Her Runaway Prince

Chapter 9

“We’re running a bit short on some supplies. I think it’s time we go into town for a bit,” Petro said as he came up from behind and wrapped his arms around Amanda. Amanda nuzzled her head against his face.

“You’ll have to go without me, baby. My brother is going to drop by soon and I have to be here when he arrives,” she said and squeezed his hands gently.

“Aw, but I’ll miss you,” he said and buried his face in the nape of her neck, kissing the skin softly.

“I’ll still be here when you come back. I’ll always be right here, waiting for you,” she reassured him.

“Well, I certainly hope so,” he said softly and hugged her tightly.

“You better know it. Now go so you can come back, okay. I want you to meet my brother.” She turned around to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She smiled at him and kissed him softly.

“I’ve told him all about this amazing man of mine. He’s quite excited to meet him,” she continued with a smirk.

“Well, I certainly hope your man doesn’t disappoint then,” he grinned.

“Oh trust me, that’s not possible. Now get going.” She playfully smacked his butt and set him off.

Petro laughed softly and grabbed the keys for the Land Rover off the counter.

“Okay, I’ll see you soon then my lovely. I love you,” he said as he walked to the front door.

“I love you too baby, and be safe.” She replied earnestly.

Petro walked out and was greeted by the morning sunshine. The weather had gotten much warmer lately. The snow had almost completely melted by then. Every single time Petro stepped outside and saw the beautiful landscape that surrounded him, his breath was taken away.

He still couldn’t fully believe how quickly and drastically his life had changed. He had come there to escape the impending act of having to settle down. He hadn’t want to slow down or calm down. He’d wanted to party his life away. He’d wanted fun and excitement. Yet, there he was.

He’d calmed down. He’d settled down. He’d slowed down. And it was the happiest he’d ever felt. Not a single part of him missed any aspect of his past life. He didn’t miss the booze, the cars, the girls or the endless partying. All he wanted was what he had; a simple life with the woman he loved. He felt beyond content.

Petro took a deep breath and inhaled all the different scents that permeated the woods. He felt at home. He felt like he’d finally found a home. With a smile on his face, he climbed into the Land Rover and started the drive into town.

During the long road into town, he let his thoughts wander. He had only one fear and it still bothered him. What would happen if Amanda found out the truth?

He wanted to tell her with every fibre of his being. And he’d tried to. Every single time he just couldn’t bring himself to. He was so scared of losing her. Yet, he realized that she would have to find out eventually. It wasn’t exactly a secret he could keep forever.

People had already nearly recognized him before. Televisions in town had nearly exposed him. He realized that he couldn’t take the stress and worry much longer. She needed to know and it had to be soon. He could never commit to her fully so long as his past kept chasing him.

Finally, he got to town. He pushed the thoughts back. He needed to focus only on what they needed.

Thanks to their visits into town and Amanda’s friendly, talkative demeanor, Petro had become well acquainted with the locals. He knew people by name and they knew him as Peter.

It all felt so strange.

Back in his home country, he didn’t know anybody aside from his family and the few friends he had. Even the people he partied with were complete and absolute strangers. They all knew who he was and he didn’t care enough to learn their names. Yet, in that small little town, he knew nearly everybody.

He knew about Finn, the veteran who’d opened up a pet store. He knew about Maggy, who was constantly complaining about her husband. He knew about Patrick, who had only one eye and always had a new story about how he lost it. He felt like he knew everybody. And that everybody knew him. Or at least, the new him. The better him. The improved him.

Despite them not knowing his complete history, it was still quite an amazing feeling. Petro actually felt like he belonged. Nobody expected him to act a certain way or to talk a certain way or dress a certain way. Nobody told him “you can’t do this” or “you shouldn’t do that” or “stop bringing shame to our family”. Everybody there just accepted him for who he was. Nobody put facades and acted like people they knew they weren’t. Everybody was real. Everybody was themselves, quirks and all. He’d finally found a home.

*****

Petro was strolling through the local shopping centre. He knew he’d promised Amanda that he would back soon, but he genuinely enjoyed his visits into town. He loved seeing all the little shops and mingling with everybody. The atmosphere was just so welcoming and carefree. It was the pressure-free breath he couldn’t get enough of after he had spent so many years feeling as if he was drowning. As he continued on his stroll, he suddenly stopped when he passed by the jewelry store, Man’s Best Apology.

I should go in and buy a ring. Why? So I can propose to her and we can get married and live our lives happily at the cottage.

Petro started fantasizing. He was imagining Amanda and himself in the middle of the woods. Only a few people in attendance. He imagined Amanda standing in front of him wearing a glamorous yet still humble white dress. He imagined the juxtaposition of her smooth, dark skin against the pale whiteness of her veil. He imagined hearing her answer “I do” to the priest’s questions. He fantasized about their first kiss as man and wife. Their first time making love as man and wife. The family they would have. First would be the dog they’d adopt. Second would come a cat. Then a little boy and a little girl. They’d be raised by two loving parents who would never put any responsibility on them that they couldn’t handle. They’d never be forced to be anything but themselves. They’d all just be one happy family.

And then she finds out the truth. Because she will find out the truth. The truth always comes out. And when it does, what then?

Petro felt the inner conflict commence yet again. Why couldn’t he just tell her? Why hadn’t he told her yet? Why was he being such a coward? Amanda had been honest with him from the very start. She’d been honest to the point of hurting, yet he couldn’t grant her the same courtesy. He took a deep breath, tried his best to silence the thoughts and entered the shop.

All manner of trinkets and jewelry adorned the shop. Just like everything else in that town, the jewelry shop wasn’t the same as your average, typical store. Whilst there was the usual fancy jewelry there, they were far outnumbered by the much more unique items.

Petro glanced around the shop and took note of every single one. The pearl necklace that was designed in such a way that it resembled a smiley face. The cow skull with emeralds and rubies decorating it all over. The leather choker with diamonds as studs. The sapphire ear studs that looked like tiny flames.

Then a certain ring fully caught his attention.

There, right between the skull-head tiara and the Emerald bedazzled spectacles, was a ring that his heart immediately cried out for. It was nothing too outlandish nor was it even fancy, but it poked at a very sentimental part of him. Shaped like a rose in bloom, tiny little rubies, purple sapphires and white jades decorated the petals leading to a small diamond in the centre. Amanda had always had an affinity for roses.