Chapter 16
" A-ri-na...Arina" His lips like a sort caress to her name. Her breath hitched. The sound of her name from his lips sent a weird sensation down her spine.
"Won't you ask what mine is?."
"Of course I know you, His highness, Crown Prince of Water." She said trying to sound as respectful as possible.
Arina wasn't looking at him when she answered so she didn't see how his face darkened several shades.
"Arina, that isn't my name". His voice sounded colder than before making Arina turn to look at him.
"Arina, what is my name.?" He asked not giving her a chance to advert her gaze.
"C-crown Prince Kaiden." Arina said facing him but her eyes had darted to the floor. His eyes softened considerably. He leaned in closer to her so the tip of his nose was touching the crook of her neck and whispered.
"Ditch the title, Love"
Her breadth hitched as she felt his warm breath caress her neck. She stifled a moan that tried go cross her lips. But how could the mischievous prince's eyes bot catch up with her actions. Smirking, he continued his relentless attack on poor Arina.
"Say my name, darling." He drawled, his voice a hypnotic whisper sending pleasurable chill down her spine. Her knees weakened but Kaiden quickly wrapped his arms around her waist effectively pulling her closer to himself.
" Ka..Kaiden" unfortunately or maybe fortunately for her, she was unable to stop herself from releasing an indecent sound. But it was truly better for her because the mischievous prince was prepared to continue his attacks right there till she gave in.
"Good girl." He muttered but Arina could hear him clearly. Her dazed eyes quickly regained clarity as she realized they were out in the open. Her mind wandered to those indecent sounds that she produced and her face instantly became redder than a peach.
"You look so cute blushing." The shameless prince Kaiden said, finding his mate unbelievably adorable.
"Get. Off. Me." Arina said angry maybe at the prince and his level of shamelessness or at herself for succumbing to him.
Kaiden released her and due to her still weak knees, she almost fell if not for Kaiden who quickly held her shoulders. But alas instead of praises, all his mate did was glare at him.
"Why are you looking aggrieved, if not for you, would I be this weak". She said still glaring even though she was now leaning on his arms.
"Alright, my fault don't be mad okay".
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The ball had ended and Prince Kaiden had gone back to his Kingdom, promising to return in three days to bring back his mate.
Queen Nora was excited for Arina, but still there was a little part of her that wished Arina, who had been the daughter she never had, wasn't leaving so soon.
Queen Nora wandered around the halls for a while before finally landing in front of Arina's door. Sbe knocked lightly amd Jenna opened the door
"Your Majesty!!." She immediately bowed.
"It's okay, dear let me see your lady." She said side stepping the Jenna who refused to stand straight. She saw Arina who had stood up hearing her voice
"Arina dear,....". The queen started.
" My Queen, please don't." Arina said tearing up. It was only then, Queen Nora realized she was crying. The sobs suddenly became louder as she dragged Arina into her embrace.
"My love, I can't believe you're leaving so soon, how many months has it been... Oh my... I'm sorry love please don't do this." She said wiping the tears streaming down Arina's eyes. Her eyes were already so red and puffy. Arina just hugged her tightly, leaving this palace.... leaving this woman before her, she felt like she was leaving her mother....mother....when had she began to see this woman as her mother. She didn't know but she didn't care. It hurts, it really does. The feeling back then when she lost her biological mother came rushing back to her. No! She's not losing her new mother, she could always come back to live with her. There should be something like divorce in this world right?!. If ever he treats her badly, she would immediately leave and come back here. Yes! She'll come back to her mother!!.
"Mother." She breathed out but loud enough for Queen Nora to hear.
" W..what did you say?."
" I'll be alright, mother." Arina said smiling, her eyes bright but her face full of tears, both dried and fresh.
" Oh my love, yes..yes! You'll always be well my daughter. As you go may the spirits of the realm above us guide and protect you." Queen Nora said eyes full of vigor that one might mistake her for a soldier going to war.
The two hugged each other and talked some more, mainly Queen Nora advising Arina on the do's and dont's of Royalty. This was something Arina never thought she could experience in her lifetime, but here she is with a new loving and caring mother.