Mathew's POV

I made my way to the stable hearing the princess' familiar voice.

"You have to marry him," said a familiar deep voice.

"I know, but I can't. I don't love him Theo, I love you," she said.

It was too late. I was already at the door of the stables in sight of seeing the princess kiss the stable boy.

My jaw fell in shock.

The princess was in love with a commoner.

Theo pulled away with a hurt expression. He cupped her cheek passionately. "I love you too Alana but we can't do this."

Holy cow! 

I couldn't believe my eyes!

I was backing away slowly trying not to let them know I had caught their very intimate moment. I prayed they would not notice me.

My prayers went unanswered as a loud crash sound happened as my foot hit a bucket. I swore under my breath. I dared peak at the princess who was staring at me in horror whereas Theo's face had lost all colour.

"I didn't see anything," I said like an idiot. Damn it again.

For someone who thought he was smart, I sure was stupid.

I turned away and began to rush away embarrassed of what I just witnessed.

"Wait!" I heard the princess call after me but I didn't stop. I wasn't long until I heard horse hooves approaching me. The princess stopped her horse in front of me to prevent me going further. "I thought I told you to wait."

"Well can you blame me, you--"

"Shh..." Alana urged looking pale. "Please, can we speak in private?"

I sighed in defeat and nodded. She motioned for me to climb her horse. I warily climbed on before she rode us to a beautiful grassy field surrounded my trees. We were truly alone now. The sun was beginning to set giving us a wonderful view. I wondered if Clary would like this place.

"You cannot tell anyone what you just saw," she said, getting straight to the point.

"Well obviously," I said exasperatedly. "The stable boy Alana! Are you serious? Why would you set up your heart for that?"

We both knew perfectly well how that would never work. Even marrying a rich man who was not of royal blood was a struggle, but a peasant? That was near to impossible.

"Well you fell for your guard!" She pointed out leaving me shocked. "That is almost the same!"

"H-how did you know that?" I asked stunned.

"Please," she rolled her eyes. "Anyone with eyes could tell. You stare at her as if she is a goddess here to bless this earth. Even a blind man can tell with the way you go on and on about how talented she is."

My cheeks burned scarlet in embarrassment. Was I that obvious?

"Well it doesn't matter, I still have to marry you for--"

Alana shook her head. "No, please. I can't marry you. I can't-- Theo he's-- I can't okay? Please, you have to help me. We'll pretend to be the couple my parents want until I find a solution, please I know you don't owe me anything but I really need your help."

Wow... she really loved him. I felt bad for Alana. We both wanted someone we couldn't be with. The difference was that Theo actually returned his feelings towards the princess. Clary did not like me the way I liked her. She thought of me as a friend.

"How did you and Theo get together?" I asked suddenly.

Alana eyed me curiously before answering. "I spent a lot of time in the stables. Horses were my outlet to the princess life. Theo-- he was always so nice, he always listened to me when I was down, he taught me how to ride a horse. Every day I would spend it with him, we would race and just have fun. He made me forget all that was bad. I quickly fell for him. I felt like he might have liked me but he never made a move, no matter how obvious I made my feelings towards him. Then the news of our marriage reached him and he kissed me." Alana smiled at that. "And then we both admit our feelings to each other. I started sneaking more hours to spend with him. A few more stolen kisses and here we are."

I nodded my head taking in her words. I felt an idea formulate in my mind.

"Okay, I will help you under one condition," I answered before I could stop myself.

Alana looked hopeful. "Anything."

Here it goes.

"Help me make Clarissa jealous," I said. If Theo finally admit his feelings to Alana with the news of our marriage maybe Clary needed a little push. If she were to be with me then I will leave this marriage contract. I want to be with her. Alana and I will find a way around this.

"Are you sure?" Alana asked looking like she didn't really like my condition.

I nodded my head firmly. "Just-- yes, I am sure."

Alana put out her hand for me to shake and I did.

"Deal?"

"Deal."

***

Clarissa's POV

I felt like a bad person. I was suppose to be Mathew's friend but I pushed him away quite harshly. Straightening myself up, I went to find the prince. The sun had already set so I wondered if he was still awake. I didn't know if I'd be able to fall asleep with a guilty conscience.

Did he really go to find Alana? What if they were together right now?

I stopped a passing maid. "Excuse me, have you seen Prince Mathew?"

She let out a small laugh. "Yes, he had stopped me earlier to ask me about the princess. I pointed him towards the stables."

I started making my way to the stables when I saw him. He was walking right beside the princess and they were deep in conversation.

I stopped in my place, jealousy boiling deep inside me. I couldn't keep feeling like this. It was not right.

