Chapter 3

ALEX

My thoughts kept returning to the green-eyed lady I met the day before. Our meeting was not exactly a good first impression, but she piques my interest and I want to learn more about her.

My door swung open with two quick knocks.

Clint spoke quickly, "Your Highness, the King requires your attention in the throne room."

It has to be a serious problem. I dragged myself out of my window seat and down the hall.

"You called, father," I said as I entered the throne room a few minutes later.

"Yes," he said as he rose from his opulent throne, his eyes fixed on me. "England has declared war on the kingdom." His shoulders were tense, and bags under his eyes had formed.

My mouth had gaped open for a split second before a frown appeared on my brow.

"What happened to the talks we sent?" I inquired.

"They appear to be unwilling to relinquish the territory. Their instructions were that we either give it to them peacefully or that they take it by force." He stated

"We need that territory," I said aloud, and both my father and I exchanged a look.

Both of us realized what that meant for ourselves and our kingdom.

After a few moments, father called Clint into the room, who had been standing guard outside the main entrance to the throne room.

"Ready our best men, we have a battle to prepare for," he said.

***

Clint inquired, "Where are we going today?"

"To find the lady from yesterday," I replied quickly.

"Would you please tell me you're joking?" Clint shook his head in displeasure.

As I finished tying the laces on my tarnished boots, I didn't respond to him. I had to put on my uncomfortable breeches and long cloak again. We'd have to be extra cautious this time because we don't usually leave the castle until late afternoon or evening.

Clint was relieved to be sneaking out again once we'd passed the final castle outpost. We started by walking a short distance to the market. By the time we arrived, the majority of the bustling market had quieted down, and shop owners were packing up their wares. Her blonde hair was the first thing I noticed as we approached the market's central fountain. I approached her as she was packing up her stall. Her back was turned to me as she folded and stacked the crops she hadn't sold. My smirk widened as I watched her jump in fear when she turned to face me. But it only lasted a second before the expression relaxed.

"What do you want?" she asked, a little sarcastically.

"Why shouldn't you treat a customer with a little more courtesy?" I cocked my brow at her. Clint stood a couple of meters to my side.

"We're closed for the day," she announced.

In my heart, I felt a pinch of disappointment.

"You still owe me a thank you," I pointed out.

She picked up her burlap sack and faced me.

"I owe you nothing," she said with a deep frown before turning to leave.

Then I grabbed her arm and stopped her movement. What exactly am I doing? She looked at me, surprised, and I quickly let go of her arm.

"Let me buy you a drink," I said, my smile returning.

She gave me an unsure look as she turned to face me with her arms folded. And my grin widened.

We arrived at a local inn, where the majority of the soldiers usually congregate. I've been here a few times with Clint to get a taste of the food outside the palace. And it's incredible.

"Your Order?" the lady inquired, her voice rough.

"We'll have three bottles of wine," I said as my gaze caught hers, who was staring at me intently, and I smiled. "And chicken," I threw in.

She cocked her brow at me. Every aspect of her piqued my interest. I was eager to learn more about her.

Her skin was tanned, owing to sun exposure. Her dress was faded, indicating she wasn't from a well-to-do family, but that's none of my business. Her hair was flowing, and a portion of it was covering her eye. She would occasionally use her hand to pull her hair back. My gaze never left her, and I kept a constant smile on my face. I noticed she was becoming agitated, but she was able to control herself.

"What?" she inquired sharply.

"Enjoy," the lady said as she dropped our food and walked away.

I noticed how bright her face had become as she faced the food.

"I still don't know what your name is," I joked.

"I don't tell strangers personal information," she smirked.

It was the first time I had seen her smile. She was making fun of me.

"Oh really, but you do accept meals from strangers, don't you?" I emphasized.

"Well, as long as it's to my benefit, it's good for me," she said with a smile.

"I'm Alex," I introduced myself.

"Hmm, fascinating," she said, taking another bite from her chicken.

I hadn't touched mine because I found her far more interesting than the chicken.

"What do you do for a living?" she inquired.

Oh, well. That question caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting her to ask such a question. I don't have a job. As a prince, all I have to do is stay by Father's side and help him with whatever he needs. Also, make plans for wars, events, and general order.

"I.....um" I looked at Clint, who had a puzzled expression on his face. "A soldier," I explained. "Yes, a soldier," I said reassuringly.

"Really?" she inquired, noticing my shaky state.

"Of course. I go to wars and also assist others in the palace."

"Oh my goodness, you work in the palace? That's wonderful "She cracked a grin.

Pfft, I'm from there.

"Have you ever been to the palace?" I wondered aloud.

"Nope. I've never before "She stated.

Interesting.

"I guess your friend here is also a soldier," she said, looking at Clint, who was standing next to me.

"Actually...I'm a tax collector," he murmured, and I nudged him, and she stifled a laugh.

I leaned in closer to the table and focused my gaze on hers, which was a few feet away from mine. I could feel her nervousness setting in, which made me smile.

"What do you think? Do you want to be friends?" I enquired

She lowered her gaze. "I can't be friends with a pervert," she declared, and my mouth dropped open.

"It was a genuine mistake," I explained as I leaned back in my chair.

"Sure," she said as she sipped her wine.

We finally finished our meal and left the inn. Although the sun had set, the evening was still young.

"Thank you for the meal," she said as we walked back to her vegetable stand.

"You're welcome," I said after a brief pause. "You still haven't told me your name," I nervously reminded.

She cracked a grin. "Hmm. It's your loss "she said as she walked ahead

"That's fine. I suppose I'll get it another time "I said undertone."

I watched her as she sat upon the horse and turned to face me.

"Mia," she said, smiling. "My name is Mia," she said as she rode away.

"Mia," I said, a smile spreading across my face.