Forgiving Me

When Tuesday arrived, I asked you how much did you hate me. You and Lily have been training for the past two days and I could tell it was more challenging than you originally thought.

"Do you really want to know?" You asked, arching an eyebrow.

I grinned. "It's barely the third day." I reminded you.

"And I'm already tired of it."

"It could be worse. You could be Maya and train twice a day." I told you.

Once we were outside, Maya joined us and noticed the way you were walking.

"I'm assuming by the way you're moving, you're just as sore as I am." Maya commented.

"You're sore?" You asked. "I would've never guessed."

She smiled. "I've only been training with Hayes for a week. He's tough but I like it."

Damn right I was and it's only going to get harder.

"Well, that's Hayes. He doesn't go easy on anyone." You said.

"Not even you?" She asked, surprised.

"Especially, not her." I agreed.

I meant what I said. You were going to be a force to be reckoned with and your enemies will crumble beneath you and your people wouldn't dare betray you. Under your ruling, you will be a legend.

"You could loosen up just a little." You told me.

I looked at you. "Not happening."

You rolled your hazel eyes. We reached the cafeteria and you and Lily ate like you never ate before. Lily blamed it on Reid for making her work out tough and she needed all the calories she could get but you, you ate because you wanted to gain your weight back. There was nothing wrong with you and I wished you could see it. Yet, I didn't say anything about it. If you wanted to gain weight then I wasn't going to stop you.

The day was going by fast and next thing I know, we were walking into Ezra's class. The whole period was about the performance on Friday. Everything needed to be planned and before the class ended, everything was figured out.

A few students, walked over to you and asked if you were going to help them with the songs for the play. You told them you couldn't because you were busy. They pointed out you used the same excuse yesterday.

I knew training you was important but I figured missing one day wouldn't hurt you. You needed to work on the songs because the play couldn't work without them. I was giving you the day off.

"Princess Millian." I addressed you and you excused yourself from the group before you came over to me. "You trained yesterday. You can go work on the songs. If there's any time left, I'll put in a quick training."

You asked if I was sure and I told it was fine because Maya needed to train. I informed you I would send James to watch over you until Maya's training was over.

"I'll try to make it as quick as I can." You replied.

"Don't worry about. If you don't train today, we still have tomorrow." I reminded.

You muscles needed a break anyway. They weren't used to my extreme works out and between Vance's class and mine training, you didn't need the work out today.

We headed into two directions. Maya and I got ready for practice and she met me in the gym. We were sparing today and I have to admit, Maya was improving. She could hold her own when needed.

I ducked when she attempted to punch me and quickly blocked her from hitting me in my ribs with her knee. She never stopped trying to land a hit on me. She kept moving. She stayed on her toes.

I grabbed her arm and spun her around so her back was pressed against my chest as I wrapped my forearms around her throat. She head butted me and I let her go. She quickly faced me as she narrowed her eyes.

She did a high roundhouse and she was close to getting me but she wasn't fast enough. I grabbed her ankle and flipped her. She landed on the ground with a groan.

"Okay. Time out." She said, putting her hands in the formation of a T.

I helped her up. "You're getting better." I told her. "If I wasn't as experienced as I am, you could kick my ass in a heartbeat."

"That's reassuring."

She walked over to her water bottle and took a drink of it. She wiped her mouth before placing the bottle down.

"This is probably the worst the time to ask this, but how are you planning to announce to the world, we're dating on Friday?" She asked, coming over to me.

"I have a idea." I told her.

It's not something you would particular like but it would get the job done and the rumors would fade away.

"Are you gonna tell me?"

I shook my head. "No, you'll see soon enough." I replied. "Alright, break time is over."

Once training was over, I went to the library and traded places with James. You weren't done for another hour or so.

"I don't think I'm going to train today." You said when we walked out the library and you saw how dark it was.

"No. It's too late." I confirmed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think it would take that long to finish."

"It's fine. Don't worry about it." I said.

"You're not going make me work twice as hard to tomorrow to make up from today, are you?" You asked.

I smirked. "We'll see."

The next day, you went to see Mallory. I knew you were putting off until the last second. You were still upset with her from the last session. She had wanted you to forgive Kyle and Sophie. Something neither of us had wanted. Yet Lily practically dragged you to her office and forced you to stay.

You were quiet, not planning on talking anytime soon. Mallory took the opportunity to do so for the both of you. She apologized for last week and asked you if you wanted to talk about anything else that wasn't related to forgiving them.

