“Whatever idea you currently have it seems to be a terrible one so please let me continue reading. Alone.”

“Oh, quit complaining, you baby,” I laugh as I drag Lucien outside by his arm.

“Love, it’s pouring outside,” he tugs back on my arm.

He’s stronger than I am so I’m forced to face him when he does that.

“I’ve been trapped inside all day because of the rain,” he raises his eyebrows, “Please?”

“Azia, we are living in a castle and you are whining about being trapped inside all day?”

I frown, “I’m aware we are living in a castle but there isn’t much to do when there’s no one around.”

“I’m around,” the corner of his lips tug upward in a smirk, “if you are so bored and in need of something to keep you occupied…”

“You are disgusting,” but I can’t help the heat that approaches up my neck.

I can tell he notices but luckily he changes the subject.

“Alright then, love, tell me,” he faces the giant double doors just a few feet behind me, “what is this grand plan of yours that involves us getting soaked in the rain?”

I smile and at that he look a little nervous, but his eyes seemed to light up a little.

“You will have to come with me to find out, won’t you?”

I start to drag Lucien out again and this time he lets me, although a little reluctantly.

I struggle to push open the wooden doors but they finally give in.

“That was adorable,” he just stood there watching me struggle.

“You could have helped,” I don’t let him respond before I continue dragging him once again. This time a little rougher.

I hear the faint sounds of instruments playing. Earlier I had heard drums through my open windows but I had to shut them so the rain wouldn’t wet the floors.

“Love…” he warns.

I wasn’t allowed near crowds. Well, not so much that I “wasn’t allowed,” more so it was safer that I remain away.

I am Daughter of two very important people which immediately places a target on my back. After an attempt was made on my life I was to live in Lucien’s castle until my safety was ensured. But that is another story.

“I know, I know, I haven’t forgotten. I just wanted to hear the music,” I close my eyes and take in the sound of the piano playing so prettily nearby.

When I open my eyes, he’s looking at me. His black hair stuck to his forehead from the rain; His tunic of the same shade stuck to his torso. Water is streaming down his face and my eyes follow a single droplet. It drips from a strand of hair, trails down his forehead and nose, and then over his lips. He was grinning. Not that dumb smirk but actually grinning.

I realized I was, too. I was grinning like a fool with my own auburn hair glued to my face and neck. My sweater was terribly ruined and my bare feet were covered in mud from tracking through the grass.

“Dance?” He offers his hand in a dramatic fashion.

I laugh and place mine in his, “I would love to, Prince Lucien,” I mock.

“How hilarious you are, Princess Azia,” he rolls his eyes but his grin doesn’t falter for a moment.

“I am no Princess,” he pulls me close to him in a swift pull and I bite back a gasp.

“Not yet, love,” his lips were at my ear, his hands resting on my hips.

The piano continues in a slightly more upbeat mood than we are dancing. But Lucien doesn’t seem to care, we were dancing to our own music.

I wrap my arms around his neck.

“Your hands are cold,” he points out.

“It’s cold outside,” I remind him.

“Well, we could have been inside the walls of a beautiful castle covered in blankets doing something much more excit-“

“It will never happen, Prince.”

“I have no clue what you mean. I was simply saying you wouldn’t be cold if someone hadn’t suggesting dancing in the pouring rain,” his grip tightened slightly as I met his eyes.

“But you seem to be having so much fun.”

“Indeed I am,” is his only response.

So we continue dancing, even when the piano stops playing. Even as I rest my head against his chest, listening to his heart beating just as quickly as mine.