The Unusual Encounter

"What? Are you serious?" Duke Malcom asked.

"Yes, he's been sending her anonymous gifts." Lord Melvin told his father.

"So, the girl he said he will pursue, it's Melissa?" Duke Malcom found it hard to believe.

"Yes." 

Duke Malcom looked dazed. And to think he cheered him on that day. Duke Malcom felt embarrassed, especially when he remembered he actually said it in front of Zachary.

"Is Zachary aware of this?" He asked.

"Yes." Lord Melvin nodded his head.

Duke Malcom went silent. Maybe his son was right. Getting her married off soon would fend off unwanted suitors. Now it's Lord Benjamin, next it might be someone else.

Now that Melissa had reentered the society circle, he had been getting a lot of praises and hints from his peers. They all said the same thing, that they regret not proposing for a marriage alliance sooner. At first, he thought it as mere flattery, but now that an actual suitor for her daughter had emerged, he needed to think carefully.

"What did Zachary think about this?" He asked.

"Who knows what's going on in his head? He must be regretting postponing the marriage now!" Lord Melvin was annoyed at the Duke's reaction in this matter. 

"Wait, did Melissa know about this?" The older man asked.

"I'm not sure, Father. Mel is such an innocent and kind girl. She befriends everyone that's good to her. That's what worries me." Lord Melvin said.

"Maybe it's time to revisit the marriage topic. Let me speak to her first. The last time we spoke, she seemed relieved that her wedding was postponed. Probably because she wanted to concentrate in her art works. Now that the gallery had been set up, she might not be reluctant anymore." Duke Malcom finally decided.

"Yes, yes, you need to talk to her. You know how capable Lord Benjamin is, Father. She might be deceived by his sweet talk one day! Damn Zachary, that cold hearted man! If he's not careful, his fiancé might really be snatched away sooner or later!" Exclaimed the younger man.

Duke Malcom looked at his son suspiciously.

"I thought you didn't approve on Zachary either?"

"Hmmph! Between him and Lord Benjamin, the choice is obvious isn't it? Sometimes, I do wish for Melissa to stay forever with us." Lord Melvin said grimly.

Duke Malcom didn't comment anything to that. He secretly wished for the same thing. After breakfast, he went over to find Melissa. However, when he stepped in, he found his daughter still asleep. His eyes gaze on the newly painted drawing and he sighed. She must've been awake the whole night painting.

He left the room quietly after instructing Lily not to wake her Mistress and to keep the servants away from the garden.

In the palace, the royals had a rather silent breakfast. Princess Katherine didn't dare to utter a word, for fear that she would be scolded.

"Xavier, go and visit Melissa on behalf of me." The Queen said, breaking the silence.

"Mother, can I go too? I want to visit Melissa's art gallery." Prince Xander, usually a quiet boy, voiced out his intention.

Queen Serina was surprised. Although both her sons were aloof in nature, Xander was much worse than his brother. He didn't like to talk, and only speak when spoken to. Sometimes, if he didn't like the other person, no matter what that person said, he would stubbornly remained quiet. The only person he seemed to be comfortable around with was Zachary. Both of them could chat about almost everything. He's not even that close with his own brother.

"Since when you're close with that woman?" Princess Katherine couldn't help herself.

As expected, Prince Xander simply ignored his sister and looked at his brother.

"Can I go with you?" He asked Prince Xavier without waiting for his mother's reply.

"Yes, we will leave after lunch." Prince Xavier replied, after getting a nod of approval from the Queen.

"Then, I want to come too!" Princess Katherine said hurriedly.

"No!" Both the Queen and Prince Xavier answered simultaneously.

Princess Katherine was unhappy. She pouted and left the table while stomping her feet. Fine! She will find her own entertainment then!

"This girl is getting more unruly as she gets older. How is she going to find a good husband if she keeps to this attitude? Why can't she be as sensible as Melissa?" The Queen said aloud, to no one in particular.