You spoke about your nightmares and your fears of Kyle coming back for you. You didn't have to worry about that ever. I'd make sure of that. He would die before ever getting a glimpse of you again.

Though the only real way you could make Mallory understand how you felt, was through your song. Every now and then, you would glance at me as you sang and there was nothing I could do about how you were feeling.

You wanted both, Mallory and I, to know, you were trying your hardest to move on and that's all we could hope for.

At the end of the session, Mallory revealed her own secret. She had been through the same experience as you did. She understood exactly where you were coming from because she's been there, too.

The performance was set for tomorrow and during Ezra's class both the guys and girls argued while you stood in the middle of it all. You finally heard enough and decided to intervene.

You told them what they needed to hear and got them back onto track. At the end of the class, Ezra had asked you if you thought about auditioning. You weren't planning on it but he persuaded you into doing so.

You glanced at me. "Did I just agree to audition?" You asked in disbelief.

I smiled. "Yes, you did."

"I think you'll do amazing." Maya said. "I don't know about your acting skills but if they're anything like your singing, you're golden. The part is all yours."

"Great." You muttered.

I trained with Maya right after school, once we walked you to your room, and later that night, you and Lily had training. You didn't complain as you did in the very beginning. I think you caught on to my strategy. The more complaining I heard, the difficult the work out would be.

"You're doing good." I told you as you did your bench press. "Two more."

Once you complete your arm set, you went over to your leg workout, wiping the sweat off your forehead.

"I haven't heard a complain in a while." I said as you squatted down at the hang clean. "You're getting stronger."

"I better be or I'm kicking your ass for making do all this." You replied, coming back up.

I chuckled. "I wouldn't go that far, Boo."

Maya was far more skilled than you were and she couldn't beat me. I have doubts in my mind you could kick my ass with the little training you had. But I was working on making you better than I was.

"How long are we going to be doing this before we get to using our powers?" You asked.

"Not very long. Maybe another two weeks and then we'll work on using your specific weapon and hand to hand combat." I informed you.

"Does Abe know about this?"

"No. It's not his order,"Abe had only wanted us to train you and Lily how to control your powers but we were going the extra mile. "But Reid and I felt like it's something you and Lily should know." I shrugged. "Just in case."

I wouldn't let it happen it again but if somehow it did happen, at least you would be prepared this time.

"What kind of weapon?" You questioned.

"You'll find out later. Focus on your training right now."

The next day was going as normal as any other day, after you auditioned early that morning, until lunch rolled around. I knew about the students knowing about the trial and how they didn't believe your story but when Lily said they were still talking about it, I knew I couldn't wait any longer. I had to end it and today was the perfect day to do so.

After lunch, the talent show began. It started with the artists then the dancers. While the musicians were on the stage, you headed to the back to get ready for your own performance.

You were standing in front of a floor length mirror, fixing your hat. I walked toward you until I was standing directly behind you leaving a small space between us.

"I love you, remember that." I whispered, softly.

You didn't say anything and that was expected. You hated the idea and I knew you wished it could've been different but there wasn't another way. I needed to throw them off our trail.

I kissed the side of your head before walking away. I watched you on the stage, standing beside Maya.

"So, what's your big plan?" She asked, looking in front of her.

"I'm going to kiss you." I informed her, still looking at the stage.

Even though I'm staring straight, I had seen Maya's head wiped to looked at me, quickly.

"You're what?" She replied. "Do you want Princess Millian to kill me?"

She didn't have to worry about you murdering her. Lily would do it for you.

"Don't worry about her. Just stay out of Lily's sight." I warned her.

Once everyone had performed and the reception had started, I walked to an area where all eyes would spot my staged relationship. Maya followed behind me and after glancing around, I pulled Maya closer to me and kissed her.

I pictured you but the feeling wasn't the same and I hated it, every second of it.

I ended it shortly afterwards and I saw Selena walking towards us.

"Guardian Cipriano. Ms. Reagans." She started. "You know the rules. As long as you two are involved, you cannot be her trainer anymore. I'm afraid, I will have to find another trainer for you, Ms. Reagans." She looked at me. "I had better expectations for you, Guardian Cipriano. I had hoped you were keep a professional relationship. I was wrong." With that being said, she walked away.

If Maya was enrolled into school, then there was no way, I possibly could drag her into my problems. But since, she was only earning credits for training, and she already graduated, she wasn't a student per say. It was a thin line and we were on the very edge of crossing the line.

