...................................................

I have not forgotten your touch,I have just numbed it.

The next time we touch,I don't think I will be able to resist it.

...................................................

He stepped out of the large arch doors, tired of the day's events.
Bodyguard's followed making him more irritated.

"Your majesty Princess Zeena just arrived, shall we head back to the palace?"

He merely nodded, removing his tuxedo and pulling up the sleeves of his shirt.
Sighing he sat inside the sedan car and just closed his eyes to relax.

He could only take a 5 minutes nap, when the driver told him they have arrived.

He went inside to be welcomed with a warm hug of the northern province's princess.

Zeena Rose

Blue-eyed beauty with a sweet smile on her face.
Her clothes screamed money, just like her position.

"I missed you so much, Dan!! You were not ignoring me, were you?"

"Oh lord with due honour your highness how can this nobleman ignore a beauty such as yours!"

She smiled, hitting his shoulder in mischief.

"You know well how to impress a girl! Don't you...you charming ass!"

"What? As..what? Mom! See what your dear princess was sayi-"

She muffled his words with the palm of her hands.
Hitting his shoes with her pointed heels, she looked at him in fake anger.

"Shut it Dan!! She will scold me! Shhh"

He smiled seeing her looking so afraid of his mother.
Don't get him wrong, he didn't hate this girl or his fiance as we must say.

He just hated the idea of getting married.
Zeena was a nice girl, at least her company was nice, unlike many others.

She held onto his arm, as they made their way inside.

"Are you tired? Should I get you something"

She asked to which Daniel smiled at her.

"Are you trying to do your wife duties already? Well that's nice"

She pinched his arm, making him fake wince in pain.

"I am. Don't you like it, future husband?"

Before he could reply they saw the queen approaching and they sobered up.

"My dear Zeena! Wow you look beautiful! Your dress is stunning!! "

They both kissed on their cheeks and greeted them.
When his phone ringed and he excused himself.

"Yes Johnathan"

He said tiredly, rubbing his forehead as a headache was beginning.

"Sir your new bodyguard's. He just arrived"

He sighed, not liking the news a bit.

"Send him to my study. I will be there shortly"

He said and proceeded to his room to freshen up a bit.
First Zeena, then this bodyguard.
Why can't he be alone for a few minutes?

Placing his phone back in his pockets, he went towards his room.

....................................................

Evalinge pov

I am not ready!
Hell, my insides are shaking!!

What will I say...if he recognises me then?
Will my voice give it away?

Then don't speak Eva! You are anyways famous for not speaking much!
Just keep your trap shut, eyes down casted and body straight.

He won't.

I was pacing in his office, waiting for his grand arrival.
My hands automatically adjusting my fake beard again and again.

Breathe! Deep breath! Come on 7..6.  5. ..

I heard his footsteps approaching and I stilled.
Long forgotten was my breathing and the counting.

Standing behind the seat, I stood in attention.
Looking straight ahead at the window.

The door opened, he stepped in.

And silence

I refused to look in his direction, even though I could feel his eyes on me.
My heart started thumping in my chest and my hands were sweating already.

"Have a seat "

Came his voice and it took the strength of each and every cell in my body to not look at him.

"So you are the famous ...."

He looked down at the paper in his hands before replying.

"Lin"

I merely nodded, still staring straight at nothing.
For the next few minutes, he didn't say anything.

But his eyes, I can feel them scrutinising me.

"Have we met?"

Oh sh**
He recognises me.
No...no.. please....
Get memory loss.... don't remember... don't remember...please...I was pleading in my mind.

My silence will look rude, I know but what else can I do?

He looked angry.
I could feel his heated stare already.

"Not much of a talker. Good"

He said, surprising me.
The very next second he got up from his seat and approached me.

Hands in his pockets as he casually leaned against the table.

"See . Lin . Your job is simple. Follow me at all times, keep your eyes open and bring to my notice any suspicious activity."

I refused to see him, still staring in front of me in attention position.

"I don't want you to do any other task except this. You only take orders from me and you only report to me"

"Not even my dad"

He finished, expecting me to interrupt but I didn't.

"Is that clear?"

To this, I nodded.

"Good"

"Your job starts now. Get changed. Johnathan will explain to you my schedule."

The very next second he pressed a button on the table and Johnathan appeared.

I was going to leave, taking a big sigh of relief.
When my breath got caught in my throat as he suddenly blocked my way.

I don't know when it happened.

Our eyes met.

