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.
****
Grace studied Julian's face. She had long thought him handsome but had never spent any time with him or really addressed him at all. It was in this moment that she realized how devastatingly handsome he was. His thick brown hair fell just below his ears. He was tall, imposing, yet seemed so gentle in this space with her. His dark eyes met hers and she felt like she could get lost in them. She daringly placed a hand on his leg and looked into his eyes. "Thank you, Julian...." She whispered.
"Anything, your highness."
Grace felt compelled to make an advance. She imagined what it might feel like to be embraced by him. She tenderly brushed her fingertips against his face and she saw his eyes momentarily glance at her lips.
*****
Julian's heart raced, nearly beating out of his chest. Was he following what was going on here? He felt strongly that he could kiss her, but worried he was misreading her signals. But when she touched his face he could not hold back anymore. He placed his hand gently on the side of her neck as he kissed her tenderly. Her lips were even softer than he had imagined. The kids became deeper as Julian gently caressed Grace's cheeks. She whimpered ever so softly as their lips danced together so slowly and sensually.
Julian could have been locked in this kiss forever. He stopped kissing her and looked into her eyes. He touched his forehead to hers. "Princess, I can't." He continued to caress her face and neck, fighting the urge to kiss her again.
*****
Grace closed her eyes, understanding Julian's hesitance. Her father was a cruel king. He would surely have Julian's head if he ruined her virginity. She ached for him. His kiss was intoxicating. His touch was electrifying. She felt wet as she remembered their encounter and allowed her fingers to explore between her legs. She imagined it was his tongue.
Hours later, after much hard work from her ladies in waiting, Grace emerged from her chambers dressed in an elegant beige gown with gold flake embellishments. Her breasts were barely contained in her corset. Her golden tendrils framed her face and fell down her shoulders. A delicate tiara was placed atop her head.
Grace looked at Julian, smiled, and curtsied. He was dressed in a more elegant version of his uniform. He looked incredibly handsome.
