The Guardian Warrior

Chapter Fifteen

Ivy

   I don't understand why I feel so betrayed by Tobias. Seeing him whisper in her ear made me jealous, but I don't understand why I feel so hurt. Maybe it's a side effect of that connection thing Tobias told me about. Maybe if affects me differently because I'm half-human. I heard Tobias call after me, but I didn't want to hear him tell me what my doubts were telling me. That we don't have a Connection. That I'm not that special someone for him. I knew in my heart that there was something special between us, but my brain kept telling me otherwise.

"Miss Ivy?" Aramis asked. He ran after me after I had fled the barn.

"It's just Ivy." I smiled at him.

"What has put that frown on your face, Ivy?" He asked.

"My doubts." I told him honestly.

"What are you doubting, may I ask?"

"Who is Sophia to Tobias?" I asked him.

"You're not doubting Prince Tobias' feelings for you, are you?" Aramis asked, surprise spreading across his attractive features.

"Aramis, please."

"Prince Tobias and Miss Sophia grew up together. Their mothers had been childhood friends, so Tobias and Sophia grew up as friends as well. Queen Victoria and Miss Hope had hoped for a Connection, but as the children got older, a Connection had not sparked between them."

"Thank you," I whispered, looking towards the ground.

"You should not doubt Prince Tobias' feeling for you, Ivy. A Guardian knows when he has met the one for him."

"Or her." I smiled sadly.

"Exactly." Aramis smiled brightly. "You can feel the Connection too. In your heart, you know that the prince has feelings for you. He would not betray you."

"Thank you, Aramis." I smiled. He nodded and we turned around to walk back to the stables.

"I want her found!" I hear Tobias yell. He sounded worried and I couldn't help but feel joy at him being worried.

"I'm fine, Tobias." I told him calmly. I knew he would hear me even though we were still a block from the stables. He looked towards me and I saw him visibly relax before he ran towards me.

"Please, Ivy, let me explain. It wasn't-" He started, but I interrupted him.

"It's okay. I trust you. And I'm sorry for overreacting." I told him. Tobias froze for a moment before he pulled me into a gigantic bear hug.

"Please don't ever run away again." He whispered in my ear. I looked up to see the village people looking at us in shock and Aramis gave me an "I told you so" look.

"Tobias," I whispered. "We're causing a scene."

He released me from the hug only to grab my hand before giving everyone a stern look that made them go back to what they were doing.

"Let's head back to the castle." Tobias smiled at me. "I think we've all had enough excitement for one day."