The King’s Prisoner

Chapter 16

Tori

      Silence hung between us as we walked to his bedroom. I knew he was mad at me for what I did, but what choice did I have? Believe me when I say, I was still shocked at myself for being so bold, but it justified one thing, Adrian wanted me. I felt it in his kiss. I felt how he tried to restrain himself, but it didn’t work. The way we did it was spontaneously arousing. It was exotic, forbidden, and I would do it all over again. Under different circumstances, of course. We made to his room and I knew that the moment the door closed, he was going to let me have it.

“You lied to me,” he said in the calmest tone.

      He removed his shirt, revealing his ripped muscles. My face heated at the thought of how my nails were scratching down his chest. I was speechless. I peeked up at him and there was no smirk, no flirting. He looked like when I first met him. He gave me the coldest stare.

“Why did you do it?” He folded his arms over his muscular chest. I didn’t know how to answer him.

“How could you steal my seed?”

“You didn’t exactly push me off of you, did you? No, so this isn’t really all on me.” He dropped his arms and began to pace the room.

“I tried to push you off-“

“Oh, please. You’re twice my size and strength, Adrian. I think you were enjoying just as much as I was.”

“I didn’t want to hurt you, but that doesn’t mean, that you steal from me. You still haven’t told me why. Answer my question.” He managed to control his tone. I plopped unto the end of his bed.

“I was only trying to help you.” I stared down at my hands. He joined me on the end of the bed, but we didn’t look at each other.

“How was this suppose to help me? I told you to leave,” he said as he faced me.

“I couldn’t just leave you. I don’t know why. It didn’t feel right and with Jasper trying to take your place as King and with him framing you, I-I guess I know how it feels to be accused of something that I didn’t do.” I took the chance of lacing our fingers together and surprisingly, he let me. His hands were warm and soft, but what can you expect from a man with his status. I knew I was falling for him and I couldn’t help it.

“Tori,” he whispered. “Why didn’t you just tell me? I had a plan already.”

“How was I suppose to know that?”

He looked at me. “You weren’t. I thought you were going to leave and be gone for good.” Ouch. I looked down to hide the sadness on my face.

“Still, you could’ve told me the first time I came down,” I said.

“Yeah, just like you could’ve told me about what Victor did to you.” I squeezed my eyes shut.

“How did you know about that?” I huffed.

“I have my sources. Now, tell me what happened?” The last thing I wanted to do was revisit what Victor did, but Adrian wasn’t going to let it go. I told what happened after our reception and how I was pushed into the room where Victor was waiting for me. His expression hardened as he squeezed my hand.

“I wish I was there to protect you,” he said guiltily. It wasn’t his fault he was framed. He didn’t know the secrets his family had, the lies they’ve told. Adrian had this impression that his father was a good man and he probably was in his eyes.

“Jasper came in and killed him. Honestly, I don’t even remember hearing the sound of the gunshot.” I looked at him and he had a look of defeat. “It’s not your fault,” I reassured him. I went to lean onto his shoulder, instead, he pulled me to his chest. I listened to the sound of his heartbeats and how fast they were going, the hard thuds instantly putting me at ease.

“I’m sorry, Adrian. I was only trying to save you like you saved me. I thought stealing your seed would be the only way to get you your crown back.” I was wrong for doing that and even though the s*x was consenting between us. I seduced him.

“Why? Why do you care?” He asked.

“Well, you saved me from Victor and-“ he tipped my chin up while gazing into my eyes.

“And?” He asked. Although, his expression was serious, he had this flirtatious tone in his voice.

“I guess I care a little about you.” His low chuckle vibrated through his body.

“You guess?” He was amused.

I smiled and gestured my fingers. “Just a little.”

We both were silent, lost in each other’s eyes. I licked my lip as he broke contact with me. I know we’ve already had s*x and trust me, it was amazing, but after everything that has happened, I don’t know if it’s a good idea to do so. I stood and turned from him.

“I-I should go back to my room.”

“Why? We are husband and wife after all.” I couldn’t tell him that being around him drove me wild or that the fact that he’s still shirtless made me want to have him on this bed. The connection we have is beyond undeniable and what’s crazy is that, it snuck up on me.

“I just need to be alone.” I walked towards the door and he was right behind me. I thought he was going to hold me back, instead, he unlocked the door. I gave him a small smile.

“Good night, Adrian.”

“Good night, Tori.”

I quickly walked to my room but before I could open the door, I was approached by Jasper.

“I need to talk to you.”

He was angry and reeked of alcohol.

I turned to him and folded my arms. “What do you want?”

“Did you really sleep with my brother or is this just some sick game?”

I leaned onto the door. “Why does it matter?”

He laughed as he began to move closer to me. “Because if you’re lying, then the Emperor will have executed.”

I rolled my eyes. “Geez, you get killed for everything around here.”

“Answer my question.” He strolled closer to me, gazing at me wantingly.

