Meadow Lane

Amira positioned herself directly across from Zyran while Ivy engaged in lively conversation. At one point, she playfully tugged Zyran's arm, effortlessly blending in with the laughter and banter.

" Brother completely disregards ordinary pursuits; he's constantly focused on war. He's a tough nut to crack. Sometimes, I can't help but wonder if the two share more similarities than meets the eye," Ivy remarked with a mischievous grin.

Zyran didn't offer much in response to the princess, mostly lost in his thoughts.

Finally, they came to a stop in front of the elegant clothing store.

"I was thinking of purchasing my outfit here to match the theme of the celebration; I should at least stand out as a princess, after all," Ivy announced with an air of regality.

As the door to the shop swung open, Ivy stepped in gracefully, while Zyran turned to catch a glimpse of Amira's disapproving expression.

Raising a quizzical brow at her, he was met with a piercing glare.

"I thought we were both here to shop for ourselves; I don't recall you mentioning a third party," Amira voiced her displeasure.

Zyran stood with his arms crossed, prepared to confront her evident irritation.

"I recall you previously declining to accompany me; it's perplexing that you're now vexed about an inconsequential third party," he remarked.

"But now I am here with you; how could you allow her to make physical contact with you in that manner? I am your wife, not her. I scarcely dare to even touch you," Amira expressed, her voice tinged with hurt.

"I wasn't aware that such a minor action would affect you so deeply, you should have communicated your feelings earlier," Zyran responded, a faint smile dancing across his lips.

Amira let out an exasperated sigh, the intense gaze she fixed on Zyran only growing more severe as he couldn't help but chuckle his eyes narrowing with mirth.

At that moment, Amira realized she had never seen Zyran laugh before. She found herself halting mid-argument, struck by how handsome he looked when he laughed. She couldn't help but wish she could witness that more often, instead of always seeing him wear a scowl.

"I really can't stand her," Amira declared, crossing her arms as she directed her attention to the store where Ivy had disappeared.

"Hmm, she can be quite the chatterbox. I'm only putting up with her tirade for the sake of diplomacy," Zyran explained.

Amira's words sliced through the tension. "I don't want to be diplomatic at all," she said firmly.

"Okay," Zyran replied, his eyes flickering with a playful smile.

"What!" Amira's voice rose in disbelief.

In the blink of an eye, Zyran grabbed Amira's hand and pulled her into a frenzied run down the narrow alleyway, their footsteps echoing against the walls.

"Zyran, I_" Ivy's voice trailed off as she stepped out of the building, searching for the duo but finding the alley deserted and silent.

"Wasn't he just outside," she muttered to herself, a puzzled look creasing her brow.

Finally, out of breath, Amira came to a stop, her chest heaving as she tried to regain her composure.

Zyran waited patiently for her to catch her breath before speaking. "I brought you out to show you something," he said, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. She blinked several times, her curiosity piqued, before falling into step behind him as he guided them through the labyrinthine alley and onto a bustling new street.

Amira's breath caught in her throat as she emerged from the dim, nondescript part of town into a vibrant and colorful neighborhood. Lush trees lined the streets, each corner bustling with vendors selling their wares from beneath the shade.

The road ahead was clear, flanked by houses perched on tree branches and thick trunks, creating a surreal and breathtaking scene.

Surrounded by this unexpected beauty, Amira couldn't help but wonder how she had never known about this place.

Zyran seemed to anticipate her thoughts as he explained.

"This town remains a hidden gem, known to only a select few. Not even the king or the royal family is aware of its existence."

"The king doesn't know of his land?" Amira asked, her eyebrows raised in surprise as she tried to make sense of the revelation.

"We can't entirely say he owns it. The people who reside here are all self-reliant; they don't recognize a king but rather a ruler whom they refer to as a chief," Zyran explained.

"But how did you discover this place?" Amira inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"My mother brought me here once." Zyran's expression shifted at the mention of his mother, his usual composure faltering as he seemed to be overtaken by emotion, a side of him not often seen.