Chapter 8 Not Yours Yet

Lou's POV-

I was walking and talking with Sky. I don't know why she's still here. I told her to run. She's better off with some other family. My only reason to stay in this damn castle as long as I did. Was my mom and Jason. Dakota and my dad have never treated me as family. And now mom's gone. Killed by a fucking maid. Sounds like some movie. "Earth to Lou," Sky said, waving a hand in front of my face.

"Sorry, what did you say?" I could tell she wanted to ask if I was ok, but she held back knowing I wasn't. "How is the king doing?" she asked as we walked towards the elevator. "He's fine I guess," I said but it's not like I went and checked on him. For me, I have one parent. Had one. We're waiting for the elevator to come and out of nowhere my idiot brother comes and grabs Sky by the arm.

I don't know if it's just because I can't stand him or because I wanted to protect her. I know that sounds crazy since I just met her. I just know Dakota for who he is. He's a monster. And I wouldn't let him do what he got away with doing just three years ago. That was when I found out about the real him. Now I'd rather he didn't exist. Before he could drag her away, I quickly grabbed her arm.

She was just as surprised as him. "Let her go," Dakota demanded. "No, you let her go. You think you can drag her around like she's your fucking pet!" I countered. He started to get closer, but Sky quickly told me to let go as she pulled, trying to pull her arm free from my grasp. I was confused. Why didn't she pull away from him too? Is she starting to have feelings for him or is she afraid of him?

Dakota seemed surprised too. He stared at her for a moment before turning and grinning at me like he had just taken some huge prize away from me. "Lou, don't take this wrong, but I need to talk with him anyway. When we're done I'll... "As you wish," I said, cutting her off. Not that I was mad at her, but what else could I say at that moment? I thought as I quickly walked towards the staircase. I could hear Jason calling from behind, but I just kept walking.

I needed air, space even. They say alone time is the best time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sky's POV-

Great. Even though I've seen this play out in my dream, I still couldn't prevent Lou from giving me that same hurt look. I felt bad, but at the same time, I was confused. What was the look for? It's not like I'm dating Lou either. Yet if I was given the chance to choose for myself. I would probably pick Lou. My thoughts came to a stop when Dakota closed the door and cornered me against it. I held my hand up in front of him.

"You want to put a ring on my finger, right?" I said, wiggling my fingers. He stepped back with a shocked expression. "How the hell do you know that? I told no one about it", I gave a smile and stepped close to him. "Well, I've seen it, and it's pretty, but I've also tried it on. Doesn't fit. I lied and hoped that he'd take my word for it. "You're lying," he said, crossing his arms. "Then how else would I know there's a ring in your right pocket?" I countered.

He stood frozen for a moment before running a hand through his hair. "OK, fine, I'll get a bigger size", I turned to the door. Trying to hide the huge smile on my face. "Great until you do stop treating me as if we're a couple" I quickly left the room before he could say anything else. I made my way to the dining table, and it was just me and Jason. "Where's Lou?" I asked, sitting down.

He wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood up from his seat. "Don't go near him if you're just going to hurt him. If you're bored, stick to that fiancé of yours. I'm sure you two can find something to do" he said, annoyed.

"What? I didn't do anything wrong. Lou and I are not a couple" I countered. "Exactly, so if you know that, leave him alone. He's got enough on his head after seeing Mom murdered just yesterday, in case you forgot" He said and started to walk away. "That's what this is really about. It has nothing to do with Lou. You're still pissed. I tried to leave"

He turned back to face me. "Honestly, I don't care if you stay or go anymore.

Dakota has to handle some things outside the castle. In case you want to try again, Oh, and try the opposite direction. Maybe you won't get hit with another arrow" he said before storming off. I sat in shock for a moment as I peeled a banana. Then I decided to go see Lou. I'm not sure why. Maybe to check on him or maybe because I felt a bit guilty even though I'd done nothing wrong. I chopped some fruit and headed to Lou's room with a huge bowl of it.

-Knock knock

I waited for a response but didn't get one. Garcia, another maid, walked up to me with a cart filled with cleaning supplies. "He usually goes to the garden around this time," she said with a smile, before entering his room. I thanked her and made my way to the garden. It's a lot bigger than I thought. Tall plants and crops on both sides and a huge water fountain sat in the center.

Benches sat spread out along the garden. I walked slowly looking around, trying to spot him. After passing several benches halfway into the garden, I stopped and just stood there wondering why I hadn't seen him yet. Something hit my shoulder. -Aaahh! I screamed and nearly jumped out of my skin thinking it was a snake. The bowl of fruit hit the ground, causing it to shatter.

"Jesus relax, it's just a stick," Lou said. I looked up to see the most breathtaking treehouse I'd ever seen. Well-built, and painted the same white as the exterior of the castle. Lou made his way down the huge spiral steps and stood in front of me looking down at the glass bowl. "Why are you eating outside?" He asked, picking up the pieces of glass.

"I was looking for you. Was going to share, but you made me do this" I said, staring at the fruit now covered in broken glass. "Not my fault, you scare easily," he laughed. "I don't, you just... Why would you throw a stick at me?" I countered, annoyed as I picked up the pieces of glass. "Drop it. You're already bleeding" Lou said, grabbing my hand.

I released the glass, and he turned my hand over, revealing cuts with blood slowly flowing down my palm.

How come I didn't feel that? I thought. He finished picking up the glass pieces and held them in his hand. "Follow me" I just nodded and followed him up the steps of the tree house. It's bigger than it looks on the outside. And that's saying a lot, considering how big it looks from the outside. I stood near the entrance staring in awe.

There's a huge kitchen area the moment you step foot into it. The balcony just to the right of it is the same balcony he stood on when he scared me. He dumped the pieces in a trash can and turned on the water. "Here, put your hand under it. I'll be back" he said, before grabbing a broom and a dustpan and heading back out.