I WANT YOU

Jackson felt his heart break when he saw the way Mason stared at the princess. They were not even ashamed that everyone was staring at them. He had insisted that they came to the palace because he was dying to behold the princess's beauty but in the end, he had only done the job of a matchmaker.

He suddenly lost interest in being in the palace. He wanted to be everywhere else but there, however, he knew that he couldn't just up and leave. Although all three of them were friends, Mason was their leader and called the shots.

He taught them everything they knew about surviving on the battlefield since he was a naturally gifted warrior who was swift with weapons and unbeatable in a brawl from when he was a boy.

What surprised Jackson the most was the reaction of the king and queen. They seemed to be pleased with what was going on between Mason and the princess. He became more surprised when the king said, "Athena, why don't you take Mason to your bedroom so you both can talk since he seems to have a lot to say? We will be waiting for the both of you here."

Athena blushed shyly while Mason bowed before the king, reached out his hand, and took Athena's before allowing her to lead him out of everyone's sight.

The king asked that both Jackson and Damian be served food and drinks. The expression on their faces showed that they weren't happy. Jackson felt brokenhearted while Damian hated the princess and everyone present who turned a blind eye to Kathy's abuse.

Meela was beside herself with joy. She had wondered endlessly when this day would come and finally, it did. All her plans turned out to be successful and in the end, her daughter got the life of the princess and the attention of the strongest warrior alive. What more could she ask for?

The moment they got into her bedroom, Athena threw herself in Mason's arms and hugged him passionately, "I've waited for you my whole life" she whispered.

Mason held her chin and lifted her face so her eyes could meet his, "you are as beautiful as the morning sun and I have never felt this way for anyone before. I want you, princess, I want to feel your naked body pressed against mine."

Athena cupped Mason's face with her hands and pulled him closer. Their lips joined together and they began to explore each other's mouths with wild abandon.

Athena struggled to control the rapid breathing of her heart once their lips parted. Mason was so dreamy and she had never seen anyone like him before. The way she felt when he touched and kissed her was something she couldn't bring herself to describe. She was convinced that she didn't want to be apart from him even for a second.

"I feel like I've known you forever Mason, let's get married, she breathed"

Mason smiled excitedly, "I'll ask the king for your hand right away. We shouldn't delay this."

They both happily hugged each other and Athena touched up her make-up before they came out of the room. When the king and queen saw them coming, they looked at each other and instantly knew that Mason was the one.

Athena held his hand tightly and they kept staring at each other as they made their way. Meela felt like crying when she witnessed the joy on Athena's face but she controlled herself.

The moment they stood before the king, Mason bowed and said, "your highness I would like to make Athena my wife if it pleases you."

The king stared at his wife again and they both smiled, "if Athena accepts you as her husband, then I will give you my blessings."

"I accept him, father." Athena quickly replied, causing everyone present to laugh and clap their hands with the exception of Jackson and Damian.

The king informed Mason that the engagement ceremony would happen in two days and Mason gave his consent. The king sent his messenger to inform everyone about the engagement party which was to take place in two days.

Mason finally let go of Athena as she happily went to sit by the queen's side. He came back to where both Damian and Jackson were seated and said, "I never believed that a time would come when I will want to get married. Let's spend a few weeks here until my wedding is over."

Damian and Jackson stared at Mason without saying anything in reply. This, however, didn't seem to bother Mason as his mind was fully occupied with thoughts of Athena and the passionate kiss they had just shared.

They kept on staring at each other while the king asked Jackson and Damian to share their history and experiences on the battlefield with him.

They told the king their story while everyone paid attention to them. They spoke for a long time until night began to approach.

When it became a little bit dark, Athena ran into her room to change into a different dress while Mason went outside for some fresh air.

As Mason stood outside looking at the sky, Kathy once again caught his attention just like she had done in the morning. He kept staring at her as she stood with her back to him, oblivious to what was going on.

As if pushed by a force, Mason slowly began to approach Kathy. Athena noticed him from the window in her room and stared at him in surprise. He finally stood in front of Athena causing her to gasp in fright.

He tucked some strands of her hair which were on her face behind her ear and cupped her chin. He looked into her eyes as Kathy kept looking at his and pulled her face closer for a kiss. Kathy instantly recalled what happened in the morning and pushed him away.

Because she took him by surprise, he staggered backward while Kathy took advantage of the opportunity and ran out of the palace. Princess Athena could not believe what had just happened but neither could Mason.

He came to his senses and stood frozen, wondering what had prompted him to get so close to Kathy. He looked at the palace door and saw Damian who stared at him with a look of disapproval on his face before running out of the palace and going after Kathy.