Sparks of a flame

16. Fragile; Handle With Care

VIOLET'S POV

My belly filled with lobster and fried potatoes, I sipped my bottle of ice water and sucked on the ice cube, chewing mindlessly like I had no care in the world. I sat on the balcony of my room for the first time, lounging on a lazy chair and admiring the faraway mountain view I had. I had not yet been out here since I inhabited the room, and so after the picnic, Betty suggested we relaxed out there. 

The sun had set and the stars were out, lighting up the beautiful, night sky. Betty sat down beside me and drew the mountain view. She was an excellent artist, and she hummed softly as she drew, bringing me some sense of calm and peace. 

"Betty," I called out softly and she looked at me. "When are we going back to your kingdom? I have some business to attend to." She smiled a little and shook her head. 

"Business?" she queried. 

"We know the sorcerer's location."

She clapped her hands delightedly. "Well, us leaving is actually up to you. I packed for a week according to Lady Katherine's instructions, but we can leave sooner. Have you not discussed the details of your stay with the Prince?" she asked and I shook my head. "Not yet." 

"You should," she encouraged and stopped immediately. Someone was letting themselves into the room. She stood up to check who it was and came back with Prince Stephen behind her.

"Amah," he said with a grin. "I thought I should pass by."

I had been looking forward to a quiet night alone as I gathered my thoughts, yet I put on a smile as he crossed into the balcony, Betty shutting the sliding doors to give us some privacy, her unfinished drawing tucked under her arm as she walked away.

He made himself comfortable on the empty red chair beside me and I took my seat.

"You look ravishing tonight, Amah," he said, his eyes tracing every inch of me. I felt self-conscious. There was a hunger in his eyes that I could not deny. His eyes moved from my eyes to my lips and I saw them linger there for a while.

"I could not stop thinking about you, my princess. I had to come and see you."

He reached into his pocket, finally tearing his eyes away from me and giving me a chance to take a deep breath. A small yellow box came out with his hand, and with a smile, he gave it to me. His eyes expectantly on me, I took the tiny box from him, undoing the delicate bow that sat on it and opening the lid.

I was not ready for the glimmer that hit my eye. A breathtaking canary diamond necklace shimmered effortlessly in its case and I gasped. I could not tear my eyes from it, and appreciation swelled in my heart as I let my fingers gently touch the pendant.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

My eyes met his. He looked genuinely worried. 

"I love it," I managed to squeak out and saw his shoulders relax.

"I am truly sorry for tricking you at the party, my princess. I could not say no to my mother."

Red flag, I thought to myself. It did not distract me from the precious necklace that sat in my hand and I took it out of its case. The prince took it from my hand and situated himself behind me, adorning me with the jewelry.

"How does it look?" I turned and asked, a smile breaking out on my face as it dawned on me that I was wearing a diamond.

"Gorgeous." 

His response was breathy. The smile slowly subsided on my face as I realized he hadn't even been looking at the necklace. He was looking right at my face. My heartbeat started to get wild. It was in his eyes. He was looking at me with so much longing that I could feel my body responding.