Chapitre 10: Chapter 10

My fingers traced the raw skin on my neck, still sore from Aiden's rough hands this morning. It baffled me that the simple, kind action of getting him tea could result in Aiden cutting off my airway. I hated that no matter what I did to be kind, there was never a positive result. He is my fiancé, but a man I hardly know. That fact still gives me a glimmer of hope that he will change for me one day.

As Aiden was in the shower, I got ready for the day as well. Since I was unaware of any plans today, I wore sweatpants and a simple shirt that Serene had packed for me. I took the time to roam the castle once again, looking for any source of entertainment. I found a sense of peace as I kept my eye on the storm that showed through the impressive display of windows throughout the structure. Being able to see a new type of weather and landscape seemed to be the only good thing about being here right now. I wished to be back home with Serene, painting our nails or watching or watching old movies.

"You've wandered off." I heard the familiar voice of Aiden, disturbing my peace. I turned to him to see that he was wearing a lovely suit, making me feel quite underdressed.

"Oh... yeah. I guess I did." I responded shyly.

"I need to show you something. It's important for today." He said as he walked over to me.

"What's going on today?" I asked, looking up at him as he stood before me.

"Engagement photos. Somebody is coming to take them for us." He responded with a painful crack in his voice.

"Why do we need engagement pictures? The entire world knows that we are engaged by now."

"The pictures will be printed, broadcasted, and spread to everyone, welcoming them to celebrate with us," Aiden explained. I simply nodded as I observed him coughing his lungs out.

"Aiden, you look miserable. Are you sure about a photoshoot today?"

"Yes, I'm alright." He confirmed.

"What do you need to show me?" He held up his hand, which held a strand of jewelry. "What is this?"

"It's jewelry that you place around your neck. It holds a significant value in my kingdom, or it used to, with a royal bride."

"So... a necklace? What do you mean?" I furrowed my brows in confusion and taking the jewelry into my hands.

"When Royal woman wore it in my kingdom, it signified that they were married. This will symbolize that you're my own."

"It's like a collar?" I cringed. Aiden seemed to get offended with my comparison, but it was true.

"Taisa, can you please cut the attitude for one day. You're going to wear it whether you like it or not." He demanded, taking the 'collar' out of my hand and turning me around. I didn't fight, and let him put it on me. Aiden's hands moved my hair to the side so that my bare neck was exposed to him. He clasped the necklace effortlessly and placed a gentle kiss on the back of my neck. "Turn around for me, Princess." I did as he said and faced him. "You're so beautiful." I brought my hand up to the jewels and brushed my fingers over the material. "You are to wear something like that on special occasions from now on. There was a variety specifically made for you." He mentioned.

"What's next? You put a leash on me?" It wasn't even a second later that I was pushed to the wall behind me. Aiden held me by my hips, restricting me from escaping him.

"Taisa," he started, gritting my name through his teeth. "You are on my very last nerve. If I were you by now, I would just shut the hell up. Did we not just have a conversation this morning about you acting like this?"

"I just keep feeling more objectified every time you open your mouth. This that you placed on my neck," I said while pointing at the jewelry, "is the most objectifying thing you've done so far, and I honestly think it will only worsen from here, so I'm just dying to know what comes next."

"This is tradition, Taisa, and I demand that you respect it. You're going to wear it to represent our marriage. It's the same idea as wearing a wedding ring, so I don't understand what this attitude of yours is about." From the sound of it, his voice was growing tired.

"It's around my neck, like a collar, to show your 'ownership' to me. It's sickening." I felt his fingernails beginning to dig into the skin of my lower back.

"Because I do own you, Taisa. Everything about you will be mine and already is. You must learn to accept that." I tried not to let his dehumanizing words hurt me, but with the way he messes with my head, it's easy to take offense to his words.

"You don't own me, and you never will. I am a human like you, and I'm damn sure that you would hate to be owned by someone." I stated firmly. He then slid his hand to the small of my back. Aiden pulled me off of the wall and into his chest harshly. Aiden lowered his lips to my ear, tickling my skin with his warm breath.