Those oceans of blue looked colder than before.
The dark rims in his eyes looking darker than earlier.

He had muscles before, but now he looked like a beast.
The clothes he wore were ready to get ripped if he flexed his biceps for sure.

A slight subtle gave him a manly look now, his hair gelled to perfection.

As he held my stare, I could almost see the emotions swirling in his eyes.

I could see his jaw clenching.

He recognises my eyes or maybe remembers them, for the look that crossed his eyes was of raw hate.

"The next time I talk to you, I want you to look at me and answer. I hate disrespect...Lin...keep that in mind"

I couldn't speak.
My mouth opened and closed in shock.

Before I could give him a nod in reply, he turned around leaving me stunned.

"Has he grown more arrogant with years? Or is it just me?"

I questioned myself, for the caring guy I have fallen in love with didn't resemble him a bit.
His walk screamed power and arrogance.

His eyes filled with coldness and seriousness.

"Come Lin, this way"

Johnathan said bringing me out of my thoughts, I nodded following him out of the study.

"Don't mind your majesty. He is always like that I guess.
Just follow his orders and you will be just fine"

I nodded, giving him a small smile.
Well, that will be a problem because I hated taking orders, especially from an arrogant ass such as himself.

Not bothering to reply I got ready to change when Johnathan stopped me again.

"Before you start Lin..I just want you to go over the code of conduct once. Here, read this. It will take 10 minutes at max"

I took the piece of paper from his hand.

Confidentiality...check

Punctual...check

Uniform... check

Relationship............

My eyes nearly dropped out of my sockets as I read the clause in detail.
Were they crazy or what?

Any kind of relationships between the employees at workplace will not be permitted.
If caught, they will be removed without any prior notice.
Each employee is required to work diligently without any distractions or personal affairs.

What the hell is this!
Not that this is going to be a problem considering I am a girl dressed as a boy.
But still wasn't it wrong to stop someone from starting relationships.

Johnathan saw my surprise and he smiled at this.

"Crazy right? Even I don't understand this clause. But the pay is good man! It is like a dream job for many"

I kept staring at him, to which he scratched his neck in awkwardness.

"You really don't speak...I thought we could be friends?"

My stare remained

"Or not...maybe"

He just turned around feeling awkward.
I was used to this, I guess.
Following him, I was ready for my first day at being the bodyguard of your majesty.

...................................................

I hate my job

I have never felt anything to be so useless as this.
Standing at the same spot for freaking 3 hrs straight.

Doing what?

Nothing. Just nothing.
I bet even watching TV was more productive than this.
Sighing a bit frustrated, I looked around to see the buffons still staring at me.

Don't they have anything else to do?

Isn't he weird?

How can he be the famous Lin?

Have seen his structure, he looks like an undernutrition kid

He is staring

I hate it when people talk about me behind my back,
Especially these bodyguard's who are going to be my only companion for the next few days.
But do I wish to talk to them?

Na, I guess I will pass

Are you sure he is the Lin ? And not an imposter?

Doesn't he speak? What a weird guy?

Ignoring, I straightened my back and looked around.
We were waiting for the meeting to end and your majesty to arrive.

The place looked nice, a palace to be exact.
With large lavish gardens all around.

I wish I could just sleep on the grounds and enjoy the sun.

"Sir? Hey, will you like something to eat?"

I turned around to look at a housemaid. She held a tray in her hands as she offered me some snacks.

Looking closer, I saw her looking shyly at me.
Her feet shifting in discomforts and a small blush evident on her lips.

Oh, come on! Not this now!

I just shrugged and turned my back on her.
I know very rude, but it's better than smiling at her, sweet talk her and rise her expectations when it's something impossible.

Adjusting the irritating earpiece in my ear, I sighed again.

"Lin. Report to the back entrance"

I heard his voice and spoke for the first time, trying to make my voice heavier as I usually do.

"Yes, Sir"

Making my way around the huge place, I finally arrived at the back entrance.

He stood there in the scorching sun, looking hotter than it.
His shades on and an irritated look on his face.

As soon as his eyes fell on my, he exclaimed in exasperation.

"I told you to be here like 10 minutes earlier! Are you dumb along with being mute?"

I clenched my fists.
The audacity of this moron.
But I just refused to look at him.

"Get the car ready! And how many Fu**** times do I have to tell you to look at me when I talk to you?"

I looked up, finally meeting his angry stare.
Not bothering to reply with a sorry.

