Chapter 6

ALEX

I hadn't seen Mia in a week because I had purposefully avoided seeing her. Without a doubt, I liked her. But I don't want lust to control my emotions. I need her to see my sincerity rather than my conflicted emotions.

"It appears you've finally put an end to your outdoor adventures," my Father chuckled.

"Well...I need to be responsible," I grumbled, "That's good Son." He walked ahead of me, patting my back.

My attention had been drawn away from the outside by something I discovered there. Something very lovely. As I remembered something, my face darkened. I had not seen Mia during the week, but I had always kept an eye on her. Her expression suggested that she was waiting for someone. Was she pining for me? No. You're overanalyzing things.

One of the days, I followed her home to find out where she lived, and my heart sank.

She was isolated and lived far from the village square. Why is this the case? It wasn't particularly interesting. I made a mental promise to myself to change that.

MIA

What happened between us in the kitchen will never leave my mind. I hadn't seen Alex since then. Was he embarrassed to return? Thinking about him became a habit in my mind. I did miss his witty retorts and amusing antics. It was as if a fire had been extinguished since I last saw him. So, not worrying too much, I went about my kitchen chores. The head staff provided me with a grocery list. I was supposed to go to the market and get them. I exited the kitchen and followed the path that led to the main palace. When I looked up, I saw a figure walking majestically towards the main palace with someone beside him. The Prince. He appeared so royalty. I've often wondered what it's like to be born into a royal family; I'm sure everything will be so simple and there will be nothing to worry about. At least not in terms of what to wear or eat.

***

I returned to the kitchen with the groceries and began sorting them.

"Wonderful, you're back," Rebecca exclaimed.

"Yes, ma'am," I said.

As the head of staff, she was always working hard to ensure that everything was done correctly. But there was something odd about her; she always had this look on her face, as if she was questioning something and I couldn't figure out what it was. I don't want to irritate her, so I try my hardest to please her.

"Here's your monthly pay," she said, holding out her hand with a money bag in it.

Oh my goodness.

I took the bag with some trepidation. This bag was overflowing. Was this how the maids were paid?

"Does this represent my pay?" I replied, surprised.

"Yes," She took a breather. "You should know how fortunate you are. "Don't take this opportunity for granted," she added,

"I don't understand," to which I stuttered, "you will soon." "She quickly smiled and walked away.

What was the point of that? And then there's the money. Yes! Finally, I can meet our specific needs. I'm coming for you, Mother. I'm grateful for this opportunity.

ALEX

"Did you give it to her?" I inquired

"Yes, your highness, I did," Rebecca replied,

"Wonderful." I gave a contented smile.

"Your highness, if you don't mind me asking, why do you have an interest in this girl?" she inquired.

"Well....she's different," I replied quickly.

"But she's none of your class, has no stance of nobility, and she's neither a princess," she added.

"She captivates me, and my fascination with her only seems to grow "I stated

My travels to other kingdoms had exposed me to the lives of princesses. They are very polite, well-educated, decent, and always very attractive. But something inside me felt as if it was all a lie and a sham to please someone. As though they were put in a position, a mandatory role that they had to play even if it was something they didn't want to do, and they just had to do it. No form of freedom, and I can't live with that. I need someone who can have a wide range of opinions with me without shutting down. Someone who sees me as Alex, not as a prince. And I discovered it in Mia. The freedom and expressions she provides are exactly what I needed. That's one of the reasons I never wanted to get married. I never did find The One. But I now have.

"Hmm," she said, sighing.

"I don't want anyone finding out," I said quickly.

"Of course, your highness, your secret is safe with me," she replied with a smile.

The day faded and the night came. I put on my breeches and cloak once more, ready to leave the palace.

"I assumed you weren't going outside again." Clint enquired

"Really? You'd think there'd come a time when I'd never go out. Ha! Maybe I would have died on that day " I chuckled.

Clint shook his head and smiled. He has most likely given up on me. We exited the palace and rented horses nearby.

Taking the palace horse would raise suspicions, and having my father involved would be too much for me. We rode through the market and the village square to the hilly trails that led away from the town. We finally arrived at a small cottage, and there she was. Her presence made my heart skip a beat. We dismounted our horses and walked around the house.

"Who are you people?" she demanded emphatically.

Hmm, I guess they don't have visitors all the time. Because it was late, she wouldn't be able to see my face through the cloak. So I let it go, exposing my face.

She appeared surprised. "What...how did you know my house?" she pressed her questions.

"Well...I missed you and needed to see you," I said with a smile.

She took a breather. I hit a sweet spot.

"Mia...are you all right out there?" From within, a voice called out.

"Is that your mother? I'd love to meet her "I chuckled.

"No, you don't," she responded quickly. "You should leave right now. I don't want my mother to suspect anything" She made an attempt to push me away.

"Mia?" said the voice now.

I quickly took Mia's hand in mine and locked it.

"Well, I want her to," I said in her ear.

We turned to face her mother, who was perplexed and surprised seeing Mia's hands intertwined with mine. She is eagerly awaiting the answers to her questions.

"It's wonderful to finally meet you, Mother." I bowed while still holding Mia's hands in mine.

She tried to pull her hand away from mine, but I held it firmly until she gave up.

"Mia. I'm guessing this is Alex." she inquired cheerfully

"Mother!" she yelled.

Someone seems to have been talking about me at home.

"Come in son, you're welcome," her mother said, motioning with her hand.

I entered the house with Mia. The interior was drab and sparsely furnished. Her mother sat in the armchair near the fireplace, while I sat in the small chair near the window, with Clint standing beside me.

"We don't get many visitors," her mother chuckled, a little embarrassed. "So, I guess you arrived at the right time. Mia was just paid, and we have enough food to go around "She continued.

"Thank you for sharing, mother," Mia remarked sarcastically.

She returned with fresh baked bread and milk.

"Enjoy," Mia said, smiling.

As a result of our meal, we talked more and learned more about her and her family. Her mother was a lively woman who reminded me of my own mother. Whom I had long lost.

Unfortunately, I had to leave now or Father would have guards stationed all over town.

"Mother, I had a great time with you and I hope to see you again," I said as I bowed.

She cracked a grin.

Mia and I left the house. We walked back in silence, and when I got close to my horse, I stopped, knowing Mia was right behind me. I quickly turned, and the next step she took closed the gap between us. When she realized what had happened, she tried to back away, but I held her close and leaned in. I wrapped my arms around her, hugged her, and kissed her on the cheek. I adore you

As I let go of her, I caressed her face and whispered, "I still owe you that kiss," I smiled, recalling the kitchen incident.

She chuckled as she pushed my hand. "Joker," she said with a flushed face. Even though it was dark, I was able to notice.

Clint and I mounted our horses and rode away.

MIA

My emotions were raging. What is this Alex guy up to with me? I was relieved to see him. He had a way of melting my heart every time I tried to be firm. I was attracted to him, and he had my heart, but I'm not sure I was prepared for these feelings. This is a love roller-coaster.

"Well, I think I can rest in peace now," my mother said quietly from behind me.

"Mother," I chastised.

"Don't be too hard on him. He adores you " she reached a conclusion

"Well...I...don't know yet," I stammered.

"It's self-evident." She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Allow him a chance. I'm sure you'll be content together " She continued.

I exhaled a sigh. Perhaps I shouldn't be concerned and, as my mother has said, give him a chance. I sincerely hope that my fears are unfounded.