My Heart in Your Hands: The Saga of The Lakes Vol. I

By Juani Hernández

When Princess Gabrielle discovers that she must marry the unknown King Nicholas in search of an alliance to protect her Kingdom from King Balkar's invasive attacks, she thinks her life has just become a living hell.

Her beloved cousin, Princess Claire, decides to accompany her to meet the future husband in the Kingdom of The Lakes, where she will meet Prince Erick, the King's cousin, who cannot help but be interested in her without knowing that someone else has set his eyes on Claire.

But the two young women have not made that journey alone. Given the threat to the Kingdom of Asbath, Jordan, Princess Gabrielle's personal guard will also accompany them with the intention of protecting her. Although he will be the one who will have to protect himself from the attraction that Princess Agatha, King Nicholas' sister, arouses in him, mixed feelings among them at the same time that they are forbidden.

Such different love stories... though spun in the same direction:

The inexorable dictates of the heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BadPress
• Release date: Oct 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781071572139

Book preview

Index

Map of the Kingdoms

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Epilogue

Map of the Kingdoms

Chapter 1

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Once upon a time... That’s how fairy tales are supposed to start. However, for Gabrielle, or rather for Princess Gabrielle, her life had ceased to be a fable to become a nightmare a few days ago. From her bedroom window, she watched the clouds travel across the sky to an unknown destination taking the dreams and fantasies with her. In the distance, grazing the Bathara Hills, black clouds appeared to herald a storm; the sky would cry accompanying the girl in her sadness. Because not only did she have to endure the grief of her father’s death, the King Alexandre, but she had to accept that, knowing he was ill, he had played his last card in an attempt to keep his kingdom on its feet without taking into account that this last chance was the life of his only daughter, her destiny.

The neighboring Kingdom of Adamon had long threatened to start a war to invade his lands, so he believed that a good solution to avoid it was to seek an alliance based on marriage ties, and therefore impossible to break, with the powerful King Nicholas, sovereign of the Kingdom of The Lakes. In spite of his youth, Gabrielle’s future husband had a reputation as a good ruler and as a generous and charismatic man who did not lack courage. And Alexandre decided that it was a thousand times preferable to leave the kingdom in his hands to fall into the clutches of King Balkar, famous for his excesses and for not being a just man of good deeds. In addition, he had to think about the future of her little Gabrielle, with that joy and desire to live that infected anyone five miles away, but sometimes so naive and innocent. In this way, he thought, he had his future assured, leaving her to the care of what seemed like a good man and, with this priority in his mind, he hastened to appear before him, waiting for the acceptance of his proposal.

The young king, besides possessing all those virtues with which he was described, was exceedingly intelligent and sensible, so he did not take long to understand the advantages of that alliance and accepted the proposal of King Alexandre filling him with relief and happiness. However, it was rather brief because the trip aggravated his affection for what, from what would become his deathbed, had to inform his sweet daughter of the decision he had taken on his own and without even warning.

Gabrielle had to face both the news that her father was gravely ill and the obligation to marry King Nicholas who was a true stranger, as soon as possible and face the uncertainty of what her life would be like thereafter.

Queen Eleanor, her mother, had died a few years earlier because of her fragile health, but the princess’ father was still young to find another wife to give him an heir, even if he was never in a hurry to do so, nor did he force Gabrielle to think about marriage. Perhaps that’s why the young woman’s heart was always free to dream and delight in the illusion of the first romance, or imagine her first kiss, the awakening of that beautiful feeling called love that now seemed forbidden to her. A few days before her father had died, and with his death he took away those dreams and illusions that no longer fit in her heart, giving way to those clouds that threatened to discharge their sadness on her at any moment. A small tear was already running down her cheek as a harbinger of what was to come.

Gabrielle, have you finished packing?

Her cousin Claire’s voice from behind startled her, but Gabrielle decided not to look at her, the princess’ gaze remained fixed on this already overcast sky because she didn’t want Claire to see her cry... again.

There’s going to be a storm, said Gabrielle in response, without deciding whether she meant the one coming from the West or the one making its way into her heart.

I hope it’s temporary. I wouldn’t want to start tomorrow’s journey in the rain, complained Claire as she approached the window to see for herself the hopeless landscape that accompanied those dark clouds.

There are storms that are perpetual, replied Gabrielle.

Nothing lasts forever, Gabrielle, her cousin rebutted, placing her hand on her shoulder in an encouraging gesture. They usually say that behind the storm, there’s always calm, she added.

Gabrielle didn’t answer, she knew how the conversation would go on. Maybe ignoring her cousin would be enough, but Claire wasn’t going to make it easy for the girl.

You have to get over it, cousin. It seemed more like a plea than a petition.

Gabrielle inhaled slowly, getting ready to listen again to the speech with which Claire, with the best of intentions, tried to lift her spirits. She never succeeded, this time it would surely be no different.

Think you’re going to be queen, Claire continued, and Gabrielle was taken by surprise by that statement. Where did she want to go with that?

You know I’ve never cared about luxury. The fact that I like pretty dresses, it doesn’t mean that I’m frivolous, answered Gabrielle raising her voice and looking at her cousin for the first time since she entered her room. It was not possible to believe that about her.