I didn't go right to you. I wanted you to clear your mind and I was taking my own advise, and staying out of Lily's sight. Instead, I went to follow up my leads. I saw him heading to one of the many punch table and right before he reached it, I grabbed him shoulder and turned him around to face me.

He had this confused and angry expression but I simply ignored it.

"What the hell, man?" He said.

"Listen very carefully to what I'm about to say." I told him. "If I hear one more word about Princess Millian's trial, I will cut your tongue out."

"You can't threaten the students." He replied, scared.

"I just did and even if you were going to rat me out to Selena, I'm curious as to what she would say when she learns you're the one spreading word about the trial? Oh, let's not forget, your brother will also get in trouble for telling you about it." I arched an eyebrow. "Still feel like telling?"

He shook his head. "I won't mention it anymore. I'll get the others to stop talking about it too." He promised.

I smirked. "Good." I patted his shoulder. "Have a good night."

The day of the trial, I remember everyone who was in the room. Aside from the obvious group, there was one who didn't really have to be in there. I ignored them because he wasn't important. He was just taking notes, gathering all the facts. But when I heard about the trial getting around the school, I knew it had to be him because no one else would've said anything. So, I found out his name and to my surprised, learned he had a younger brother that went to school with you. I planned on confronting the bastard's brother, once we got back to the mansion but since the talk wasn't going away, I figured today would be better.

I walked away and went to stand by Reid.

"So, you and Maya?"

I exhaled. "It's a long story."

"Well, you better figure out a way to make it short." He said. "I think Lily's on her way to chew you out."

I glanced over to where he was looking and I saw Lily marching over to me but she stopped when you grabbed her. Once Lily wasn't at your side anymore, I walked over to you.

"If it makes any difference, I thought about you the entire time." I told you.

You didn't look at me. "It doesn't but it's nice to know I'm on your mind." You said before taking a bite of your cookie.

"You're always on mind." I replied. "More than anything."

Truly, I thought about the second I woke up to the second I fell asleep and most times, you were in dreams. I cared about your wellness, your happiness.

You glanced at me smiled, placing your small hand on top of mine briefly.

"You're too sweet."

Roughly an hour had passed when we were piling into the SUV that would take us to the mansion for the weekends and that was when reality checked in.

It was early in the night and I was walking through the halls, wondering why there were limos outside, parked in front of the house. Usually when there was a limo involved, then there was an important occasion happening.

"Hayes!"

I turned my head to the left and I saw Lily coming out of Abe's office. She looked mad and I was hoping it had nothing to do with me.

"What's wrong?" I asked, keeping some distance between us.

She sighed, heavily. "Millie. Abe said some pretty harsh words-"

I narrowed my eyes as I glanced at Abe's office. "He's in there?"

I was walking towards the door when Lily grabbed my arm, stopping me.

"I wouldn't go in there." She said. "He isn't alone. You should go check on Millie."

Hearing your name again, I knew what was more important. I would deal with Abe later. I went to your room and knocked on the door.

"Leave me alone, Abe!" You yelled through the door.

"It's not Abe." I informed you. "It's me, Boo. Open the door."

It you a couple of minutes to open the door and when I saw the tears in your eyes, I immediately pulled you to me.

"What did he tell you?" I asked. "What did Abe tell you?"

"It doesn't matter." You told me. "That's not important."

"It had to be or else you wouldn't be crying."

"I'm fine." You paused. "There's something I have to tell you."

I frowned. "What? What is it?"

You took a deep breath before ripping the bandage off.

"I'm getting engaged."

Those three words weren't what I was expecting you to say. I was processing those words then I thought you were playing a joke on me.

You shook your head. "I wish I was but I'm not. Abe made arranged for three princes to come here and play bachelorette with me as the main star. I'm supposed to get to know them in the morning and I can think of a thousands other things I would rather do." You sounded irritated.

The limos parked in the front. They belonged to the princes. I knew this would eventually happen but not this sudden, not this soon. Especially not after what you've been through.

"You knew this would happen?" You accused me.

I nodded once, jaw clenched.

"Why didn't you tell me?" You asked, hurt.

"I thought Abe would've told you but I didn't think he would've act on it anytime soon. Usually you'll have a few more years left before you start training to become future queen."

You were only eighteen. You couldn't rule an entire nation just yet. You still had three years before that came. Three years of coming up with a plan that would change our lives for the better.

"What are we going to do?" You asked looking up at me.

