Sweet Sacrifice

King Spenser bounded happily inside the Sorciere Douce castle, looking for either his wife or his son, heck, he would even settle for a maid. He had the most amazing news he’d had in over a decade and he didn’t seem to find a way to share them fast enough.

- Evelyn! - he called, his words resonating off the stone walls of the castle. - Caleb! - he called again, his voice reverberating everywhere, making the castle feel as if it would come crumbling down any second.

Evelyn rounded the corner, holding onto her dress, her face flushed with the exercise she’d just gotten and at her 52 years, it was enough to leave her breathless for a long while.
- What is the matter, Spenser? What’s with all the ruckus? -

- I have outstanding news! - King Spenser said brightly, just as Caleb descended the stone stairs lazily. - Caleb! You are to get married in two weeks! -

Caleb almost fell over the last few steps with the sudden news, his face becoming void of color or expression. - What? - he managed to stutter. He wanted to be certain about the fact that his Father had not just told him he was getting married.

- What you heard! - King Spenser smiled broadly. - It has been arranged and your bride will be here tomorrow morning. I suggest you get ready. -

- And where do you get off arranging my marriage?! - Caleb demanded irate. - Every other prince in history has been able to choose his bride, why can’t I?! - his tone was one of pure anger.

King Spenser was not one to raise his voice, but this time it simply called for. - Let me tell you something, Caleb. - he started dangerously low. - She is going to be your wife whether you want it or not. She is the last true royal blood and is the only one fit to marry you. Now, I’m sure you’re talking about marrying one of those common man-pleasing women you see night in and night out, you want to marry a woman that will fawn over you, for the mere fact that you’re a royal Prince. But I will tell you something… none of that will matter to this girl, because she is a true royal, just like you… she’s your equal. Now, don’t even try to believe that she wants this as much as you may imagine… because she doesn’t, she’s being practically forced to marry you, like I’m forcing you to marry her… she has her life made someplace else, she left her school, her home, her work and most importantly her friends because of you, so don’t do anything foolish and anger her. In due time you’ll be happy with my decision. In due time you’ll see that this is the woman you’ve always dreamed of marrying. Now, this discussion is over… tomorrow morning she’ll be here, and after both of you meet, your schedules will be given to you and then you’ll be free to get to know each other. -

Caleb knew fighting or arguing would be futile, even if every cell in his body screamed at him to fight, when his Father made a decision about something or someone, his mind wouldn’t be changed. His blue gaze then followed his Father’s figure as he draped a loving arm around Evelyn’s shoulders and guided her into one of the empty sitting rooms. He found it hard to breathe after not only the news but the fact that his Father had been wearing a smile, an honest, true smile at that, something that hadn’t happened in ages, and for the life of him he couldn’t remember the last time it had occurred or figure out the reason behind it. He was sure it was something pretty big, if he had come into the castle hollering like he did. He came to the realization that things would soon change.

.:~:.

Krisstine stared long and hard at her reflection on her small handheld mirror, before heaving a deep sigh and tucking it away in her bag. The ride to Sorciere Douce was almost three hours long, but she was so immersed in her thoughts of what her life was about to become that she felt she was at the castle’s door in the blink of an eye. She could hear some shuffling inside the door and sent a side glance at her escort. Her uncle Hector had refused to come on the long trip saying he wasn’t up for it, but she knew better, he wouldn’t be able to take saying goodbye to her, and quite frankly if she hadn’t been so numb to it all, it would’ve been quite difficult to get in the car in the first place. She looked around for a moment, catching sight of the imposing building she used to call home, Sorciere Blanche’s towers were seen from the steps leading to Sorciere Douce’s main entrance. She sighed, for she knew many memories would attack her at the least expected moment, but for now, she had to try and wrestle them into the back of her mind, where they had resided ever since she’d left. When the impressive wooden door finally opened, it revealed a young servant girl, maybe in her mid-twenties, dressed in the fancy uniform, she remembered seeing on her parents’ servants for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays or important dinners.