You know I would never think that way about you, I could never call you frivolous being as generous, selfless and good-hearted as you are, Claire defended herself.

Then I don’t understand what you mean, she replied, calming again the tone of the voice and turning her eyes back to the darkened sky.

I mean, it’s clear that your life is going to change completely. I know that an uncertain future awaits you next to a man you don’t know, who you don’t love and who doesn’t love you either. And I know it’s a hard reality but you just have to wait and... see what happens.

Gabrielle didn’t say anything, so Claire was encouraged to go on.

However, Gabrielle, what we are sure of is that very soon you will become queen and that carries with it a great responsibility. You will have to make an effort to carry out an arduous task and you have to do it as well as possible for the good of the people. That is why you must overcome yourself and do your duty and reign at your husband’s side in a fair and benevolent way, as it should be. (Claire approached the bed to take a seat). Who knows, Gabrielle, perhaps your hopes are not entirely lost. Everyone who knows King Nicholas describes him as a good man, honest despite his condition, and his kingdom is increasingly prosperous because of his good strategy as ruler. He is not known for any scandal or fault for which he should be taken in ill consideration, and the evil tongues say he is very handsome, Claire concluded with a mischievous smile.

Claire, please, Gabrielle rebuked her by turning to the woman with a grimace on her lips.

Come on, Gabrielle, cut off her cousin. I’m just saying give time to time, love can suddenly offer us unsuspected paths to travel. Besides, everyone knows that sometimes arranged marriages bring pleasant surprises," she said with a slight chuckle.

You can say that because you’re not going to marry a stranger. You’re going to marry someone who corresponds to you, because I’m sure that when you least expected, Prince Zayev asks your father for your hand, asked Gabrielle.

I am not in love with Prince Zayev, Claire rectified.

But he’s in love with you, and you can’t deny that you love him, can you? Gabrielle looked at her with inquisitive eyes.

It’s you and not me we’re talking about, Claire defended herself. You can’t just shut up and give it all for lost like that, a priori. By all the Gods, Gabrielle, you don’t even know him! At least give yourself the opportunity to know him and for him to know you. And put aside that prejudice that you are clinging to, and that is certainly not proper to you, because most likely you are wrong and, by knowing you, I’m sure you will regret it.

Gabrielle didn’t answer, she just turned around and lost her gaze on the horizon again. Claire knew that this was the end of the conversation, although she hoped that at least Gabrielle would consider her words.

I’m going to talk to Jordan. I want to see if everything is ready to leave tomorrow, informed Claire breaking the silence that rose in the room, after which she decided to leave.

The young princess found those silences between them strange and uncomfortable. If there was something that characterized Gabrielle, it wasn’t exactly the fact that she was a quiet and calm young woman. On the contrary, it was a whirlwind of joy that overwhelmed all the sadness in her path. That’s the way it has been until now, she thought with regret.

As soon as she left her cousin’s quarters, Claire met Jordan, Gabrielle’s faithful and willing guardian. He was only a few years older than them, Claire thought she remembered that he was about thirty, but his strong and stocky appearance inspired respect, even a certain fear. He had pleasant but marked features, with dark eyes as well as his hair, which reached his shoulders with a certain carelessness. However, his harsh appearance did not correspond at all to his personality because he was a man of good character and affection. He was always affable and polite to everyone, but he was also very overprotective of Gabrielle; beyond his duty to her, there was the great affection he had for her, or rather, because while it was true that the status and rules left clearly established limits on the relationship between the nobility and the guard, Gabrielle’s carefree character overshadowed all that and soon came to regard Jordan as the older brother she never had. On the other hand, for Jordan it was difficult to avoid being conquered by the sympathy and enthusiasm of Gabrielle, whom he loved as if she were a sister without ever disrespecting or disrespecting her trust.

Jordan, Claire called him as she approached the man.

Tell me, Your Highness, he replied, standing at attention on her by way of greeting.

I just wanted to know if everything is ready to leave tomorrow, she asked.

Everything is ready, Your Highness, for lack of only your luggage and that of Princess Gabrielle. We will leave at dawn, he informed her.

All right, I’m going to finish getting ready. As for the princess, please call her maidens to come and help me. I’ll be in charge of it.

With all due respect, Your Highness, it is fortunate that you are now at the princess’ side, Jordan thanked her.

It’s the least I could do for my dear cousin, she replied. I only hope that this outburst of sorrow and melancholy will soon leave her.

All of us in the castle miss her laughter and joy, Your Highness, he confessed sadly.

Claire couldn’t help smiling at that. Gabrielle won anyone’s heart with one of her smiles. She hoped that in Gabrielle’s new home everyone would come to love her in the same way. It couldn’t be any other way.

I will follow your orders immediately, the guard chorded, regaining his composure.

Thank you, Jordan, she concluded, heading back to her quarters, recalling the conversation she had just had with her cousin.