“I don’t have to answer your question. You’re not the king, Jasper. So, if you will excuse me, I’m going to bed.” I turned to go into my room when he roughly yanked my arm. Before I could react, Adrian’s fist collided with his brother’s jaw.

“Don’t you ever put your hands on my f*****g wife!” He stood over Jasper with his brows snapped together in anger. His clenched fist were prepared as he waited for Jasper to move.

“What the f**k is wrong with you?” Jasper yelled. Out of the blue, the guards appeared and Adrian stepped out of the way. He grabbed my hand and opened the door to my room. “Touch her again and I swear I will kill you.”

He looked at the guards that were helping Jasper up. “No one and I mean no one bother us for the rest of the night.”

“Yes, your majesty,” one of the guards replied.

We went inside the room and Adrian shut the door.

“Trouble just follow you everywhere, doesn’t it?” 

Adrian

      Seeing Jasper that close to her drove me mad. I knew he wanted her, he said so himself. She’s my wife, mine and as long as I’m around, no man will ever come close to her again.

“What did he say to you?” I asked her.

She sat on the bed with her hands covering her face. “He wanted to know if we really slept together and he said if I was lying, the Emperor will have me executed.”

I sauntered over to her and sat next to her. “Tori, I promise I will protect you. Besides, it is very possible that you could be carrying my child.”

“Yeah, but we won’t find out until another month or so. What if I’m not? Then what will happen to me?”

I snaked my arm around her kissed her forehead. “Let’s not worry about that tonight. Let’s rest and revisit this tomorrow.”

She nodded her head and went to change into her night wear. Shortly after, she climbed into bed and I stood and sat in the chair.

“Adrian?” I looked up at her. “Can you lay with me?” I didn’t answer, I just climbed in and pulled her to my chest.

“If you want, we can visit your family tomorrow.” I can feel her light warm breath kissing my chest.

“I would like that very much. Thank you.”

I kissed the top of her head again vowing to not let anything happen to her.

       When I woke up the next morning, Tori was already out of the bed. I can hear the shower running. I laid there a little longer, listening to her humming a song. She had a beautiful voice. I finally got up after another few minutes passed and left out of the room, but left her note, asking her to meet me in my office for breakfast. Although she’s technically queen, I wanted to get to know wife better. Until we figure if she’s indeed pregnant, I wanted us to at least make some memories that we can hold on to.

I called for Henry when I made it to my office.

“Good morning, sir. You wanted to see me?”

“Yes, I did. Lock the door behind you.” He did just that before coming to sit in front of me.

“Henry, I need to know exactly what Jasper is planning. Why is it that he wants to be King so bad? I believe it’s more than just sibling rivalry.”

I tapped my finger on my cheek trying to think of anything that I may have missed.

“Well, Adrian, I know that Jasper has something over your mother. I saw him go into her room right before the coronation ceremony began.”

“Do you think they know something about dad’s death?” I curious to find out what they were hiding and why I was kept in the dark.

“I’m not sure, sir, but I’ll do my best to find out whatever I can.” Henry doesn’t know how much he has helped me. He’s more like a brother to me than my own brother. He has my back like no other.

“Thank you.” I smiled and stood. “Now get out, my wife will be here soon.” He laughed as he stood and bowed. I couldn’t say anything. I just laughed and shook my head. No matter how many times I’ve told Henry that he’s my friend, he still treats me as if I’m royalty. I mean I am again, but still. I brushed my teeth, showered, and changed into my clothes. I chose a tan suit with a white button down shirt. I paired with a navy blue tie and wore my navy blue Italian leathers.

She arrived shortly after I did and knocked on the door.

“Tori, you don’t have to knock,” I said. She came in looking like a goddess. She wore a beautiful long flowing, blue dress that stopped passed her knees with matching open toe heels. Her hair was down her back, each strand perfect.

“I see you got my note.”

She flashed her beautiful smile. “I did.”

I gestured for her to have seat. She was a stunning sight to see. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. You look pretty amazing yourself.”

I frowned jokingly. “Just amazing?”

“I don’t want you to get big headed,” she teased. Her little witty jokes were cute.

“Too late for that.”

I looked up at the door as someone knocked and then barged in. “Adrian, it’s your mother, I need to talk to you about Tor-“ she paused when she realized Tori was sitting right in front of me.

“Good morning, mother. Have a seat and join us for breakfast.” She staggered back.

“It’s okay, I don’t want to intru-“

“Please, Catherine, I insist,” Tori interjected. “You really wanted to speak to Adrian and since it was regarding me, I’m also curious to figure what you want to say.”

I was impressed, even turned on, at how she held herself together. She kept her composure, but I saw her smile slightly slip from her lips. There was tension between them and I was determined to find out.

“Yes, mother please sit. I wanted to spend time getting to know my wife better and it seems whatever you had to say about her was very important. I believe that’s a start.” I smirked at her and she slowly walked tans sat in the chair next to Tori. I leaned forward. “So mother, tell me what you we’re going to say about my wife.”