"Darling, I think I have given you enough warnings about the way you speak to me. One more word from you like that, and I swear to fucking god..." he cursed hypocritically. I didn't like it when he got this angry, it reminded me of his first abusive encounter with me on the plane. Even though he didn't finish his threat, I knew that he would go beyond limits to make sure that I learned my lesson. "Make this be the last time that we speak about this. I will absolutely lose my shit if you keep this up, do you understand?" He grabbed my jaw and forced my eyes to his.

"...yes." I muttered.

"Good, now, go get dressed. The will be a gown for you in your room."

"Alright," I whispered. Aiden released his hands from me and set me free. I didn't hesitate to scurry back to the bedroom that I was given. Thankfully, he didn't care to follow me. I hurried back to the room and slammed the door shut, relieved that I have some time away from Aiden. I noticed the dress he referred to hanging on a rack. It was quite beautiful, but I have never understood what the obsession of putting flowers on almost all of my gowns was.

After I put on the dress, I decided to complete my hair and makeup before one of his assistants could beat me to it. I have always enjoyed getting ready on my own because it feels good to control something, even if it's as simple as makeup.

I sat there admiring my look, satisfied with the way it turned out. A sudden knock sounded at my door. "Come in!" I called out. I turned around, expecting to find Aiden but came face to face with a stranger.

"Greetings, Princess, my name Mason Edwards, the King's right-hand man. I am here to guide you to where the king has ordered." The young man spoke. For once, a man who didn't piss his pants when he saw me for the first time.

"The king's right-hand man?" I said, stepping up to Mason, allowing him to kiss my right hand.

"Yes, I'm the one in charge when he's not around," Mason said with pride. He lowered my hand and guided me out the door.

"How come he sent you?"

"That, I am not sure of, but let's just say he's lazy." I giggled at Mason's joke as we walk to wherever he was leading me.

"Did he makes you pick out my dress too?" I laughed. Mason shook his head.

"Ah, no, I don't think he would trust my opinion on that one. He's very precise when it comes to what people wear around here, and I can only imagine how much more it applies to you."

"No kidding, he's particular about anything I do, so I'm guessing it's normal behavior for him to be so controlling?" I asked.

"Oh, it is, he is the biggest control freak I know." His 'goofy' vibe that he put off lightened my mood. I haven't had a good laugh in quite some time, and it felt great to finally meet someone associated with Aiden that wasn't a complete prick.

We appeared in a room where Aiden was talking to a man, most likely the photographer. Aiden made notice of us and signaled to walk over to him. As soon as I got to his side, he snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me into him. "You look so beautiful, my dear." He said to me. "This is Anthony. He will be taking our pictures."

"Hi Anthony, it's nice to meet you." I greeted warmly. Anthony politely bowed.

"It's truly an honor, Princess."

"Why don't we get started? I would hate to hold you up in the storm any longer." Aiden suggested. Anthony quickly began to gather up his things. "Mason, thank you for bringing her to me."

"Of course, it was a pleasure to meet your lovely Princess," Mason said sweetly. I couldn't help but smile at his small compliment, but I made sure to keep my emotion hidden from Aiden.

"I will see you later tonight," Aiden said as Anthony looked ready to start the shoot.

"See you then." Mason left the room, immediately bringing down my mood now that I was just alone with Aiden once again. He tugged me to the side, taking me where Anthony was asking us to stand. As our pictures were being taken, the only thing I could think about was when this nightmare would be over.

_______________________________

I sat alone, watching the storm as it progressively got worse, decreasing my likelihood of leaving any sooner. I could only think about my father and what else could have gone on at the dinner table without me. The feeling of being left out boils my blood, causing me to obsess about it until I know.

My desire to just go home and be with Siren and my father began almost to feel painful, but I refused to let it show. I couldn't let a psychopath such as Aiden make me feel degraded or drained. I must change him.

"Love?" I snapped out of my trance to the voice. I turned my head to see Noah walking towards me.

"Oh, sorry, Noah." I apologized, realizing that I had ignored his first call. "I zoned out a little."

"That's alright. May I sit?" He asked, referring to the spot next to me on the sofa. I answered his question by lifting my dress and moving over to the side to give him some room. "How has your stay been so far?"

"It's lovely here." I fibbed. "It is quite different from my homeland, but that's what I enjoy about it."

"I'm glad that the place is growing on you." He said, pleased with my answer. "Are you and my son getting along?" I nearly choked on my spit at the question.

