Chapter 11

Sebastian's POV

It had been another week, and I still remained in my bedroom. I didn't want to deal with the meetings, the constant talking about my arranged marriage, and most of all, I didn't want to deal with Princess Naomi.

After tossing and turning for fifteen minutes in my bed, I got up and walked to the balcony. It was a beautiful day, yet I was unhappy and lost deep in many thoughts. Thoughts of me going to fetch Emily and running away with her, thoughts of me bringing her boldly into the palace and introducing her to my father as the woman that my heart desires.

A knock on the door startled me.

"Come in," I called.

In walked my maid, with my breakfast.

"Thanks, but I'm not hungry. You can return it to the kitchen," I told her.

"Sir, I've been returning your breakfast for three days now. Why won't you eat your meals? Does this have to do with that other woman?"

"What other woman?" I asked sharply, eyebrows creasing. The last thing I wanted was the truth being exposed to my father. He was already angry.

"I wouldn't and haven't said a word, but judging by that look in your eyes, I can tell she's special to you, and you went to great lengths to sneak her in here."

I blushed slightly. The memory of Emily and me that night, sneaking into my bedroom like teenagers. Our naked bodies against each other in the outdoor Jacuzzi. All the things that would never ever happen again once I took Naomi to be my wife and my queen.

"Beatrice, I'm exhausted mentally."

"Ssshh, my son, please don't do this to yourself. Your mother wouldn't want this for you."

"I know. That's why she took off and took me with her. Father doesn't understand that if I'm not happy, I can't be the king he wants me to be. He's just hard headed and won't listen. I don't wish to marry Naomi."

"Yes, I know, but would you be feeling this way if that other woman hadn't shown up? I believe you should give Naomi a fair chance. Get to know her better before you develop a hatred for her, and if she still hasn't changed your heart, then you can sort out the matter with your father."

"You think that's a good idea?" Beatrice was like a second mother to me. My early childhood revolved around her.

"I think it's a fair idea. Spend the day with her and see how that goes."

_______________

I was dressed and waiting by my personal vehicle. Naomi came several minutes later with a wide smile on her face. I opened the front passenger's door for her, and I got into the driver's seat afterwards. The bodyguards followed as I drove out the front entrance.

"Where are we going?" she asked as she tried to take my hand into hers. I brushed it away and placed it onto the steering wheel. Her smile faded, and her posture sank into the seat.

"We're having a picnic by the lake," I answered.

"Okay, would your father be present?"

"No. Just you and I."

"Why? Since my arrival, you've shut me out and completely ignored me. You've never acknowledged my presence, even if we're in the same room, Sebastian!" she finished with a bit of a shout, which wasn't very lady-like of her.

"I'm sorry," was all I managed to say, but I truly was. I felt bad as she aired it all out, and I had to sit there and take it all in.

"It's okay. I forgive you." Our hands wrapped around each other's as I drove onward.

Arriving at the lake, the picnic space had already been set up and was just waiting to be unpacked and eaten.

We sat down opposite each other, and the bodyguards stayed at a respectable distance. I unpacked the basket, laying everything on the blanket. The day stayed sunny and beautiful as we dug into the delicious goodies.

"So, tell me something that's interesting about you," I made conversation as I bit into a blueberry muffin.

"I hated being trained as a princess. My mother wasn't easy on me, and at one point, I ran away from home."

"You ran away?" This came as a shock to me.

"Yes. It was around Christmas time. Everyone was going out, celebrating, shopping, but I had princess duties. I just couldn't stand it at the time. I packed some clothes and shoes, and I left."

"Where did you go?"

"To my grandmother's house."

I laughed, and so did she. Who runs away to go to their grandma's house?

"Yes, I know it's sort of crazy, and it's not exactly 'running away,' but I was also a cautious teenager. I didn't know what was out there, and that frightened me a lot, the idea of being lost or running into enemies."

"That's understandable. You're considerate of not just yourself but your country as well."

"Yes, but if you don't mind, can we talk about something other than our kingdoms? That's all my mother ever talks about. It would be nice to talk about something completely different for once."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Well, what do you wish to talk about?"

"Love."

"What about it?"

She looked at me deeply, the same way she had looked at me when she saw me for the first time.

"Can you ever seeing yourself loving me, Sebastian?"

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Emily's POV

My hands went to my lips as Gen stood there, watching my movements.

"Gen, please don't ever do that again," I firmly said.

"Oh my gosh, Emily, I'm so sorry. I just wanted you to know that I'm..."

I held up my hand, stopping her from saying more. I was in a bit of a rage. Things were already complicated, and I didn't need Gen throwing her feelings at me as well.

"Gen, you of all people should know that I hate the unexpected and I hate being manipulated. How could you just hide something like this and dish it out when I'm down?"

"Because I thought this was the right time to say something to you. I've always been bisexual."

Talk about knowing someone.

I raked my fingers through my hair and thought about what she had just said. I've never once seen her with someone of the same sex, but maybe she did that in private because she didn't know how I'd react to such behavior.

Never have I touched another woman, but I'd never judge others for liking or loving someone of the same sex. I just wasn't that type of person. I wasn't gay or bisexual.

"I overstepped, and I'm sorry. I think I should just leave."

I watched as she walked out the door. I didn't have the nerve, wasn't bold enough, to stop her.

What would my parents think if I bought home another woman?