She knew that in a way Gabrielle was right; she was not in the best position to give such advice as it was very unlikely that she would have to face a marriage to a stranger. Prince Zayev was the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Dagmar, one of the Gealach Territories, on the other side of The Crescent Peaks, which served as a border with his kingdom, and although her commitment to him had never been made official, the young man’s father, King Lyal, and Claire’s, King Richard, were great friends and practically took the union between their children for granted.

Claire didn’t dislike the idea, although she didn’t think she was in love with him, or at least, what she felt wasn’t what her books expressed when they talked about love. But Claire had to admit that she liked him, she liked his company; he was a kind and funny man and he was always very respectful towards her. Maybe she didn’t love him, but she thought she could be happy and learn to love him over time.

Without a doubt, her situation was preferable to that of her cousin, but she was still convinced that Gabrielle was taking it to the extreme. She didn’t know King Nicholas either, but all the nobility she knew spoke very highly of him. Not only everyone agreed that he was a king of serious and strong character with charisma and courage but also, he was also an educated and good-hearted man. They were not bad qualities at all for a king and less for a man. Perhaps his sovereign heart was hardened by the difficult role of governing; a king could not show weakness, but possibly his man’s heart would be easier to conquer by a soul as pure as Gabrielle’s, although to do so, she would have to put aside that halo of sadness that enveloped her and open her heart to Zayev.

Who knows, maybe he’ll get it and this stubborn woman will smile again, she thought as she entered her room to finish preparing some things.

Perhaps it would have reassured her to know that, at that very moment, someone else was worried about the young couple’s future. Beyond the Aunin Hills, in the tallest tower of a beautiful and vast castle, a young prince watched in awe and a pinch of fun as another man nervously walked around the room, again and again, always following the same pattern with his hands behind his back and without raising his gaze from the floor, as if in that frantic dance he could find the balm to calm his agitated state of mind.

Nicholas, you’re going to wear the tiles away as you go on, he said from his armchair, (suppressing the laughter he was struggling to get out of his throat), and I don’t think drawing a groove on the floor helps you.

You’re not helping me at all either, his cousin demanded dryly, ceasing his wandering to face him with a frown of restlessness that soon turned to remorse. I’m so sorry, Erick, I’m a little tense, he apologized while running his hand through his long blond hair.

A little tense? he scoffed, letting out the laughter that was finally breaking through. Nicholas, I’ve never seen you so anxious as tonight, not even before the worst of battles. Where is the calm and tempers that always accompany you? You, who always show yourself so calm, with nerves of steel... Really, cousin, forgive me, but I didn’t think the day would come when something would drive you out of your mind in this way. I don’t recognize you, he laughed again.

And you think I’m funny too, Nicholas grimaced as he crossed his arms.

Excuse me, the young prince asked in a more serious tone this time, leaning slightly forward, showing him that he had all his attention. (Well, to a certain extent it was surprising and even funny to see Nicholas in such a state of anxiety, but he couldn’t forget that he needed his support). I just don’t really understand what the real reason for this unrest is about.

Nicholas took a deep breath in an attempt to calm his uncontrolled nerves a little and walked to the window to sit on the window sill; it was stupid to mind the manners in front of his own cousin.

When King Alexandre came to propose to me the alliance between our kingdoms, he began to tell him, I immediately saw great advantages, difficult to ignore enough not to accept. It is a great kingdom, perhaps not as prosperous as this one and with some internal problems of mismanagement of taxes and influences, but nothing that a hard and firm government cannot solve. In spite of winning us an enemy like King Balkar, he has a great army that, together with ours, would make us almost invincible in any confrontation. In short, it was an advantageous deal that no one of average intelligence would refuse, and my only part of the deal was to take his daughter into marriage.

Since Nicholas was not continuing his speech, Erick understood that this last aspect was where the biggest problem resided. Since he had begun to speak, he was going to get to the bottom of the matter at that very moment, even if I had to get the information out of him by way of interrogation.

Your problem is marriage? he finally asked.

No, my problem is 'this' marriage, he said seeing the confusion on Erick's face, so he went on. You know I've never been interested in romance, I've never been interested in chasing women, much less in getting a wife, she reminded him. I thought there was still too much time to even think about it. In my reigning years I have only been concerned with rebuilding this kingdom which, unfortunately, my father had left so battered, and I have focused all my efforts on trying to govern not only with severity, but also with benevolence and justice, leaving none of my actions to chance, always following an established plan, some guidelines, a strategy. You know that I have always liked to control the situation with all its possibilities, leaving nothing to study or consider."

I don’t understand what you're getting at, Nicholas, interrupted his cousin.

That's the problem, Erick, he exclaimed as he came down from the window sill to return to his homeless pilgrimage across the room, and Erick's confusion grew more and more. I don't know where I'm going with this marriage, what awaits me, what the future will hold. I feel that all of a sudden, I don't know how I should act, what I should do to make this work. It's not a battle with guards and orders to give to win a war. We are just two complete strangers who, overnight, are going to become husband and wife, and with the fact of governing our kingdoms as the only common point.

You can't know that because, as you said, you still don't know her, Erick corrected. Although I don't have the taste either, he added, I've heard it said that she’s a virtuous, very generous, good-hearted young woman. And besides, I understand that she is precious and that her beauty is only matched by her joy and charm.

