10

I was dozing off during breakfast and my Mom seemed to notice.

"Ruthy, dear? Are you alright?" She asked. Everyone then stopped eating and looked at me.

I stopped halfway from swallowing when their eyes were on me. "I'm fine, Mom. I just didn't get a good sleep last night."

I notice Thomas grin who was now in front of me by the table. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Is your wound still bothering you?" Dad asked with concern in his voice. I hate it when I stress my Father out. I don't want to be a nuisance to him especially when he's handling so many things right now.

I held my chest softly. "Not really. I think the stitches just tighten from time to time. It means it’s healing right?"

Dad exhaled and smiled at me. "Yes dear. I'm glad to hear you're healing. So don't go around being energetic and all for a while, alright?"

I nodded then peeked at Thomas who's grin now disappeared. All through-out breakfast, he was quiet. The Wilhems didn't seem to notice it. So, after breakfast, I followed him out.

"Thomas?" I called.

He turned, "Yes, Princess?"

I giggled. "Are you alright? Why were you so down a while ago?"

He walked closer then sighed. He placed his hand on the back of his neck, "I feel bad for making you come out of bed. I forgot you're healing from the wound. It was completely irresponsible of me. My apologies, Ruthy."

I was quite shocked for a second there. He was quiet because he thought he bothered me?

I placed my hand on his shoulder, "Are you kidding? It was kinda fun to sneak out at midnight to go to the garden. I do that all the time! Not until the part where we got caught."  He chuckled and we both laughed it off.

"So, are you busy later this afternoon?" He asked.

"Well, I have to review some papers in the Women's Room and probably have lessons with my Dad. So yeah, I'm a little busy."

He smiled, "That's fine. I can make myself busy for a while. See you later." He waved then headed off.

When I was about to head back to my room, I crossed paths with Sir Angelo.

"Angelo, I-"

"Is there a problem, Your Highness?" He cut me off.

I felt my chest start to tighten again. Is this because of the wound or am I suddenly bothered of Angelo's tone?

"Uhm, can I have a minute?" I silently asked. I looked around and saw that the hall was empty. He didn't respond.

"Are you upset?" I started.

He didn't seem surprised at all.

"Pardon, Your Highness?"

Now, I'm getting annoyed. I crossed my arms and said, "Stop playing around. You know what I mean."

He cleared his throat and straightened his poise. "I am in no position to tell you anything nor take part with the decisions you make. My only job is to protect you and your family," He bluntly said without even looking at me.

I was shocked. This was the first time he spoke to me like that. So, I guess he's really upset huh?

"Look, Angelo. What happened in the garden was an accident, okay? Nothing is going on between me and-"

"Your future fiance?' He cut me off again.

This time I'm getting hurt. I don't know if he's just jumping into conclusions or he just don't want to believe me.

I sharply exhaled. "Fine. If that's what you want to hear. My parents and the Wilhems think that Thomas and I should get married since he's a suitable partner for me and because I am turning 18 in a few months. They think that Thomas should stay for a while to hang out with me."

This time, he finally looked at me. His eyes were filled with jealousy, anger and something I can't seem to describe.

"And you agreed?" His tone was emotionless but I can tell he was hurt too.

I looked at him in the eyes, "Yes."

"I guess I was just for leisure this whole time huh?"

I held a breath and raised my hand at him, but I stopped myself. Those words felt powerful coming from him. Coming from the man I loved for over 2 years.

"Are you not complacent with my feelings for you? Do you think I don't take our relationship seriously? All this time, do you feel like what I'm giving you is not enough?" My voice broke when I almost raised my voice at him.

"If you feel that way all this time, are you just pretending?" I added.

"No. I loved you with everything I have the moment I saw you."

"Then why are you making this difficult for me?"

"Because you seem to forget that I'm here!"

"I'm doing my job! I have to be someone my family and this country needs!"

"Then maybe I don't have a place for you to be someone for me."

I was quiet and helpless. I don't know how to explain myself anymore. Why can't he understand that I'm doing this for us? For him?

"First, you react so violently at Noah, and now at Thomas, who's actually a prince, for goodness' sake," I muttered.

"I guess it's all my fault."

Then there was utter silence between us. None of us spoke again nor looked at each other.

"If you may excuse me, Your Highness, I have errands to run." He walked away without another word.

Is he really upset about this? Is he not even thinking about our relationship? Does he really think I'm that naive? How can he possibly leave me here?

I felt my chest tighten again, this time there was pain. I fell to my knees, holding my chest. I cried silently as I endured it.

"Ruthy?"

I know that voice.

"Are you okay?"

He sat in front me and I saw his shocked eyes when he saw me crying.

"Is it the wound? Do you want me to take you to the hospital wing?" He was about to carry me when I held his hand.

"No, Noah. It’s not the wound," I said with a weak voice.

He held my hand, "Then what is it?" He asked softly.

"It's something none of you can fix."