CHAPTER 7

ALEX

"The English soldiers are not relenting and are coming in as spies, capturing our people and holding them hostage," Cornelius explained.

Father had called a meeting in the basement, and it appears that plans would be pushed back earlier than anticipated.

"What?" I was taken aback.

"It's time to act quickly," Clint said.

We all turned to look at father, who was staring intently at the preparatory map.

"Send troops to the borders, distribute information to everyone in town, and ensure that no one is found outside at night. Have guards stationed at all four corners of the city" Father said sternly.

"Yes, sire," Cornelius said quickly.

As we exited the basement, my mind was filled with concern. The war is on its way, and it will be devastating. The English men are already threatening each other. My thoughts quickly returned to Mia, and I remembered what Father had said. I have to warn her if she leaves the palace late.

I ran into someone on my way to my quarters. My eyes widened as I noticed the figure attempting to regain her composure. Mia. I quickly lowered my head before she noticed my expression and walked away.

MIA

When I realized it was the prince I had run into, I was taken aback. Strangely, he appeared familiar, though I couldn't make out his face and he appeared to be in a hurry. I have a feeling I've met him before. I cleared my mind. It could all be a product of my imagination. I gathered the items that had fallen from me and returned to the kitchen.

As I walked into the kitchen, my gaze was met by those blue eyes that never fail to make my heart skip a beat.

"You're here," I asked, more as a question. Observing how he leaned against the workbench with his arms folded

"You know you have to be careful sometimes," he stated emphatically.

"What are you on about?" I inquired, surprised.

"Well...You can't just wander around the palace aimlessly. You never know who you might run into" He arched his brow.

How did he find out? Is this guy always looking at me?

"That was not on purpose. Who would want to run into the Prince?" I said it out loud.

The silence that followed made me feel bad about what I had said.

"Do you happen to know who the prince is?" He inquired.

"He appears to be familiar, but I doubt it," I said.

"What would you do if you got to know the Prince?" he asked, his face solemn.

It was strange and cold to see him without his lively demeanor or his bright smile.

"Well...I...I. To be honest, I'm not sure what I'll do if I get to meet the prince. I mean, knowing him is an honor and a privilege. But I suppose that's where it would end. Why would the Prince care about someone like me?" I laughed, a little ashamed.

He paused and moved closer to me, leaving some space between us.

"Why wouldn't the Prince be interested in getting to know you?" He inquired.

Why is he asking so many questions? Is there anything else he noticed?

"Why would he be interested in getting to know me? What chance would bring me to be with the prince? I'm sure he has a lot of work to do and responsibilities to fulfill. He can't afford to waste time on trivial matters." I stated

"How would you behave if you were friends with the Prince?" He inquired once more.

"Well...I'll tell the world I have the prince as a friend," I joked. "I'd show him things outside the palace, like mountain climbing, and show him what it's like to eat outside. Yes, it would be entertaining" I stated

I'm wondering if the prince knows anything outside of the palace.

"You wouldn't want to be his Princess first and foremost?" he inquired

"That's a tempting opportunity. But no" I threw up

"Why?" he inquired.

"I enjoy my independence. I can't be bound by rules and regulations that I don't care about. Of course, I understand that as royalty, there isn't much to worry about. Almost everyone will adore you. Other nations would recognize you, but I prefer my life as it is now. That I can eat and dress as I please and see that my mother is well. It's fine with me." I smiled as I sighed.

He leaned in closer and stroked my cheek.

"So I consider it a privilege to know someone like you. It's wonderful to know someone who is genuine and truthful. Someone who is truthful. Nothing could be more regal than that" He stated.

Why do you have to hit the spot all the time?

"I love you, Mia," he said.

"What?" I gave a surprised expression.

He took my hands from my grasp and slid them into his.

"Mia, I love you. I know we've only known each other for a short time and there's still a lot to learn about each other, but I want to be with you because I've found everything I've been looking for....in you. I understand that everything seems to be happening at breakneck speed, and I don't expect you to respond right away, but I just need you to know. You have my heart, and I'm ready to be yours forever." He confessed

Kiss Him.

I leaned in closer and tiptoed, gently kissing his lips. Where did this audacity come from? I could sense his surprise and stiffness. He wrapped his arms around me and pushed me closer to him as he intensified the kiss. Hormones surged through my body, and adrenaline rushed through my veins. I hadn't realized how much I wanted to be with him until now. I wrapped my arms around his neck and let myself go into this fantasy world I'd found myself in.

We broke the kiss and locked our gazes on each other.

"I...I love you, Alex, and you have my heart as well," I said with a smile.

He stroked my cheek and smiled brightly before pulling me into a hug. Mother was right.

"I have something I need to tell you," he said, caressing my face.

I remained silent, anticipating what he would say.

"There will be a war soon."

My heart sank as the words left his mouth. That's exactly what I feared. Immediately, tears welled up in my eyes.

"Hey, I'll be back," he said, reassuring me.

"Those were the same words my father said, and he never returned," I said as tears streamed down my cheeks.

He hugged me tightly as if nothing could ever separate us.

"I promise to return, Mia. I'm not going to leave you" he asserted.

I gently drew back and rested my brow on his.

"Do you promise?" I inquired once more.

He kissed me yet again. "I promise," he said as I closed my eyes and sank into our embrace.

It's strange how I let myself be carried away by my emotions when I had promised to stand firm if any man approached me. Alex just seemed to break that hold because he knew exactly where to hit.