That's what worries me most, he recognized more for himself than for his cousin, who was surprised by that confession. Erick didn't consider Nicholas superficial at all, so he didn't understand his assertion.

Do you think you won’t like her? he finally dared to ask him, and Nicholas just gave him a grimace of disagreement. So?" he inquired impatiently.

I'm more afraid that she will not like me, he accepted very reluctantly, immediately regretting that he had said it out loud; perhaps his cousin would take it as another good excuse to mock him a little more. However, it was quite the opposite.

Perhaps he had never told him, but Erick deeply admired his cousin, for many, many reasons. His mother, Queen Johanne had died of a disease of which little was known but which no one could remedy, not even Erick's father Trystan, with all his knowledge of the healing arts. And to his greater impotence and grief, he not only lost his sister-in-law but also his brother, soon after the same affection led King Theodore, Nicholas’ father, into the arms of Goddess Xeira.

Even with recent grief over the recent loss of his parents, Nicholas was crowned king at the age of twenty.  Despite his youth, Nicholas took office with courage and resolve and even though Theodore was a good man, his reign was not so good, plunging that kingdom into a pitiful state. Yet Nicholas' boldness was to be admired, as well as his charisma and gift of people, not forgetting what a good strategist he was and his excellent way of governing, with which he had brought his people and kingdom back to full splendor, which is why everyone cheered.

And if all this was not enough, it had to be added that the young king was an honest man of good feelings, and at that very moment he was proving it to him because Nicholas was more concerned for the welfare of a woman whom he did not even know than for his own.

Nicholas, I do not understand about men, but I think you're not bad at all, Erick joked trying to put a humorous note to the serious look on his face that was taking the conversation, and to his delight, Erick had the result he was hoping for as Nicholas broke out to laugh.

Sometimes you’re incorrigible. I'm trying to talk to you about my concerns and you take it as a game.

It is that you may well be taking it to heart, Erick said. I understand your concern perfectly; you're going to start a life together with someone you don't know, with a woman with whom you may have nothing in common, perhaps with a character totally incompatible with your own, and probably without any kind of attraction between the two of you.

Do you see? Do you take charge at the end of the scale of my problem? Nicholas replied with relief.

And do you realize that I have done nothing but say things like ‘maybe’, ‘perhaps’, and ‘it may be’? Erick rebutted and stood up. By the gods of Kratvah, Nicholas! You've said it yourself; you don’t even know her! Don't you think you could at least for a moment stop worrying about what's going to happen? Why give yourself sleepless nights thinking about what you could do to make your marriage work when maybe, as soon as you see each other for the first time, you fall hopelessly in love with each other?

Erick... the king tried to reprimand him.

No, Nicholas, he cut him, grabbing his arm, forcing him to stop his journey so that he would pay the utmost attention. Deep down, even if you don't want to admit it now, you know I'm right. Perhaps I've gone too far with 'love at first sight', but you know perfectly well what I mean. Stop trying to control the situation as you usually do, because this time it's not going to turn out the way you expect. The heart doesn’t understand strategy or planning, and even if you try to dominate yours, you have no power over hers. I'm sorry cousin, but I'm afraid you're going to have to play a game you're not used to.

Which one? he asked without really understanding what I was talking about.

If you choose to wake up again tonight, he said on his way to the door of the room, it wouldn't be a bad idea if you took into consideration what I just told you. But if you take advice, he added with a mischievous smile, you should try to rest if you want to look good and make a pleasant impression on your fiancée when she arrives."

Erick came out laughing at his own idea, quickly closing the door behind him, before the book his cousin threw at him reached him.

Nicholas, for his part, could not help but smile. He held Erick in high esteem even though his view of things did not always coincide, as in that case. However, it never hurt to see the horizon with other eyes. Unfortunately, his vision was more than blurred... Perhaps his cousin's view gave him a little light.

Chapter 2

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Agatha moved quickly down the corridor to her brother’s quarters. Her future sister-in-law was still a few hours away, but she had to be ready as soon as possible. Although it was customary for there to be a governess in the castle, since her brother acceded to the throne nearly ten years ago, it was she who oversaw everything. From the beginning, she knew that Nicholas would not need his help to deal with his responsibilities as king, so Agatha chose to help him in a more practical way: by keeping control over the operation of the castle. She had never felt like a simple housekeeper, on the contrary, she had the freedom and power to manage the entire castle and its servitude as she considered appropriate, and she never received a complaint or claim from her brother. He always had her support when it came to making decisions, and he was grateful that she released him from the responsibility of dealing with all such domestic matters.

For her part, she had no reason to be dissatisfied either. On the one hand, this task kept her busy, and the idea of an idle and carefree life was unattractive to her. In addition, she always found free time to devote to her favorite occupation, horse breeding. She was perfectly aware that this was not the hobby of a damsel because, according to many, she should spend her life embroidering, walking in the garden or looking for a husband. However, what people will say or the opinion of others was not enough for her to give up her passion. Agatha was proud that the royal stables had the best and most beautiful specimens, thanks to her daily dedication and care.