Prince Xavier looked at his Mother and sensed her worry. He reached over and squeezed her hand, consoling her. The Queen smiled at him, while patting his hand.

"It's time for you to consider your own marriage too, Xavier. You're not getting any younger." Prince Xavier laughed and shook his head, feeling helpless at her mother's smooth reprimand.

Meanwhile, Princess Katherine who was sour after being rejected, went out alone without bringing any handmaiden to accompany her. She instructed her coachman to send her to the biggest boutique in town. She planned to find new dresses to buy. Although she had her own personal seamstress, she had always liked Madam Leanne's designs. She had heard that there were new designs available at Madam Leanne's exclusive boutique and therefore she wanted to check it out herself. What other way to entertain herself if not shopping for new clothes! Who wants to go to the stupid gallery anyway?

When she stepped into the large boutique, she was greeted by a group of enthusiastic girls. She had intended to shop in peace so she waved them away. These girls all wanted to curry favour with the Princess but seemed like the Princess wanted to be alone today. They left in disappointment.

Princess Katherine browsed through the dresses patiently, while examining their intricate details and choice of fabric. Suddenly, her eyes caught on a piece of silver-white long gown, decorated with tiny ornaments which looked like diamonds from afar. Her eyes brightened and she went forward to take the dress.

Suddenly, a hand reached out beside her and took the dress before she could reach it. Princess Katherine was upset and turned to see who dared to compete with her. When she saw who it was, she was perplexed. Anger rose in her heart.

"What are you doing?" She narrowed her eyes and looked at the person in front of her. 

"Good day, Your Highness. I'm buying a dress." Lord Benjamin said with a smile.

"I saw it first! You snatched it from me!" She stomped her foot, displaying her anger.

"Really? I don't see your name written on it." Lord Benjamin acted surprised and pretended to check the dress. 

"How dare you! You're a man! Why are you fighting with me for a dress??" Princess Katherine pointed a finger at this unreasonable man.

"Who said a man can't buy a dress? Is there a rule to forbid it?" Lord Benjamin taunted the Princess further.

"You! I don't care, give it to me!" 

Princess Katherine reached out and grabbed the dress in Lord Benjamin's hands. Lord Benjamin was as determined as her so he snatched it back from her. Soon, there was a pulling game going on between the two, each refused to give in. Suddenly, Lord Benjamin tugged at the dress with such a great force and Princess Katherine lunged forward together with it.

"Aaaahh!" She fell.

The air became intense. When Princess Katherine opened her eyes, she found herself lying on top of Lord Benjamin. Lord Benjamin, whose head knocked on the hard wood when he fell, was stunned and tried to get his bearing. The weight on his body caused him to be unable to move.

Princess Katherine was shocked and tried to get up. But the voluminous dress that she was wearing made it difficult and she lost balance, causing her to fall again on the man underneath. However, the moment she broke her fall, her lips inadvertently landed on the man's, sealing it with a kiss.

Lord Benjamin at this time, had regained clarity and when the Princess suddenly kissed him, he was surprised at first but a thought came to mind. He decided to teach this domineering princess a lesson.

There was no one around them. He immediately held the Princess's waist, and locked her down. She struggled to break free but couldn't.

"Let me go! Or I'll scream!" She threatened.

Lord Benjamin whispered in her ear. "Scream and you'll have to marry me."

Princess Katherine immediately clamped her mouth shut. "Please let me go." She gritted her teeth, forcing the words out one by one. 

"You kissed me first, now you want me to let you go? It's not fair, my dear Princess." Lord Benjamin said, while looking into her eyes.

Princess Katherine subconsciously stared into Lord Benjamin's eyes. They were so mesmerising and clear that she could see her reflection in them. She began to feel the warmth of his body against hers and she blushed. This was the first time she's been so close to a man, and she didn't expect it to be this man!

"What.. what do you want?" She stammered, no longer her usual confident self.

"Well, let's see. You stole a kiss from me. I should get it back." With that, he held her chin and kissed her gently.