Love For Sale

-Xander-

A dream had finally materialized before my eyes. Witnessing the princess kneel before me evoked a satisfaction so profound that words failed to describe the sensation. Yet I was toying with her, just wanting to see what I could get out of her. I knew an opportunity like this would never come around again.

"Well?" Adrianna urged, her voice tinged with impatience.

"Tell me again, why do you wish to marry me?" I teased, a smirk playing on my lips, loving this too much to let the game end.

"I've already explained!" she exclaimed.

"Try again. Make it truly seem like you desire me beyond comprehension."

She glared at me, obviously hating I was making her do this, but finally, the stable boy was on top for once.

"You can't be serious," she growled.

I nodded, my smug smile only growing. This was too good, I thought.

"Oh, but I am. If you want my signature on these papers, your declaration must be convincing," I declared, dangling the documents provocatively.

Her gaze flicked between the papers and me before settling on my face, her anger only growing into a fury, and if a look could kill, I would be six feet under.

"Well, Adrianna?" I prompted, a hint of amusement in my voice.

"Very well," she said, a newfound determination in her demeanor.

With a sudden, unexpected gesture, she reached for my hand and clasped it tightly in hers. It caught me off guard, her boldness surprising me, and I leaned away from her, unsure how I felt about this.

"Xander Hall," she began, her voice steady but tinged with vulnerability, "I've been nervous about asking you this question because I know we have had our struggles, but because of what we have endured and the hardships we have gone through together, I know we can overcome anything together. Will you make me the happiest person alive and become my husband?"

Her hands enveloped mine completely, emphasizing the sincerity of her plea, and it deepened my unease.

"I can't imagine a more fulfilling life than one spent with you," she continued.

"Quite the performance," I remarked, laughter bubbling up nervously, yet she continued to hold onto me, my skin tingling strangely where she touched me.

"Isn't this what you wanted?" she teased, her fingers tracing patterns on my hand, sending a shiver down my spine that I was unsure of how to interpret.

"That's...enough," I interjected, attempting to regain composure.

"Are you sure? No desire for a kiss?" she teased further.

"Yeah, and then you will know what I had for breakfast," I informed her, pulling my hand back, yet she began clinging to me.

"Let go, princess!" I demanded, growing a bit irritated.

"Not until you answer!"

"I made you a promise, didn't I?" I questioned, knowing I couldn't leave her on the streets, despite that fact she deserved it. Her brother meant too much to me, and if he sent her here, then it had to be for a good reason.

"You could be tricking me!"

"Princess, you're the only one who enjoys games," I accused.

"Says the person who made me kneel before him. Now I demand an answer!"

"Let me go first!" I snarled.

"No!" Adrianna jumped forward, clinging to my leg, and I froze, staring down at the sight before me. Was this really the great princess I knew?