RESCUING HER HEART

way. This morning, I walked around the palace looking for Arthur. I've always been scared that I'll walk up to his room and find all his stu gone, just like I did five ye

dded. "Are you sure, dear? You could come with us, you know? Taste your wedding cake, pick out a gown perhaps? It's your wedding after all," she chuckled. My wedding. I stared at her in disbelief, slowly distancing myself from her reach. I was sure she could see the tears in my eyes and yet, here she was trying to get me to pick a wedding gown. "Anastasia?" She reached out to me but I stepped back, the expression on my face slowly changing from disbelief to disappointment then I ran. Tears were already rolling down my cheeks by the time I reached my father's study. I didn't know what I was doing, I didn't even know what I was going to say but I barged in anyway. "Where is Arthur?" I questioned. "Am I supposed to have an answer to that?" "You sent him away again didn't you?" He shifted his gaze to me, his eyes dark and cold, "Might I remind you, you are in my presence and you will not use silly contractions in my presence. If you wish to speak to me, you will speak in proper English and not English made for a lazy man." I wanted so badly to defy him but I could not. "Where is Arthur, father?" I asked again. He relaxed into his cushioned chair, obviously pleased I had obeyed him. "He could burn in hell for all I care, Anastasia. My time is precious and I will not waste it talking about your brother. If you were to talk about more important matters, such as your wedding, I might be generous enough to give you a little amount of my time." I followed his eyes and noticed we weren't alone. There was another man seated, watching me intently, a man I knew too well. Prince Noah. "What is that bastard doing here?" "Anastasia!" My father barked. "I will not have you disres