Chapter-6

I went inside the closet and changed into my nightgown. When I came outside I found King Nicholas standing right outside the door which made me shriek in surprise. 

Before I could say anything he spoke with an angry tone “You were avoiding me. Why?” 

“No I wasn’t! But first tell me how did you get inside? I clearly told the guards to not let anyone in” 

“Did you really think a few puny guards could stop me?” he lowly chucked,

“Now tell me why were you avoiding me?” he said moving closer towards me his silver eyes darkening at every passing moment. 

“I don’t know, maybe it has something to do with you hurting me whenever you see me” I replied cheekily, pointing to the bruise on my arm and his faint handprints around my neck. His eyes swirled with different emotions as he looked at them.

“I never intended on hurting you, but you always provoke me to do so” he spoke clenching his jaw. 

I sighed and said “I think you should leave. I’m tired and I just want to sleep in peace. We’ll talk about this tomorrow” 

He thought for a moment before nodding and he left without arguing for which I was thankful. I plopped on the bed and closed my eyes. In no time I fell asleep.

The next day I continued working on the wormhole machine and stayed in the room all day. Jane brought me breakfast and left shortly. I locked the door even though I knew that wouldn’t stop King Nicholas from coming in, if he wanted to. Thankfully, he didn't. 

Soon it was time to get ready. I went to the bathhouse and took a long bath. I wasn’t looking forward to this feast at all. People from all over the kingdom were coming here today and I was nervous as hell. I never liked facing crowds. After I was done I got up and wore the robe. When I went back to my room Jane and my mother were waiting for me. 

“Bella, there you are! You must hurry, the guests will be arriving shortly” mother said dragging me towards the closet. Jane brought the outfit which I was supposed to wear. One look at the outfit and I was in complete awe.  

It was a red off shoulder gown, designed with heavy lace on the top, lightly trailing downwards. 

After putting it on I looked at myself in the mirror. The rich red coloured dress perfectly fitted me, but it was slightly revealing at the top. 

“You look wonderful, my sweet Bella” mother squealed in joy and embraced me, as Jane continued “Your Highness, your beauty is truly incomparable” 

“Thank you guys” I shyly smiled. 

Jane groomed my hair and let my hair fall down in its natural waves. She then placed the tiara on my head and she was done. I looked at myself. I looked so different and it scared me. 

“Are you ready to go, your Highness?” Jane asked. 

“Um, can I be alone for a few moments, if you guys don’t mind?” I asked. 

Mother frowned and replied “Alright dear, but don’t be late” she said and left the room, Jane following closely behind. 

I took a deep breath. Tomorrow I would leave this kingdom with King Nicholas. I didn’t know what fate I would be subjected to. 

After a few moments I decided to brace myself together and get through this night. I walked downstairs. The feast was being held in the garden as the dining room was not big enough to accommodate thousands of people. I reached downstairs, and the hall was completely isolated. Everyone must be in the garden I thought. I turned around to walk in the other direction, but I came to a halt when I saw him standing across the hall. My breath got caught up in my throat.

The Devil was looking at me with his intense piercing gaze. He took long strides towards me and stopped at an arm’s length. His eyes darkened as his gaze travelled down my body as he took in my appearance and licked his lips. I felt so nervous and squirmed under his gaze. It was hard not to get affected by him. 

He moved closer and whispered lowly in my ear,

“Do I make you nervous?” 

“Not at all” I tried to say firmly.

Suddenly, he cornered me to the wall placing both his hands on the either side of my head. Our bodies only inches apart and his silver eyes staring deeply into mine. 

He leaned forward, his hot minty breath blowing on my face as he whispered again “How about now? Are you still not nervous?” 

“N-No” I stuttered. 

“Do you have any idea how irresistible you look right now?” he said in a deep voice which made me shiver slightly in excitement. 

This man was making me feel unusual feelings and it scared me. 

I put my hands on his chest and tried pushing him back, but he didn’t even move an inch. 

Who is this guy? Ironman? 

“I think we should go, the people are waiting” I tried convincing him. 

He looked at me for a moment. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes. 

“Hmm, we should go. But since you are not nervous…” he paused gazing at my lips for a moment and continuing,

“You surely wouldn't mind if I kiss you, am I right?”