Chapter 6

Samantha paced in her chambers, glancing nervously at the door before turning to Maya, her eyes pleading yet resolute. "Maya, I need you to do something for me," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need you to lay here and pretend to be me. Not a soul should know it's not me lying in this bed."

Maya's eyes widened. "Pretend… to be you?" she echoed, a note of disbelief in her tone.

Samantha nodded, pressing a soft, pale nightgown into Maya's hands. "Yes. If Mother or anyone else comes in, just say you're unwell. Don't open the door for anyone who could see you clearly—they'll realize it isn't me." She took a deep breath, her gaze intense. "Please, Maya. It's important."

Without another word, Samantha helped her into the gown, positioning her on the bed so that, at a glance, anyone would mistake her for the princess herself. She draped a silk cover over her, tucking it gently around her shoulders.

"Don't worry," Samantha whispered with a reassuring smile, though a flicker of anxiety lingered in her eyes. "Just stay here and keep quiet. I'll be back before long."

Before Maya could ask where Samantha was headed, the princess had already slipped out, leaving Maya alone in the quiet, candle-lit room. She lay still, feeling the weight of the silk nightgown and the gravity of what she'd just agreed to. The shadows cast by the flickering candle seemed to stretch across the room, echoing the uncertainty she felt in her heart.

Maya's heart skipped as the knocks at the door grew louder and more insistent. She sat up from the soft bed, feeling the luxurious silk gown drape over her like a second skin, softer than anything she'd ever worn. For a moment, she caught a glimpse of herself in the ornate mirror across the room. Her reflection surprised her; without her usual veil and in the princess's nightgown, she looked… different. The elegant fabric and soft lighting softened her features, and she almost didn't recognize herself.

The knocking interrupted her thoughts again. Maya's pulse quickened as she considered her options. Samantha had been clear: no one must discover she wasn't the princess. She took a steadying breath, muttering to herself, "I could pass for her… just this once. With my veil off and the gown covering my hair, no one would know."

Taking a final look in the mirror, Maya carefully removed her veil and let her hair blend into the flowing gown. She forced herself to relax, letting a raspiness creep into her voice as she called out, "Yes, who is it?" She could feel her heart pounding as she awaited the response, hoping her disguise would hold. She opened the door to find a flushed Alexus leaning on the door frame unable to maintain his balance.

"Ohh Maya," he called out sheepishly.

Maya's heart raced at the sight of Alexus leaning against the doorframe, his face flushed and his movements unsteady. Hearing her name from his lips made her freeze, fear and confusion flooding her mind. Does he know who I am? she thought wildly. The thought of the princess finding out someone had recognized her filled her with dread. Her mind raced for a solution.

Quickly recovering, she softened her expression, allowing her voice to stay low and husky as she spoke, "You must be mistaken," she said, averting her eyes just enough to feign modesty as the princess would. "It's me—Samantha," she added, mimicking the princess's tone.

The prince blinked, swaying slightly as he tried to focus on her face, seemingly uncertain. Maya's heart thudded painfully as she awaited his response, hoping the dim lighting and her subtle performance would be enough to convince him. The longer he lingered, the harder it was to maintain her calm, yet she held her ground, steadying herself for whatever came next.

"Oh, Samantha…" he muttered, his voice thick with drink as he stumbled into the room, barely waiting for permission. Maya's pulse quickened, the situation spinning further out of her control as he made himself at home, settling into the plush armchair by the fire.

She cleared her throat, struggling to maintain her composure. "Yes… it seems you've had quite the evening, Alexus," she said carefully, thinking quickly. "Would you like me to… accompany you to your chambers?" The words slipped out before she could stop them, and she immediately regretted it, knowing it wasn't something the princess would normally offer.

The prince's drunken smile widened as he looked up at her, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You, Princess… guiding me?" He chuckled, his tone both surprised and amused.

Maya flushed, feeling her charade slip. But she composed herself, her voice softening. "I only wish for you to be comfortable," she said, hoping her calm demeanor would settle him enough to lead him back out.

"Or perhaps, Maya said, forcing herself to sound poised and calm, "you could tell me what brought you here, so that I might resume my rest." She straightened her shoulders, doing her best to mimic the princess's graceful demeanor, though her heart pounded wildly.

The prince chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he swayed slightly. "Ah, yes… sleep. That must be what I disturbed." He took a step closer, his gaze lingering on her, as though he was studying her face.

Maya held her ground, though every instinct told her to shrink back. She met his gaze with what she hoped was the same cool, poised expression she'd seen on the princess. Indeed, Now, if there's nothing more…?"

