CHAPTER 5

As I lay in bed, feeling sorry for myself, I knew that I needed to do something to take my mind off of Asher and all the drama surrounding us. So, I decided to go out and get some coffee at my favorite coffee shop nearby. Maybe a change of scenery would help me feel better. As I made my way down the stairs of the castle, I saw my father standing in the foyer. He looked up at me and raised an eyebrow.

"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice curious.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should tell him the truth. But then I decided to be honest. "I'm going to get some coffee," I said, my voice soft.

Xavier looked at me for a moment longer, as if trying to read my thoughts. Then he nodded his head. "Okay," he said, his voice gentle. "You can go but take your bodyguard with you. Where is he?”

“He is probably sulking in his room,” I replied.

“What did you do this time, Scarlett? I told you to grow up and stop agonizing the people around you!”

“But Dad, that man is so stubborn! He wouldn’t listen to me!”

“I already told you about the consequences of your action, Scarlett. You can’t leave the house without Asher, understand?”

“That’s unfair!”

“What’s unfair is your constant tantrums. My god, aren’t you old enough to behave like a school girl? If you don’t have self-respect, perhaps, you should consider your position as my daughter,” he stated in a stern voice.

“Are you saying that I am an embarrassment?” I inquired.

“Why don’t you ask yourself? At your age, you are supposed to help me to keep our subjects satisfied, but what did you do? So far, all you know was to complain and have some tantrums when you don’t get what you want. Look, it is so unbecoming for a princess like you,” Xavier reminded me.

“This is Asher’s fault!” I told him.

“Scarlett, are you really going to keep on being unreasonable? I have already a lot in my hands right now. There are rogues sighting in the territory and all I have to hear from you is your complaints. Why? Didn’t I give you enough to make your life easy?”

“I will go and get Asher,” I said, because the lecture I was hearing from him was so painful.

“Very well,” he stated.

As I made my way back upstairs to my room, I couldn't help but grit my teeth in frustration. The thought of spending time with Asher outside of the castle made me nervous.

As I approached Asher's room, I hesitated for a moment, wondering if he would even want to go with me. But then I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. After all, he had no choice to but go with me, but while waiting for him to open the door, I wondered why Xavier Nightshade was so kind to my bodyguard. He wasn’t like that to my previous bodyguards, but with Asher, he was all soft and kind!

"Asher?" I called out, my voice soft.

There was a moment of silence, and then Asher opened the door. He looked at me with a curious expression. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice guarded.

“I am going out to have coffee two blocks from here,” I informed him.

“Why do you have to go out for coffee when this place have the best coffee beans in the world?” he asked, and then, Asher looked at me for a moment longer, as if trying to read my thoughts. Then he nodded his head. "Okay," he said, his voice gruff. "I'll go with you."

“At least you know when to shut up,” I told him. “Just because my father is kind to you doesn’t mean I have to be kind as well. Remember that!”

And with that, Asher and I made our way out of the castle and towards the coffee shop.

When I got to the coffee shop, I ordered my usual: a latte with extra foam. As I sat down at a table, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me, but when I looked around, the peace of mind suddenly vanished as soon as I saw Asher’s face hovering before me.

As I sipped my latte, I couldn't help but wonder why should I do with him? He wouldn’t budge no matter how much I insulted him, and then an idea presented itself when a sweet couple entered the coffee shop.

One of the reasons why I had always loved this particular coffee shop, was its charming outdoor setting area and the beautiful flowers surrounding the place.

She had always loved this particular coffee shop, with its charming outdoor seating area and beautiful flowers. The intricate designs of the wrought iron chairs and tables added its beauty. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, making her mouth water. The walls were adorned with intricate murals and colorful artwork, and the cozy atmosphere made me feel peaceful. Aside from that, the baristas were friendly, and welcoming, and they always greeted me with warm smiles.

Earlier, when I ordered my favorite latte with extra foam, Asher opted for a simple black coffee. Then, as I watched him sipping his coffee, I realized that my idea could be interesting.

“Is there something funny?” he asked when he caught me grinning.

“Nothing. Just don’t mind me,” I said and then I smirked.

As soon as Asher looked away, I took the opportunity to make my move. I quickly gathered my things and stood up from the table.

"Excuse me," I said quietly. "I need to use the restroom."

With that, I headed towards the door, hoping to slip away unnoticed. But Asher wasn't fooled so easily. As I reached for the door handle, he called out to me.

"Scarlett, wait," he said firmly.

I turned around, feeling a bit nervous. What did he want? Asher looked at me for a moment, as if trying to understand my thoughts. Then he spoke.

"I know you're trying to leave," he said gently. "Please sit back down, Milady."

Reluctantly, I returned to the table with Asher. I could tell he was still cautious of my intentions. But as my stomach growled loudly, I couldn't help but feel embarrassed.

"I'm sorry," I apologized, my cheeks turning red. "I didn't mean to give you the wrong impression. I really just needed to use the restroom."

Asher looked at me for a moment, then sighed. "Alright," he said, his voice softening. "I believe you."