Chapter 4

The grand carriage rolled to a halt before Eldoria's castle gates, and a ripple of anticipation swept through the gathered servants as they waited for their esteemed visitor. The doors opened slowly, revealing two striking figures who embodied the wealth and stature of Elkodia.

First to emerge was the royal advisor Angus, an imposing man whose tall frame and dignified stance spoke to years of wisdom and service. But when the second figure stepped forward, all eyes turned to him—the prince of Elkodia, Alexus himself.

Prince Alexus was tall and undeniably handsome, his features a perfect blend of strength and elegance. His piercing dark blue eyes contrasted sharply with the crystalline blue diamonds embroidered into his suit—a suit as rich and polished as the famed diamonds of Elkodia. His gaze, intense and discerning, swept over the assembled servants and staff, each one feeling as if they were seen and noted. His eyes, deep as the sea at midnight, had an almost hypnotic quality to them, and though he gave little away, there was a calm confidence in his posture, a man who knew the weight of his title and bore it well.

"Welcome, my prince," came the respectful greeting from the Eldorian royal advisor, Asher, who stepped forward with a bow, his expression filled with adoration and formality.

Prince Alexus inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, his gaze lingering on Asher as he replied, "Thank you, Advisor Asher. Eldoria is as welcoming as it is grand."

Beside him, Advisor Angus gave a slight nod of approval, his own dignified presence lending weight to the moment. The two men, gleaming in their blue suits, stood as symbols of their kingdom's wealth and tradition, embodying the elegance of Elkodia's renowned riches.

Under the watchful eyes of Eldoria's royal staff, Prince Alexus took his first steps towards the castle entrance.

The grand palace gates opened with a flourish, revealing the lavish entrance that led deep into Eldoria's grand corridors, and, eventually, the throne room. Prince Alexus, dressed in a rich blue suit embroidered with glimmering diamonds, stepped forward with a composed elegance. Advisor Asher led the way, guiding him toward the royal audience, while Angus, the prince's trusted advisor, followed close behind. At Alexus's signal, a group of servants gathered the carefully wrapped gifts he had brought from Elkodia exquisitive boxes bearing gifts meant to honor Eldoria's royal family.

With his gaze fixed on the path , Alexus walked steadily, each step echoing through the grand space as servants lined the corridor in respectful silence. As they approached a corner of the hall, however, a sudden, unexpected movement caught his attention.

Before he could react, a figure darted out, colliding softly with him. The young woman's small frame leaned into him for balance, and instinctively, Alexus reached out to steady her. Her head tilted up, and their eyes met. For a moment, time seemed to still. She had an intense, striking blue gaze—eyes so vivid that they mirrored his suit, her expression one of surprise, perhaps even fear, as she froze beneath his gaze.

The girl's blue dress, simple but elegant, contrasted against the diamond-embroidered splendor of the royal hall. Alexus took in her face, the fleeting spark of recognition mingling with something he couldn't quite place. His usual composure faltered, caught off-guard by the unexpected closeness, the sheer vulnerability in her eyes.

A faint, clearing cough from Angus snapped them both back. Alexus quickly regained his stance, releasing his gentle hold, as the girl's cheeks flushed. Her gaze flickered down in embarrassment, and she took a hurried step back.

"S-sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible. The word trembled from her lips before she quickly turned, nearly stumbling in her haste as she dashed off down a nearby hallway, disappearing from view in a blur of blue fabric.

Alexus watched her go, a lingering curiosity etched into his expression. The throne room lay just ahead, the anticipation thick in the air, yet a part of his mind remained on those blue eyes, the silent, mysterious girl who had almost seemed to vanish like a fleeting shadow among Eldoria's stone walls.

Trying to set aside the encounter, Prince Alexus took a steadying breath as he approached Eldoria's throne room. The grand doors opened to reveal a grand hall, with high ceilings and banners bearing Eldoria's crest lining the walls. At the end of the hall, King Henry sat upon his high, ornate throne, the Queen gracefully seated beside him, her gaze calm yet discerning. Alexus marched forward with poise and stopped in front of the king.

With a quiet reverence, Alexus bent down, reaching to touch the king's feet, a gesture of deep respect that spoke of tradition and adoration. His advisor, Angus, followed suit, performing the ritual with equal solemnity. Rising, Alexus turned to the queen, crossing the space to kneel in front of her, honoring her with the same deference. She acknowledged him with a warm, approving nod, her eyes bright with a quiet smile that softened her regal features.

