The Princess' Choice

Flames

Berke

I was heading back to Lise's bedroom but that tingling feeling on my lips kept remembering me of the kiss... I got caught by Emmett. I just wanted to check if he was awake, but I saw him frowning his eyebrows in his sleep. I wanted to comfort him as I usually do with Lise... But the next moment I got pinned under him. I know I shouldn't have enjoyed the situation, but truth to be told, Emmett only got even more handsome since we haven't seen each other. The cold winter wind brought me back to reality. Emmett is the Second Prince of the Empire, and I'm, as I said for Prince Damien, a nobody. Tonight was a gift from God, a compensation for all I have endured, but that's all. When I opened Annalise's door I saw her sitting on her bed in a faint candle light.

- So? How is he doing? - she asked and I had to smile. I walked to her and placed a kiss on her forehead before hugging her.

- Everything is fine.

- Are you sure? - she asked softly and her weak voice almost broke my heart. She endured a lot as well. For now, everyone thinks she is a fool... She must play the part she hates for her brothers and Empire.

- Hundred percent sure. He changed, but he will be fine. Give Emmett some time Annalise. War is a disgusting and horrible thing, it takes time to get back to the normality.

- He should've taken you with him. I knew this will happen but no one listened to me!- Lise trembled in anger and I squeezed her tighter.

- Lise, he is going to be okay. He is home now.

- You don't understand Berke... - I released her and kneeled in front of her. I took both of Annalise's small hands into mine and looked her in the eyes.

- I don't fully understand the situation, that's true. But I'll do anything within my power to help you and your brothers Lise. - she smiled and leaned closer.

- Even if you get enemies for yourself?- I laughed at her statement.

- Apart from my life, I have nothing to lose. Now get in the bed and sleep! It has been a long day.

- Will you sleep with me tonight? - she asked and just like always I couldn't refuse.

Next morning

Emmett

I woke up calm, refreshed and almost happy. After getting ready I headed to Annalise's room. I needed to find out what Prince Damien wanted from her. When I arrived the guards informed me that she was still asleep, but let me enter obviously. I sneaked to her bed and saw a big bump under the thick blankets. When I touched Annalise's head on top of the blanket, a hand suddenly grabbed mine and a sword stopped at my throat.

- Emmett! What the hell are you doing here?! - Berke asked in a low voice and she put the sword down immediately.

- I should be asking this from you! What are you doing in Annalise's bed? - she released my hand and got slowly up nodding towards the bathroom. We walked in and after she closed the door, Berke looked into my eyes.

She is a fascinating woman... I couldn't get enough of her emerald eyes.

- Her Highness had trouble with sleeping in those years while you were absence from the castle, your Highness. She requested from time to time, that I give her company while sleeping. - she just called me Emmett a few minutes ago, and now, back to cold formalities. I scratched the back of my neck, didn't really know what to say.

- May I ask why your Highness came to her Highness's chambers this early in the morning? - she lifted her glance and our eyes met. I suddenly remembered of the image of Berke laying under me. Her gorgeous skin, toned body, and delicious lips. My throat got dry and I had to cough before I could answer.

- I just wanted to surprise her.

- Well, it was a surprise for me! - she smiled and the whole room became more colorful for a split second. I skipped the distance between us and held her face in my hands.

- Your Highness... - she mumbled but she seemed to be excited rather than afraid.

- Berke... - I leaned to kiss her lips, I wanted to taste them again when we heard a familiar voice.

- Berke! Where are you? - Annalise woke up. Hearing her voice Berke took a step back, bowed and walked out of the room.

- Your Highness, good morning!

- What are you talking about? - Annalise asked but as soon as she saw me her attitude changed.

- Her Highness's brother wished to surprise your Highness this morning.

- And you made him wait in the bathroom? - her voice was cold and distant just like last night.

- I didn't want to wake you up, your Highness.

- Well... You should've! Get lost! - I felt anger raising in my chest. Berke bowed for both of us and left the room.

- Lise. You shouldn't treat her like that! She even protected you in your sleep.

- How? - I couldn't help but smile.

- She pointed a sword at me when I touched you.

- So she let you to touch me and even threatened the second Prince of the Empire. I'll make sure she gets her punishment. - Annalise said and headed towards the door.

- What are you doing?

- I'll tell to the guards to punish Berke. Fifty whip lashes should be enough. - I grabbed her hand and pulled my sister back.

- Are you crazy?! - she smiled at me genuinely for the first time since I arrived.

- Why are you smiling? - I asked and her smile spread wider.

- I was right, that's all.