The prince tilted his head, his brows pulling together thoughtfully. "You seem… different tonight, Samantha." His words slurred slightly, and he leaned closer, his eyes narrowing. "Have I had that much to drink, or are you…?"

Maya's heart pounded even faster, but she managed a calm, if slightly impatient, smile. Perhaps, you're simply seeing things through the lens of… a bit too much wine?"

For a moment, he studied her in silence, before he gave a lazy nod, smiling. "Maybe you're right." He laughed, leaning back. "Perhaps I should let you rest, after all."

As the prince attempted to stand, he wobbled, still slightly unsteady from the wine. His hand instinctively reached out, finding Maya's arm to steady himself. But the sudden shift in balance threw them both off, and he stumbled forward, his weight pulling Maya back down with him.

She gasped as she found herself pressed against him once more, this time with his hand gripping her arm and their faces mere inches apart. Her heart raced as she looked up, her hand braced against his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath her fingertips.

"Forgive me," he murmured, his voice soft, a flicker of embarrassment in his eyes, but also something deeper. The warmth of his grip lingered as his hand slid down to hers, steadying her even as he struggled to maintain his balance.

Maya swallowed, her cheeks flushed, yet she forced herself to keep her composure. "Perhaps I should lead you to your chambers after all," she replied, trying to keep her tone light, though her pulse was anything but calm.

He held her gaze, a small smile forming on his lips. "I think I'd like that," he said, his voice low. He didn't release her hand right away, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as though time had stilled around them.

Then, catching himself, he gave a slight nod. "Lead the way, Princess," he said, still holding her gaze, an unspoken question lingering in his eyes that made her heart skip as she gently guided him toward the door.

As Prince Alexus followed "the princess" down the dimly lit corridor, he couldn't shake the strange sense of déjà vu that hung over him. The graceful steps, the way her figure moved under the soft fabric, and even her quiet demeanor reminded him of his earlier encounter with Maya. Though he'd been with the princess at the banquet and exchanged polite words, his thoughts drifted back to the mysterious young woman he'd bumped into in the hallway. Something about her had left a lingering impression—her blue gown, her quiet composure, her subtle strength.

The memory of her had persisted through the evening, tugging at his mind despite the wine and the lively music. And now, as he walked behind the woman he believed to be Princess Samantha, he couldn't help but feel as if he were following someone else altogether.

He observed her, catching glimpses of her face as she led him forward, her movements strikingly familiar yet slightly different from the princess's usual poise. Was it the soft light playing tricks, or was there truly something in her manner that felt…off? The thought stirred a strange excitement within him, curiosity mingling with the haze of wine still lingering in his mind.

As they reached the corridor that led to his chambers, he spoke, half-playfully and half-earnestly. "You remind me of someone I met today—a woman with a blue dress, a gaze that seemed to hold worlds, and a name I haven't forgotten." He paused, catching her eye. "Tell me, Princess, do you often go about as someone else?"

Maya felt her pulse quicken as she turned to face Prince Alexus, masking her surprise with a confident smile. "Of course not, Alexus. No one could be as magnificent as I am," she replied, lifting her chin with a touch of haughtiness she imagined the princess would embody. Her tone was playful yet filled with just the right amount of royal pride, hoping it would dispel any suspicion.

The prince raised an eyebrow, his mouth curving into a smile that was half-amused, half-intrigued. "Ah, yes. How could I possibly forget?" he murmured, a faint laugh in his voice. "Only the true Princess of Eldoria could carry herself with such...self-assuredness."

But the way he looked at her didn't entirely lose that searching quality. He studied her a moment longer, as if hoping to catch some subtle slip or giveaway in her expression. And for a heartbeat, Maya wondered if he truly saw her, if he had recognized her beneath the veil of confidence she wore.

Steeling herself, she returned his gaze with an air of mild impatience. "Is there anything else," she asked, keeping her voice steady.

Alexus chuckled, shaking his head. "No, nothing more, Princess," he replied, but there was a hint of mystery in his eyes, as if he were savoring a secret only he knew.

As Maya continued to lead him down the corridor, her mind raced. She'd avoided suspicion for now, but something told her that Alexus curiosity would not easily be put to rest. And though the thought filled her with nerves, she couldn't help but feel a strange thrill, wondering how long she could play this game without revealing the truth.

As they walked down the hallway, the moonlight spilling through the windows caught Prince Alexus's attention. Its silver glow played over the castle grounds, casting a serene, almost ethereal light across the landscape. Entranced, he paused, stepping out onto a nearby terrace.

Realizing he was no longer following, Maya turned and noticed him standing alone by the railing, gazing out at the tranquil scene. She hesitated, then joined him, the soft night breeze brushing her cheeks as she stood beside him. The view stretched before them like a painting, the moonlight reflecting off the lake and hills, highlighting the beauty of Eldoria at night.