- Miss Krisstine… welcome. - the girl said with a vow.

Krisstine nodded her head softly, a small smile gracing her soft pink lips as she stepped forward into the castle. Her gaze instantly landing on a very excited King Spenser as he came bounding towards her.

- Welcome home! - he greeted, extending his arms for a hug. - How was your trip? -

Krisstine shrugged slightly. - It was fine. - she said then looked up into his eyes. - I have one final request, before I meet with Caleb. -

King Spenser looked at her and nodded. - Mariah, you’re free to go. Please show the gentleman, to the kitchen so he may help himself to some food or refreshments. - he said, softly placing Krisstine’s hand on his arm and guiding her into the same sitting room where he’d told his wife the true identity of Caleb’s soon to be wife. - We can talk in private here. - he said pushing the massive door open and allowing her inside.

Krisstine looked around the room and couldn’t help but feel at home. Nothing had changed since she’d left. So maybe the drapes weren’t the same, but everything else certainly was. Her gaze kept traveling around the room until they landed on a very apprehensive King. - Sorry, my Lord. I’m just overwhelmed. - she apologized.

King Spenser smiled at that. - No need to worry, my child. So, what’s this request of yours? -

Krisstine cleared her throat. She wasn’t asking for something hard, but for something that would give her time to adjust to what her new life meant. - I want to be introduced to Caleb under my current name, not my birth given one. -

King Spenser’s face showed his confusion. - Explain yourself. - he asked.

- I want to be introduced to Caleb as Krisstine Bolton, not as Krisstine Fletcher. - she furthered.

King Spenser expression never wavered, for confusion was still etched onto his features. - I don’t understand. -

Krisstine knew he wouldn’t. - It’s not that I’m ashamed of my birth-given name, but I don’t want Caleb knowing who I really am right off the bat. I want to get to know him a bit and see what he thinks of the Krisstine he thought he knew, before I tell him who I really am… please, just give me until the wedding. - she pleaded.

King Spenser sighed deeply but nodded nonetheless. - You have until the wedding… but don’t think you’ll be able to get to me with that smile and those batting eyelashes. - he said strongly, even if his grin was betraying him.

Krisstine knew then that maybe things wouldn’t be so hard at Sorciere Douce, it was just then that he decided to leave.

- Wait here and make yourself comfortable, I’ll send Caleb down to meet you, Miss Krisstine Bolton. - King Spenser winked before walking out the door, letting it close behind him with a dry thump. It was then that her heart leapt to her throat and refused to go down, she knew that the next person to enter through that door would be Caleb, and for the first time she realized maybe she wasn’t ready for it. Now more than ever she wanted to run out the door and if push came to shove, she was willing to swim all the way back to Puerto Rico. She wondered how he would react to her, would he be annoyed at her presence or would he simply ignore her? She just hoped he wouldn’t recognize her and catch her on her lie so soon.

.:~:.

Caleb sighed wearily as the sunrays filtered through his window, and he stretched his toned body before swinging his legs to the side of his four-poster bed. Today was the day. Today he was meeting his future wife and he didn’t know if he was happy or annoyed. Arranged marriages were something of the past, but for people like him, it would never be. He was to wed someone with royal blood and his Father had been the one to find him a suitable woman. He sighed, running a hand over his face, his eyes roaming around the room for the last time, for he knew he wouldn’t come back here to sleep tonight. No. Tonight he had to sleep in his new room with his wife. That thought alone scared the royal blood out of him. Who was she and where had she been all this time? He’d looked all around the kingdom for a suitable wife, but hadn’t found one. It wasn’t a secret that King Spenser wanted Caleb to get married and he could only do that with someone of royal blood and those were none too common. He groaned with frustration, and sulked on his way to the adjoining bathroom. A few minutes later he was ready to meet his bride. He felt a hate brood inside him like none he’d ever felt before. He didn’t quite understand the reason for it, but he was pretty certain that it wouldn’t subside that easily. He planned on making her life hell while she lived at the castle, and maybe even afterwards. He would make her fear him, and he prayed for her safety that she wasn’t a strong-willed woman, because there wasn’t anything Caleb Danvers loved more than a challenge.

But somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew he didn’t hate his wife for no reason at all. He hated her simply for the fact that she wasn’t his Krisstine and she would never be. That was the only reason for his hate. Amidst all the anger and hate currently swarming his mind, sadness gripped him as he remembered those last few minutes he spent with Krisstine before she left. He remembered looking up at his parents who were by his side, both of them in turn staring at King Traven and Alinda as he silently glared at her and pointed his finger out the door, letting her know in a quiet way that she was no longer welcome. Caleb’s blue eyes stared at Krisstine, her green eyes distant and confused, dancing behind a crystal wall of tears, that she refused to let go of. As she was about to step past him, his hand had shyly stretched until it reached her arm, and her eyes had granted him a glance. Even at his young age he couldn’t help but take a shocked step back, for he knew his friend better than himself, and he clearly saw the pain and confusion overriding the happiness he was used to seeing in her green eyes.


- We’ll see each other again. - Caleb had promised, but Krisstine’s face was one of doubt.

- I don’t think so… - she shook her head, as her Mother motioned for her to continue. - I have to go. - she said strongly, not even sparing a glance towards her Father. Just as she took the deep sigh that somewhat calmed her nerves, Caleb’s arms shot out and grabbed her into a last tight hug. Krisstine’s eyes stayed wide-open, not allowing herself to show any emotion, for she knew she wouldn’t be able to leave. Then, she heard the soft whisper in her right ear and thought she was hearing things.

- I love you… - Caleb whispered again, before his Father pulled him away from her. - I do. - he nodded his head confidently, but for Krisstine it hadn’t matter.

Sliding her delicate hand in that of her Mother’s, Krisstine followed her lead out the door and into the carriage that was to transport them to their destination, one Caleb still didn’t know, and had never been able to figure out. He still recalled staring at the carriage as it disappeared down the hill on which the castles were located and then even after it was sure it wouldn’t come back, he simply kept staring. A restless ache surged from his core, upon the realization that he would never see his beloved friend again. Now that same ache invaded him as he stared out his window. Today was the start of a new life for his family, his people and most importantly him. A knock at his door snapped him out of his reverie.

- Are you ready? - King Spenser asked upon walking inside the room.

Caleb shrugged. - I suppose. Who is this woman anyway, and how come Í didn’t find her when I was looking for marriage? -

- Well… - King Spenser started, clearing his throat. - She hasn’t lived in Gentlewitch for quite awhile… but I’m sure she’s the perfect match for you. -

Caleb stared hard at the tone in his voice, his Father was sure of this. - And where is this blasted girl? - he asked annoyed.


King Spenser kept his gaze on his son and sighed. He knew this decision wouldn’t sit well with Caleb, but it was for everyone’s well-being. - The ‘blasted’ girl is in the main sitting room. -

- And what’s her name? - Caleb asking, already starting for the door, wanting to get the meeting out of the way, but the name he received was almost enough to knock him over.

- Her name is Krisstine… - King Spenser started, for a moment debating on telling him the truth, but he owed it to Krisstine. - Krisstine Bolton. -

Caleb was as white as a sheet with the answer. But he wouldn’t show that his only weakness was Krisstine. He cleared his throat loudly and straightened his buff 6’1’’ frame. - Very well.- he nodded before exiting the room, the fresh air of the hallway a welcomed change from the rather suffocating one from his room. His feet carried him swiftly yet slowly over to the main sitting room, picturing in his mind how this meeting would go. But nothing he ever imagined, would even come close to the truth.

.:~:.

