TFL ch 31

For what seems to be the longest minute in eternity, Eric looks at me without saying a word. Emotions chase across his face as he tries to figure out what to say. He finally speaks, "I think we need to take a walk."

I glance at the servants who had cautiously avoided us thus far and nod. My stomach does a nervous flip as I take his arm. Looking down at me, he whispers "Don't worry. I'm not rabbid. I won't bite you."

His joke does little to put me at ease. I evidently had just angered, or hurt him. But how? And at the same time, did he realize how every moment with him was torturous ecstasy? Every moment he looks at me reminds me of how hopeless my love for him is. Amelia, pull yourself together! You're acting like a lovesick schoolgirl! Listen to what he has to say and be done with it!

After many tense, silent moments he finally guides me over to a stone bench placed in the middle of the garden. Lilacs and roses scent the air and the sunlight rushes over the hedges in golden streams. Yet despite its beauty, I feel awkward and confused, as Eric walks over to a rosebush and touches the largest white rose. Pulling out his knife, he cuts it off, trimming the rose's thorns as he walks back to me.

"Amelia." My heart speeds as he gently places the rose behind my ear. "You look lovely."

His eyes hold level with mine for a moment and slowly wander down my face to my lips. "Eric..." My voice sounds ragged as I try to keep my mind focused. "What is this all about?"

He pulls away. "You really don't know? Of course, you wouldn't." He says more to himself than to me. "You are focused on him." He spits out the last word with distaste.

"Know what? And who is he?"

"Hawkins. Jack. Whatever Darby's squire is called. You're too focused on him to ever even notice my affection for you."

I rise to my feet. Does he think-- "Jack? You think I'm in love with Jack?!"

"You're not?" His eyes light up with a small hope.

"No! I—he—we're nothing more than friends!"

Eric takes a few paces away from me. "Why... Why were you with him then?" he says with his back turned.

"I—" I stumble for words. How am I supposed to tell him I'm in love with him? He's the bloody heir of Aspenvale's throne! "I- uh- could not bear—to—uh..."

Eric laughs as he turns back to me, the laugh dry ,forced, and irritated. "I dare say, Lee, this is the first time I've heard you not know what to say." He looks up at the sky and unclenches his fists. The look of frustration changes to a sorrowful, pained expression. "Goodness, this is not anything like how I planned this."

"I'm afraid I don't understand what this is all about, Eric. I—" My mind reverts back to what he had said. "Wait. What did you mean by affection?" The air suddenly becomes hot as blood rises to my cheeks. Could he really mean--? I do not dare to complete that question.

He swallows and walks toward me, touching his hand to my cheek as he looks down at me. "I love you, Amelia." The words are so simple, so plain, but yet so perfect. Eric never cared for garish words or long, prosy speeches. Four words, four simple words were all he needed to say, and yet my breathing hitches. My thoughts scramble; my throat constricts; my heart hammers in my chest.

"But—"

"Selina released me from the engagement. I know, this is sudden for you and you have never thought of me more than an older brother, but all I am asking for is a chance to win your heart. And if after my chance—"

This time I interrupt him, blurting out, "You don't need a chance. I already love you." I avert my gaze, afraid of my own admission. Could he really love me? Or was this some sick joke? Eric gently tilts my chin back so he can look at my face. The worry, fear, and pain on his face have vanished behind one of those rare grins that stretch all the way across his face. My doubts flee as his eyes look into mine, clearly portraying his love in their gaze.

"Truly?" His eyes sparkle as he whispers the question. When we would play together as children, I would question him with the same word if I doubted his simcerity.

"Truly." I answer, unable to say more.

Leaning in, he presses his lip against mine, his hand caressing my neck. He kisses me with a gentle fervor that leaves me breathless as he pulls away. He reluctantly steps back, his eyes glancing down once more at my lips. Offering me his arm, he says, "When-- When did you first start loving me?"

What an impossible question to answer. "I don't really know. I realized that I was in love with you last year when we started the preparations for this trip."

"When you realized you couldn't have me." He smirks, causing a flutter in my stomach.

"Precisely. You know I always want what I cannot have. But to be entirely honest, I believe that I've been in love with you for much longer."

He nods and looks ahead for a moment. "Do you want to know how long I've been in love with you?"

"Yes! Of course!"

"That was much too eager an answer." He looks up as if he were thinking. "Perhaps I should tell you tomorrow. One secret at a time."

I let go of his arm and spin to face him. "Oh no, you won't, Eric William Lisle! You aren't going to force me to spend a sleepless night in trying to guess when you fell in love with me."

"Oh, but perhaps I should. Maybe then you will agree to go for a ride with me tomorrow." He says with conspiratorial smirk.

"Are you preparing to court me, Prince Eric? Is that what your plan is?" I laugh, avoiding the response he obviously desires.

"Absolutely. I will court you after the proper manner once we return to Gorgon. And then I will ask you to marry me and we will live happily ever after." He states matter-of-factly, as if he were telling a battle plan rather than his plans for the future.

"Oh my, you act as if it is soo romantic." I had often teased him of his too logical mind and he had set up too good a jab for me to pass up. I stalk off as if annoyed, tossing my head. That would make him regret not telling me.

Within a moment, Eric catches me and kisses me, pulling away more slowly this time. "Trust me, I'll find ways to make it romantic." His face looks so concerned at my mock anger and his kiss was so—I shan't try to describe it—that I immediately regret my teasing.

"I was only teasing, Eric. All I want is you. If I can have that, then my life is complete."

His shoulders release their tension. Grasping my hands, he says, "That day, when you stopped being a pickpocket... You stole my heart, and I knew that I would never be the same again. That was when I fell in love with you, Amelia Rachelle Terrulet. I loved you with all my nine-year-old heart then and I love you with all my heart now." He places a kiss on my forehead and continues in a whisper, "And if God permit, I will love you just as much when I am ninety years old and my heart is old and weak. But you will have it all the same, just like when you stole it back then."

He takes my arm in his and leads me out of the gardens. "I will see you at supper."

I nod, still speechless from his words.

"And I expect a ride tomorrow."

"Of course. I have no reason to avoid you now."

He laughs and bows, turning on his heels. I watch him go, a grin spreading across my face. "You stole my heart." His words echo in my mind. A pickpocket with a prince's heart. Now what would Gwen have to say about that?

*********************************************************************************

Sooooo.... What did you think???? Are you in love with Eric???Do you want the next chapter to be the Erelia moments next day? Please post your thoughts in the comments. Your comments mean soo much to me! I love reading all of them!

Please forgive me for the late update. We have been renovating my bathroom and brother's room so there's been a lot of work for me. Plus, I've had to do some major shopping to prepare for school. X( Which leads to the chapter's question!

Do you like shopping?

A. Duh! I get new things!

B. Eh. Depends on what it's for.

C. I LOATHE SHOPPING. OF ANY SORT OR VARIETY

I AM MOST DEFINITELY A C. I HATE ALL SHOPPING. I WOULD RATHER CLEAN MY ROOM. WHICH EMPHATICALLY SHOWS MY HATRED OF SHOPPING.

Enough of that... dedicated to @KelseyKeating. Why? Because I adore her story, The Stolen Kiss. Please read and support her story. If you are enjoying this story, you will love hers as well!!! It has magic, romance, and conspiracy. Oh, the heartaches and heartbreaks and torturous cliffhangers!!! GO READ IT!

Don't forget to hit that little star button first before you exit!!

PS Spread the Erelia fever!!!!

0uQ