Cute Raccoon

"Are you going to tell my mom or the queen? You must be stupid to think that would work," Katia said, smirking.

"Oh, please. They won't believe you over me," she added, laughing.

"How could you be so reckless? Your silly prank has cost someone's life. You should feel remorseful," Amira told her angrily.

"Save your lecture, who do you think you are? You're just Zyran's wife, so stick to it. Don't poke your nose where it doesn't belong," warned Katia.

With that, she turned on her heels and left.

Nora hurried to Amira's side as she struggled to breathe.

"Let's get you back to your room, Princess Amira," Nora said, following closely behind.

As night fell, Amira emerged from her quarters. Nora had retired for the night, leaving Amira feeling thirsty with an empty water jug by her side.

She tightly grasped the handle of the jug and ventured through the silent corridor toward their living quarters. The only sound was the hushed padding of her slip-on shoes against the smooth marble floor.

Passing by, she proceeded to the next corridor which led her down.

After reaching the kitchen to fill the jug with water, she retraced her steps. As she walked back, a flicker of movement caught her attention from the corner of her eye.

Startled, she flinched the corridor was enveloped in darkness the moon was the only source of light coming from the window.

Uncertain whether it was wise to proceed, she pondered the prospect of spending the night in the corridor which was a really bad idea.

As she moved forward, her heart pounded loudly in her chest. The distinct clicks of heels echoed from behind, but she dared not to turn. Instead, she quickened her pace, walking briskly.

The closer she walked, the more pronounced the sound of the approaching heels became. She felt an urgency to sprint as she finally turned to look behind her, but before she could react, she was abruptly pulled into a nearby room within the corridor.

A hand swiftly covered her mouth to stifle any potential scream. As her eyes focused, she found herself locking gazes with a figure whose striking silver hair caught her off guard.

"Don't scream" Zyran said, pinning her against the door while listening to the sound of footsteps which was walking past the corridor.

After making sure the corridor was clear, Zyran let go of her and dipped his head down to look at her.

Her eyes bore into his raven-black own. He moved away so she could adjust her nightwear which was ruffled at the down.

"Why are you wandering around at this time of the night?" He asked.

"He was clad in a fitted black long-sleeved shirt, and his tousled hair created a dishevelled halo around his head."

"I... I needed water and I didn't want to disturb the maids so I went to get it myself."

"You should disturb the maids that their work not yours, you shouldn't be wandering around the castle at night, " Zyran told her.

"But isn't it dangerous for them too, I wouldn't want to put Nora in harm's way" Amira said.

Zyran chuckle.

"You are willing to trade your life with another, very innocent of you" Zyran clicked his tongue at her naive self.

"Is it a bad thing?" She asked her big round eye looking up at him, he was so tall it hurt her neck to look at him at times

"Some are worth dying for, while some aren't worth breathing the same air as you," Zyran told her.

"But is it worth taking others' life for the fun of it," Amelia asked.?

Zyran couldn't help but notice the sadness in Amelia's eyes as they remained downcast.

Earlier, Matthew had filled him in on the preceding events. Zyran found himself pondering Amelia's tenderhearted nature, wondering if she would be able to withstand the challenges of palace life.

"Every life is precious," she murmured, "it shouldn't be forfeited without reason."

"They were born unfortunately we can't change the course of their life and any act should be punished"

"But she didn't it was_" Amira stopped her tongue tied it was pointless complaining. Zyran wouldn't take her word against his sister.

"You should go to bed it getting late" he informs her. She nodded.

He pulled open the door and waited for her to exit before closing it.

"Do you read at night?" She asks as they walk away from the library room.

"Not a hobby I was gathering some information" he replied.

"Ohh" she mouthed. "You are always busy do you ever take a proper rest" she asked.

"Worried about me" he hummed Amelia blushed.

Returning to their quarters, Amelia was the first to make her way to her room, Zyran watched her close the door from behind he turned and took the next room two rooms opposite hers.

He shut the door close.

Amelia opened her door and heard the lock click in Zyran's room.

She sighed and locked hers.

The next day Amelia woke up early, she walked outside the gate joining Zyran who stood with his glove hands in his coat.

"Good morning" she greeted.

He glance down at her, Amira appeared in a stunning sky-blue gown that revealed just a hint of her delicate figure, her gloved hands elegantly disappearing into the folds of the fabric.

The chill of the morning air was unmistakable, and Zyran couldn't help but notice her light clothing.

Just then, a stable boy approached, leading a magnificent black horse. Amira glanced around, expecting to see a carriage.

"Um... I don't know how to ride a horse, I've never done it before," she confessed.

"Don't worry, you won't be riding alone," he assured her.

She gazed anxiously at the horses, then back at him. She took her time as she mounted the horse, and with Zayron's help, she settled onto it. He climbed on behind her, holding her tightly against the horse as he took hold of the reins.

Her heart raced as she felt his breath on her neck and his body pressed close to hers. The scent of the morning after the rain filled her senses, refreshing and invigorating. She fought the urge to lean back against him, feeling as rigid as a plank.

The ride was unhurried and methodical.

"We'll never reach our destination at this pace," she murmured for his ears only.

A chuckle rang along her ears.

"I was taking my time" he replied.

"Is there anything that has caught your attention?" She asks curiously not seeing anything in sight that could be entertaining.

"Actually yes" he replied.

"What is?"

"A cute raccoon" he replied. She looks around not seeing one in sight.

"Am I short-sighted?"

"It only for my eyes only," he told her.

"But I want to see it too," she said turning which brought her close to him in the process, their lips were just inches apart, a little more and it would meet.

She blinks rapidly looking away and flushing.

Zyran grinned, she was too innocent and he didn't know what to do with her, touching her with be a sin, one would need to wash up not to get her stained.

She remained silent throughout the ride.