THE HANDMAID

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

I sat down on the floor in the garden looking at the star and moon above, we were still in Avra and I couldn't sleep even when it was extremely late. The episode that happened between I and Samuel still played in my room.

I kissed him......I actually let him kiss me.

I regretted everything. Why did I let him kiss me? Why did I admit liking him?

I sighed still looking at the sky.

I hope he gets over me.

"Can I join you?" I heard prince Albert ask. I immediately jumped on my feet and looked at me before I bowed my head as a sign of respect.

"What can I get for you prince Albert?" I ask still bowing.

He sat down casually on the floor where I occupied previously "maybe you could sit next to me" he said.

"What?" I asked surprised.

"Sit" he ordered. After sometime of contemplating, I sat next to him.

"I overheard your discussion with Samuel. I saw what happened" he started and I turned shocked at him.

Oh no, we are definitely in big trouble. I was so against this in the first place.

He looked at me noticing my expression before turning back to look at the sky "don't be scared. I won't tell anyone" he said with a smile.

My heart kept pounding in my chest.

"He really likes you... " Albert stated.

Why was everyone saying this?

"...I know you like him too" he said again.

How did he know?

"He sees it in you too" he said.

What is he talking about?

See what?

"See what prince Albert?" I ask.

"Something unique" he say.

I just hope it is not what I am thinking. I just hope Albert wasn't in love with me too. It will be preposterous.

"Prince Albert, why are you up?" I ask suddenly trying to change the topic.

I don't want another person confessing love to me so I changed the topic.

"I couldn't sleep, I decided to come out" Albert say.

"Okay" I say.

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward.

"Why don't you want to be with Samuel?" Albert asked after the awkward silence.

I sighed "his father, king Arnold doesn't appreciate relationship between maids or guards and the royal family" I explain.

"But you do like him or don't you?" Albert asked. I looked away embarrassed "I will take that as a yes" he said.

I sighed "my liking him is not important. It doesn't really matter" I said.

"Of course it does. At least now I know" he said.

I turned to him "you wanted to know if I liked him?" I ask and he nod slowly "why?" I ask, I was scared of his answer, I just hope he doesn't answer 'because I like you'.

He sighed "we should get some sleep" he rose.

I got up too, there was so many questions on my mind right now. I knew better than asking him because I know he wouldn't answer.