And Then There Were Four novel Chapter 187

Chapter 187: What's Love Got To Do With It

There is a point in life when you finally get tired of people telling you what you're going to do, and there is also a moment in your life when you gain clarity of how bullshit things are, and you can't help but laugh. This was one of those moments, and as Silas' words rolled over in my mind, I couldn't help but laugh.

"You're fucking joking, right?"

With a heavy sigh, he stared at me, "No, I'm not. Why would I joke about this?"

"Oh, I don’t know. Because you find shit like this amusing," I spat, rolling my eyes. "It's ridiculous for him to think he can come here and just marry me. It's not going to happen."

"Perhaps... I mean, he does have to go through the games just like everyone else. So there is no telling what could happen," Silas replied, causing my mouth to drop open slightly. Was Finnick participating in the games with everyone else?

"He is royalty? Why the hell is he participating?"

"Uh, because it’s the rules your grandfather set, Cassie. He has to abide by them like everyone else." It didn't make sense this prince I had never met before would want me, and honestly, all it did was add to the list of problems I already had. Not that I couldn't handle it. I would adjust to what I was already going to do to include Prince Finnick as well.

"Fine," I gritted out under my breath. "Is there anything else?"

Silas shook his head, clasping his hands in front of him as if he wanted to say something but wasn't exactly sure how. I hated moments like this. I missed the guy who would laugh with me and spend time with me. Since I became what I was, Silas was all business, and I didn't understand why. "No, you can go."

Standing to my feet, I made my way to the door and stopped. "Shouldn't I be the one telling you what to do?" I said calmly as I glanced over my shoulder at him.

Amusement crossed his features as he stared at me, smiling. ‘Do you want to boss me around?"

The thought crossed my mind for a split second, but I preferred it if he was the one in control. "I'll think about it... I have a lot on my mind lately."

"I can tell," he replied smoothly. "Don’t let it get you into trouble. I know you like getting into more than you can handle."

I didn't know whether to be slightly offended by what he said or turned on by what he said but deciding against addressing it, I quickly left his office and made my way down the hall until I finally came to an open exit, allowing the fresh air of outside to filter through.

Stepping out into the cool morning air, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply with a smile on my face. It was nice to not care about things for once and when I let everything slip from my mind. I enjoyed the sound of the realm that floated into my ears. Birds chirping, the distant sounds of running water from a nearby pond, and even the mumbled sounds of laughter from somewhere nearby were refreshing.

It made me forget I was where I was. For a moment, it took me back to my parent's home and the fact I loved spending time in the woods near my home.

A sense of longing slipped through me as I took in the fact I would never shift into my wolf again. That I would never feel my paws upon the earth and the wind in my fur as I went faster and faster. A part of me that was forever gone and would never return. It hurt, but even though it was gone physically, at least. I'd always have the memories to remind me that once upon a time, I was normal to some degree.

"Enjoying yourself?" a voice called from my left, causing me to quickly open my eyes to find that Finnick was standing there staring at me.

"I was... until you ruined it."

"Oh." He chuckled. Are we all done with pleasantries now?"

Rolling my eyes, I stepped forward, trying to pass him to head toward my room. I had told Ansley to let Sansa know to meet me around lunch, and I didn't want to be late for that. I had to talk to her about what was going on, and I was hoping Trixie was still around. I wanted to know more about who Finnick really was.

"Pleasantries went out the door when I found out why you were really here," I snorted, only to have him step in front of me. blocking the path I needed to take.

"Are you saying that you don't want to marry me? I figured that every woman would dream of being a queen one day."

"Yeah, not me," I muttered, trying to pass him again, only to have him block me once more. "Will you please move?"

The way he was staring at me, slightly brooding but with amusement twinkling in his gaze, made me feel slightly unsure of myself. Of course, he was incredibly gorgeous in that 'all about him' kind of way, but there was no way I was going to let him know I found him attractive. I was not interested in whatever he had to offer. Even if it was being queen.

"I think we got off to a wrong start," he finally mustered up with a small sigh as he reached up, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm Finn."

Finn. So we were on nickname basis, were we?

"Finn." Saying his name sounded good on my tongue, and by the way his smile grew as I said it, I knew he liked to hear it as well. "I hope you enjoy your stay here... if you need anything. I’m sure the staff can help you."

Distracted and slightly caught off guard by my response, I stepped around him and hastily made my way towards the door back inside. I didn't want to give him a chance to be able to stop me again, and as soon as the door closed behind me, I glanced over my shoulder to look at him once more through the glass.

Finn stood there, staring at the now closed door with an odd expression that made me wonder what it was going through his mind. Was he actually interested in getting to know me or was this man here for other motives?