When she entered the bedroom, the maidens bowed quickly, returning quickly to their chores, and she circled the room completely to see that everything was going to be perfect, as she ordered. Then she went to a small open door at the end of the room that connected with the bedroom to be occupied by Princess Gabrielle. At first, her brother was reticent about the idea that they would occupy the matrimonial bedroom without having got married first. However, Agatha convinced him that it was the most logical and practical thing to do, and he just had to accept, hoping that his fiancée would feel the same way.

She was about to enter the princess’ quarters when she saw Nicholas appear through the door leading to the corridor, with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. It was a bouquet of white roses with tiny violets adorning it, a beautiful and delicate arrangement.

What beautiful flowers, are they for me? she asked amusingly, knowing what the answer was.

These are not for you, but I think I have something more in keeping with your charm around here, he replied as he pulled out a red rose, he wore hidden under his cloak and offered it to her.

Don't tell me that among the affairs of state, possible invasions and tax revisions you find time to devote to gardening. I can get you a job in the kitchen if you want, she joked whilst smelling the flower she had just been given.

Don't you like it? he questioned while smiling as he placed the bouquet in a small vase, although his sister came over to finish arranging it.

We women tend to like this kind of cuties, that’s true, she said with a conspiratorial look.

I hope you're right, he sighed with concern.

Stop being so anxious. It's going to be all right, she assured him. The young princess will probably be exhausted after the trip, but you could bet that the detail of the flowers won't go unnoticed, on the contrary, she’ll love it, she concluded, trying to encourage her brother while he thanked her with a smile.

As if that wasn’t enough, Agatha kissed his cheek, after which she left the room to continue with her tasks and make sure everything was ready in time.

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Indeed, for Gabrielle, the journey was turning out tedious and exhausting. Claire had spent the entire journey reading one of those books about the Ancients that she found so boring, so silence reigned in the carriage. Surely, in other circumstances, the situation would have been bothersome and, rather, unlikely between them, but at the time she didn't care at all. With her humor, she was no good company for anyone and, in fact, she was glad that Claire would have understood.

She looked through the window for the umpteenth time. The roses and oranges were already dyeing the evening sky, which merged with the blue of the lake they were bordering at that moment. One thing was certain, the landscapes of what was going to be her new home were incomparable. Then she looked up. The silhouette of a great castle trimming the horizon appeared before her, and a chill ran down her back. The journey was about to end and thus gave way to the beginning of another journey of which she did not yet know the direction and whose destination was entirely uncertain.

It had already gone dark when they crossed the walls, so she only saw some curious faces watching her arrival through the windows of the houses that crowded on both sides of the main road. After a few minutes they reached a wide square and the carriage stopped at the foot of a staircase that rose before the imposing castle in whose main entrance she could see three figures flanked by guards.

In the middle was a tall, thin, but well-formed man, with a solemn but gallant pose, King Nicholas, she supposed. Gabrielle could not distinguish his features but his hair was blond and long beyond the shoulders and slightly wavy. To his left was another man with long but coppery hair, almost as tall as he was and of such complexion, though his attitude did not seem so formal. And finally, on his right she saw a woman, slender, with blond hair cascading down to her waist. Despite the distance, her elegance and distinction were notorious.

Gabrielle took a breath and fixed her eyes on the steps walking them slowly and nervously. When they reached the top, she heard Jordan's voice as he made the pertinent presentations.

Good evening, Your Majesty and Highnesses, Jordan said as he bowed. Allow me to introduce their Highnesses, Princess Gabrielle and Princess Claire, he announced, pointing to each of them.

Gabrielle, still head down, delicately took her dress, so that, like her cousin, she could bow in reverence. And the girl still wasn’t fully up when she felt a hand delicately taking hers.

I hope you had a good trip, whispered Nicholas before lowering his face and placing his lips lightly on the young woman’s hand.

It was a light touch, but warm enough to pull Gabrielle out of her drowsiness and force her to finally raise her eyes from the ground to those lips that gently kissed the hand. Suddenly, she felt this warmth extended from her fingers to her whole body, filling every corner of her being with this pleasant and unknown sensation, while the desire to never stop feeling the touch of those lips on her skin was born incomprehensibly and irrepressibly in her heart. And when he lifted his face as he stood up, Gabrielle’s eyes stumbled upon a marvelous and fascinating sky-colored look that left her breathless... The same one that Nicholas lost when he was pierced by the most beautiful vision he could ever imagine, that of beautiful gray eyes that looked at him filled with a strange and tempting longing, and remaining irremediably attached to them.

He was aware that it was taking too long to free the young woman’s delicate hand, and that there was little modesty on his part to keep his gaze fixed on the face of that beauty whose snowy skin contrasted with that hair as dark as night. But as a defense Nicholas would say that he had been trapped by the spell of those eyes, leaving the rest meaningless to him. All that remained was the need to get lost in them and not return until he had recognized each silver tone that ran through his pupils, until he memorized each one of those violet reflections that adorned them and made them more beautiful if that was possible... Finally, and much to his regret, Erick’s voice took him out of his daydreaming, bringing him back to reality.