I was not going to boost his already inflated ego.
His eyes narrowing on me, expecting an apology.

He stepped closer, fastening my hearts pace with each step he took.

"Mr Lin...you may be accustomed to a special treatment but hear it clear, I hate tardiness and you will be no exception"

Was this guy serious? Hell, I jogged from one corner of this huge place to another in 10 minutes.
What else do you expect of me?
Should I have flown here?

My insides were encouraging me for a witty retort.
Boosting me to put a pin into his inflated balloon of ego.
But I stopped.

"I said is it clear?"

I nodded and the anger in his eyes decapitated a bit.

"I have a meeting in 5 minutes with the President in the Royal Court. Here are the keys"

He threw the keys at me, taking me by surprise.
I managed to catch them with my shaking fingers.

"You are driving. With each second you make me late, your salary is getting deducted"

WTH!!
This man has gone crazy!
Or is it just me he is trying to irritate?
He just turned and stood near the car, waiting for me to open his door.

Control Eva control!

Slamming the door shut after him with a little bit more force than necessary, I proceeded towards the driver seat.

The watch said 10:05 and that was when the fast and furious began.

......................................................

My forehead is sweating profusely, my hands are shaking and my heart.

Don't ask, for I don't know how I survived without a heart attack.

We reached the Royal Court and when I looked back in the mirror.
Your Royal Highness sat there with one leg placed on the other, eyes fixed on his phone screen.

Doing what if you ask?
Playing fuc*** PUB G

My anger skyrocketed seeing it.
I felt like snatching his phone and throwing it out of the car.

But I couldn't speak!
Hell, why me!!

2 minutes
.
.
Wasn't he getting late?.
.
.

4 minutes
.
.
A nerve is ticking in my forehead.
Am I going to explode like a time bomb?
.
.
.
.
Fu** it! I am going to kill him
.
.
.
.
.

10 minutes

And that's when a royal guard came and knocked on my door.

"Your majesty! Sir is here"

He didn't even look at me!
Stepping out casually while placing his phone in his pocket.
He showed like nothing happened like he didn't just irritate me to moon and back.

Taking in deep breaths, I placed my head on the steering wheel and closed my eyes.

"You are to guard me, not my car Lin. Report inside"

I jolted up on hearing his heavy voice, my heart leapt in my chest suddenly as I looked back to see no one sitting inside.

Confused I looked around and then slowly realisation settled on me.

The earpiece.

The line went silent and I tiredly looked around at the high buildings.

Oh god ! Just get this day over with!!

....................................................

My stomachs grumbling in protest and my lips drying.

The mouthwatering aromas around me are acting as a catalyst to my already aching stomach.

Why it's aching, well I haven't eaten for a stretch of 7 hours straight and I could feel the acid coming up to my throat.

" We will meet on Saturday again and finalize the plan. You should be ready with the layout and let me know what the general says"

" It will be done. Don't you worry your highness"

The President said and your majesty continued savouring the dishes, taking his time.

At one point my eyes betrayed me to land on that tasty piece of cherry tart that was placed between his lips.
And I couldn't distinguish.
What was tastier...the tart or his lips?

Sh** it!!
Stupid!! Stupid!!

I diverted my eyes instantly feeling a warmness in my cheeks.

Unaware that he had caught me, his eyes have followed the vision of where my gaze was a few seconds ago.

Another rumble came from my stomach and I placed my hands in front of me in embarrassment.
I just hope no one heard it.

The next second I looked up, I felt his eyes on me.

Meeting his stare, he simply looked down, continuing with his delicious food.

..................................................

It was evening, I have to eat something or my stomach pain is going to get unbearable.

I could have eaten if not for this arrogant ass I have to stick around with, like a fudging glue.

Following him entire day is so frustrating.
I didn't know what I signed for earlier, and now I am bound by this.

"Lin. Is there a problem?"

You could hear the fake concern in his voice, but his face.
An arrogant smirk is plastered on it which is twitching my hands to land a punch on.

Yes! You are!!

I wanted to scream at him.
But bound by duty, I put on an emotionless face and just moved my head in a no.

"Good. Let's head back home"

And that's when I sighed in relief.
He was watching my face closely and when I sighed, he smiled.

Like he expected this.

Ignoring him I started the ignition and looked straight ahead, ignoring the irritating stare I could feel at the back of my head.

....................................................

"How was it? I hope it wasn't much trouble"

Daniel's dad called me to his office as soon as we came back.