I didn't have an definite answer to you because I didn't know.

"Don't worry about that." I told you. "We'll figure something out. We always do."

"That's something we're good at." You smile.

I left soon after that, I was certain a maid had seen me enter the room and I didn't want her to get suspicious when I stayed in your room longer than I should have.

The next morning, it was your chance to get to know the three princes. They were introduced as Marceau, Hadrian and William and they were all fighting for your love and attention.

I smiled to myself when I saw the hatred and annoyance written all over your face. You didn't want to do this but Abe was making you. You picked Marceau as your first choice.

I made my move to follow you when Abe called my name. I watched you walked down the hall, towards the music room. I looked at Abe.

"Why don't you give them some privacy?" He told me.

I arched an eyebrow. "You trust them that much to leave your daughter unprotected?"

"Yes. They are fine young gentlemen and they will do no harm to Millian. Let them be." He walked away and began to talk to the other two princes.

He wanted me to not following you around, to not have eyes on you. That wasn't happening. He might've trust them but I didn't. I ignored his orders and went to the music room anyway.

I arrived at the foot of the door and Marceau was playing the guitar, singing in French. I understand every word he was saying and know what the song was about. When he stopped singing, he told you to join in. Your voice filled my ears and it was a lovely sound but I couldn't enjoy it.

You were enjoying your time with Marceau. You were so lost in the music, you didn't even notice I was standing at the door. No matter how many times we've been in that music room, we never wrote a song together. I thought it was our sacred place, to get away from the world. But, you didn't feel that way in that moment. I walked away.

Reality hit me and I knew the game we were playing was going to have to end someday; we were just prolonging the inevitable. Truth be told, I didn't have a plan I was working on to keep us together. I couldn't let you know that. You were hopeful that I would came up with something, anything, to save our relationship. You were counting on me to came up an idea. Yet, I was fooling us both. We could never have a life together, not when you're on the path of becoming queen.

That thought stayed with me as I wondered the halls, listening to Abe's order to give you privacy. By now, you should've realized I wasn't by your side.

I walked by the ball room, we had never used, and I heard mumble voices. I didn't have a clue as to who would used the ball room and I was going to walk away until I recognized his voice.

"I didn't think so."

I didn't know what I had expected when I stepped into the room but it sure in hell wasn't Hadrian pinning you up against the wall as he kissed you. I felt two emotions, angry and hurt.

Who the fuck did he think he was touching you? And why were you letting him? I let myself be known.

"What are you doing?"

Hadrian turned around, quickly, smirking. I glanced at you and you hung your head down as if you were ashamed of what just happened.

"Nothing, man. You know how girls get when they get passionate." He replied, wiping his mouth.

"You're a lair." You said, still not looking up.

"It's okay, babe. We don't have to hide from him. He's no one important. Right?"

I didn't care much about the second half of his sentence but him calling you babe was out of line. You weren't his and he was never yours. You, then, glanced at me and I turned away from you. I couldn't look at you because all I could remember was the way he kissed you.

"You're wrong." You told Hadrian, walking away from him. "He's more important than you'll ever be."

I looked at you when you spoke and I realized how stupid and irrational I was being. Even though, our future wasn't set in stone, I damn sure was still going to fight for now. I narrowed my eyes when Hadrian grabbed you, harshly.

"You're gonna compare me to him."

You pulled away. "Stop touching me. It's the last time I'm going to tell you."

You left the room and I knew you had wanted me follow you but I needed to have a quick chat with the prince himself. So, I wanted until I could no longer hear your footsteps, before closing the door.

"What do you want?" Hadrian asked, eyeing the hand that was resting on the doorknob.

"I don't know how things work back from wherever the hell you're from but here, we respect our women, especially the princesses." I began, walking toward him.

He rolled his eyes. "Look, I don't care for what you have to say. Millie will be mine as well as this kingdom."

I arched an eyebrow. "Oh, is that right?" I said. "You know what I don't feel like talking much either."

Before he could reaction, I balled my hand into a fist and punched him square on his jaw. His hand immediately went to the spot that was hit.

"If you ever touch her again, I will personally, kill you myself." I said in a low, threatening voice before I walked out.

Instead of going to your room, I went to the gym to let my frustrations out. I stayed in there longer than I previously anticipated. I knew I should've checked on you but I didn't and I didn't even a good enough reason as to why I didn't go. I could've said I was working on finding Ramadi or figuring out an idea for our future yet it didn't matter what excuse I used. Because none of them were an excusable pass. To tell you the truth, I just couldn't face you yet. I didn't know what you would say or wouldn't say when you saw me.