"Um... we are getting along just fine. Although, he's a little hard to get to know. We don't know much about each other." I said.

"That sounds about normal for your situation. You both are young adults, being paired together to work for a common goal. It must be little tense being strangers one day and engaged the next."

"Thank you." I laughed, relieved at his surprisingly thoughtful response. "You seem to be the only person involved in this situation that thinks this would be stressful. It's a lot of pressure, you know? I must be here or there, and I must attend this meeting, I must be engaged, get married, and have children...The list doesn't seem to end. I'm only a young woman who can handle so much."

"That does sound like a lot on one plate, and I'm impressed to see you doing so well. Don't worry, Aiden will be there to help you with your challenges and help you succeed. You are both a team now, and you must work together." Even though I had a deep disliking for his son, I appreciated his uplifting words.

"Thank you so much, Noah." He then placed a soft kiss on my hand.

"You look like you need some rest, Taisa." He mentioned. "Are you sleeping well?"

"I- um, Aiden seemed sick very early this morning, and I tried to help him feel better."

"Oh, how sweet of you. Is he feeling any better?" Noah asked.

"I think it's just getting started, but if he didn't refuse to take medication, he could easily prevent it from getting worse."

"That's my stubborn boy." He chuckled. "Anyway, I better get to my wife. Go get some rest before my son harasses you." He joked. I could have taken it as a joke, but he was sadly accurate.

"Okay, I will see you around." I smiled. Noah then got up and left the area. His reminder of how I look made me realize how tired I was. I sighed, getting up from my place and began the search for my room. I still couldn't get used to the beauty and size of the castle. I slightly envied how gorgeous this place was, but it didn't feel like a castle you could call home. There were no family pictures, worn-out spots on any furniture, or water rings on the wooden tables. It felt like a 'show home' more than anything.

I finally made my way to my room and shut the door behind me. I quickly changed into some more comfortable clothes and lay down onto the bed's soft comforter. A groan escaped my lips as getting the relief of being back in bed. As time went on, I felt my eyelids steadily become heavier.

A hand touched my arm, making me jump in surprise. "I'm sorry, darling, I didn't intend to frighten you." My eyes opened to find Aiden sitting on the edge of the bed. I took a moment to gather myself with the fact that I had fallen asleep without realizing it.

"No, it is alright," I mumbled, shoving my face back into my pillow.

"Are you feeling well?" He asked quietly, running his fingers along my back.

"Mhm," I mumbled, accepting the calming feeling he was granting me.

"I've been looking for you, and my father said that you might have been resting."

"He told me to get some sleep," I said. Aiden took his hand and turned my body over so that I was lying on my back.

"You talked to my father? What about?" His urgent curiosity quickly hit me. I pulled my heavy eyes open again and got into a more comfortable position.

"He was just asking me how my day was, and what not, why?" He immediately seemed to calm down. "Seriously, why?"

"No reason, it's good that you're building a relationship with him." I expressed a confused look but nodded my head.

"Yeah..." I just decided to leave it. It was silent for a few moments while Aiden began to play with small strands of my hair. I gazed up at him, noticing that he looks even worse than before. His nose was red, the ready of his skin was pale, and he looked as if he has not slept in years. "Aiden?"

"Yes?" He processed to caress the small features of my face.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine." He said softly, bringing his hand back into his lap.

"Please, go lay down and sleep. I promise that you would feel so much better if you just got some rest. Medicine would also help." I pleaded.

"Taisa, I already said that I was fine." He wined. Dissing his claims, I got up from the bed and snatched his hand. "Taisa-"

"Aiden, you're only making yourself suffer here. I understand that men can't afford to seem vulnerable these days, but everyone gets sick." I stated as I drug him to his quarters.

If someone were to say to me weeks ago that I would be helping Aiden in any way, I wouldn't have believed it. With all of the verbal and physical aggression I have seen so far, I still try to get along with him sometimes. It's hard to put myself in a caring mindset towards him, but if I don't want my future to be miserable, I can't throw the same type of energy back at him, or else nothing will ever have a chance of improvement.

