Fated: The Belted Series

Fated: Belted: Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Haunted

"What the hell are you doing, Insignia?" A familiar voice stops me in my tracks. My grip still firmly on the intruders arm behind his back and his chest pushed against my front door, I forget to release.

"Sebastian?" The sound of the shock echoes in the cottage.

"Yes you freak. Let me go." I push him harder one last time before releasing and see the man I have dreaded seeing standing in front of me. I search his eyes for an explanation as to why he's here, other than the obvious. Our marriage. I curtsy. "My Lord." I stare at the small ant on the stained wooden floor, hoping that the soon-to-be King isn't here to reclaim his prized posession.

Suddenly I feel a soft touch underneath my chin. "Sig, please don't be like that." His voice was low, raspy. A surge of warmth travels through me. I look up into his blue eyes and his thick black hair perfectly complimenting his invigorating smile. His eyes soft and sympathetic as he gazes into mine.

"I'm not here to force you. I'm just here to congratulate you on your birthday." Sebastian had a frosty exterior, but the parts I have seen were soft, that of a caring man.

"Thank you, Lord Sebastian. But you didn't need to travel the realms to simply wish me a happy birthday." I smile sweetly, knowing that the hint of curiosity in my voice would be enough to let the Prince know that I simply did not believe it.

Hmm. Sebastian sighs. He tilts his head slightly, focusing his gaze on my mine before letting out a chuckle. He looks down before resting against my marble table.

"I do have to be honest, I have ulterior motives. But my main intent was wishing you a happy birthday, Princess Insignia." I feel my face puff and slowly cross my arms. Waiting eagerly for an explanation.

"I'm here to sway the council, Sig. I need their approval to meet with the Valkarie realm." I could feel my jaw dropping.

"Sebastian, the Valkarie realm is a death sentence. They are our fiercest enemies, you cannot rationalize with barbarians." I had yet to learn how to be a Queen for Calfai, but I knew how to handle the council, especially my betrothed. The mere mention of Valkeries could send panic into Calfai, or any other realm for that matter. Valkeries have been known to double cross their own allies and cause deaths of hundreds of realms. So many lives have been lost, including my parents. I had known Sebastian my entire life, and as much as I despised the thought of being forced into a marriage as a contract of protection for Calfai, I knew that the prince was a valuable soul. Of my former life, Sebastian is the only thing I have left.

"Hey, it's going to be alright. We need to end this war once and for all. Enough blood has been shed, the Emporer needs hear it."

I stare at Sebastian, at a loss for words. I knew he wanted to do the right thing for everyone, but there is just no way the Emporer would listen.

Interrupted by my thoughts, Sebastian slides a pretty pink wrapped gift under my gaze topped with a sparkling bow. I look at him in surprise and am met with a sickeningly sweet smile, and maybe even a little blush.

"Go on, open it... Princess." I feel my cheeks getting flustered and quickly turn my attention to the gift. I slowly open the wrapping paper, careful not to tear it. Inside, a small square wooden box with a gold lock attached. I look at Sebastian confused, as he smiles mischievously.

"The necklace I got you for your last birthday is the key Princess." My fingers slide down my neck, under my red turtleneck sweater I pull out the key that Sebastian gave me for my last birthday. He seemed shocked that I was even wearing it. I slide the golden key into the lock, without any hesitation the box clicks open and a cloud of purple and blue glitter mist is released from it. I look around, smiling for a little while before turning my attention back to the box.

My heart drops.