An unwanted encounter

The mid morning sun cast golden hues over the towering spires of Arthena, the grand capital of the kingdom. The city was alive with movements - merchants displaying their finest wares, noblewoman dressed in elaborate gowns strolling along the polished marble streets, and the guards clad in silver plated amor keeping watch over the bustling kingdom. But none of it mattered to Raphael as his carriage, adorned with the Hamilton crest, rolled steadily towards the royal castle.

Inside the carriage, Raphael sat with a detached elegance, legs crossed, his sharp black eyes scanning the passing scenery. The large chest beside him, secured with thick golden clasps, held the priceless Jewels meant for the royals. The wealth of the Hamilton family gleamed within, sapphires and diamonds arranged in necklaces, rings and intricate tiaras fit for royalty.

The horses slowed as the carriage approached the castle gates, where towering iron doors, embellished with the royal insignia, awaited. The guards recognizing the Hamilton seal, stepped aside without a question, allowing passage into the vast royal courtyard.

Stepping out of the carriage, Raphael moved with effortless grace through the castle's grand halls. His hair slightly ruffling due to a breeze that swept past him, but he made no effort to tame his hair. The scent of jasmine and incense lingered in the air, mingling with the scent of polished wood and expensive tapestries.

As he entered the queen's private receiving chamber, a woman of elegant regality sat upon a cushioned settee. Queen Eleanor of Arthena, a woman of refined beauty despite the passing years, lifted her gaze as Raphael entered. Dressed in royal blue silk, she exuded power and intelligence, her fingers adorned with rings of status.

A smile touched her lips as Raphael approached and offered a respectful bow.

"Raphael," she greeted, her voice smooth as velvet. "You always bring the finest treasures, let me see what your house has prepared this time.

Raphael gave a slight smile, effortlessly unlocking the chest. As he lifted the lid, the jewels caught sunlight streaming through the stained- glass windows, casting glimmers of color onto the chamber walls.

The queen's eyes glowed with satisfaction.

"Excusite," she murmured, lifting the neckless of a deep blue sapphires shaped like teardrops. "You never disappoint."

"Perfection is expected, your majesty," Raphael replied smoothly. "I wouldn't dare offer anything less."

The queen chuckled, "indeed." She gestured to one of her ladies -in- waiting. "Prepare my payment and have it sent to the Hamilton estate."

Raphael merely inclined his head, unbothered by the transaction.

Before he could get to leave, the queen had stopped him to hand him a letter. It was no ordinary letter, but a wedding invitation letter. "With the close relationship that I shared with your grandmother and with your influence, it would be a loss if I didn't invite you and your family to my son's wedding." The woman said, her smile not faltering and Raphael did not fail to take the letter.

"It will be an honor to attend, your majesty." Came his polite response and the queen offered him a smile.

,

With his duty complete, Raphael made his way back. However, as he neared the sunlit atrium, a familiar presence blocked his path.

Princess Vivian.

She was draped in a gown of lavender silk, her golden curls falling over her shoulders in perfect waves. A vision of beauty, yes- but beauty Raphael had no interest in. Her honey coloured eyes gleamed as she stepped closer, a playful smile curving on her lips.

"Ralph." She purred, placing a delicate hand over her chest. "I did not expect to see you here today."

Just like many other young women of the higher society, princess Vivian had not failed to notice the beauty and the charm of Raphael. He had an inexplicable charm that always lured women to him. Other than his looks, he carried status which made him almost untouchable.

"Neither did I. " He said. A smile playing at the corner of his lips. One that was fake. Though he used to entertain the princess in the past, he had gotten bored at some point which made him want to leave.

"Why are you leaving so soon?"

Raphael's gaze flickered on her briefly, weighing what to say to her, but again, she bit him to it

"I do hope you will be attending my dear brothers wedding," She continued, tilting her head. "It would be such a shame if you were absent."

Raphael smirked. "Your mother has already ensured my attendance."

The princess laughed, the sound light yet calculating. "Ah, how fortunate for us all," she stepped closer, her rose- scented perfume reaching him, "it is said that the great Raphael Hamilton has never been in love. I wonder... is that truly the case?

Raphael smile remained, though his midnight eyes sharpened slightly.

"What an interesting topic for a conversation.''

Princess Vivian met his gaze,undeterred. "Perhaps." She murmured, "but I believe even you are not immune to matters of the heart."

A beat of silence. Then Raphael chuckled - a sound low, dark, and unimpressed.

"Milady, you waste your efforts." His voice was smooth, yet dismissive. "I do not entertain foolish fantasies."

His smile faltered only for a moment.

"One day..,_" she mused, regaining her poise, "you may regret turning away the affections of a princess."

Raphael gave a slow, mocking bow, "I assure you, that day will never come."

And with that, he stepped past her, his strides unbothered as he exited the atrium.

Outside, the carriage awaited. He climbed in, settling against the plush seat, exhaling lightly, and not long after, the carriage began to move. Leaving the castle behind.