I even skipped dinner because of that. Yet, I knew sooner or later, I would have to see you. I saw the lights in the music room and knew without a doubt you were in there, early in the morning or late at night, however you viewed it.

I pushed the door open.

"Lily, I'm fi-"

You stopped when you saw it was me and even from where I was standing I could had seen the tears. You said my name before you ran to me, hugging me as if I was the answer to all of your worries.

"I'm so sorry." You muttered into my chest.

I was confused because you had nothing to apologize for. I was the one who needed to apologize and you wanted to know why.

"For believing even for a second you were interested in Marceau and Hadrian." I told you.

You made your cute frown. "Why would you think I would ever be interested in them?"

"Because I saw you and Marceau singing and the way you were looking at each other made me realize I'll never be the one for you."

You didn't say anything right away but a moment later you spoke.

"Marceau is a nice guy." That stung a bit. "But he isn't the one for me. You're the one I want next to me everyday." I smiled. "And Hadrian? Are you kidding me? No way in hell will I ever be interested in him. He kissed me and I froze up because I thought about that night."

"And I'm sorry for that." I apologized again. "If I was there, none of that would've happened. At first glance I thought you were ashamed for getting caught with him but I realized how stupid I was being after you walked away."

You had asked me why I didn't come after you and I told you I needed to speak to Hadrian but you heard the underlining in my words.

"Do you know how much trouble you're going to be in?"

"I don't care." I said. "He deserved it and if he knows what's best for him, he would catch the first flight out and head back home. He isn't worthy of you. None of us are."

"They aren't." You agreed. "But you are. When are you going to believe me?"

"When it's true."

You kissed my cheek. "It's true."

I smiled, gently, as I stared at you and then I saw how tired you looked and I dropped my smile.

"Have you been up this whole entire time?" I asked.

You shrugged as if it didn't matter to you. "I couldn't sleep but don't worry I'm fine. I made coffee."

"You need to sleep." I told you. "This isn't good for you."

We left the music room and headed to your room.

"I'll stay until you fall asleep."

Once I was certain you wouldn't woke any time soon, I moved from underneath you and walked out your room.

The very next day, Abe threw a curveball for everyone. You didn't tell me until there were only a few hours left until you had to make your choice.

"Guardian Cipriano." I heard your voice. "I need you to come with me."

You turned on your heels and I followed you to an isolated area of the mansion.

"What is it?" I asked.

"There's something you need to know and I want to be the one to tell you." You began before diving right in. "I'm getting engaged by the end of the day and who I pick doesn't mean anything to me. You do and I want you to tell me you believe me when I tell I love you and only you."

You already had a lot on your plate and even through I didn't like what I heard, I wouldn't express it. You didn't need to know how I felt right then. That would be another on your already filled mind.

I nodded. "Of course I believe you. I love you, too." I told you in hopes it would ease your mind.

Suddenly, you kissed me and I was taken back. I was confused as I stared into your hazel eyes, wondering why you kissed me without any warnings. You leaned into to kiss me again and I realized this is was something you needed so I returned your kiss.

That moment would've ended some time but Lou interrupted us.

"Millie! There you are!" Lou exclaimed. "I've been looking everywhere for you!" She glanced at me with a smile. "Hey, Hayes."

"Hi, Lou."

"Why are looking for me?" You asked.

"Oh, I have to start getting you ready for tonight. Abe requested you look at your best for this moment." She informed you.

You followed Lou to get ready for tonight's big revealed and I prepared myself for whoever you picked. I kept your words in my head and played them on loop as the time got near to when you had to choose your fiancée.

You opened your door and I shouldn't had be surprised to see how absolutely gorgeous you looked but I was.

"You look beautiful, Princess Millian."

You stepped out your room and linked your arms through mine. We walked passed the servants and they bowed for you.

We descended the stairs and once we reached the bottom, we parted ways. You went to the front of the room, standing in front of the princes, as I went to the side, watching from the short distance.

I narrowed my eyes when I heard Hadrian speak. I hoped he would've left last night but he had a lot of courage. Either that or he had a death wish, I wouldn't hesitate to award him with. Abe hadn't mentioned the bruise on his face so I assumed Hadrian didn't bring it up to him.

William and Marceau made their speech before your made your choice. As soon as I saw who you picked, I left as cheers erupted from the crowd.