Finally, Alexus stood, and his gaze shifted to the princess. His eyes lingered as he took in her appearance, a flicker of surprise breaking his stoic expression. She looked almost familiar, her gold dress escalating her strikingly similar eyes, eyes he had just seen in the hallway. For a moment, he wondered if his mind was playing tricks, casting shadows of the girl he'd just met onto the princess standing before him. He tried to dismiss the thought, but his gaze remained questioning.

The princess met his stare with a quiet confidence, her chin lifted ever so slightly, and a trace of amusement glimmered in her eyes, almost as if she sensed his confusion. Alexus quickly masked his expression, regaining his composure, yet a part of him remained captivated, the lingering curiosity of that brief encounter still casting its shadow over this formal introduction.

After completing the formal greetings, Prince Alexus turned and gestured toward the servants waiting patiently near the entrance. Each bore exquisitely wrapped treasures from Elkodia, and at his signal, they stepped forward, carefully arranging the gifts at the prince's side.

With practiced elegance, Alexus selected an envelope, stepping forward to hand it to the king. "This, sire, is a letter of my father's warm greetings from Elkodia," he said, bowing respectfully. The king accepted it with a nod, his eyes conveying gratitude.

Next, Alexus took a fancy goblet, its intricate diamond design catching the light, each facet glistening like stars. With a gentle smile, he approached the queen, offering it with both hands. "And for you, my queen," he said, "the finest goblet in Elkodia. May it add to the beauty of your royal table." The queen's eyes lit up as she took the goblet, her gratitude visible in her gracious smile.

Turning to the princess, Alexus presented a garment wrapped in rich, silken fabric. "And for you, princess," he said, his voice warm, "a dress crafted from the same material as my own suit, adorned with diamonds. I trust it will look strikingly beautiful on you." He offered the dress, and the princess's eyes sparkled as she accepted the gift, the diamonds reflecting a thousand glimmers of light.

With a final command, Alexus nodded to the servants carrying trays laden with fruits—each a symbol of Elkodia's abundant lands. "Take these to the palace kitchen," he instructed. The servants bowed and proceeded down the hall.

The king of Eldoria rose from his throne, a broad smile softening his regal features as he stepped forward to embrace Prince Alexus. Wrapping the young prince in a warm hug, the king clapped him on the back with fatherly pride and led him down the grand hallway toward the banquet hall, where tables overflowed with a vibrant array of dishes.

"Welcome to Eldoria," the king said as they walked. "It is our hope that you find both our land and our people as welcoming as we intend to be." His voice held a hearty warmth, his words full of the genuine hospitality Eldoria was known for. As they entered the banquet hall, Alexus couldn't help but admire the spread before him: tables laden with golden platters, brimming with delicacies from every corner of the kingdom. Aromas of spices, roasted meats, fresh herbs, and baked pastries filled the air, tempting even the most disciplined appetite.

At the head of the table, the king gestured for the prince to sit beside him, while the queen and princess took their seats along with Asher, Angus, and other royal advisors. With a graceful wave of his hand, the king summoned the servants, who approached bearing crystal goblets filled with Eldoria's finest wine. As each person received a drink, the king raised his own goblet in a toast.

"To new alliances, and to the friendship between Elkodia and Eldoria," he said, his voice resonating through the hall. The guests raised their glasses, the clinking of goblets echoing like music. As they began to enjoy the feast, conversation flowed easily, topics ranging from shared memories of past festivals to the beauty of each kingdom's traditions.

Alexus found himself drawn into discussions about the landscapes of Eldoria, the cultural ties between their lands, and future possibilities. At moments, his gaze would drift to the princess, who seemed to catch his eye and hold it for a heartbeat before looking away. Though he tried to focus on the discussions, his mind would take him back to the encounter at the halls.

The banquet hall buzzed with life as laughter mingled with the sound of cutlery against porcelain, the feast capturing the spirit of unity and warmth. 

Prince Alexus stepped out onto the terrace, leaving behind the warmth and laughter of the banquet hall. The cool night air felt refreshing against his skin, and he gazed out over the palace grounds, the starlit landscape stretching toward the distant hills, eventually blending with the lands of his own kingdom.

A gentle voice broke the quiet behind him. "Are you enjoying your visit so far?"

