Mated Enemies

Of course he could be doing it all for his precious son but somehow I don’t get that feeling. It’s not his son he’s thinking of when I wake in the middle of the night to find him watching me sleep, and those rare glimpses into his mind before he started shielding his thoughts from me tell a completely different story.

It’s my ability to read those thoughts that have allowed me in such a short time to accept that he means the words he say, that they’re not just meaningless drivel meant to make me let my guard down. I felt the warmth of his growing love even now as remembered words whispered in the heat of passion made me blush.

Up ahead I saw a magnificent sight. A white and gold building pretty much the same color as Lucien’s palace but this one was decorated inside and out in differing shades of yellow and purple that was very eye catching.

I know that those are the majestic colors of the royal family and figured since it was so close to his residence that the place must be a part of his palace pavilion. We hadn’t gotten this far last night so I have no way of knowing what and where everything was, but Lucien had promised to take me around once he was through with his meeting today.

As I drew closer I became more and more fascinated by the very splendor and magnificence of the building. It was some kind of great hall I saw as I stepped inside, with a throne room where two golden thrones sat upon a dais. The floors shone as if they were made out of glass but upon closer inspection were actually made of gold.

The walls were white marble with gold cornices and there were splashes of purple and yellow everywhere from the seats of the golden thrones to the curtains that had to be a thousand feet long.

I turned slowly as I took it all in, while the servant stood outside the door not daring to step foot inside. I could understand why, the place screamed royalty and I’m sure not many are allowed. No sooner had I had the thought than it was somewhat confirmed for me.

“You’re not allowed in here until after the ceremony.” I almost jumped out of my skin at the voice coming from behind me just as I was making my approach towards the thrones. I turned to see what has got to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Golden is the word that came to mind when I looked at her.

A sudden wave of nausea assailed me as if the child in my womb had decided that now would be a good time to hit me with my first bout of morning sickness. Of course it would have to be in front of this perfect specimen.

She’s the first member of the royal family I’ve met since coming here. At least I think that’s who she is, though Lucien never mentioned having a sister, or a cousin this beautiful.

In fact he’s never mentioned any female besides his mom to me in all the stories he told about his childhood home. But who else can she be except a member of the nobility with her air of elegance and her standing in the place she was even now telling me was forbidden.

Her gown was made of the finest silk, something even a novice like myself could tell, and the gems she wore, surely no one but a royal could afford such luxury. She was literally dripping with every kind of gem known to man and some that were not. But it was her regal air more than anything else that gave her status away.

I almost bowed in greeting but once again the kid revolted. If I didn’t know better I would swear that he either kicked or pinched me and I got the very strong impression that I wasn’t supposed to bow to her, so I didn’t and hoped for the best. Where the heck is that Lucien anyway? He hasn’t been gone long but still…

“I’m sorry, I’m not aware of all the rules just yet, Lucien said…”

“You mean his royal highness. How crude of you to call the crown prince by his given name. Did no one teach you the proper etiquette of the sky kingdom?” I looked around feeling slightly foolish at the sharp retort but even Bellaque had abandoned me.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to…” I started to apologize but was once again cut off. Why is she so angry, it was just a silly mistake, no harm done! Then again maybe I shouldn’t have gone traipsing off all over the place. It was obvious that this place was something special so I guess I can see the reason for her displeasure.