Mathew seemed to notice me because he waved at me. There was no escaping now. The two made their way over as I awkwardly shifted from foot to foot. Stopping before me, Mathew draped his arm around Alana's shoulders. She tensed at first but then wrapped her arm around his waist. Wow... they moved fast. Could he like her? Love her even? Did she like him? When did this all happen?

"What are you doing out here?" He asked. He looked like he was up to something but I had no idea what.

"I'll speak to you later, I don't want to interrupt your time with the princess. My apologies," I gave a small nod before turning to walk away. His large hand grabbed mine stopping me in my place. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before facing him again.

"You were searching for me, state what you came for," he said, his eyes searching for something in my expression.

I eyed him curiously. "I came to um... apologize for earlier. I was harsh, I shouldn't have pushed you away like that. I am sorry. Now, go back to your princess, I don't want to ruin your night."

Mathew looked deflated. "Clary-- okay... thank you."

I quickly scurried back to my room without another look at the couple. I didn't know what to do with my heart. I needed to practice some sort of patience and control. Starting tomorrow I will be a changed woman.

Tomorrow came and I knew I was doomed. Mathew and Alana kept flirting and touching as if they were purposely doing it to drive me crazy. He even fed her at breakfast and held her hand during their walk. All I could do was watch enviously from afar.

"You know you don't have to keep an eye on him, he's safe here," said Sebastian coming to lean against the wall beside me.

I felt embarrassed hoping he hasn't noticed me watching them pathetically instead of guarding.

"Yes of course, but you know... better safe then sorry?" I tried to convince him. Sebastian nodded his head.

"Yes, that is correct," he said. "I respect your thinking." Sebastian shifted from foot to foot looking sort of nervous. "But..." he scratched the back of his head. "You can perhaps take a break? With me that is?"

Was he... was he asking me out?

Oh god...

He was...

This was the first time a man had asked me out-- a good looking man-- a guard like me, a talented one too from what I've heard-- and yet I couldn't bring myself to say yes. It wouldn't be fair to him. I could not lead him on when clearly my heart was with someone else.

I was such a bad person.

"Um..." I tried to think of an excuse.

Sebastian put his hands up and waved them. "You don't have to if you don't want to! I was just offering-- I thought maybe-- it could have-- you would--"

I tried to save his embarrassed ramble.

"Maybe not today but I'll think about it for another day?" I offered.

Stupid Clary! Why would you do that?

Sebastian gave me a wide hopeful smile. "Yes! That would be wonderful!"

That's why...

I was a bad, bad person.

I shouldn't go giving false hope to people. I deserved the worst punishment.

With one last Cheshire smile, Sebastian carried on his way.

Sighing in defeat, I began making my way back to Garain's own training ground. Tying some tape around my fists, I began hitting a punching sac.

Stupid feelings.

Stupid marriage contract.

Stupid duty.

Stupid Mathew and Alana.

Stupid heart.

Stupid jealousy.

I continued to punch the bag letting out my anger. Can't a heart just pump blood and a brain just think? Why must we have all these emotions? I felt so weak.

I heard Alana's laugh nearby joined by Mathew's. Of course, they made each other laugh. What good do I do? I can throw a good punch. A lot of good punches. I hit and hit and hit the bag.

"Ouch," I heard Mathew nearby. "That poor bag."

I didn't stop. I continued to hit the bag. I did not want to look at him right now.

"Wow, look at her go," I heard Alana as well.

Now I definitely did not want to look back.

"Why am I not surprised to find you here, you can take a break you know?" Mathew continued.

"I actually enjoy this believe it or not," I said through gritted teeth. "It's best I stay in shape. I can't get too comfortable."

"So inspiring," Alana said in complete awe. Great, now I've got a fan club.

"Would you like a partner? We haven't trained together in a long time," he said.

Maybe it would feel good if I hit him. Maybe mend my broken heart.

With one final punch I turned around to finally face the two. "Sure."

Mathew gulped audibly, probably noticing my crazed appearance.

"Oh can I watch?" Alana asked hopefully. Mathew looked nervous. Probably scared I'd embarrass him in front his fiancée.

"I--"

"I swear I'll cheer you on," she batted her long lashes and rubbed his arm. Jealousy alert! Jealousy alert! "Even though I'm on Clarissa's team."

Damn it! Stop making me like you Alana! You are supposed to be my enemy!

Mathew gave her a betrayed face making me giggle which earned me a dark look. I shrugged innocently but Mathew wasn't haven't it. His game face was on. Here we go.

"How shall we do this?" I asked. Please say close combat. I need to get one punch in.

The prince scratched his head. "I don't know. Maybe swords. We haven't done that yet."

I almost face palmed. He wanted to play with swords but I've never given him a lesson yet. He was always reaching for the stars without thinking first. He wasn't the dumbest smart person I have ever met.

Maybe it would make me feel better to embarrass him in front of his fiancée.

"Swords it is."

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