Startled, he turned to find Princess Samantha standing a few steps away, a soft smile on her lips. He relaxed, letting out a breath. "Oh, Princess, you startled me," he said with a small laugh. "Yes, I am. The landscape here is magnificent."

The princess moved closer, her gaze following his over the moonlit grounds. "The vast land stretches all the way to your kingdom, doesn't it?" she asked, her voice thoughtful as she studied the rolling hills.

"It does," Alexus answered, chuckling. "But it's not every day I get to enjoy such a view with a beautiful woman beside me." He turned to look at her, his blue eyes lingering on hers for a moment.

Samantha blushed, looking down shyly, though a faint smile played at her lips. The prince's charm felt both disarming and unexpected, and her heart fluttered at the closeness between them.

"I… hope you'll find everything to your liking here," she replied softly, finally meeting his gaze again. The atmosphere between them was charged with a quiet, unspoken understanding, as if both sensed the significance of this moment.

He nodded, his expression warm. "I think I already have."

Prince Alexus offered a slightly awkward smile, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks. "Apologies, Princess. I realize it's hardly noble to ask, but... would you happen to know where the washroom is? My bladder has chosen a rather inconvenient moment to remind me of its existence."

Princess Samantha let out a light, musical laugh, her previous formality melting away. "Certainly, Prince Alexus. It's just down the hallway on the left, two doors past the stairway," she instructed, still smiling at his unusual request.

Grateful but undeniably embarrassed, Alexus quickly nodded. "Thank you, Princess," he said, inclining his head before turning to head down the hall. He strode away, casting one more appreciative glance in her direction, her laughter still echoing in his mind.

Following her directions, he reached the door she'd described and, in his haste, opened it a bit too quickly, relieved to finally escape the awkwardness of the moment. But as he entered, he realized he'd miscalculated—this was not the washroom.

                         Maya's POV 

Maya's heart was still pounding as she dashed down the corridor, the image of the stranger's intense blue eyes imprinted on her mind. She shook her head, trying to erase the memory, as she slipped into the bustling kitchen. The air was filled with the scent of herbs, roasting meats, and freshly baked bread. Servants hurried from one side to the other, carrying dishes and finalizing the setup for the banquet. In the middle of it all stood Elara, issuing commands with precision.

"No, don't put the vegetables there," Elara instructed, motioning to a spot near the king's seat. "They go closer, right by his place."

Maya gathered her nerves and stepped closer. "Uh, Elara?"

"Yes, are the fish platters ready?" Elara responded, her eyes focused on the table arrangement.

"Elara," Maya called again, louder this time, finally catching her attention. Elara turned, her gaze sharp but softening for a brief moment before her eyes narrowed.

"Where is your veil?" she asked, a hint of shock crossing her face as she took in Maya's unveiled features.

Maya's hand instinctively moved to her face. "I... I'm sorry. I was going to catch up to you, but then—"

Elara's eyes softened, but only briefly. "Never mind the explanation now," she said, her voice brisk. "Go to my chamber and take another veil. You'll find it folded in the armoire. Quickly, now—we don't have much time."

Nodding, Maya left the kitchen and hurried toward Elara's chamber. The exchange left her unsettled, and as she retrieved the new veil, she tried to push away the questions rising in her mind.

Returning to the kitchen, she secured the veil in place, Elara's sharp gaze landed on Maya's bandaged hand, the hint of disapproval in her expression unmistakable.

"You can't serve at the banquet with your hand like that," she said firmly. "There's too much at stake tonight, and we can't afford any mistakes. Instead, go and prepare a room for our honored guest. Make sure it's spotless, with fresh linens and all essentials in place."

Maya nodded feeling relief wash over her. She knew her hand would slow her down in the crowded banquet hall, and this task felt like a reprieve. Elara had already turned away, directing other servants to bring out more platters and drinks. The kitchen buzzed with energy, everyone moving quickly to make sure every detail was perfect.

Steeling herself, Maya slipped out of the kitchen and moved through the palace corridors. The guest rooms were located in the quieter wing, away from the banquet's noise. She felt a calmness settle over her as she reached the room designated for the guest and entered, taking in the spacious, elegant chamber.

She quickly went to work, straightening every corner of the bed with care and fluffing the pillows until they looked inviting. She moved to dust the furniture, polish the mirrors, and arrange fresh flowers in the vase by the window. Finally, she laid out towels in the adjoining washroom, glancing around to ensure everything looked immaculate.

With a final glance around the room, she took a deep breath, feeling a small sense of satisfaction .