Princess Grace sighed and rolled her eyes as her guard told her she was being summoned to see her father, the King.
Grace had just reached her 18th birthday and she knew what her father wanted to discuss. It was time to forge an alliance and he would give her away to the highest bidder for marriage.
Grace was not interested in marrying a stranger. She dreamed of finding true love and running away with him on his white horse, never looking back. But hope of that was quickly slipping away. Grace, followed by her ladies in waiting, and escorted by her handsome guard, Julian, made her way to the throne room.
*****
Julian tried to keep his glances at the princess discreet. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He had been assigned to protect her several years ago and he had watched her blossom into a beautiful young woman. When she wore this dress, the tops of her plump breasts drew his eyes and he struggled to avoid it. She had a mesmerizing smile and blue eyes like gems. Her golden hair was piled on the top of her head with ringlets cascading down her shoulders. He often fantasized about her when he was alone in his quarters. He had been in love with her since she turned 16 and he was 21. He was now 24.
Grace likely never even noticed him. They had exchanged glances and smiles. His heart fluttered every time. Julian would slay dragons for her. He would go to war to protect her. What he wouldn't give to kiss her soft lips and take her into his arms.
****
Grace approached the king and curtsied obediently.
"Father, you asked to see me."
The King, dressed extravagantly, sitting confidently on his throne looked at his daughter and smiled. "Darling, we will be having a ball tonight and I expect you to be looking your best. There will be several suitors."
Grace sighed and bowed her head, knowing there was no point in arguing. Still, her heart sank as she turned to leave. Her guard, Julian, opened the door for her. She smiled sweetly at him and exited with her ladies in tow. She could only hope that there would be any suitors that were pleasing to the eye. Her disappointment and dread quickly turned to anger and she paced, thinking of a solution. But she realized resistance was futile and in her rage she threw a glass chalice against the door. It shattered loudly...
*****
After hearing the sound of breaking glass, Julian barged through the doorway to the princess' chambers. He found her standing, surprised at his entrance.
"Princess. Please forgive me. I thought-"
The princess approached him and his heart leapt into his throat. Her eyes were red and slightly puffy. She had been crying.
"Julian. I apologize. It's nothing...."
At the sound of his name, his heart fluttered. He didn't think she even knew his name.
"Please, come." Grace beckoned. "Sit with me. I need a friend." She sat on the settee and patted the space next to her.
In the three years Julian had been assigned to the princess, she had never directly asked for his company. He knew he should respectfully decline and take his place outside her door but he could not resist her. He approached and sat next to her. Their eyes met.
Julian fought the urge to kiss her, to caress her glassy skin. Her luscious, soft lips begged to be kissed. It was hard to avoid watching her ample chest rise and fall. Their eyes met and Grace smiled, but said nothing.
****