Chapter 5

ALEX

It was nearly impossible to get Mia out of my head. I liked her from the moment I laid eyes on her. She was captivating, intriguing, and simply out of the ordinary.

"You've been staring at the ceiling for a while now, Your Highness, are you okay?" Clint inquired.

"I am," I replied with a smile as I turned to face him.

"The King and Sir Cornelius went on a hunting expedition. His instruction was for you to keep your eyes peeled for his return" He stated

"Of course," I agreed by nodding.

I sat up quickly from the bed I was lying on and changed into my regular disguise clothing. Seeing me in these clothes would give no indication that I was the 'Prince.' It was so different from my Princely attire.

"Your Highness, where are you going?" Clint inquired, his face perplexed.

"To see Mia," I announced proudly.

I didn't have to be extra cautious because Father wasn't there, but I still had to keep an eye out for the guards and maids.

I exited my quarters, Clint by my side, and made my way to the kitchen. I noticed a few ladies working, and they would occasionally stop to look at me wondering who I was. I entered the area where the palace food was prepared and a smile spread across my face when I spotted her. Finally.

She had been so enthralled in her work that she had not noticed me. I stood there watching her carefully cut the onions with the knife. She's a fantastic cook.

"What is your name?" From behind, a familiar voice inquired.

I was so distracted that I had forgotten about my appearance and had let my guard down.

Clint quickly shifted his gaze to Rebecca. She was in charge of the kitchen, was in charge of all cooking and cleaning activities in the kitchen. Father admired her perseverance.

"Clint?" she inquired, surprised.

I turned to face her, a sheepish smile on my face.

"Your Highness," she exclaimed.

"Shhh," I said quickly, holding her mouth shut.

I looked up to see if Mia had heard, and our gazes locked instantly. She looked at Rebecca, who still had my hand on her mouth, and quickly averted her gaze. Please don't get the wrong impression.

Rebecca, who was still taken aback by my appearance, was released from my grip.

"What brings you here, Your Highness?" she inquired

"It's a long story," I said, smiling. "I need to see someone," I said, my gaze following Mia as she worked.

She no longer looked up. It was as if she didn't notice me at all. Did she hear what Rebecca had to say?

"Mia?" she inquired, following my gaze, and I smiled.

I passed by her, still perplexed by everything that was going on, and continued into space, where Mia was.

"Don't think too much about it," Clint advised Rebecca.

"Hey," I finally said as I approached her.

"You're here.....again," she said with a smile.

"You seem to enjoy your job," I observed as I leaned against the worktable.

"Well, I'm being compensated for it. So I don't have a choice "she explained.

She continued in silence, while I examined the well-chopped ingredients on the table.

"You seem to know people in the palace," she said as she lit the fireplace.

"Yes, a few of them" I smiled sheepishly.

I went over to where the roasted fish was set up. I simply love fish. A light spank was made on my hand as I chose one to eat, and the fish dropped.

"ow," I scowled, rubbing my palm.

"Don't touch it," she said with a satisfied smile.

"Just one," I begged.

"No," she said scowling. "Would you mind leaving the kitchen, Alex? I need to focus on my work "She cracked a grin.

I took a breather. This was the first time she had addressed me by name.

"No. not until I have just one fish, "With my hands folded, I said.

She gave a relaxed expression that quickly turned into a smile. "All right, fine," she said as she handed me one.

Something about her appearance made me suspicious. Anyway, I caught the fish and smiled triumphantly. She still had a big smile on her face.

"What?" I inquired, feeling uneasy.

She shook her head "Take pleasure in your catch. Alex, Sir "She knelt

Why am I having such a bad feeling about this? I cried in agony with one bite of the fish in my mouth, and she laughed so hard.

"You devilish..." As my tongue burned, I sobbed.

It had a strong peppery flavor. This was the reason she was smiling.

"Ha! This is my retaliation for yesterday "She burst out laughing.

What is it about vengeance that people find so appealing?

"Just wait until I get my hands on you," I said as I chased her down.

She ran around the worktable, avoiding me until I caught up with her and pinned her to the wall.

"You have nowhere to run now," I said, trying to catch my breath.

"You will let me go right now," she tried to be firm, but it didn't work.

My heart skipped a beat as I realized the situation we were both in, and an awkward silence passed between us.

My gaze was fixed on hers and on my thought, which was something I never intended to do. An impulsive bravery had given me the freedom to continue with my thoughts. My gaze shifted from her eyes to her lips, and I moved my head closer to hers. My palm lightly touched her face as she closed her eyes, waiting to feel my lips on hers.

"your...I mean..." A voice interrupted

I was startled and quickly moved away from Mia. Clint was the one who seemed surprised by the scene that caught his attention. I quickly exited the kitchen to avoid further embarrassment. What on earth was I thinking? I was going to kiss her, filled with desire and lust. I sighed, running my fingers through my hair.

"Your....."

"Don't say anything," I said as I walked ahead.

I could hear him stifle a laugh.

MIA

I stood where he had left me, my mind rummaging through everything that had just happened. He was going to kiss me, and I was going to give him permission! What has happened to me? I can't deny that Alex is attractive, but I shouldn't be so cheap. Is he appealing to me? I gathered my thoughts and went back to work. I should see him less frequently now. These accumulating emotions are difficult to manage. I was thinking to myself.