Allow me to introduce myself, he addressed Claire, making himself known, since Nicholas did not seem to intend to make him as abstract as he was. I am Prince Erick, His Majesty’s cousin, he informed them as he bowed kissing her hand.

Yes, Nicholas said, recovering his composure, and this is my sister, Princess Agatha, he added as he let go of Gabrielle’s hand reluctantly.

Then the young king’s sister bowed, to which both young women responded in the same way.

I imagine you will be exhausted after such a long journey, Agatha assumed. Why don't we go in and show you your bedchambers, she said, directing her steps now into the castle, just to stop at the hall. Please take them to their bedrooms, she asked of her brother and cousin. I will show the boy where the rooms of the passing guard are, as I go to the kitchen. I am going to order a good bath and some refreshments for you to have in your room. It is too late so let us leave the formalities for tomorrow, she said with a sympathetic glance at the princesses. I hope you have a very good night, she said kindly goodbye and then turned to the kitchen. Boy, come with me, she ordered Jordan curtly and without even looking at him.

Jordan's surprised eyes looked for Gabrielle's. She nodded slightly, so the guard just bent down and wished everyone a good night and quickly followed in the footsteps of Princess Agatha who had almost reached the end of the corridor.

After that, the four said goodbyes to make their respective journeys to their rooms, which were in opposite directions. Claire noticed, just before she turned to the corridor leading to her bedchambers, how Nicholas raised his hand demanding that of her cousin to take it gently, urging her to walk beside him. A smile approached her lips before that image. She began to suspect that Gabrielle’s distrust was more than unfounded, especially considering the idyllic scene she had just witnessed between the two of them a few minutes ago. She had never seen such an intense gaze on simple strangers. Perhaps Gabrielle's finding happiness wouldn't be so difficult after all. That simple idea made her giggle.

Could I know what pleases you so much? asked Erick curiously.

Oh, it's nothing, Claire lied.

It seems that my cousin is quite a gentleman, he confided to her smiling, making him see that, in reality, he had noticed that little detail, too. May I? he asked amusingly as he raised his hand and imitated Nicholas’ gesture a moment ago.

Of course, Your Highness, Claire said as she placed her hand on Erick’s.

Besides, I have the slight suspicion that all our worries are going to remain nothing, he assured her, and Claire was surprised at the statement. "Don’t you agree, Your Highness? he asked seriously to her astonishment.

Yes, please, don't misunderstand me, Claire said. It's just that I was thinking exactly the same as you, she said.

Personally, I think it’s just a matter of giving let time take its course, said Erick smiling.

And I, Your Highness, completely agree with you, again, she added with relief, while laughing shyly, hiding her mouth with the book she carried in her other hand. She did not realize until then that she had completely forgotten to leave it in her hand luggage before getting out of the carriage. But then Erick could see the volume and stopped instantly when he saw what it was about.

Is Your Highness reading Zhrustha? he exclaimed with a mixture of astonishment and admiration in his voice.

Yes, she replied proudly showing him the book that was a gift from her father. Why are you so surprised, she asked before his skeptical expression.

Forgive my astonishment, he said, asking her with a gesture to let him examine it, to which she agreed, I don't think Zhrustha is exactly a light reading even for a woman as young as you, he concluded, returning the volume.

Should I not be interested in The Ancient Sages because I am a woman? she asked without knowing very well whether it should be considered an offense.

I don't mean to be disrespectful in any way, Your Highness, he quickly clarified as they began their march again. But I must admit that the women I know are more interested in collecting dresses and jewels than in literature.

Perhaps you should meet another type of woman, Claire joked signaling that she had accepted his excuses.

You may be right, he accepted with a smile.

Certainly, he’s never met a woman like her before. She was not only intelligent but beautiful. The fine lines of her face were framed by a long, shiny brown hair, but her dark and lively eyes pierced it. He did not think that she was aware of it, but the noble had the feeling that, if she proposed it, Claire could read in him, deep inside, with only one of her deep gazes. Erick tried so hard to stop staring at her and tried to resume the conversation in order to put a stop to those thoughts.

Perhaps you would be pleased to know that, by chance, a copy identical to yours rests on my bedside table, he said pointing to the book Claire was now holding against her lap and her facial expression left no doubt that she was pleasantly surprised by the fact. And if you would like a more pleasant reading, I have recently finished reading ‘The Four Kingdoms’. If you like the epic novel, I could lend it to you," said the young man.

Well, I'd appreciate it very much. Claire smiled at the offer. I didn't know that book. It would be interesting to read something new for a change. The few books I have brought with me I could almost recite them by heart.

Erick slowed down, thoughtful.

I have a better idea, he said at last. I would very much like to show you something, Your Highness. Would you do me the honor of joining me tomorrow, asked Erick.

Can I know where? she demanded with a certain mistrust.

I'd rather not tell you, answered Erick. I'd like it to be a surprise.

I do not like surprises. I'm afraid. I'm too impatient, Claire admitted with a shy smile.

I assure you it will be worth it to keep the suspense until tomorrow, he tried hard not to laugh, surprised by her confession.

