The Princess' Choice

Prince Emmett

Annalise

Trumpets and joyful cheering shouts echoed throughout the whole capital. Just as Berke said, Emmett and his troops arrived by the next dawn. I couldn't sleep a single second all night. I was mortified about meeting my brother again. Berke helped me get ready when Sébastien rushed into my room. I was about to get my shoes on when he got me up from the bed and with me in his arms he ran out of the room. Berke followed us quietly like a small shadow. Sébastien's face showed a relieved smile and while he ran I could feel his excitement. The butler saw us rushing around the castle but he gave up this time.

We arrived to the main gates just when Emmett got off of his horse. He grew a lot and just like in my dreams, he seemed to be colder than ever. His blue eyes lost their shine and there was not a single trace of happiness in his expression. Our parents avoiding all kind of diplomacy and courtesy hugged Emmett. Sébastien put me down and rushed to Emmett he hugged him after our parents and pat his back proudly.

- Finally you are home! - he said and Emmett nodded. Our mother looked at me and smiled.

- Annalise, come and greet your brother!- I walked closer and bowed in front of Emmet for everyone's surprise. We used to be so close but only I noticed his change. He nodded to me and excused himself. I watched him walk away and everyone bowed to him, except for one, small, fragile looking, red-head. Emmett's eyes laid on Berke and I could see the anger in them. He caught her collar and threw her into the snow.

Berke

Emmett was colder than the first time we met. He walked past me and didn't even say a word nor nodded at least acknowledging my existence. He found me, I saved his, his right-hand's and sister's life. I earned his respect. Everyone bowed but I felt a sudden urge to rebel. When he noticed his eyes got darker and he suddenly grabbed me by the collar. He grunted his teeth and asked in a low voice only I heard.

- Show me some respect, underling!

- Respect must be earned and mutual. - I said. He was like a mad dog. In one movement he pushed me into the cold snow and hurried away. Annalise rushed to my side but I got up quickly, made a snow ball and hit directly the back of his neck. He glanced at me and if his eyes could kill, I would've been dead at that instant. Sébastien gasped and the Empress and Emperor couldn't say a word in their surprise.

- You little... - Emmett started but I threw another snowball at him and he charged at me with his sword. His troops left already leaving only the royal family and a few closer servers as witnesses.

- Emmett! - the Emperor shouted but he didn't hear anything. Prince Emmett ran to kill me, but I knew, I was faster. I ran into the gardens with Emmett in my heels. I don't know why I did what I did. I just hated to see him so cold and arrogant. He was getting closer and I took a sharp turn where I knew there was a little ice on the path. As expected the angry bull slipped on the ice and fall onto his back. I stopped and walked back to him. All I could hear was Sébastien's laughter. I offered a hand for his Highness but he hit my hand with his sword instead. I still don't know from where I got the guts for what I did, but I kicked the sword out of his hand and offered mine again.

- You'll get sick your Highness. - he caught my hand and pulled me on the ground. He got above me and put a knife to my throat.

- Who the hell are you?! - at that moment, with the knife on my neck I chuckled.

- Berke, your Highness, I'm Berke.

Emmett

I chased that goddamn maid and couldn't see from the anger. When I finally got the upper hand and asked who she was, I couldn't believe my ears.

- Berke... - I repeated and put the knife away. I looked into her eyes and realized how much she changed these past years. I didn't recognize her at first. Her hair got longer and curlier, she grew a little and her figure became even more fragile looking than when I left. I kept staring into her eyes and saw the spring in them. I remembered before I left to the war... She always sneaked out with Lise, and made flower crowns, she also used to dance for her and taught her lots of interesting things about other nations. I knew she saw me when I spied on them, and I knew she deliberately took Lise to the same spot always. I got up and pulled her up as well. Sébastien's laughter echoed and I looked at my family again, this time, I really saw them.

- Welcome home, your Highness. - Berke said and slightly bowed with a smile on her face. I couldn't take my eyes off of her smile, it was like a tiny, little flame was set in my frozen soul.

- Thank you, Berke.