Mia
A girl from a poor background, that lives in the village of the Kingdom of Scotland. Being pressurized by her mother to get married so she could live a better life, Mia disagrees and goes on with her single life by her mother's side

Alex
The Prince of Scotland, who doesn't like being the prince and prefers to be found as a peasant. He disguises himself and goes out to dwell amongst the villagers. 

Alex and Mia cross path and the start of a new adventure begin.

REIGN

"You kissed her," Clint stated emphatically. "It was only a matter of time before it happened. I knew something would come from the close relationship you're developing with her." He grinned. 


I couldn't seem to get my mind to stop wandering in my thoughts. Her lips. I couldn't help but smile. So this is how it felt to be in love with someone. I inhaled deeply as I leaned closer to the hallway's balcony. I was ecstatic inside, but I was also troubled. 


"You still haven't told her, have you?" Clint recalled 


"No, I haven't done so. But after the war, I will" I exhaled a sigh. 


Telling Mia who I am, takes a lot of guts. With the way she had spoken earlier, I'm not sure she'd still accept me. 


"Let's do some sword practice," he said, patting my shoulder and walking ahead. 


War was looming, and the only thing I could hope for now was that we would emerge victoriously. 


What had happened had stayed with me for the rest of my life. The way he kissed me, his soft lips, and the way he held me. My face lit up with a smile. Part of me was relieved that we had reached this point, while another part was saddened by the war he would be fighting in. One of the reasons I never wanted to marry was because I didn't want to end up like my mother, who lost the one she loved. Hopefully, he returns. 


"Mia," a voice said, freeing me from my thoughts. 


The milk I was pouring into a jar had overflowed. 


"Oh my," I exclaimed as I rushed to clean up the spilled milk. 


I looked at my mother, a little embarrassed, and she smiled back. Why is she beaming? 


"What have you done to my daughter, this young man?" She laughed. 


I was flushed. She had figured out what I was thinking. "Oh, mother, stop it." I tried to be firm. 


I took the jar and placed it on the kitchen shelf. 


"I noticed you smiling to yourself," she added. 


I smiled to myself as I continued to face the shelf. I sighed and turned to face my mother. 


She cracked a grin. "I understand," she admitted. 


"However..." I exhaled a sigh. "He's preparing for war." 


I saw the expression on her face...the same expression she had when we lost our father. She quickly replaced it with a reassuring smile. 


"Don't worry, dear, he'll be back," she assured me as she hugged me. 


"Get the men ready, we're leaving for the battlefield in a few minutes," Cornelius said to Clint. 


The time flew by faster than expected. My heart rate slowed as I remembered Mia. I had checked on her earlier from afar, and the sadness on her face was as if an arrow had burrowed into my chest. I walked away quietly, oblivious to her presence. 


"Your Majesty, we're ready," Cornelius said to his father. 


He exhaled a sigh. "Let's go," he said emphatically. 


We marched out of the palace, followed by all of the soldiers. People wished us well as we passed through the village square. I could see people's sadness in their expressions. We know that these are the times to prepare to mourn because some people will not return. 


"I have plans for you, son, if we win this war," Father said. 


"I'll let you know when we win," he stated emphatically. 


My mind wondered what he was talking about, but I quickly dismissed it and focused on the problem that awaited us. 


As the soldiers marched out of the palace, tears welled up in my eyes. I hoped fervently that he would return safely. Why did he feel the need to express his feelings to me? Why did we have to be friends in the first place? Thoughts raced through my mind, and all I wanted and hoped for was for him to return safely.


Chapter 8