As soon as I opened his door, I immediately gestured to his bed, noting that he had already changed out of his dress attire. Aiden sent me a glare, but went ahead and listened to me. I turned around, navigating my way to find someone to help. To my luck, I spotted Mason speaking with Noah. I felt my face immediately brightened at the sight of him. "Mason!" I exclaimed. They both turned their heads to me.

"Princess, lovely to see you again." Mason greeted with a smile on his face.

"We're you able to get some rest?" Noah asked as I walked up to them.

"Yes, I'm feeling much better now." I said. "I need some help. Aiden needs some medicine and I'm not sure where to go."

"Come with me. I know someone that can help with that." Mason offered. "I will catch you later, Noah."

"Alright, take care," Noah said before Mason began to lead me along the way.

"You got Aiden to give in, I see! I'm impressed." Mason lifted his brow.

"To be fair, it did take me an entire day." I pointer out.

"I'll tell you what, that's way better than anyone else could do." I laughed at his comment as we continued to walk through the hallways. "By the sounds of it, you and Aiden are doing well in regards to your relationship."

"That is not exactly true," I confessed. "Aiden has been the only man I have ever had a relationship with, and the same thing goes for him with me. We have been engaged for weeks now, marriage is closing in on us, and I don't even know his favorite color."

"Ah, I see." He quirked his brow. "You two haven't experienced the puppy love phase."

"Puppy love? With that man? Are you serious?" I questioned.

"Yeah, I get it. He isn't the most romantic person. Just know that I don't know what his favorite color is, either." Mason smirked. "And I've known the man since we both wore diapers." I couldn't help but giggle at the thought of Aiden as a baby.

"What do you know about that, man?" I asked, dying to know anything about him.

"When he has a glass, he prefers whiskey, he hates cinnamon, and he adores rabbits."

"Wow, good job, three whole facts about him." I praised jokingly. We continued walking, making jokes along the way. I was enjoying Mason's company much. He was so easy to talk to, and it felt like he could make almost anything that came out of his mouth humorous.

"Alright, Princess, this is the medical section of the castle. Any type of medical issue can be treated here, including surgery."

"Wow, you guys have got it all," I stated. "I just need something small to help his congestion and cough. That seems to be bothering him the most, especially at night, I believe.

"I know something that would be perfect for him," Mason smirked. We walked past the entry door to find what looked like a convenient area. It had shelves full of over the counter medication. He quickly found the exact medicine he was looking for and held it up to me.

"What does this do?" I asked.

"You'll see, now, go ahead and give it to him." Mason winked while also handing me a bottle of water.

"You can just take it? This place looks a little bit like a store." I said, unsure of what to do.

"Yes, anything in the castle is free to you. Now, go ahead. I will see you later on." I smiled warmly back at him for kindly taking me here.

"Thank you, Mason."

"Of course, Princess." He said, with a small, welcoming gesture.

"Its Taisa, by the way." I chirped before I walked out the door. Happiness bubbled inside of me from the feeling of making a new friend. I smiled, shaking my head as I thought about how funny it was that I was closer to Aiden's friend than I was to him.

I found my way back to Aiden's room, eager to see how it would help his symptoms. I opened up the door to find Aiden still lying down. He turned his attention to me; his miserable expression was slightly lightening up as I walked in. "Here, take this," I said with the pills in one hand and the water in the other. Aiden took them from me, popped the pills in his mouth, and quickly washed them down.

"Thank you." He said, setting the water aside. There was a small moment where we stared at each other, unsure of what to say in that moment. He sat there, eying me up and down as I stood awkwardly beside his bed. Aiden suddenly reached and locked a few fingers around my own, tugging me closer to his bed.

I stayed silent as he placed a more comfortable grip on my hand, moving his thumb in circles on the top of my knuckles. Usually, I found myself defying his touch, but this time I let him. I didn't know why.

Aiden then made the move of pulling me closer, asking me to get onto the bed with him. Unlike the last time, I didn't show hesitation and sat next to his left side. I felt my heart pounding in my chest from being alone with him in his room once again, but I held back my nerves from displaying.

We sat next to each other in silence, but in a way, it was nice. Aiden placed his hand on my low inner thigh, finding comfort in the feeling.

"What is your favorite color?" He asked. I looked at him in confusion, but small smile flashed on my face.

"Blue, dark blue," I answered. "What's yours?"

"Black." He said.

