Chapter 4

I HELD ONTO HIS SIZEABLE HANDS AS MY SAVING GRACE, IN FEAR OF SLIPPING, OR TRIPPING AND ULTIMATELY BREAKING MY NECK.

I cursed at the silver heels which were hindering our course of fleeing from one of the paparazzi. "Wait, your highness, " I pleaded, wanting to take off the heels so I could run faster.

He didn't listen and continued to pull me into what seemed like an empty and grand classroom. I must've stepped into a small chasm between the room and the foyer which resulted in me falling on the prince who grunted as he fell on his broad back.

Footsteps resounded as fast and loud as my heartbeat. Prince Gavier's clean-cut face was adjacent to mine, his dark downcast eyelashes fluttered as he blinked at our unexpected predicament.

I was the first to break away from our staredown and managed to pull him under the professor's desk before the paparazzi entered the classroom.

"What are you doing?" He whispered as I set myself comfortably between his legs and against his chest. The space under the desk was too small for our tall limbs but we managed. "This is--"

I put my bony finger on his lips to shut him up just as the footsteps became significantly closer. His defined lips parted slightly making me self-conscious suddenly. I retracted my hand which he caught, his nimble fingers pressing all the delicate points on my wrist. An unfamiliar sound came out of my mouth, shocking me.

Did I just moan?

A pair of legs dressed in jeans and branded sneakers came into view, freezing us into place. I held my breath for the longest time until I heard the royal guards barge in and capture the paparazzi.

"He's gone, " I stated the obvious, not able to meet his eyes in fear that he would hear how fast my heart was beating.

He dropped my hand like a hot potato. "Don't ever touch me again."

"You wish, " I lamely retorted and crouched my way outside for a breather.

I need to get away from this Greek God fast. But do you really want to? Asked the giggling banshee.

Upon standing up, a sharp pain tugged at my ankle causing me to falter.

"What is it now?" Prince Gavier asked behind me.

I bit my lip, cursing my luck. I must have twisted my ankle from the chasm. "Nothing, you can go ahead." I forced myself to stand up straight to eliminate his suspicion.

Just please go.

"You're hurt, " he said, his emerald eyes looking down at my swelling ankle, the redness evident.

"I'm fine," I insisted, not wanting his pity.

"Okay." His laconic response was such a relief. With him around, I could not concentrate and my mind goes into a wild frenzy.

Unfortunately, he just wouldn't leave me alone. I was unexpectedly lifted up, bridal style. I revolted as my arms circled around his chiseled neck for balance. His green starry eyes locked into mine and I willed myself not to drown in them. "I'm taking you to the royal clinic nearby, don't think of anything else. This is me acting on behalf of my conscience."

"Suit yourself, " I muttered as I looked away, hoping he would not see my twisted infatuation.

The trip to the royal medical clinic was silent but it was not in the slightest bit awkward to my surprise. Intimidating was Prince Gavier but the beating of his heart was as gentle as a winter's kiss. It was steady, sure, hypnotic, and eternal. I could feel the contours of his muscles against mine; his rigid neck exhibited a few of his veins; his porcelain skin as translucent as autumn sunshine; and his hair, oh gosh his curly black hair was perfectly styled like a God.

I want to rummage my hands through it to feel as if it was as soft as silk.

Gently, the mighty prince put me down on the clinic bed. The vicinity was all in white and I imagined the doctor would be as well but it was empty.

"The royal doctor should be here soon, " he mumbled, turning around to leave.

"Wait, Prince Gavier, " I called out, stopping him midway through the colourless doors.

"Thank you."

He left, leaving me to my unrest thoughts. I felt confused with the way his words didn't match his kind and gentle gestures. A million questions swirled inside my head like a prickly spinning wheel making me undecided with my opinion of the Greek prince.

Out of a sudden, Sir Carlos barged in the clinic with thunderous eyes. His thick eyebrows slanted at me and his mouth was curved upside down disdainfully.

I thought it wise not to utter a single word.

"I leave you for a moment and you immediately cause trouble? Is that your superpower, Clarissa?" He pinched between his eyebrows and sighed. "What did I do to deserve this?"

"He started it, " I explained childishly.

"Of course it's him, it's always the other person who's at fault in your world. Let's get the facts straight, the world is not fair and will never be." He began to pace back and forth, rubbing his chin.

"He called me a nobody, " I continued.

"But it is true. You're of no royal blood not even of nobility. It's a miracle for you to even be here so get your head out of the clouds, " Sir Carlos told the harsh truth.

"Still, there's no need to be so condescending!" I blurted out for I knew. I knew that I can never be somebody important. It is all part of a hoax: to not cause ripples, to be invisible.

Chin up, said the banshee. This self-pitying is unlike you. Since when did you care?

Perhaps since him.

Is it even possible to be at the same level as him?

The banshee laughed.

Of course, you idiot.

Sir Carlos sat down on a white stool before me, his demeanour calming down. "That looks bad, " he said, his sight at my swollen ankle. "You'll need to have that healed as soon as you can."

"Why?"

"The media is on your case. They caught on a picture of you trying to slap their beloved prince."

"Are you saying that we're in Greece and they saw me about to beat the shit out of their prince?"

"Yes and they're furious. They're demanding a press conference. It's all over the news."

"Please don't tell me you agreed."

Sir Carlos' sternly locked eyes with mine, flecks of caramel surrounding his irises.

"Of course I did, it's a good opportunity to introduce you to the world. You made quite the impression. The conference will take place in three days."

"I don't think you made the right decision Sir Carlos. Please cancel it, " I pleaded nicely. Imagine the horror of being judged by a damn country.

He turned his back to leave me in turmoil. "As your advisor, I cannot retract my decision. And remember this Clarissa: I'm always, always right."

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