13

                                    

                                          
 THE GUARD
 • Serena's pov •
Morning had shifted and finally a little bit of the snow had melted to help the guards shovel it to make a path for carriages to arrive when they pleased. I was not leaving the place this evening, I did not wish to get myself into danger on any ice, so I waited it out.  
The palace was a bit boring. Everyone had chores to do, which meant no time for the princess. I was cleaning a bit of the library from Bridger and I's mishap last night and the memories came flooding back once more to haunt me. 
I have not spoken to him since nor have I seen him. 
Last I've heard was him helping with the shoveling at the back of the palace and he would be there all evening. 
I sat by the window in peace at a little table with a chess board placed and set for a game, but I had no opponent. The fire takes place, the window is locked and secured by me, and I blow out a breath of boredom. 
I missed Bridger and I's chess matches. I wish things weren't so difficult between us so we could play a good game. 
Large footsteps enter the palace, I've calculated whom the steps belonged to and I knew it was the man I needed. He passes the library, and I can tell he is angry by the way he huffs and continues to stomp, but suddenly he stops. 
He walks backward, stopping at the door of the library. He raises a brow at me. "I can sense your staring."
"Wonderful day?" I ask sarcastically. 
He smiles, tilting his head- teasing. "Lovely."
I wave him in, giggling. "Come in, it is warm here. I'm sure it is freezing outside."
Bridget enters the room, his boots filled with snow and I can sense the tension falling off of him and invading the space in the room. 
Oh no, I cannot breathe. 
The door shuts, a click is heard twisted and I sit up in my spot on the chair. I try not to let his anger get to me, but with the way he is staring at me like he is going to eat me, I cannot help but feel nervous in his presence. 
"Shall we play a little game of chess?" I ask, excitedly. 
"It is never a little game with you," he retorts, taking the seat across from me. I eye the door he had locked. 
Why? 
"It will be this time." I send him a gentle smile, pulling back my hair I kept down today. He notices, his hands clenching the edge of the table. "Alright, you ready?"
"You know how you liked to add your little rules to the game?" He tilts his head, leaning over the table. 
I nervously laugh. "Yeah, why?"
"I want to add some to this," he answers. 
"Go for it." I shrug. 
He leans back in his seat, his legs stretching out as he watches my every move. He's daring me to move actually, but I sit perfectly still in my chair, trying to not feel fazed by him. 
"Are you ready?" He warns, his eyes darkening. 
I gulp. "Sure."
"We play, if I catch you, you take a piece of clothing off of you. If you catch me, I will take some off. If you win the whole match, you can put your clothes back on, and we'll forget about this silly little game."
My eyes grow wide, my cheeks turn red as a beet. "That is not a fair game, Br-"
"If I win…" He licks his lips like he's ready to pounce any moment. "I get to have you for the night."