The Princess' Choice

Broken

Berke

That f*****g i***t! Insane maniac! Fool! I wanted to scream at him until my voice was gone. He knew exactly what he was doing! Emmett wanted me to kill him like it was an accident! My luck was that I knew his steps too well already. After helping him up from the ground I slapped him backhanded. The impact seemed to be so loud that it echoed in the empty training ground and corridors. Emmett's eyes widened at me. I was prepared to die.

- I'm the Second Prince of the Empire. - that was all he said. I didn't bow, nor fall on my knees, nor begged for forgiveness. I stood my ground looking into his blue eyes. They were full of pain, desperation and loneliness. I caressed his face where I hit it and felt a tear ran down my cheek. He held my hand in his keeping it on his burning cheek. We didn't say anything at all. Just stared into each other's eyes for a long time. I gathered my courage and broke the silence.

- I want to see that fire in your eyes and that sparkle I saw the first time we met. - at this point, I couldn't really get myself into a worse position. I slapped the Prince. The minimum was to say goodbye to my hand and that was the best option. Emmett looked surprised by what I said. He released my hand and reached over my head. I instinctively closed my eyes prepared for the pain, but I only felt my curls get loose as they fall on my shoulders. I looked at him again and Emmett was staring at my flaming red hair. He had a relaxed smile on his face and only now I noticed how thin he became. His eyes had dark circles around them and his skin seemed to be paler as well.

- How can I help? - I asked. He gasped.

- Do I look like I need a mere maid's help? - he tried to sound arrogant but his voice shrunk. I stepped closer and carefully put my hand on his chest. His breath skipped and his eyes widened.

- You are broken Emmett. - I said and he stepped away with a bitter smile.

- Get lost! - he ordered but when he took a step away I took one towards.

- I SAID GET LOST! That's an order! - he now shouted at me and Emmett shook in all his body. He turned his back to me and I ran to him.

Emmett

Out of all people. Why did she notice?! I was a fool for trying to get killed, but how can she say those words so easily?! Broken... I know it too. Why is she approaching me?!

- GET LOST! - worthless. She keeps approaching me.

- I SAID, GET LOST! That's an order! - I shouted at decided to turn my back on her. I didn't want to. I felt ashamed for my attempt, for wanting to cry, for wanting to open up. Out of nowhere I felt two arms around me. Her small palms rested on my chest while she hugged me from behind. We were already covered by the huge columns that surrounded the training grounds.

- I already let his Highness know, I don't take orders from other than his Highness's sister the Princess. - her touch calmed me. Slowly I felt relaxed and sighed with my eyes closed. The only peaceful night I had was when she broke into my room. I glanced over my shoulder and saw her face buried into my back.

- I was once broken your Highness. - she murmured.

- I won't say that after getting together, there weren't be any scratches, or that your Highness will be the same. That would be a lie, something once broken, can be fixed, but never the same. When you accept that, and collect the pieces, you'll be fine again. - it felt like a weight fall from my shoulders. I swallowed hardly before I asked.

- How? How do you do this? - I asked and she lifted her glance.

- I don't know what you mean your Highness.

- How do you know what I needed to hear? - she smiled.

- As I said, I was once broken. I just thought about what I wanted to hear back then. I'm glad it helped. - she released me and got further. I grabbed her wrist and pulled Berke into my arms. I held her in my arms and smelled the flowery scent of her wild hair. I could feel her heart beating fast, but mine was faster. She didn't move or talked, just let me embrace her. The nightmare I saw lately appeared in my mind again, but the reality of the moment kept me sane. I saw the flames, the black mass, but I didn't hear the fire, I didn't hear her scream in pain. All I knew was that she was in my arms and what I saw wasn't real.

- Your Highness, it's time to go back. - Berke said softly and slowly got out of my arms. The flames embraced her again in front of my eyes. But this time, they became one with her hair and instead of burning her, they illuminated her whole presence. I gasped in relief. Her eyes shined while she put her hand on my forehead.

- Your Highness, your forehead is burning. You must have fever. Let me help you get back to the palace. - she said and got under my shoulder helping me back, although I didn't feel sick at all. Finally I was calm for a while, but all that calmness was gone , as soon as Berke stepped out of my sight.