Well,…" He began. Enchanting amber orbs flickered through his mind, setting his heart in turmoil. It wasn't love per se, rather, a promise. One he took an oath to fulfill. A promise from the past.
***
Three days have passed since little Zuneir and his father arrived in Lulua.He paced up and down, waiting for her to appear. His hand was hidden behind his back, holding on to the daisy he plucked from the flower garden.
Zuneir didn't know why he wished to give it to her. He just associated her with everything good. From the second she took his hand in her little one's and led him away, he was enchanted.
She trusted him innocently, and he felt obliged not to break that trust.This was the fourth day in the new palace. Unlike his earlier assumption, he was liking the palace more by the second.He missed his little amber already.
Lost in thoughts and filled with anticipation, he failed to notice her. The little mischievous being hid behind the tree, giggling at him.Her gaze fell on the flower in his hand. Little Amber's eyes sparkled.
Despite the enthusiasm to run forward, her impish side reigned.She slowly approached him from the back and snatched the flower from his hand. Zuneir turned around, ready to attack, but ended up melting at the sight.
There she was, taking a whiff of the daisy. Her frail body looked even more delicate in the beautiful little dress she wore.A flower wreath rested on her stylishly braided hair. Every inch of her took his breath away.
He didn't understand why his heart suddenly began to race.Nor did he comprehend the sudden urge to embrace her again. Zuneir took little steps towards her, afraid to scare her away. He lowered his taller frame to one knee and held out his hand.
"Hello, little Amber. You came late. I missed you." His hazel orbs turned mellow and soft the more he stared at her. Once again, the girl's naughtiness took the reins.She dodged his hand and went directly for his neck. Her hand wrapped around his neck as she placed a peck on his cheek.
"Thank you, Little Prince. I like flowers." He looked at her, mouth slightly agape at what she had just done. The question left his lips before he could think through it.
"Princess, didn't your mommy teach you to stay away from boys? Why did you kiss my cheek?"He watched her smile disappear, her nose scrunching up in contemplation.
"Mama said that I should thank people when they bear gifts. Since it's only Mama and Baba, this is how I show my gratitude. Is it wrong?"He smiled at her then, stretching his palm to let her head.
"Little Amber, you can thank your parents and me like this. However, don't get too close to other boys, okay? They will hurt you."She nodded obediently, but it wasn't enough for him.
"Can you make a promise? If you break it, bad things will happen."Once again, she thought about his words and shrugged. Her innocent mind didn't perceive anything wrong with his request.Hence, the two royal children made a pact.
Two weeks later, they made a blood oath to remain friends forever.Zuneir wanted more, but he couldn't ask for marriage. His little amber knew little about such things. She was the purest form of human he came across.
It simply felt wrong to take advantage of her naivety, hence he settled for a friendship. Although he wasn't much older , he knew more than he should.Growing up in a house with three mothers prompted the young prince to mature beyond his age.
He didn't know what love was. Nor could he explain the urge to keep the little princess for himself.Perhaps it was her innocence that reminded him of his biological mother. Or maybe her beauty and purity. Whichever it was, he thought she would make a good companion.
***
A subtle shake broke his chain of thoughts, bringing him back to the present. His gaze rested upon his sisters, who gave him quizzical looks.He cleared his throat and gave them a forced smile.
"The alliance isn't the problem. How and who brought it up is. Besides, something as sensitive as marriage shouldn't be taken lightly."Inaya and Zaytun frowned.
The girls didn't quite understand their brother's meaning. Even so, they had nothing else to say. Marriage for them was beyond their control, as it had always been in their kingdom.
The parents arranged most marriages, and the children were obliged to comply. Thus, they found their brother's words quite puzzling. Although their father wasn't the best human, he was still their father.Zuneir easily saw through his sisters' thoughts.
He sighed internally. Maybe one day, they would understand his words. Until then, he won't burden them with his issues.
"All right. Let's finish our breakfast and head back. Don't worry about the marriage alliance. Your brother can and will handle it."
The sisters nodded, trusting their brother as they always did. Zuneir turned his focus back to his meal. He wondered how his sisters would react if they found out who he truly was.
The world painted a picture of him that he eagerly reinforced. He wasnt a good man, and he knew it. Very few had the honor to experience his humane side.
He knew deep down that his personality wasn't the best.Yet he wore it proudly like a shield. He needed the layer of protection. As a leader, he didn't need to be loved.
He needed the respect and belief of his people in his leadership.He watched his sisters bicker, a fond smile on his lips. He didnt need the world to love him. As long as his family loved and cared for him, it was sufficient to fulfill his desires.
As the siblings enjoyed their breakfast, a pair of glowing gazes settled on the breathtaking man. From the moment he settled down, it never left him. Its intensity increased by the second as it stared.
Unlike the humans who feared the man, there was nothing human about this gaze. Be it the fervor with which they stared or the unnatural glow in them.
"Stop staring. You look like you want to eat him. Unfortunately, the man is set to marry another, a princess. You might be a princess, but I am afraid his father won't find you useful. However, there is hope. Let's head back now before the gates close. It would be troublesome if we were discovered."
The eyes finally lowered. A melancholic air surrounded the two, unknown to the man, as he ate with his siblings.