Chapter 8

Lying still, I froze at the sound of the Prince calling out my name. Why did he want me in his bed? Was this the start of my training that he mentioned? I heard the faint rustle of bed sheets as the Prince sat up and sighed softly. Through squinted eyes, I could see the Prince staring intently over at me, his face illuminated by the fire.

"I know you are awake, Elena," The Prince called out gently. "I can hear your teeth chattering. Come in the bed and keep warm. I promise you that I won't touch you."

Sliding my legs off the sofa, I ambled towards the Prince's bed and quickly climbed in beside him. Laying on my back, I stared up at the ceiling and lay stiff as a board. I didn't dare move or lie too close to the Prince. After all, I was meant to be his servant. Servants don't lie in their master's bed! Chuckling to himself, I felt the Prince grab me gently and turn me onto my side, my back against his abdomen as he pulled me closer.

"You aren't going to get comfortable like that now," the Prince chuckled in amusement. "Come and cuddle in. You are freezing!"

"Thank you, Your Highness," I mumbled softly before pulling the bedcovers around my shoulders more and letting the Prince's body heat envelop me.

"Just call me Kieran," the Prince whispered. "I know your name, so it's only fair you know mine."

"Oh, no, I couldn't call you by your first name!" I squeaked out loudly. "It would be considered rude. I know my place!"

"Your place, yet you are in my bed?" chuckled Kieran softly. "Listen, why don't you call me Kieran when we are alone together, and then whatever else you want to call me in public. Would that be better for you, for now at least?"

What do you mean for now, at least?" I quiz back, puzzled. What was this man thinking?

"Look, I don't want to talk about it right now," Kieran replied quickly. You're different to the other girls I've met. They all know what they want, and they have one thing on their minds. But you, you're just so sweet and innocent. A tiny bit damaged, yes, but there's something in you that I can't stay away from."

"Then don't," I gulped nervously, feeling Kieran caressing my back gently with his fingers. What was I thinking?

"Shh, now," Kieran continued after a long pause. "Get some sleep. We have a day of celebrating tomorrow, and I want you fresh-faced and looking beautiful for me. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Your Highness. I mean, Kieran," I quickly stammered., feeling Kieran pull me close once more.

"Good girl," Kieran whispered before planting a gentle kiss on the back of my head.

*******

The sound of Kieran climbing out of bed finally awoke me from a deep and peaceful slumber. It felt like the best nights sleep I ever had in ages, and I felt full of energy, ready for whatever the day was about to bring.

"Get up, sleepyhead!" Kieran ordered. "You need to get ready for the thanksgiving celebration. I think you will find a nice dress hanging up in the lounge. I got a servant to pick it up from town earlier."

"Do servants normally wear pretty dresses?" I asked nervously. "I thought I would be dressed in some type of uniform."

"Usually yes, but seeing as this is a party, I thought I'd make an exception," Kieran replied slowly while getting himself dressed into his royal suit. "And no, servants don't usually come to parties, but again, I'm making an exception. I need you close to me at all times."

Nodding, I walked towards the lounge area and spied a baby-blue knee-length dress lying over the back of the sofa. Gently I picked it up, feeling the silk and taffeta beneath my fingers. Gently, I traced my finger over the lace detailing along the bodice, feeling my eyes well up with happy tears. A pair of matching lace-up baby-blue flat sandals lay next to the dress alongside a matching pair of earrings and necklace set. Whoever had picked this outfit out had good taste.

"Do you like it, Elena?" Kieran asked gently, while leaning against the archway in his gold armour. "Why are you crying?"

"I love it, honestly," I wept happily. "But this is too much. I don't deserve something as exquisite as this. The other girls will sure to be jealous! I don't want to step on anyone's toes!"

"Now, you listen to me," Kieran cooed softly, cupping my tear-stained face in his hands. "Go in there and dry those tears. Fix up that face and do your hair all nice and put that dress on. I bought it for you as I want you to wear it. Don't worry about what anyone will say. You are with me, so I doubt anyone will have the audacity to say anything, okay."

Picking up my new outfit, I walked back inside the bedroom and started to get changed. The dress fitted perfectly, accentuating my curves. The colour of the baby blue dress went perfectly with my skin tone, and all my cuts and bruises had now faded into nothingness, making my skin look blemish-free. Turning my head around the room, I spied a comb lying on the desk, and I quickly grabbed it and began pulling it through my long brown locks. Opting for my usual half down, half-up style, I turned towards a large golden mirror and stared at my appearance happily. The girl staring back didn't even look like me. The girl in the mirror seemed almost regal and happy, unlike the sad, depressed shadow I was used to.

Hearing Kieran walking behind me, I turned around swiftly and smiled bashfully before looking down at the floor. Kieran stopped only inches away from me as he gently lifted my chin with his finger and thumb and stared down at me intently. I tried to stare back confidently for as long as I could, but my nerves got the better of me. Carefully, I tried to pull away, but Kieran, who was now cupping my face gently, held me steady.

"Elena, you are so beautiful!" Kieran gushed, staring at me hungrily. "Such a prize. Worthy of wife material."

"What?" I stammered in shock. Did he say, wife?

"Um, I just meant that one day you will make a good wife for somebody fortunate," Kieran quickly spluttered before regaining composure. "Are you ready? We don't want to be late!"

Nodding, I gently placed my hand in Kieran's outstretched hand, pushing any thoughts towards the back of my mind as I let Kieran gracefully walk me across the bedroom. Quickly, we walked into the lounge and towards the exit. Standing at the other end of the bridge was a large group of girls in an array of different coloured dresses. These must be Kieran's other bedmaidens! And there, standing right in the middle of the group, was Davina, glaring at me angrily.