"No your highness. Not much"

He smiled and asked me to sit. His posture turning from stiff to relaxed.

"See Lin . Daniel is our country's future and you are well aware of how important his safety is. I really appreciate your help.
He was content with your service and he asked me to keep you as his full-time bodyguard. Just you and no one else"

My mouth opened in shock

Only me!!

Alone!

With him!

No way!

"Please! First, listen to me.
Daniel likes his privacy a lot and he hated 10 bodyguards following him everywhere.
You alone are very much capable to do the duty all by yourself.
The bodyguards will be there but under your supervision. You can delegate your duties to them but you still have to be with Daniel all the time"

I couldn't speak.
What can I say?

"See Lin...you have to follow him like his shadow. Danger can be anywhere.
Trust no one...not even family. You know what all people can do for this royal crown, killing bloodline is no big deal for them"

I just nodded.
Knowing what he was saying is true.

"Whether it is his most private affairs or even his bedroom. You follow him everywhere.
These are my orders"

I nodded
Understanding the gravity of the situation.

He smiled at me, patted my back and left.
Complicating my life more.

Once I was done with my food, I proceeded towards his room.

Even his bedroom

He had said and I felt a bit weird invading his privacy.
Finally gathering enough courage I knocked on his door.

Rubbing my arms in awkwardness.

Few minutes passed and there was no reply.
I thought of turning around and leaving when the door was pulled open.

I looked up and my heart stopped.

My eyes forgot to blink and my lungs, to breathe.

There he stood in upper half-naked glory with joggers till his waist and his chest, bare.
There was a tattoo running down his bicep, and I could tell that it had the central province's royal seal in it.

It was not there before, but my eyes were rather searching for something else.

On not finding it there hanging from his neck, a sadness washed inside me as water runs over a castle in the sand.

His eyes were burning coals irritated with my intrusion.

"What are you doing here?"

I couldn't speak, not that I generally do.
Expecting my lack of response already, he was going to slam the door shut on me.

Expecting his actions, I placed my arm in the threshold stopping him from closing.

But I guess he didn't, because the next second I felt a sharp pain on my arm as it got stuck between a closing door.

Instantly I pulled back my arm, trying to soothe the pain with my other hand.
Trying not to show how bad it hurt.

"Fu**!"

He exclaimed realising what he or rather I did.

"Are you crazy or what Lin! You come to my room at 11 o clock at night... don't speak anything and when I try closing my door...you just don't let me! What do you want?"

His tone turned helpless till the end.
It was then I saw how tired he was after today's hectic day, his eyes heavy ..like I interrupted his sleep.

Not knowing what to do, I just turned my back on him.
Taking fast steps away from him.

"Hey? At least tell me why you were here?"

He said behind me but I refused to look back.

But then my way was blocked and I looked up in surprise.
Daniel's dad stood there with his eyes fixed on his son.

"He will be staying inside your room. Guarding you while you sleep"

I was made to turn around and Daniel looked very uncomfortable with the proposition.
He opened his mouth to protest but his father stopped him.

"No discussion. Lin go inside"

And that's when I followed his command and moved past Daniel's large frame to enter his room.
His eyes were telling the truth.

How much he wanted me out of his room and life.
But I was stuck in it, and we both could do nothing about it.

.................................................

I was standing beside him like a statue.
And he was laying on his bed with his back turned towards me.

His naked back making me nostalgic, for there was a time when I hugged it and slept in peace.
With his warm body enclosing me in their safety.

And now I couldn't even afford to touch him, let alone hug him.

He kept turning, not able to find peace just like me.
His sleepy eyes landing on me in annoyance.

"Can you fuck"** stop staring at me like a creep Lin? Just grab a chair, sit down and turn your back on me"

Well, that was understood, because even I could have felt like that if I was in his. place.

Nodding I grabbed a book from his shelf, turned my back on him and gave him the privacy he was so desperate for.

Not knowing that once he slept, my eyes were not able to look away from his face for even a minute.

After all, I was seeing him after so many years and these eyes just couldn't get enough of his beautiful face in just few minutes.

Looking at his beautiful face all night, I spend my night in a world I could never belong to.

As the first rays of sun illuminated his face,I stood there like a statue , blocking the rays that could awake him.

Waiting for his ocean like eyes to open,I stood on my sore legs with a smile still present on my tired face.

.....................................................

You may not recognise me,but I still remember you.

For these eyes were desperately searching for just one person in all these years

And it was you.

....................................................