FALLING FOR HIM : THE IMPOSTER PRINCESS

"George!" I screamed as the snake sank its fangs into my skin.

I crumbled to the ground, the pain stinging. The reptile curled into itself and slid away, the color of its skin changing as it did.

I knew it wouldn't last. It bit me after all and nothing came into contact with my blood and survived.

I panted, a sob escaping from my lips as the door slammed open.

"Ana!" George grunted, picking me up before I could protest. He stormed out of the storeroom, barking orders as he moved.

"Send for the physician at once!" He growled. "Nothing will happen to you, Ana—"

"This is your fault!" I choked, sore as my eyes threatened to roll to the back of my head. I grunted, digging my fingers into his skin.

If he was in pain, King George did not show it.

"What is causing the disarray in my kingdom?" The Queen stepped out, blocking our path.

"Anastasia has been bitten by a snake." George rushed out, his grip on me tightening.

"Well, good riddance. Why are you cradling this peasant? There are far more pressing issues to attend to!"

George froze, his eyes darkening. "I believe I have been mistaken. Anastasia, my wife and the Queen in waiting has been bitten by a snake."

The Queen's breath hitched at the intensity of his words. Her eyes narrowed to meet me.

"If the kingdom is in uproar," George continued, "it is well within its rights to be. In fact," He shot a glare to the guards. "Send out a message to all snake charmers and owners. Everyone who owns or breeds a snake — They must put it down at once!"

"Before that, Find the snake in the palace. Go!" The Queen yelled, glaring daggers into my skin as George brushed past her.

"I can't die. Not before I see my sister. This is your fault!" I sobbed and clutched his clothing. "Please, I beg of you. Allow me to see my sister, this once. I do not want to die without seeing her —"

"You shall not die. Not while I am alive." George informed me as we entered my chambers.

"You know not of that! Please! I do not ask for your freedom, I ask for a chance to at least bid her goodbye! If you had a heart, you would under—"

"Enough, Ana!" he boomed, setting me down. "Focus on getting better. Where is the physician?!"

An older man scrambled in, carrying a small box.

"You are late," George grumbled, his eyes pinning the man. He marched over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I want her alive. No matter what it takes. If you fail, you will be buried alongside her."

The man nodded his head frantically. His pale blue eyes widened to twice their size.

I turned in discomfort and flinched as George took my hand into his. We locked eyes, my breath ragged as pain raced through me. "Your Highness," I choked, licking my lips. "Indulge me, Is my sister in good health? Would you at least, spare a woman on her deathbed, with this small detail?"

His grip on my hand tightened as dark spots appeared in my vision. "You are neither a commoner nor a woman on her deathbed. You are the woman I chose to be my wife. The core of all my desires and the one who ignites me," Our eyes locked one last time. "I shall fight death in every lifetime for you, and even succumb to it. You will not leave my side."

My breaths faded as everything turned black. When I opened my eyes, the pain had subsided. I tried to sit up but someone pressed me down.

"The physician said you need to rest."

"I need to see my sister."

"You better than anyone else know that is not possible," George hummed, his hands threading through my hair.

"Why did you explore the attic?" he spoke after a while, and I glared at him.

"What difference would my answers make?"

"I asked a question."

"I have made many requests as well, but neither have been granted."

"You are hale and hearty. You are alive, have I done nothing?"

"It was the least you could do after sentencing me to my death,"

George froze at my words. His eyes darkened. "I did no such thing,"

I scoffed, sitting up despite his protests. My eyes glanced around the empty room.

Did the snake bite me by accident? Or was it planned? If it was planned, Was it George?

He was holding my sister hostage. He could do anything to get what he wanted. He was a savage. A monster lurking in the shadows.

He claimed to love me, to burn for me, and swore that I was the one who ignited him. Yet, He could not spare me one moment with my sister.

He could not be trusted.

"Why do you force me to stay here?"

George retracted his hands from my hair. "I have not forced you to stay here. You chose to remain for your sister,"

"A sister you have held captive!"

"Captive is a filthy word for my sister-in-law," A small smile graced his lips. One I burned to wipe off. "I have simply kept her away for a short time."

"How long? How long before I set my eyes on her?" I spat, my hands fisting the silk sheets beneath me.

George stood, his full regalia dominating the room. He took in a sharp breath, looking every bit the ruthless king he was rumored to be.

A man whose mere glance could kill and words a sentence. Once King George of Keyes spoke — A man's life was either molded or ended.

"However long it takes for you to love me."

Our eyes met, and I gritted my teeth, leaning close to him. "Never! I shall never love a monster, much less a man who has no heart!" I threw my legs over the bed and stood.

George's eyes flashed with hurt at my words. I closed the distance between us.

"You may have mistaken me for a pawn, Your Highness," Submissiveness would get me nowhere. I shall end his life once and for all.

Once my blood touched his skin, his life would end.

"Fine," I retracted a pin from my hair and dragged it across my skin. His eyes widened.

"Watch as I shatter all your expectations."