Chapter IV

Arden and Maya were taking a walk in the sunflower field. He picked one for her as sunflowers were her favorite.

She was a pretty lady and had a pointy nose, long brown hair and a slightly brown skin color. Her father was King Ayden's friend from Sinpur, Ishaan Johar, a renowed business man. She was ten years old when she first visited Dralde. His sister, Priya had moved there some years back.

When she turned eighteen, she decided to visit her aunt. She had a lot of fun with Arjun, her cousin as they strolled to different interesting places and made paintings together. She'd always wanted to view the sunset her cousin told her about.

Arjun had gone to town. It was almost evening and he wasn't back home yet.

"Maasi (aunt), did Arjun say when he'd be back? It's getting late and we planed to see the sunset today." She sighed.

"Aree! (Oh) Sorry beta (child), I totally forgot. He said to apologize to you and that he'd be back late." Priya answered.

"Koi badh nei (no problem) I can find my way to the fields. It's not far from here nah?" She added.

"No it's not. Just take the path that leads to the treescape by the lake, the sunflower fields are just up ahead." Her aunt returned.

Maya set out to see the sunset. She walked nonstop on the paved path between the trees. She decided to wash her face when she noticed the sparkling waters of the lake. On getting there, she dipped her hands in the water and gave her face a little splash. Arden was drying his shirt on a stone as Atrius, his horse had gotten him wet when he ducked to drink.

"Way to go Atrius! Now we'll have to stay here longer." He said.

Atrius neighed in a somewhat happy manner.

"You sure are happy, aren't you?" He smiled as he gave him a stroke.

As he turned away from his horse and she to leave, their eyes met.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaah!" Frightened, they screamed simultaneously.

"What are you doing all shirtless by the lake?" She yelled closing her eyes wryly.

"What are you doing staring at a shirtless man by the lake?" He returned attempting to cover his torso.

"Excuse you, I wasn't staring!" She pouted starting to leave.

"Hey miss, I didn't get your name... Miss feisty? Hey," he called out but she didn't stop.

"It seems we have gotten miss feisty pissed off. Come on Atrius, follow the lady." He picked up his shirt and hopped on his horse. Buttoning up as they caught up with her.

"Do you follow every person you meet by the lake?" She asked shooting him a weird glance.

"Not really. But it seems I might have gotten on this one person's nerves so it's only right I make an effort to apologize," he answered.

"Who does he think he is any way?" She thought.

"You're forgiven, it's fine. I don't want to miss the sunset," she added.

"Do you mind if I tag along? It's my way of saying sorry." he said.

"No it's fine," she returned.

"Please don't refuse. How about you get on the horse? You must be tired from walking," he begged.

"Well since you apologized, why not?" She smiled.

He helped her to the horse. They rode pass the trees and were at the field right in time to see the sunset. Her eyes sparkled at the sight.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Arden asked.

"It's perfect!" She answered.

Finally she got to see Dralde's beautiful sunset. After she had fed her eyes enough, it was time to go home.

"It's getting quite dark, I'll walk you home." Arden said.

"Still your way of saying sorry?" Maya asked returning to face Prince Arden who just couldn't stop staring.

"It's the least I can do. Miss feisty... I'm sorry! What's your name?" He asked.

"Maya," she returned.

"I must say you have a beautiful name," he added.

"She does have a name, finally!" He muttered with a smile.

They walked giving Atrius a rest. When they arrived her aunt's house, she insisted he came in even if it was for a little water and he agreed.

"Chaachee (aunt) I'm home." She called out.

"Oh thank Goodness, I was just about to call you and you've come with a friend?" Priya gave a warm smile.

"Prince Arden, what an honor it is to have you here, please come in," she added on recognition.

"Thank you ma'am," he returned.

"Okay what just happened? Mr shirtless and initially annoying turns out to be a prince?" She thought.

"Aaaa..... We met at the lake and he walked me home. I'll just get some water," as she headed for the kitchen.

Maya was back with a glass of water. Surprise still written all over her face when she handed it to him and sat on the sofa adjacent his. He held in his laugher as her facial expressions were just priceless.

"Can anyone tell me what's going on?" Now she was done being quite.

"Your aunt just went in..." He tried to joke.

"Obviously, we're the only ones here so start talking," she added.

"I'm Arden..." she rose an eyebrow shooting him an even more serious look.

"Prince Arden and you happen to be the daughter of my father's friend," he said.

"Makes sense. Papa did say the King was his friend but I didn't know I would bump into his son in the most unusual way," she returned.

"So that makes us friends." He added.

"Maybe..." She shrugged.

"I should be on my way, send my regards to Arjun and your aunt," he stood up to leave.

"Great he knows Arjun too! Could this day get any crazier?" She thought for a second before snapping out of it.

"Okay, I'll see you off..." she returned.

"No it's fine, thanks again for the water," he added.

"It was nothing," she smiled as she walked him outside.

"Mausi (aunt) aapane mujhe kyon nahin bataaya (why didn't you tell me) the king had a son..." She asked picking up the jug.

"Main bhool gaya (I forgot) but now you've met hena (right) aur achchha ladaka hai (and he's a good boy)" Priya returned.

That's how it all began. He started to visit her home often and she, the palace. She became friends with Arian, the King, his Queen and people in the palace grew fond of her too. She didn't have powers but her voice was magical. They had one thing in common, their love for singing. Arden adored her and was going to make her his queen.