Knock. Knock .knock.
The raps on the door diffuse the tension in the room alittle.
"Prince kingston, the king request your presence in the throne room." A guard announce outside the door.
"I am coming." He responded.
Rose, sorry you wont be able to leave this room until I'm back. You might hide again if I let you loose now which I dont want to. Please wait for me, I will be back soon
....and think deeply about....he stares into her eyes " why I'm doing all this, with your heart not your brain, I believe you will get your answer". He pecks her head, stays little longer than usual before moving away and walk out. An intimate gesture that speaks louder than words.
An order echoes outside the door.
"Guard the room, no one is allowed to go in or come out. No one, unless I come back. "
Rose shoulder sagged. She slide down the wall, sitting on the floor. Her head resting on her knee and she mumbles
" Kingston, why are you punishing both of us. Just let me go. We....we are impossible" do you think I don't have an idea, but I dont dare to think much about it! Call me a coward. I dont deserve the title you carry! I...I....--- her voice broke.
Crawls to the bed, it smells like him. She climbs it, nestled into the covers. Too tired to do anything more than sleeping for the day. She felt drained of energy. And not too long she slept off.
Kingston came back late in the evening, his body was so tired but his mind wasn't. All his mind could think of, even during the official meeting with his father and the court officials, was Rose. The woman who completely occupy his thought without leaving a space for another.
Throughout the meeting, he was praying for it to end faster. Unfortunately for him it took longer than he wished.
He walks hurriedly towards his chamber, strides to the room without even looking at the guards stationed outside the door. His eyes trailed around the bedroom, half expected her to leave the bedroom for the living room ----- But was surprised she's lying on his bed, wrapped to the neck. He smiles, his fatigue washing away by just looking at her sleeping figure on his bed.
Kingston walks quietly to the bed, afraid of waking her. He squats beside her, watching her beautiful face that looks peaceful and ethereal to him.
"I am scared Rose. So very scared.
Father just announced a formal selection for the crown princess in the court and yours will follow after.
His mind nag him "you are 23years now, and the crown princess should have been chosen since your coming of age when you clocked 18yrs, the day you became the crown prince but you rejected."
These people can't just let me breathe for another year. (he scoffs) when all they think about is their own interest. Picking someone I dont know, dont even love for me is so devastating Rose.
When I've already had someone who has a hold on my heart but these bastards dont care!
They want more power!
More resources!
Marriage alliance with greater power and all the benefits it can bring!
They dont care if they love eachother!
How it later turns does not concern them!
Whether it becomes harmonious or gloomy, disastrous and a fail marriage, it doesnt matter so far they gain. That's all that matters to them.
But if all these, rose what in scared about really is you. I dont know if you really love me like I do.
I dont know if our feelings align with eachother!
I dont know if you heart beats for me like mine beats for you!
I dont know if you will accept me if I confess how i feel to you!
Because I dont really care about them all, I only care about your thought of me.
So many proposals have come for you Rose. So many good and qualified people that father is already considering them like you said.
The court...., also eager to have you married to a powerful country's king or crown prince.
And here I am with your love so heavy and full in my heart.
What do you think I should do Rose. What can I do to make you see me as I see you.
Not as a brother but as man who only sees you as the woman that conquer his world, heart and soul.
A tear slid down his cheek which he wiped quickly.
He inhale harshly.
Rose. Sorry, I cant wait for you to see the love I have for you in my eyes anymore. It's time I start to really show you through words and actions.
I plan to let you feel it really without hiding anymore before it's too late that I will regret.
I have never allow you to call me brother and I still won't allow you to call me that because you are not a sister to me. Not by blood and not by relation. You are someone the universe brought to me as a joy and I dont plan to let you go. Not before l. Not now. Not ever.
His finger trace some patterns on her face, lightly. Gaze filled with affection and sincerity before leaving the room for his office within his quarter.
Immediately the door close, Rose opened her eyes, tears falling uncontrollably as she sobs. Her heart hurts like a thousand prickles in it.
She heard all his confessions. Every word he said etched in her heart and brain. Her body shook as she sobs into the pillow to hold in the sound.
Her whispers echoes softly as she says, voice muffled but still clear to those who listen....Attentive....
I am just a child your parents brought home. I don't even know my family. I dont belong to a powerful family nor can I bring you all what you need.
Power?!
Influence?!
I have none of it!
What can I do than keep this love l have for you in my heart forever.... kingston!
I don't deserve your love! Reason why I have been running away from you since I started to know what love and affection is!
Since I started seeing your affection and reactions towards me.
Since I started seeing my feelings towards you have change as a sister to a woman..... to a man love.
What do you want me to do now? Hiw do you want me to cope after hearing all these?!
I'm not sure if father and mother will allow but I know the court will not!
"Wuuuuuuu." Her cries echoes throughout the four walls of the room to the person standing outside the door. Listening with heart in his throat. An ache so profound and hurting to the bone and soul.
***********************
What do you think will happen now that the cat is out of the bag???
Do you think king and queen will choose duty over their love?
Do you think the court will accept them at all? Do they have chance ?
And lastly who exactly is rose? Her bloodline? is rose really a peasant without a noble or powerful blood in her vein like she thinks? Just a child pick up by the queen?
Let's have your thoughts ☺
@Olukoya Zainab