51. Princess Davina
Chapter 51
Princess Davina
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep
because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
— Dr. Seuss
I rush into the shower; I barely take time to dry off beforeI slip into my favorite white dress when I am all done.
I meet Cole in the hall, a beautiful grin taking over his face as he stretches out his arm, the other one carrying a blanket.
“You look exquisite.”
“You already said that, twice?—”
“And I’m going to keep saying it.”
I roll my eyes in feigned annoyance, hooking my hand around his elbow. He places a kiss on the crown of my head, and I allow him to escort me down the hallway, leading us through a room I’ve never seen. It’s minimalistic, and the first thing I notice is a set of double doors.
“What’s behind those?” I glance at him, raising an eyebrow in question. He’s been mysteriously quiet about our destination. “Where are we going?”
His grin widens as he unlocks the doors and pushes them open.
A rush of cool air hits me, accompanied by the distant sound of waves crashing, reminding me that we are near the ocean.
I step into the open space, the night sky sprawled out before me in a dazzling display of stars.
Cole wraps the blanket around my shoulders as I take in the view. “There’s a small beach about twenty minutes from here,” he says, taking my hand. “Let’s go.”
Excitement pours through me at the thought. “We’re going to the beach?”
“Damn right we are.”
“I’ve never been to a beach before.”
“I know,” he replies, his grin devastating. “That’s exactly why I want to take you there.”
A sudden pang of unease knots in my stomach. “What about Lorelda? What if she finds us?”
“She won’t be there.” His grip tightens on my hand. “Don’t worry.”
His palm feels warm and comforting as we make our way down a winding path, guided only by the soft glow of the moonlight.
“I can’t believe I’m actually going to the beach. I’m outside without running away. Can you believe that?” I let out a laugh, feeling a rush of joy that even the chilly air can’t dampen.
“We have a lot of catching up to do.”
My heart flutters. “Oh, do we?”
“So many sunsets to watch and places to visit, and we’re going to experience it all when this is finally over and—” He cuts himself off, as if realizing that maybe there’s no tomorrow.
He knows I won’t use that power. I’m not even considering it, regardless of the potential consequences.
“Promise me you’ll stay by my side for as long as I’m still here?” I look up at him. “No more secrets?—”
“The only time I won’t be by your side is when I’m beneath you or on top of you. You won’t get rid of me.”
I roll my eyes, my lips curling into a bright smile.
Cole laid out the blanket, but I can’t bring myself to sit on it. I refuse to sit on it. I want to bury my feet in the sand and feel it under my toes and fingertips, no matter how cold it is.
It’s too dark to enjoy the view, but I can’t imagine being anywhere else right now. I could stay here forever.
The ocean stretches out in front of us, shimmering softly under the moonlight.
Tilting my head back, I admire the stars. “You know when something just catches your attention, and you can’t explain it?” I glance at him, catching the way his eyes explore my face in silence.
“Yes, I know that feeling all too well.” His gaze drifts back to the ocean, his silence weighing heavy with seemingly unspoken thoughts.
I can sense a shift in the air, a tension that wasn’t there before, and I dig my toes deeper into the sand. “Cole,” I start, my voice soft but firm, “is this nightmare you had about me being in a slumber?”
He takes a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the horizon.
For a moment, I’m unsure if he’ll answer. The silence stretches, filled only by the sound of the ocean.
“More than anything, I hope this nightmare is just that—a nightmare.”
I swallow. “But we both know it’s more than that, don’t we?”
His shoulders sag slightly as he sighs.
“What exactly did you see in this nightmare?”
“I’ve seen darkness and your lifeless body.” He runs a hand through his hair, his expression pained. “That’s why I wanted you to unlock that damn power. And I fail to understand why I saw it. You fall into a slumber if you don’t use it, but you hadn’t unlocked it until today. It just doesn’t make sense. But now that you have, and you don’t use it…”
“I know.”
I can see the conflict in his eyes. The concern is unmistakable, and he’s clearly holding back, torn between the urge to persuade me to use it and not wanting to pressure me.
After a few moments of silence, he props himself up on one elbow. “Want to do something reckless?”
I let out a thoughtful hum as I tap my chin playfully. “Sure.”
“First one to touch the water wins.”
“Cole, I don’t know how to swim.”
“I’m aware. I’ll do my best to keep you from drowning.”
“Oh, well, that’s comforting.” I chuckle.
“You should take off your dress, so it doesn’t get wet.”
I peel off my dress, leaving me in nothing but my panties. I try to ignore the chill of the air against my bare skin as Cole’s eyes roam over me, his gaze lingering.
“No bra?” he groans. “You’re killing me.”
I tilt my head, a teasing smile on my lips. “Aw, poor Prince.”
“I won’t survive you,” he mutters, unbuttoning his pants.
Without another word, I scamper towards the water, dipping my toes into the icy waves.
“It’s freezing!” I exclaim as the cold hits, making me hop back.
“Too cold for you?” he asks, half-apologetic, half-amused.
I shiver and laugh, my breath forming visible puffs in the air. “I suppose I should’ve expected this.”
“If you can handle me, you can handle a little cold water.”
I smirk at him over my shoulder. “Oh, I can. I just didn’t realize you were going to be so…underwhelmingly distracting. If you’re trying to make me forget about the cold, you’re failing miserably.”
He smiles, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Underwhelming? You wound me, Princess.”
I snort before I splash him with water.
“Alright, alright.” He grabs me by the waist. “Here, let me help you get used to it.”
I squeal as he drags me further into the water, the cool waves washing against my skin. He lifts me effortlessly, scooping me into his arms and spinning us both around.
I shudder, but the warmth of Cole’s body pressed against mine helps to ease the chill.
He nuzzles his cheek against mine. “Better?”
I cling to him, my hands wrapped around his neck. “Yes,” I say, and I can feel his smile against my skin.
“See? I’m more than just a pretty face.” He chuckles softly in my ear, his breath warm. “You might even enjoy the cold now.”
I tilt my head slightly to meet his gaze. “If your ego were any bigger, you might need a whole extra set of arms to carry it around.”
He presses a gentle kiss against my temple. “That’s my girl.”