Page 43 of Glass Hearts
It’s silly, really. Every woman wants to bewanted. To be the girl that is picked by the knight in shining armour… To be lovedfor every flaw and quirky characteristic. Perhaps I had thought I was immune to seeking connection prior to meeting the princes. I am a downright fool.
I avoid eye contact with the princes for the remainder of my shift, even though I feel the weight of their stares.
“Thank you for helping, Ella. Sorry you had to see Arch make out with that hussy. He is being an idiot,” Bri says disapprovingly, dismissing me from my duty. I manage a meager smile in reply as I quickly hug my friend a goodnight.
Drained, heartbroken, and ready for bed, I head back to my room. As I round the corner, a dark figure emerges. Hidden and in wait for me is Bernice. I had wondered when she would make her appearance to confront me.
“Arabella. I am so disappointed in you. Really? Pretending to be sick so you could get a day off when we first arrived? Or are you thinking you can get some sympathy to get some attention from the princes? Their hearts are softer than I thought.”
“I-I am sorry, Bernice. I hadn’t wanted to cause any trouble. Certainly not looking for any attention from the princes.”
“I see the way you look at the princes. Tell me, girl, do you really think they could love the likes of you?!” She looks me up and down disapprovingly.
“More than they could love your shallow and rude daughters.”
A sharp pain slices on my cheek, stinging instantly from Bernice palm.
Hand to my cheek, the tears now fall. I knew I shouldn’t have said it as soon as the words came out of my mouth. But after all the shit this evening, I didn’t need to hear the confirmation coming from Bernice. I know they aren’t mine.
“Remember your place, Arabella. You have gotten more errant of late. Victor is already lining up your betrothal once the princes propose to my daughters. You are forcing me to speedup the process, Belly. Do you see what position you put me in? Drop your interest in the princes and stop being such an embarrassment.” With that, she storms off.
I know I should hold off until I get to my room. But the tears fall out, and I sob audibly. Bernice is right. I had been romanticizing the princes and feeling hopeful. Grayer and Koi make me feel like I am beautiful. Sylas gives the feeling of safety. Even Archer has me feeling betraying butterflies. Not alone.
But it’s all a lie.
Sylas
Hidden in a dark corner, Arabella cannot see me. But I can see her. I saw what Bernice said and did to Arabella. It took everything in me not to run off to confront the awful woman. Guilt eats at me; I put Arabella through this.
Once I figure Bernice is far away from the hallway, I make my way towards Arabella who has crumbled down onto the side of the wall, head to her knees, crying. I am gutted at the sight.
When she hears me coming, she instantly gets up, wiping her tears, but keeps her gaze lowered.
“Prince Sylas, my apologies. I was just heading back to my room. Just accidentally stubbed my toe; that’s why I am crying. Silly me.” She sniffles and tries to laugh.
“Ah, and that is why your cheek is red?” I gently lift her face by placing two fingers under her chin. Tears track down her lovely face. My heart breaks even more at the sight.
“Mind your business, Prince. And I will mind my own.” She backs out of my light grasp, turning to leave.
“Arabella, stop.”
Her back is still to me, but thankfully she does stop, her shoulders dropping.
How can I explain that I can’t help wanting to know her business? To know everything about her? When she came into the terrace room and I saw her heartbroken face, I almost crumpled. All I wanted to do was take her into my arms and sit her next to me.
Truthfully, I have felt no connection to any of the women. I had known before meeting Arabella that I was never going to marry for love. I had made peace with it. Then, the little vixen made her way into my life. Our lives. Sometimes I even dream that she could be our missing piece to our bond.
We have shared women before, but never in the emotional, romantic sense. The council once again would never allow it. So here I am, having to keep Arabella at a distance for all she tempts me.
“Arabella, I think you should move back to the room. It was a mistake to put you in the servants’ quarters. Maybe find you a unique position where you don’t have to see that vile woman.”
Arabella sighs audibly and turns around. The look of tiredness and sadness shows upon her tear-stained face.
“Prince Sylas, respectfully, you can take that room and shove it up your ass. I don’t need your protection. Stop trying to pretend you care. Bernice will find me regardless of where you have me working within the castle. I need youallto leave me thefuck alone.”
With that, she leaves. Taking the air from my lungs along with her.
I need to punch something.