All right, accepted the young woman. But you’d better make it really worth your while, she threatened even though she was clearly joking.

I promise you it will be. Erick smiled, though he couldn’t prevent him from roaring with laughter.

May I know what pleases you so much? asked Claire amused as she recited the same words Erick had said only a moment before.

Very few people manage to surprise me, and you have done it not once in a matter of minutes, but several times, he said with a smile as he watched a slight blush makeup the young woman’s cheek. Have I offended you?

And the blush on her cheeks became more evident now.

No, no, she hastened to clarify. I was thinking that I, on the other hand, I can be easily surprised in general.

Are you serious? he asked, as if he really didn’t believe it.

Without going any further, I was very surprised by Princess Agatha’s resolute and determined attitude, she confessed.

I'm disappointed to hear that that's the only thing that surprised you, he pretended to be in pain, even though his words hid much of the truth.

Claire didn’t answer, but she tried to hide her blush by lowering her face, thus obtaining Erick the answer that, without knowing why, she was waiting for.

Agatha helps Nicholas run the castle, he said. Maybe you knew they were twins.

Not really, she denied.

Agatha is actually older than Nicholas for about five minutes, he began to explain. Sometimes when they disagree about something, she threatens to tell him that she is going to claim the throne to which she is entitled because she was born first. Firstly, because she would never do that to her brother, and secondly, because she is aware that she could never engage in that work with the same skill as her brother. Besides, so many times Agatha tells him that Nicholas doesn’t take her seriously anymore, they usually start laughing and... the end of the discussion, he said while smiling as he evoked one of those moments, he turned out to be a witness to.

Everyone says he’s a magnificent king, she acknowledged.

And better man, I guarantee you that, said Erick. That is why, Your Highness, I advise you not to worry about your cousin; she is in good hands, he concluded as he stopped. This is your bedroom. They will bring your things to you immediately, he said as he chivalrously opened the door. By the way, my quarters are right next door, so I am at your disposal for whatever you want, Erick whispered intently, fixing his eyes on that blush that was resurfacing with renewed brilliance, so he quickly leaned over to hide the smile from his lips and that they were overly entertained when he kissed her hand. I hope you rest, he rose now, and don't forget our appointment for tomorrow.

No... I won’t forget it. Good night, she said visibly dazed, rushing in and closing the door.

Claire had to lean on her for a moment, while she recovered from the shudder that Erick’s intense gaze caused inside her. She shook her head, only because she hadn’t had such an interesting conversation in a long time. Prince Erick was a very nice man... and charming. She couldn't help it. Again, the heat burned her cheeks as she remembered his smile and his eyes, eyes as green as the emeralds themselves...

Suddenly, she was startled when they knocked on the door. It was the maidens who came to prepare her bath, just what she needed to clear her mind and relax after the trip. She hoped that Gabrielle would feel well; despite everything, she couldn't stop worrying. The first thing she would do when she got up would be going to talk to her, Claire had to find out what she thought about her fiancé and whether she liked him, just as she believed. But that would be the next day, she didn't want to think about anything else. At that moment, she was going to enjoy that bath and rest.

However, it was inevitable that a pair of green eyes would thread through her mind once more...

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As she walked down the corridor, Gabrielle wondered what was behind that feeling of calm that completely overwhelmed her. Perhaps it was because she was exhausted from the trip, the prospect of giving her numb body a relaxing bath, or perhaps feeling again the warm touch of that hand that delicately held hers. Not a word had been said all the way to her bedroom, but at that moment the words were unnecessary to her. She felt good, placid, as she hadn’t been for a long time... And they continued in silence until they stopped in front of a door.

These are your bedchambers, my lady, Nicholas said, opening the door for her, and a small heartbeat struck Gabrielle's heart at the words Nicholas used to refer to her: my lady. That treatment signified respect and, unequivocally, belonging, and the certainty that in a few days she would join her life to that man’s forever conspired before her eyes.

In spite of her momentary confusion, she let herself be guided by him. Suddenly, as they entered the room, a wave of roses blackened with violets intoxicated her senses. She looked at the bouquet on the dresser and approached, taking one of the roses and taking it up to his nose, with his eyes closed to better perceive its aroma. After a moment, Gabrielle opened them and turned her gaze to Nicholas, and the young man could see how, slowly, the young woman’s lips began to curve until a wide smile illuminated her face as the violet reflections of her eyes became brighter and made them glow.

They are my favorite flowers, she said, and Nicholas realized that he had not yet heard the voice of his fiancée until that moment. It was delicate, sweet, and it turned out to be music to his ears.

I have then been fortunate in my choice, he said full of satisfaction.

Was it your idea? she asked, surprised, yet pleased.

Yes, my lady.

I thank you very much, Gabrielle extended her hand, offering him the rose she had had on her lips until just a moment ago, which he took without hesitation.

I'm very glad you like it, he nodded relieved.

He then saw Gabrielle gazing through what would then be her room and her eyes resting on the door at the back of the room.

Where does that door lead? she asked curiously.

