Meeting him

Angela Yves had no friends. No one was allowed to get near her or talk to her. Not even once. On the strict orders of her father, she was supposed to be a doll, a highly trained doll with no deep attachments or relationships that can bring happiness to her little heart. Only the books and strict rules were her friends and sole company.

Though the education she received was harsh and difficult, a little too much inflexible for a little kid of her age, she didn't have a choice. Just when she should be outside playing with other kids and enjoying her younger years, she was left alone with her books, her teachers, and her father's orders.

There were never gentle words to encourage her, nor friends to spend her time with and share her sadness. Even her teachers were not allowed to stay in the same room with her for longer periods, as they were changed almost every two months for new ones. The Duke, her father, had arranged it that way to make her rely on him and her stepmother only.

No one was allowed to influence her thoughts, only him.

The only comfort of the lonely Angela was that some days, her stepmother, Vanessa, would tell her stories about the Crown Prince. She even gave Angela his picture, a valiant little boy with black raven hair and green emerald eyes, beaming with life and joy.

She will hear stories about his great achievements even from a young age. From the hunting competition ranks every year, and the Academy grades, to the little rewards he received for his outstanding ideas. He was perfect, and he looked happy.

All of that gave Angela the courage to move forward. She thought that he will share that bright sun with her, and they will live happily together. Even if she felt lonely and sad, those stories were enough for her to strive for. She will become his bride, his Princess, and later his Queen.

*** *** ***

Three months before the great wedding, the carriage took the road towards the Capital. The polished streets were highly maintained and the wheels of the car passed without bumping and disturbing the beautiful woman inside.

The people, looking at the car from the shops and the streets, knew the crest on that carriage. They knew it well because it was the symbol of the future powerhouse of the Kingdom. The Monde Family, a rose, and a sword together.

However, no one knew who was inside that car, maybe the Duke, or the Duchess, but no one thought that a woman with long blonde hair and sapphire eyes was readying her heart to enter the Palace. Counting the seconds, breathing slowly to calm her nerves, Angela waited.

"Miss Yves, we have arrived," the coachman knocked on the carriage window, expecting a response. "Miss Yves?"

His lady, Angela, was with the curtains closed, and no answer was made after a few minutes more.

Angela tried to focus her gaze, after closing her eyes for a while. Her heart was difficult to control, and her fingers were intertwined tightly, leaving marks on her beautiful pale hands.

It will be the first time to meet him in person after so many years. To speak with him, to see him looking at her directly. To share the same sun and place together.

She had seen him before in the Palace balls, but her father never let her mingle too much with the other nobles. He will tell them that she is recovering from some illness, and she had to stay at home. They were all lies, of course. Just to increase the mystery behind her identity. Just to entice him more.

"Let's go," she breathed deeply again and signaled the coachman to open the door.

The one waiting for her outside the carriage was not the Prince, but the captain of the Royal Knights, James Marden. A tall, handsome man in a blue uniform and several golden stars on his shoulders. His eyes were shaded in green color and his hair was a blazing red. Angela was a bit mesmerized and curious by the color, but her anxiousness made her focus return. That day was special, and she should give her full attention to her task.

She thought that the Prince was busy, so she didn't mind that he hadn't received her personally. Even if there were only three months before the wedding, and they hadn't shared a proper conversation.

"Miss Yves," the knight bowed and helped her descend from the carriage, "It is a pleasure to meet you. His Highness is waiting for you inside his study."

The man was polite, but not too courteous. He was even showing a bit of scorn on his face. However, Angela looked so radiant and full of happiness that she didn't care. Her hair waved behind her, leaving a trace of sun combined with stars. The aura was gentle and dignified, beautiful even among the splendor of the Palace halls.

She saw how the man walked at a steady and fast pace, but she didn't mind it too. Later, she will have time to see and remember the calming views of the garden and paintings on the walls. At least the feeling of being in such a regal place gave her the sensation of a welcome, and not what she was afraid of, a rejection of even see her.

The servants waiting on the side bowed slightly when they saw her walk through the Palace halls. Some of them even blushed after watching her pass. That soft dress, that fragile steps that made no sound, she seemed like a fairy. Unfortunately, that vision will change in a few months.

They reached a wide wooden door with fine adornments on the sides. It was closed, and two guards were by each side, protecting it. Their armors and weapons were even on their hands.

"Greetings, Miss Yves," a tall man with glasses and a sincere face walked outside after one of the guards knocked on the door. He bowed slightly after seeing Angela. "My name is Ralph Morrison, I am the steward of the Palace. We were waiting for your visit."

"It is a pleasure, Mr. Morrison," Angela nodded with a small smile. Her bright blue eyes showed gentleness and politeness. She knew that the people from the Prince were all capable and worth of respect, therefore she didn't dare to commit a mistake in front of them.

However, that simple show of sincerity and humility was so strange to the people that were used to the nobles' arrogance. So refreshing and warm.

Ralph never thought that the rumored fiancée, daughter of Duke Yves, would be someone like her, an educated and pure lady. The talks about her were not good, some court ladies or even the daughters of high-standing nobles and ministers said that she was arrogant and willful, so much that no one would dare to invite her to any of their gatherings.

It seemed that he had not investigated the whole truth about those rumors. He frowned. Unless it was some kind of acting, he must verify it again.

"Miss Yves, please wait a moment, I will announce your arrival."

He entered the room and after a few seconds, he came back.

"Please come inside, Miss Yves."

Angela's heart was beating fast, almost exploding, but she didn't express it. Her face was a perfect doll-like face. Nothing more.

The doors opened and the one she was waiting to see for so long was with his back to her. Tall and honorable, straight and cold.

"It is an honor to finally meet you, Your Highness," she bowed her head and made an elegant reverence, as she was taught in the past.

She waited for an answer, but there was none. The man that was still looking outside the window appeared distant, without any intention to respond. But he didn't have a choice.

"What is your business here, Miss Yves?"

He didn't turn around but continued gazing outside. His voice was indifferent, but a hint of irritability could be heard. Just slightly, but enough to send a clear message; he found her presence annoying.

Angela was no fool, and she understood that he was not pleased with her presence. He was a busy man after all, and every second of his life was carefully planned and shall not be wasted.

"I came here to discuss the engagement."

"There is nothing to discuss," he said with a low tone. "Your father already made the complete preparations."

"I know about that, Your Highness, however, there are things that we should discuss in person," she wanted to make him turn around and see her for a second, just a moment. "The vows, and the…"

She wanted to ask about the time she needed to spend in the Palace, as dictated the custom for the Crown Princess. Three months was the minimum for her to stay and learn the rules of the Palace, but he hadn't called her after all that time. Her father, then, gave her permission to go to the Palace and ask him personally.

"I already told you that there is no need," he didn't turn around but moved his head slightly. "Those unimportant things are only a waste of time."

"But the…"

"You don't need to do anything, Ralph will take care of it, now go back."