Chapter 5 In his arms

Leslie stared in awe at how big the palace was but then it makes sense since she just passed down two flights of stairs and the arrangement was amazing.

The throne room was downstairs and inside, there were stairs a bit far behind the throne that led up toward the dining. There were so many people downstairs, walking around, mainly the maids of course, and guards. They were all giving them eye glances, bowing as they walked past.

There was some kinda fear in their eyes as they pass them. She noticed they couldn't even look them in the eyes.

She ignored and looked around the many beautiful flowers and the garden. It was wonderful. She looked at him as they walked. "So are we going outside this palace?"

He stopped and faced her. "This is what I meant by outside the palace. We're not going outside the gates of the palace." He clarified.

She nodded with a deep sigh, placing one hand on her waist and the other one on her stomach rubbing it. She was feeling tired and exhausted.

Eric was annoyed by it. "Are you married?" He asked.

She blinked and chuckled lowly at the question. "No."

"Are you a prostitute?" He asked again.

She shook her head. "No. It's a long story."

"Did you get raped?" He kept asking.

She gave him a blank look, before sighing. "I was supposed to get married to someone. We dated for like a year and, then I got pregnant and he proposed to marry me."

Eric nodded. "And he didn't."

Leslie mentally nodded her head, thinking she was actually nodding. "Like I said, it's a long story."

He saw how sad she is about it and sighed. "Do you have anything to go back to?" He questioned, knowing when he saw her, she was looking like someone sucked the life out of her.

Leslie nodded. "I have something to go back to. Getting back at the people who wronged me, so if you don't mind, can I stay here for like close to a year? I just want to have my baby first, I don't have anywhere else to go."

"You don't have to worry, you are welcome here." Someone said behind Eric and placed her crossed arm on his shoulders.

"Get your hands off," Eric warned, and the girl pouted before removing her hands.

She stood beside Eric and brought her hand out. "Hi. I'm Abigail. Eric's cousin. Step cousin."

Leslie nodded and took her hand. "Hi. I'm Leslie."

Abigail smiled. "We know. My brother...my cousin brought you here, so everyone knows."

She looked at Eric who just kept quiet without sparing a glance at his cousin and back at Abigail. "Okay."

"Don't bother about his behavior. That's how he just is." Abigail explained, then she looked at Eric. "Why don't we introduce her to the king and queen?"

Leslie patted her waist a little, feeling like it was about to break.

"Why don't you just walk away?" He countered, giving her a hardened gaze. "Walk away."

She scoffed, shook her head, and left.

Leslie looked at him. "I don't want to pry but, that's a whole lot of mean there."

He looked at her. "She was acting nice, be careful around here."

She blinked, knowing how right he was. What she faced with Lorraine taught her not to trust anyone anymore. She won't be able to handle being fooled again.

"I'll show you back to your room, let's go."

She sighed with a frown on her face. "Can we just sit a little bit? Feel the cool breeze out here. It's got a nice view. Only a few minutes." She implored.

He shook his head. "No. It's best you go to your room now."

Leslie looked at him as he walked. It was obvious he doesn't know pregnant women go through a lot. She looked around her and found a bench, wondering why she didn't notice it. She walked toward it and sat on it, resting her back, even though she still felt uncomfortable since her back was hurting.

Eric sighed knowing she wasn't following. He turned and rose a brow to see her sitting down. He walked toward her. "What are you doing?"

She didn't look at him. "Sitting."

"I was supposed to get you to your room."

She glanced at him. "I need a little break though. Climbing the stairs won't be easy, you know. Coming down is easy but climbing is more stressful." She complained.

He wanted to say something but he decided best to keep quiet, not liking the fact he's been chit-chatting enough with her.

She glanced at him to see he was no longer facing her but backing her, his hands buried in his pocket and he looked around.

She sighed deciding the conjure the guts to tell him what was disturbing her. "Eric." She called.

He looked at her. "First name basis, ah? What's it?" He asked, not wanting to bother himself about it.

Her hand was placed against the bench, her head tilted and her other hand rubbing the side of her stomach. "I uh, I know I'm enough inconvenience to you and your family but..." Sgr sighed and straightened herself up, resting her back against the chair. "I...uh..."

"Spit it." He interrupted, getting annoyed.

She nodded, sparing a glance at him. "I...my back, it's really hurting me." She confessed nervously.

He shook his head and sat beside her. "I'm definitely not bringing you out again."

"Do you have a problem with pregnant women?" She questioned, looking at his face.

He looked at her. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, you're not being a gentleman."

He scoffed. "Cause I'm not. I don't care."

"What if I faint in front of you, what are you gonna do?" She inquired.

"You're forgetting that you have fainted in front of me." He made known.

Her mouth fell open and she looked away in shame. "Yeah. Right."

Some maids passed and gave them a bow before leaving, making her sigh. She looked back at him, wondering what else to say to get him to carry her, even though he wasn't obligated to, she just felt he could st least. Should she just go straight to the point? She wasn't seeing herself climbing those stairs and if care is not taken, she'll sleep outside.

She really shouldn't have come down.

"Eric..."

"What do you want?" He attacked, looking at her.

She was left short for words at how deep his voice went at the question. It made her lower her gaze, the guts in her slowly turning to jelly.

He sighed, stood up, and suddenly lifted her bridal-style, earning a gasp from her as it was unexpected. She let out a shaky breath, looking at him in surprise.

"I'll just take you there myself."

She smiled, looking at him. "Thanks."

He walked them toward the mansion and up the stairs to her room, not finding any difficulty in it, although she felt heavy due to the fact that she was pregnant, but he didn't seem to mind.

Everyone was just watching, getting something to gossip about, but they don't dare do it in his presence.

Arriving at her room, he opened the door and found Vanessa who was surprised to see Leslie in the arms of her prince. The sight was irking.

Eric carefully sat her down on the bed and she rested her back against the headboard. "Thanks."

He looked away from her and looked at Vanessa. "Prepare her for lunch, and let her know how she needs to behave."

"She's joining you guys now?"

"Are there meals like chicken noodle, chicken salad, sushi..." Leslie sighed. "God, I'm hungry for sushi." She said, gulping, and looked up to see them staring. She blinked and cleared her throat. "You guys should continue."

Eric looked back at Vanessa. "Show her the etiquette. Don't want her behaving anyhow."

She scoffed. "Wow. Do I behave abnormally?" She looked at him in disbelief. "You think I'm the kinda person to behave abnormally?"

He furrowed his brows at her glossy eyes, wondering how on earth he made her gloomy. He looked away, deciding not to give her an explanation, and back at Vanessa. "Just do as I say."

She groaned. "But my back..."

"Did I get you pregnant?!"