sudden change in behavior.
Despite not knowing what year it was and what changes might have happened, her and Hinrik's feelings remained the same.
Looking away, Ysabel fiddled with her hands.
"Just," she took a deep breath. "Find someone else, Hinrik."
Ysabel gently pushed him away, exiting the pantry with her head cast down.
The Prince wasn't about to let her go.
He was confused and brimming with questions.
Her words and actions made no sense.
Following her, Prince Hinrik became cautious of their surroundings. They needed to be in a private space if he was to confront Ysabel.
Prince Hinrik grabbed Ysabel's hand, pulling her with him. Before the latter could protest, Hinrik had already headed toward the gardens.
If anyone wanted to eavesdrop on what they were talking about, the garden would be the safest place to muffle their voices.
Ysabel wanted to pull her hand away.
Her plan of pushing Hinrik away was already failing, and she was only beginning.
Upon reaching the garden, hinrik let Ysabel go. He ran a hand through his hair and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You've been acting strange, Ysabel. Tell me, what's going on? I need to know why you're like this. It's beginning to drive me crazy."
Ysabel bit her lower lip.
She was trying to come up with a great excuse, one that was believable and would be easy to pull.
'Hinrik knew me well enough to decipher between a truth and a lie.' Ysabel frowned at the thought. 'Can I trust him with the truth, though?'
Ysabel let the thought linger and even considered doing it. However, she immediately dismissed the idea.
'I can't trust anybody.'
Pulling herself back to the present, Ysabel could only think of one possible solution to push Hinrik away. It would result in him never wanting to talk to her ever again.
But that was for the best.
Ysabel knew her heart would be broken after she broke his. But she promised the man who gave her a second chance to live that she would do everything to right the wrong.
Sacrifices were bound to be made.
Taking a deep breath, Ysabel looked at Hinrik, catching his beautiful appearance as he stood against the ray of moonlight hanging above them.
Stars blanketed the skies, promising good weather for the next day.
Briefly, Ysabel noticed where they were standing and almost found it funny. The remaining apples on the tree reminded her where she needed to be.
"Fine," Ysabel retorted, folding her arms over her chest. "I am no longer interested in you, Hinrik. I like someone else."
Prince Hinrik stared at Ysabel, the insides of his chest being poked by tiny needles.
"That's not true," he murmured.
Ysabel felt guilty for the painful look written on Hinrik's face. It brought her pain, shattering her heart into tiny pieces along with his.
But she defiantly raised her chin, standing by her claim.
"Yes, it is," she stated, fighting to keep her voice steady instead of quivering. "You can easily find someone else. I'm sure."
When Hinrik didn't respond, Ysabel took a deep breath.
"Goodby—oof!"
Hinrik pulled her to him, locking Ysabel in a tight hug.
"Please take that back," Hinrik whispered.
"No," Ysabel insisted, trying to wriggle free.
Her tears were about to fall, and she needed to escape before Hinrik saw them.
"You're lying," Hinrik insisted, pulling away but not letting her go. Holding Ysabel's arms as he made her look at him, a strange conviction overpowered the agony he was feeling. "If what you said was true, tell it straight to my face that you no longer care about or like me."
Ysabel's heart hammered rapidly inside her chest. She had to gulp back the sob that threatened to break loose.
"Say it," Hinrik challenged.
Ysabel felt her throat clogged up again. It was easier to tell him she fancied someone else when she wasn't looking right into his eyes.
Staring into them spoke different volumes.
But if she wanted to remove Hinrik from her present and focus on what mattered the most, she needed to forget about her feelings and pay for the consequences later.
Looking into the Prince's eyes, Ysabel braced herself and put words into her lips.
"I'm no longer into you, Hinrik."
Holding Ysabel's unwavering gaze, Hinrik felt his heart being squeezed. It was no longer possible to breathe regularly.
"You're lying," Hinrik repeated, pulling Ysabel's face to him. "And I'll prove it."
Before she could utter a word, Hinrik's soft lips crashed into hers, melting Ysabel's resolve.
Hinrik poured his feelings into the kiss, leaving Ysabel to yearn more than the connection and heat between their mouths.
"Now tell me," Hinrik murmured. "Tell me you no longer like me, and I'll stop."
Ysabel put a hand on Hinrik's broad chest, her fingers wishing to touch the soft skin beneath the fabric that kept him clothed. But she intended to pull away.
"Just say the word, Ysabel."
Deepening the kiss, Ysabel couldn't make herself push Hinrik. Neither did she have the capacity to insist on her lies.