"That would have been an easy guess," I said cockily. "Why is it your favorite color?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe it's because I prefer black clothes to me. I think they just make me appear more clean and sharp." I nodded my head at his response. "Why is blue, dark blue, your favorite color?" I scrambled in my thoughts, looking for an answer.

"Umm.." I pondered. "One day, my mother was out of the castle and was supposed to be gone for a few days. My father took me out, and we traveled to the ocean, allowing me to see the ocean for the first time. It was beautiful." I said, smiling as I played the memory through my head. I looked over to see Aiden subtly smiling my way. "What?"

"It's nice to see you smile once and a while," Aiden said, leaning his head back on the wall just above the headboard. I let out a shy laugh from his words.

"Hm, is that so?" I inquired, making him nod. I appreciated the simple, positive conversation I was having with him. It felt like the only time I hadn't wanted to pull my hair out while talking to him.

"I want you to be honest," Aiden spoke. "Do you find me attractive?" I pressed my lips together, deciding whether I should lie or not. "Come on, just say." He begged.

"I'll tell you this; I will agree with you about black looking good on you." I let out, choosing not to come out with a full complement. Instantly, I saw satisfaction in his eyes.

"Well, that's good news." He upheld. "My fiancé thinks I'm handsome." He said out loud, building his ego.

"No, I was thinking... cute would be more fitting," I said, hoping to get a reaction. My wish quickly became true.

"Cute?" He emphasized. "That's more of an insult than anything to a man. Take it back."

"And if I don't?" I challenged.

"Are you ticklish?"

"I take it back," I said, almost cutting him off. An evil smirk appeared on his lips, spiking my attention. "Aiden, I said I take it back," I repeated.

"Alright, I won't make you piss your pants today." He said, relaxing his head back on the wall, keeping the evil smirk on his lips. Aiden kept his hand on my inner thigh, but I noticed that he had moved it further up my leg. I didn't care to do anything about it, but I promised myself to keep an eye on it.

Aiden let out a yawn while keeping his head relaxed back. "Geez, what did you give me?"

"I don't know. Mason picked it out." I informed. He peered over to me.

He cursed under his breath. I slightly squinted my eyes in confusion.

"What? What is it?" I asked.

"Mason most likely picked out something that will knock me out for hours upon end." He answered, growing more tired.

"Oh..." I said while covering my mouth on the verge of laughing.

"It's not funny, Taisa." He chuckled lazily.

"Lay down and go to sleep, I'll leave you alone," I said, but he pulled me back from where he kept his hand on my leg.

"Stay with me." He requested. I suddenly became more nervous about what he was asking me to do, but once again, I complied. I didn't want to ruin the rare moment we were having. Aiden laid down on his back, pulling me with him so that I was also lying down with him. With the fact that I have never been in the same bed with a man before, I was quite shaken up, but I tried my best to compose myself. "Your heart is racing, kitten." He mentioned. "You're nervous."

"I.. have never done this before," I admitted. Disregarding my words, he moved our bodies closer so that his head rested on my upper stomach. At this point, I was going against my original feelings and thoughts about him. I was confused, flustered, and felt put on the spot. I can't reject him when he's like this.

"I hope you realize that this will be your bed." He muttered. Reality struck me, causing my eyes to scan the room. It was a simply beautiful room, and because it was minimal, it suited Aiden very well in an unexplainable way. I noticed that it was quite different from the rest of the castle design, but he still liked it dark. I then looked over the mattress, seeing his body cradled into mine. With our recent disputes, I couldn't believe that this is where we currently stood. Snuggling in his bedroom.

Aiden didn't say another word. I assumed that he was too tired to with the medicine finally making its way into his system. But then I noticed something...

His hair.

I made a bold move and slid my hand into his long, curly hair. I almost gasped at the softness of his locks, but I continued to run my fingers through them. I felt his body relax into mine after a few moments of playing with his hair, telling me that he enjoyed what I was doing.

It felt strange to see Aiden in such a vulnerable state since it was such a contrast to how he usually was. I smiled to myself, knowing that I got him to show a kind side of himself, even if it was just for a moment. In a way, knowing that Aiden does have a good side, comforted me, and motivated me to make him show more of it.

Maybe, just maybe, this could work.