chapter 1: forbidden fruit
As I stepped into the palace garden, the warm sunlight danced across my skin and the sweet scent of blooming flower filled my senses.
I had always found solace in this Oasis away from the prying eyes of the royal court
But today, o wasn't alone.
Prince Alexander, the alpha prince, stood by the fountain as he fastened his eyes on me. His chiseled feature and broad shoulders made me Shivaer in fear. I had heard whispers of his wild ways and conquest, but never thought I'd be the focus of his attention.
" Emilia," he said, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. "I've been looking for you".
I curtsied trying to hide my nervousness. "Your Highness".
He approached me, his eyes burning with intensity, "I've heard about your beauty, but I must tell you that nothing compares to the real thing".
I felt my cheeks flush, I was uncertain about what to and how respond. No one spoke to me like that especially if not from the royal family.
What could have brought to the garden, prince Alexander? I asked in a calm tone.
"He said, I could ask the same thing",his smile hinting a mischief. "But We both know why we're here".
As he stepped closer, the air thickened with tension. I knew I should leave, but my feet rooted to the spot.
And then, he reached out and brushed the strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending spark through my body.
"I've been craving something, he whispered". His breathe hot against my skin. "And I think I've found it."
I then knew I was in trouble. The alpha prince set his sight on me, and I wasn't sure if I could resist his charms...
His fingers grazed my skin, sending shivers down my spine, I felt a rush of excitement mixed with fear. No one ever touched me that way, especially not a member of the royal family.
"Prince Alexander I_"
"Don't call me that, he interrupted". His eyes burning with intensity. "Call me Alexander or better yet, call me Xander."
I swallowed hard trying to comprehend what was happening. Xander, then.
He smiled, his lips curling up the way that made my heart skip a beat. "I like the way that sounds."
As he stepped closer, I could feel the heat emanating from his body. I knew I should move away, but my feet seemed rooted to the spot.
"You're beautiful Emilia", he said with his breathe hot against my skin. And I want you.
I felt a rush of excitement mixed with fever. No one has talked to me like that, no one has ever looked at me with such desire.
"Xander I_"
Don't say no, "he interrupted, his eyes pleading, " just say yes, say yes and I'll make it worth the while."
I hesitated, torn between my duty and my desire. As I looked into his eyes, I knew I was lost.
"Yes", I said with a whispering voice.
Xander's smile was triumphant as he pulled me into his arms. I felt a rush of excitement as he buried is lips in mine, the world around us melting away.
But as we kissed, I knew I had just made a deal with the devil himself. I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to escape.....
As our lips touched, I felt a spark of electricity through my body. I felt alive, like I'd been waiting my whole life for this moment.
Xander's hands roamed my body, exploring all the curve and contour. I felt a rush of excitement as he deepened the kiss. His tongue dancing with mine.
But as the passion intensified, I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt. I was the lady-in-waiting, sworn to serve the royal family. And Xander was the alpha prince, the Forbidden fruit that I shouldn't be tasting.
As we broke apart for air, Xander's eyes burn with desire. "Emilia
, I want you, he whispered, his voice husky with need, "I want you."
I knew I should resist, but my body seemed to have a mind of its own. I nodded, and Xander swept me into his arms, carrying me deeper into the gardens.
We found ourselves in an secluded arbor, hidden from prying eyes. Xander laid me on a blanket, his hands caressing my skin.
As he entered me, I felt a rush of pleasure mixed with pain. I knew I was crossing a line, but I couldn't stop myself.
Xander's movements were passionate and intense, like he was claiming me as his own. And as I looked into his eyes, I knew I was lost forever.
But as we reached the peak of pleasure, I heard a rustling in the bushes. Xander's head jerk up, his eyes narrowing.
What was that, he whispered, his voice tensing.
I froze, my heart racing. We'd been discovered.
And then, a figure emerged from the shadows, a figure I knew all too well...
The figure stepped forward, revealing the stern face of the Queen Herself. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the scene right before her.
"Xander, what's the meaning of this?" She demanded, her voice cold and authoritative.
"Xander quickly scrambled to his feet adjusting his clothing". Mother I-"
But the Queen's gaze was fixed on me, her expression disapproving. "Emilia, you were sworn to serve this family with honour and loyalty. Not to indulge in..... such behavior
I felt a wave of shame wash over me as I struggled to sit up, my clothing disheveled. " Your Majesty, I-"
"But the Queen's words cute off", you will pack your bags and leave the palace immediately. You are no longer fit to serve."
Xander stepped forward, his face set in defiance. "Mother, that's not fair, Emilia Did nothing wrong."
The Queen's gaze turn icy. "You will not defend her Xander, she has brought shame to this family.
As the Queen's words hung in the air, I knew my fate was sealed. I was ruined, cast out of the only life I ever known.
But as I looked at Xander, I saw a glimmer of hope. He WS Willing to stand up for me, ready to defy his own mother.
And in that moment, I knew I had to make a choice,toleave with my head held high or to fight for the forbidden love that had ignited between us...
As I gathered my belongings, the Queen's words echoed in my mind, "you are no longer fit to serve."
But Xander's gaze lingered on me, a silent promise of defiance.
As I turned to leave, he caught my hands. "Emilia, wait."
The Queen's eyed narrowed. "Xander's, don't be foolish."
But Xander's grip tightened. "I won't let you go, Emilia. No, not like this."
With a swift movement, he pulled me back into the arbor. His lips crushing down on mine.
The world around us melted away, leaving only the thrum of our hearts.
But as we broke apart for air, a voice whispered, "you will pay for this Emilia, you will pay dearly."
I spun around, but there was no one there.
Xander's eyes locked into mine, a fierce determination burning within. "We will face whatever comes next together."
But as we stepped out of the arbor, I saw it.
A piece of parchment on the floor with a single sentence scrawled in red ink.
"The price of forbidden love is death."
And as I look up at Xander, I knew our love had just become a deadly game.