Princess Katherine Lost Composure

The kiss was brief, but to Princess Katherine it seemed like an eternity. This was her first kiss! How dare he!

"If you don't get up, I might do more than just kiss you." Lord Benjamin's voice could be heard, taunting her again.

She came to her senses and saw Lord Benjamin smiling seductively at her. She immediately pushed herself up, and with his assistance, she managed to stand up. She looked around and heaved a sigh of relief. There wasn't anyone within sight.

"You! Are you tired of living?! I'll tel my mom what you did!" Princess Katherine glared at him.

"Well, aren't you afraid that she'll forced you to marry me? After all, this affects your reputation. I'm glad to comply if you want me to." Lord Benjamin replied with a mocking smile on his face.

For once, Princess Katherine was speechless. He was right. Mother would most likely demand that this man marry her if she told on him. But she doesn't want to marry this bad man! She knew of his reputation and even if he's the last man on earth, she wouldn't marry him!

She began to tear up. She's really aggrieved! How could he take away her first kiss? She wanted to save it for the one person she likes. She cried bitterly causing the man in front of her to be panic. He had thought that this woman would quarrel with him and scold him. Who knew she would cry instead?

"Alright, alright. Stop crying. Here's the dress, you can have it." Lord Benjamin handed over the dress to her.

Princess Katherine looked at him with her tear stricken face and then at the dress.

"Really?" She asked for confirmation. He was fighting with her for it moments ago. But he's just giving it to her now?

"Yes, take it before I change my mind." He stuffed the dress in her hands and walked off.

Princess Katherine composed herself before walking out with the dress in her hands, paid and left the boutique. Well, at least she got the dress. But what a price to pay. The Princess suddenly lost interest and ordered the coachmen to bring her back to the palace.

"How unlucky! Why must I meet her of all people, and in the most unlikely place too!" Lord Benjamin grumbled in his heart.

Like her brother, Lord Benjamin had no particular impression towards Princess Katherine. He just knew her to be domineering and silly sometimes. Rumours had it that she's in love with her cousin, the infamous Duke Kensington. What a fine couple if they end up together! Lord Benjamin mocked inwardly.

The dress…he had wanted to get it for Melissa. Ah well, seemed like it's not fated for her. She might not like it anyway. She had expressly said not to gift her anything. Lord Benjamin sighed and thought hard of his next move.

When Princess Katherine reached home, both her brothers seemed to be on their way out. Looking at her red eyes, Prince Xavier frowned and asked, "What happened? Why did you go out alone?"

"Nothing happened. I just wanted to be alone. Take care Brother, I'll see you later. Have fun you two." She replied in a soft voice, barely audible if it wasn't for the Prince standing in front of her.

Prince Xander paused when he heard her and looked at his older sister. Her response was so unusual. Usually she talked loud most of the time and would often scold everyone around her. But this time, she had lost her voice and even wished them fun? He looked at Prince Xavier who had the same puzzled look before turning around and got on the carriage.

Prince Xavier looked at his sister and didn't say anything. He too got on the carriage and set off to the Graden-Hall Art Gallery with his younger sibling.

When they reached the art gallery, there were many guests strolling around the place. Some faces were familiar, some were not. Both Princes attracted the attention of the crowd and everyone extended their formal greetings when they saw them. The young ladies all fawned over the two young men, but the icy glare from Prince Xavier stopped them in their tracks.

They were ushered to the second floor, and into one of the art rooms. When the door was opened, Melissa could be seen engrossed in her painting. Both Prince Xavier and Prince Xander didn't make a sound and merely took a seat each at the nearby stools, watching her paint.

Melissa was doing an abstract drawing. A mixture of colours and shapes could be seen on the drawing board, captivating those who sees it. Unexpectedly, Prince Xander moved closer to Melissa, standing near her. His eyes studied her movements and there's a thoughtful look on his face.

Once she's done, Melissa heaved a sigh of contentment and smiled at the result. She didn't realize the presence of the two men until she heard a small voice behind her.

"Can you teach me?"

Melissa immediately turned behind and saw the young man. She needed a second before she realized who he was.

"Your Highness! Sorry, I didn't see you." Melissa quickly apologised.

"And me too I guess." Prince Xavier's teasing voice startled her and she quickly turned around. She smiled at the sight of the handsome man.

"Your Highnesses, what are you two doing here?" Melissa was surprised to see the two brothers.

"Mother asked me to visit you to see how you're doing and Xander decided to come along." Prince Xavier explained.

"That's very kind of Her Majesty. Prince Xander, did you just ask me to teach you?" Melissa asked, unsure if she heard it right.

Prince Xander nodded his head and looked at her with hopeful eyes.

"This…Prince Xavier is a great artist, he's so much better than me. Why don't you ask your brother to teach you, Your Highness?" Melissa tried to change his mind.

"No. I want you to teach me." Prince Xander stubbornly replied.

Melissa looked at Prince Xavier helplessly, hoping he would intervene. However, Prince Xavier merely smiled and didn't say anything. He knew that once his brother made up his mind, it'll be impossible to change it. Furthermore, after studying Melissa's paintings and her techniques, he had to admit that this young girl was far more superior than him. She was more than qualified to teach Prince Xander.

"Are you sure, Your Highness? I am a strict teacher and my methods might be a little unorthodox. Can you accept it?" Melissa asked the youth.

"Yes." Prince Xander answered without hesitation.

Melissa looked at the young prince, his eyes full of determination. She thought for awhile before answering.

"Very well. It's not convenient for you to come here. So I'll go to you instead. Set up an art room at the palace. I will conduct classes twice a week. Each lesson will be for 90 minutes. Are Tuesday and Friday morning works for you?" Melissa said, drawing an unexpected smile from the quiet young prince. Even Prince Xavier was surprised to see his brother smiling at Melissa.

He nodded once again and said, "Thank you."

"Melissa, you will be paid accordingly for your lessons." Prince Xavier quickly added.

"No need for that. Prince Xander is my first student. I'm already honored." Melissa said with a smile.

"Today's Monday. Can we start tomorrow then?" Prince Xander asked.

This time, Prince Xavier couldn't help but study his younger brother. Today was one of those rare moments when his brother spoke more than usual. Why is that?

"Sure. I'll go over tomorrow after breakfast. But can you get the things ready by tomorrow?" Melissa queried.

"I'll buy them today." Prince Xander said.

Melissa smiled at this strange boy. Before he could say anything, the young prince walked out of the room but paused at the door. "Let's go, Brother."

Puzzled, Prince Xavier asked, "Where to?"

"Buy arts supplies." With that, he left them.

This time Melissa laughed at his antics. Prince Xavier shook his head and bid his farewell.

"See you tomorrow Melissa."