Krisstine’s breath hitched on her throat when she heard the click of the door signaling someone was about to step inside the quiet room. She didn’t want to do this anymore. She wanted to go back to her safe home in Puerto Rico and forget all about marrying a royal, but when she turned around and her gaze landed on Caleb, she truly felt breathless. Her Mother had been right, Caleb would grow up to be one handsome prince. A buff frame, product of those martial arts training sessions he loved since childhood, a short cropped mane of black hair and those piercing blue eyes of his, blended marvelously with his somewhat tanned skin. She stared up at him, wondering for a moment how it would feel to have his strong muscled arms around her, but wouldn’t ever figure out that he was wondering just how she would feel between his arms. Caleb turned from closing the door and had to hold back a gasp at the sight of his bride. She was almost 5’6’’ from where he stood, and she was at a happy medium between skinny and heavy, which sat well with him. A mane of raven black, stick-straight hair dipped to her lower back, and when she turned around he was greeted with the sight of her green eyes staring up at him. He felt an odd sense of familiarity with her, but his stubborn side would ignore it. To him she was the enemy, no matter how beautiful or gorgeous she was, he was being forced to marry her, and forced was something he never liked being. But he still couldn’t help allowing his gaze to travel over her delicate features, those hypnotizing green eyes, her sleek nose and her sexy pouty mouth, were enough to make him stir to attention.

- Welcome to Sorciere Douce, I am Prince Caleb. - Caleb’s strong raspy voice greeted and Krisstine felt a shiver run down her spine at the thought of that voice whispering other things to her.

- Thank you, I am Krisstine Bolton. - Krisstine said at the lack of anything else to say.

- So I’ve been told. - Caleb nodded, walking around her and allowing his eyes to roam over his new property. - So, you come from Puerto Rico, right? - he asked, noticing how well the plum knee-length strapless dress fitted her, emphasizing a narrow waist and somewhat ample chest. Then his gaze traveled south to her feet, where a pair of black peep-toe platform sandals did their job giving her at least three inches more, but it was the cutest feet he’d ever seen, and he wasn’t much of a feet fan. He sighed to himself. At least she was nice on the eyes and he hoped she was even better in bed.

- Yes. - Krisstine nodded.

Feeling his insistent stare on her, Krisstine knew what he was doing and though she was used to it, she was never happy when men gawked at her like she was a piece of meat. Granted she was well-endowed, and she was one of the few girls at her workplace that could claim her breasts were real, but she hated to be stared at like that. She took a deep breath trying to rid herself of the anger she felt beginning to swirl inside her and she turned her face to meet his gaze, an opportunity Caleb took to press his lips against hers. She felt oddly intoxicating to him and he instantly wrapped his arms around her, reveling in the gasp that escaped her, but disappeared amidst their deepening kiss. He felt her melting against him and felt his body reacting to it. The lack of oxygen made their lungs start to burn, both of them feeling it, and when it became unbearable, they pulled back, gasping for air. Krisstine stared up at him, her green eyes barely open, her chest heaving up and down with every breath she took trying to give her lungs what they were not so nicely demanding. Caleb looked down, tucking a stray black lock behind her ear and allowing his hand to cup her cheek somewhat affectionately. What was going on with him? Just a mere few minutes ago he hated her with a passion and now he was treating her like he loved her? His green gaze traveled over her face, noticing the slight blush of her cheeks, and the swell of her lips, making him want to kiss her all over again.

- Well, at least you can kiss. - Caleb shrugged conceitedly.

Krisstine stared at him, now a disgusted expression on her face. She should’ve known this was how a good-looking Prince acted around girls. She scoffed loudly and crossed her arms over her chest. - I suppose I should be honored that His Majesty has granted me a kiss. -

- You very much should. - Caleb nodded, a knowing smirk crossing his lips. - Even if you’re my property now, you should still be thankful I’m giving you my kisses instead of any other common whore around. -

Krisstine’s lips now turned into a dangerous snarl and her hand raised on its own accord, and with all the leverage she could muster, she slapped the smirk clear off his face. - Don’t you ever dare, call me a whore again. - she spoke deadly slow, her green eyes spitting shards at him.

