Chapter 2: Thunder, Fear, and His Arms

That night, rain pounded down and thunder rattled the windows.

I was so scared I curled up in bed, hugging my knees.

Whenever that happened, I wished Mom was still here.

But Mom was gone.

There was still William.

So I gritted my teeth, grabbed my bedding, and ran barefoot to the Prince's study, where he slept.

When I pushed the door open, he was sitting at his desk, reading.

He didn't even look up. "What is it?"

Hugging my blanket, I poked my head inside and asked quietly, "Your Highness, are you scared of thunder?"

He paused, then looked up at me.

He frowned, his eyes landing on my bare feet.

I quickly tucked my feet behind the door and forced a smile. "If you're scared, do you want me to sleep with you?"

He stared at me for a long time before letting out a sigh.

"Come in."

That felt like winning the lottery.

I hurried inside. As I turned to close the door, another thunderclap boomed.

I flinched, dropping my bedding.

I scooped it up quickly and glanced at William. He was still reading, not even looking at me, and I relaxed a little.

The study wasn't very big.

Walking in, I could see the couch where William usually slept. My heart thudded. I took a few quick steps closer.

"Stop," he called out before I reached the couch.

I turned slowly.

He rubbed his temples and pointed at my bedding. "Drop it."

I let go and the blanket fell to the floor.

"Someone come," he called out.

A maid entered.

Without looking up, he said, "Wash the Princess's feet."

I sat quietly on the couch while the maid washed my feet. I tilted my head, watching William's face in the candlelight.

He really was handsome.

After everyone left, William looked at me again.

"What are you smiling at?"

I answered honestly, "You look really good."

His lashes flickered. He set his book down and walked toward me.

I scooted aside, making room for him.

"You aren't afraid of me?" He sat at the edge of the couch.

I blinked. "Why would I be?"

"That sister of yours would cry just from seeing me."

That was true.

"She's a crybaby. That's not your fault," I lied.

He chuckled.

Right then, thunder crashed again. I dove into his arms.

He didn't pat my back like Mom used to; he just let me hold him.

After a while, the storm outside faded.

I let go, looked down, and tugged at his sleeve. "Actually, I'm the one who's scared of thunder. Will you sleep with me?"

He looked at my hand, then up at me.

"All right."

I knew it.

Since I was eight, I'd known William was a good person.

It was still true.

When Mrs. Dorsey found me, William had already left.

"Princess, you scared me half to death." She rushed in, then let out a relieved sigh when she saw I was safe.

I knew why she said that.

Everyone in the palace was afraid of William.

Even Mrs. Dorsey wouldn't meet his eyes, like he was some wild animal.

But I thought they were all wrong.

William was so good-looking, it made you want to stare at him all day.

After that night, nobody stopped me from going to see him.

But he didn't want to see me every day, and he never let me sleep in his study again.

Maybe because I kicked the blankets off that night, and he thought I was a restless sleeper.

But that was okay. Just being able to see him more often was wonderful, too.