My bedchamber is next to yours, he replied. And that door connects your bedroom to mine, he said as the young woman’s face was filled with confusion. At first I didn't agree either, he hastened to apologize, but Agatha convinced me that it was absurd to put you in another room and arrange all your things there when in a few days these will become your rooms, he explained. I thought it was the most practical thing to do, but if it bothers you, I can order your luggage to be moved to another room right now, Nicholas said with concern. Perhaps he had been carried away by Agatha’s pragmatism, forgetting the possible discomfort of his fiancée in the face of such a situation.

No, she cut him. Don't worry. Well thought out, your sister is right.

Yes, but your welfare comes first, he insisted. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable.

I thank you for your concern, but it is unnecessary, she assured him calmly.

All right, he accepted, bringing to an end. I imagine the maidens will be here soon to prepare your bath, so I retire. However, I wanted to make a request before, he added, turning his gaze away from her, somewhat unsure of what he was going to ask of her.

Tell me, she urged him to continue, instead.

I would be very pleased if you would accompany me for a walk tomorrow. I would like to be myself the one to show you your new home, he admitted as he tried to control the nervousness of his voice, fearing that she would reject his company. However, Gabrielle smiled shyly at his proposal.

I would be delighted to accompany you, she said.

Magnificent, Nicholas said as a smile was drawn on his lips. Now I am retiring. Rest. he said with a slight bow, then headed for the door.

My lord, exclaimed Gabrielle. Apparently her subconscious had decided that she should give her the same courtesy he had given her. He was pleasantly surprised that it was not at all unhealthy in his mouth or in his ears.

Tell me, my lady, he replied stopping in the middle of the room and turning to see her in front of him.

I see no need for you to go out into the corridor to go to your room, she said while pointing to the door which had been the subject of his conversation a minute earlier.

If you don’t mind, he hesitated.

Please, she nodded encouraging him.

Nicholas nodded in turn and prepared to go to the back of the room, but not before stopping in front of his fiancée and taking her hand for the third time that night and kissing her again.

Sleep well, my lady, he whispered.

Gabrielle could only nod as she felt a slight burning in her cheeks. By the time she got over it, Nicholas had disappeared behind that little door.

Chapter 3

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As soon as it was dawn, the faint rays of sunshine reflected faintly on the surface of the lake, and silence was only interrupted by the movement of its body against the water. As they approached the castle the day before, and Jordan saw this magnificent lake, he decided that as soon as he could, he would pay it a visit. He assumed that Princess Gabrielle would still take a while to wake up after the exhausting journey, so she probably wouldn't need it until a few hours later. In addition, he believed that it was too early to appear before the king and to be able to carry out his functions in the castle, so it was the ideal moment to relax his muscles after the little rest obtained last night in his room of the guard’s room.

He was aware that an important reason for his sleeplessness was to know how Gabrielle would be. She had hardly articulated a word all along the way, but the seriousness of his face left no doubt that she had not finished accepting the new direction of her life. Moreover, having arrived at the castle late at night, she had been taken directly to her bedroom, away from his sight and protection, and he had been dragged to her room by that haughty and petulant princess.

He could not be mistaken, although Gabrielle had never treated him like this, he was consistent with his position. The fact that she behaved with him with affection and confidence never made him forget where his place was, so that the fact that someone could treat him with disdain had never affected him in the least, ever, until the night before. He did not know if it was her haughty way of calling him boy, as if he were still an immature, the conceit of her voice whilst feeling herself powerful, or the vanity that emanated from her gaze when she knew she was beautiful and unattainable by anyone for hundreds of miles around.

He still remembered when she had stood in front of the door, raised her chin and with the arms in a jar carving her fine waist and how, without hardly looking at him, he heard her saying this is the guard room, boy, and immediately she turned on her heels and left with that swinging of hips that hypnotized him for a second. Agatha was beautiful, more than beautiful, she was a deity, and one of the most dangerous. Her ice-blue gaze burned with pride and arrogance forming the most insurmountable of barriers, while her voluptuous body incited to let itself be carried away and to commit the greatest of sins, as a temptation from which it was better to get as far away as possible.

However, it is well known that our purposes do not only depend on our actions, for little could Jordan have imagined that the object of his dream was not far away. Of course, it wasn’t premeditated; she made that same journey on her morning horse ride every day. And every day she tied the reins of her mare to that old oak on which a shirt had been placed, after which she sat on the edge of that lake which that morning was not as uninhabited as usual.

Agatha had thought of simply passing by, when she realized that the man who was swimming was Princess Gabrielle’s guard. Without even getting off her mare she crouched behind the tree to watch him.

It was not the first time he had seen a man’s naked torso. In fact, many times, when going to the stables, she had surprised a boy without a shirt trying to beat the summer heat, covering himself as soon as he noticed her presence. Something that for the waiters was always a lamentable and embarrassing situation, for her it was always fun and even entertaining. She didn’t know if such a rush was due to the nobility of her crib, her beauty or both, but she had to recognize that being the cause of it filled her with, let's say, feminine pride.

Agatha saw that the man stopped swimming at that moment, standing with his back to her, submerged to the waist. He raised his arms to pass his hands through his hair and leave them free of water,