Caleb’s own hand shot out grabbing her hand and pulling her to him again. - If you raise your hand to me again, I’ll rip your arm out. - he warned.

Krisstine laughed at that. - You think some stupid Daddy’s boy Prince is going to threaten me? - she said and couldn’t help but laugh at the stupidity of it all.

- Pray tell me why do you find any of this amusing? - Caleb asked twisting her arm back, grinning triumphantly when he saw the painful flinch cross her face.

Krisstine’s eyes stayed that icy green as she spoke, calmly and slowly. - I was raised in the streets, idiot. I’ve held myself down with the worst of the worst and I’ve either came out unscathed or I’ve given them a run for their money… either way, you’re no match for me… no matter how much martial arts training you’ve had. - she smirked, seeing the surprise on his face.

- Well, I have a smart wife… - Caleb praised honestly. - And a feisty one as well. -

- Better believe it… now I’m not here because I want to… I’m here because my uncle was kind enough to decide my life for me and accepted giving my hand in marriage to you, but let me tell you something… - she said yanking her arm out of his grip and standing her ground. - You don’t have to like me nor love me, for I don’t expect it. But you will respect me as your wife. I didn’t give up my entire life… my school, my home, my work and most importantly my friends to come here and waste my time with you. If you want that crown, you will have to respect me, or I’m out, and I know you can’t have that crown without me. - she smirked.

- Fine. And I’m glad you realize I will never like you nor love you. - Caleb sighed, plopping down in a nearby chair.

Krisstine’s stomach plummeted. He would never love her. The words echoed hard and loud in her head, but with a sigh she allowed herself to drop into the very comfortable chaise lounge behind her. Resting her back against one of the sides, she draped an arm over her eyes and took a deep breath, for a moment remembering her home. Right at this moment she could’ve been working her shift at the store, joking around with her friends and co-workers, enjoying her life. But instead she was here, betrothed to a man that hated her and about to start a life she had thought she wouldn’t live. The sounds of chimes was suddenly heard from the insides of the white bag she had brought and a smile instantly lit her features. A squeal left her as she reached for her Blackberry phone and answered it. Caleb was almost speechless watching her body as it laid on the lounge. From where he sat it was absolutely perfect, but he wouldn’t dream of letting her know that. He was supposed to hate her, but instead he found himself dreaming of what she would be like in bed. Then his eyes traveled to her lips and he imagined what sounds they would make as they made love. He was slightly surprised when the phone rang and she excitedly picked it up. He watched as her face lit up, her face exuding happiness as she started talking in rapid spanish with whomever was calling her, and suddenly he felt stupidly jealous. Why? He did not need to bother about who was calling his wife, just as long as she served her purpose. But he knew that for the time being she wasn’t exactly thrilled around him, and whoever was on the phone with her, could certainly make her happy. A few minutes later, she hung up the phone and allowed it to slip off her grip and back into the darkness of her bag.

- Listen, I’m kinda tired and I know we have to be downstairs for dinner in a while, I want to get freshened up and maybe take a nap, can you tell me in which room I’ll be sleeping? - Krisstine asked, standing up from the lounge with a sigh.

- You’ll be sleeping in the same room as me, of course. - Caleb grinned conceitedly yet again, his grin broadening when he saw the annoyance back in her face. - It’s only right for a husband and his wife. -

- Or better said, for a wife and her husband. - Krisstine retorted. - Ladies first, idiot. Now would you be so kind as to tell me where in frog’s name it is? Cause I’m tired. -

Caleb furrowed his eyebrows, for a moment not understanding the slang she’d just used, but nodded nonetheless, motioning for her to follow him out the door. Krisstine heaved a sigh and grabbed her purse, her steps mirroring his own. Caleb smirked again. Oh, he would show her their room alright. And tonight, he would show something else to his bride… his hated bride.