Fifteen year-old, princess, Scarletta Anastasia Tareese was a spoiled little thing. However, she didn't act it at all. She was  humble, however she could never truly appreciate what she was given because she had no idea of the hardship outside the castle walls. She was shielded as a child, resulting in her ignorance.

Otherwise she lived quite happily while most people bellow her ranking were engulfed by death. She also had the unwavering protection of her guard Kai. He was a cold, ruthless man. The moment he was born he was assigned the task of guarding the princess. He was two years older than Scarletta, but looked as if he was at least four years older due to his masculine build. His appearance was unique and fascinating, from his purple glassy eyes and platinum blonde hair. He would've probably been chased by women every day if it weren't for his terrible personality. His father was the Royal Guard of the King. It has been their families duty to protect the Royal Family. In all truthfulness, the only thing he had in common with his son was his awful social skills with women. All in all, Kai was a committed guard, and would never let Scarletta down.

Scarletta was  the only suitable heir to the throne. She had a twin brother, but he was very sickly and weak, even with all the care and love he received from his family. The two grew up together until they were twelve when her brother, Madden, became horribly ill and had to be taken away from her. Once he recovered, she visited him frequently, but he rarely left his room due to how frail his condition he was. All the other children her mother bared, did not survive.

I remember the day the wheels change began to turn...

I was sitting under a shady oak-tree reading a book of herbs, while Kai sat fidgeting with his scythe. That was his elemental item, as the elemental of wind. He has the ability to manipulate the wind and it helps balance his weapon as well. He was always someone I respected because he didn't rely on his powers or abuse them.

The atmosphere was serene, listening to the mellifluous sounds of birds speaking to one another. Life was good to me, and I rarely ever missed an opportunity to relish in it. There are only so many moments of  peace that you can enjoy like this, reading happily under a tree.

I glanced over at Kai noticing a new bandage over his cheek. He was repetitively getting himself into trouble and fights with fellow guards, he was belligerent. Although, if there's a scratch on Kai, I'd be concerned to see what the other man looks like.

"Is something wrong," he asked, not even looking in my direction to know I was staring at him.

"It's nothing, just curious what happened to your face."

"I got in a fight and got cut a little by his knife, that's all," he stated nonchalantly.

I nodded and leaned further against the tree. I could feel the rough bark pressed against the back of my head. The cool breeze brushed over my face gently, nipping at my nose and cheeks.

"Why do you do this to me?" The question lingering in mind slipped out between my lips.

Kai paused abruptly and looked over at me. " I didn't do anything to you," he spoke cold as the icy wind creeping up along my face.

"You make me me worry. Somehow you manage to get into fights all the time. Every day you have a new scar or mark on you. It makes me worry about... how blood-thirsty you really are."

I could sense Kai's frustration. It has always been me telling him to be careful because of his stubbornness, however he never wants to hear it.

He scowled, "I don't need you to stick your nose into my business! If I want to beat up men for being puny and ignorant I will! It's none of your..."

"It is my concern!!!" I cut him off making him more frustrated. I stood up and leaned into his face.

"I'm weary of you acting like I'm not responsible for you. You are my guard, so your actions influence the way people perceive me. Furthermore, stop acting like I shouldn't care about what you do! I'm sorry I have concern for you! But if I don't care about you, who will? You pushed away your father and you claim you no longer need help from your commanding officer. If you won't listen to me... who will you listen to..." I stopped suddenly staring up at Julian... my fiancé.

My face warmed and my heart leaped in my chest. He stared at me with his sexy smirk and lifted brow. I wanted to hide behind the tree or turn invisible, but I could barely find the words to say.

"I see you are giving your Kai another lecture." He walked over to me and stroked my hair through his fingers. Chills ran down my spine and I could feel my heart pounding against my chest. Every time I see him I always get like this, so flustered and insecure.

"You caught us at a bad time Julian. I apologize, I was making the princess very frustrated," Kai stood up from his spot under the tree, " I should be heading back for some training, I'll leave you two. I trust that will guard the princess in my absence Julian."

Julian smiled and wrapped his arm around my waist. " I'll do my best," he gave a little nod and Kai headed back. Julian looked at me with those crystal blue eyes that could make you feel as though you were practically melting, and gave me a little shrug as if to say, "now what?"
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Our foreheads pressed together as I felt him gaze at me. It felt as if he were looking into my very soul. I stared down at the ground feeling somewhat shy about gazing at him directly, but more so, him gazing upon me. My heart was beating more rapidly than the flutter of a humming-bird's agile wings, letting glide through the air with ease. Julian's breathing was audible and quick, so maybe he was as nervous as I.

I can not  remember exactly how we got to that position, the moment is all blurred. Every single moment with Julian felt like a life time, so it was hard to remember all the little details in between, you just let yourself move alongside the waves of instinct, rather than suppress all of your urges. I've lived so many life times with him. We have been betrothed since the age of 13 and ever since then we were learning more about each other, and becoming more open-minded about marriage.

From my view of the ground I could see him reach over for my hand. He guided my hand up to his chest, on too of his heart. His was beating as fast as mine.

I peered into his eyes, at his kind smile and he whispered, "see we're both nervous, so it's okay now."

Author's Note:

Yay! First edit on this chapter is all finished. I will at some point come back again and possibly do a second edit of my entire book, but for now I'm focusing on the first edit and getting moving on my other novel as well. Keep reading :)