William still hasn’t come back. He’s been out all day doing things he refuses to tell me. It makes me angry and makes me wonder why I haven’t called off our fake relationship yet.

But before I can think of any reasons, William walks through the door. His sword is being dragged behind him, glistening with fresh blood. His face is covered in scratches and appearing bruises. I notice a gash on his lip, it bleeds down his chin.

“William? What happened to you?” I ask as I rush over to him.

He kneels down and grabs my hand. “I’m sorry my dear, I had business to attend,” He says as he kisses my hand, leaving it covered in blood.

I wipe it on my dress. “I demand to know where you go everyday! The woman in the village keep harassing me with questions about us and I can’t take it anymore!” I say.

William laughs as he tosses his sword to the side. Slowly he takes off his boots and vest.

“William! Please answer me,” I say.

“My dear, please let me wash myself up before we speak. I do not wish to stay covered in another’s blood,” he says softly.

“Fine,” I pout. I stomp over to the bed and bury myself in blankets as I hear the water running.

I seem to wait for years before William comes back. He’s wearing a loose fitting shirt and plain trousers.

“Where do you go everyday?” I ask, attempting to release myself from the tight bound of blankets.

William stares at his open palms. “My dear, it would only frighten you if I revealed my true purpose.”

“Please just tell me,” I say, pleading with my eyes.

William sighs. “I am an assassin for the prince.”

I flinch and quickly pull myself off the bed.

“See? You are frightened,” he says, “I understand if you would like to end our fake relationship.”

“William? “ I ask, slowly walking toward the door.

He looks up.

“Were you sent to kill me?” I ask. My hand is curled around the doorknob, ready to escape.

William’s face looks shocked. “Kill you? No, of course not. My dear I would never hurt you. You are the only steady thing in my life. You are the only thing that has brought me happiness. I would never hurt you. You must think so poorly of me.”

My eyes widen as I step away from the door. “You like me?” I had no clue he cared for me.

William stands, making me feel tiny compared to his 6’5 structure.

“No, my dear, I love you.”