The prince glanced at her, his expression softer, almost contemplative. "This view," he began, "and the company of a beautiful woman beside me... it's exactly why I came to your door tonight." He offered a small, genuine smile, and his voice lowered, filled with quiet sincerity. "I wanted to share this moment with you. Can we stay here for a bit? Just... enjoy the view and the quiet?"

Maya's heart fluttered at his words, the intimacy of the scene making her feel as though they were in a world all their own. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Of course, Alexus."

They stood in silence, side by side, as the moon cast its gentle glow over them. The night felt timeless, as though they were both caught in a rare, beautiful moment of peace, the palace and its demands fading away. Maya was torn between the reality of her position and the unexpected comfort she felt with him here, under the stars.

The night air grew colder, and Maya couldn't help but shiver slightly, her body reacting to the chill that seemed to seep into her skin. The prince, noticing her discomfort, stepped forward without a second thought. Without speaking, he gently moved closer, positioning himself between her and the cool breeze. His large frame shielded her from the wind, and she could feel the warmth of his presence.

His fingers brushed lightly over her wrist as he gently curled his hand around it, a silent offering of comfort. Maya's breath caught at the unexpected touch, the intimacy of the gesture sending a wave of warmth through her despite the cool night air. Goosebumps rose along her skin, not from the cold, but from the sensation of his proximity and the electricity that seemed to spark between them.

The prince's arms encircled her then, pulling her closer, his body providing both warmth and protection. Maya felt her pulse quicken, the rhythmic beat of their hearts aligning as she instinctively leaned into him, feeling the solidity of his embrace. The view before them—the vast expanse of moonlit landscape—suddenly seemed to pale in comparison to the feeling of being held by him. In his arms, the world outside seemed to fade, and all that remained was the quiet hum of their shared moment, the intimacy of the space between them growing in ways she hadn't anticipated.

For a moment, Maya forgot everything—the masquerade she was caught in, the responsibilities she had to uphold, even the fact that she was not truly the princess. She was simply a woman, standing in the arms of a man who had unknowingly stolen her breath away.

The prince's gaze lingered on the princess as the night stretched on, the quiet hum of the evening amplifying the intensity of his thoughts. The beauty of the night sky, with its shimmering stars and the soft glow of the moon, seemed to pale in comparison to the sight before him. She stood there, a figure bathed in moonlight, her eyes reflecting the light as she gazed out at the night, her expression peaceful yet distant. Her beauty, ethereal and otherworldly, held him captive, and his heart quickened in a way he hadn't anticipated.

He found himself entranced by her eyes—those deep, shimmering orbs that seemed to capture the very essence of the night itself. It was as if the stars reflected in them, their mystery and allure pulling him in, drawing him closer with every heartbeat. He could feel the pull, the magnetic force that kept his attention fixed on her, and for a moment, he forgot everything else.

Then, his gaze dropped slightly, inevitably drawn to her lips. He couldn't help himself. They looked so soft, so inviting, almost as if they were meant to be kissed. The thought struck him like a bolt of lightning—how would they feel against his own? How would they taste? His mind spiraled with the question, a dangerous longing rising within him.

He caught himself, blinking as he realized he had been staring for far too long, his thoughts dangerously close to breaking the fragile boundaries between them. But even as he forced himself to look away, he couldn't shake the image of her lips from his mind. The night, the air, the moment itself seemed charged with possibility, and he found himself wondering if she, too, could feel the same pull.

As the prince called her name,his voice low and filled with intensity she hadn't expected, Maya turned toward him, her heartbeat quickening . Before she could react, he closes the space between them , his hands finding her waist as his lips find hers.

Maya froze for a moment ,stunned by the suddenness of it all. The warmth of his body pressed against hers, The heat of his breath mingling with hers as his lips claimed hers.The kiss was gentle at first tentative,as if tasting waters his lips soft and coaxing , sending a wave of electricity through her body. His hands moved to her back , pulling her closer and in that instant the world seemed to fade away.

Maya felt her pulse race ,her thoughts scattering as she melted into the kiss , she hadn't expected this, hadn't expected him to take this bold step , but here she was caught in the moment of pure bliss , her heart pounding in her chest.Alexus kiss was tender filled with longing that spoke volumes and as she felt his hands tightening around her back , drawing her even closer ,she couldn't deny the pull, the connection between them she hadn't known existed.

For a brief moment she surrendered to the kiss, allowing herself to be lost in the sensation , In the undeniable chemistry that seems to spark between them.The world outside of this moment no longer mattered .

It was just the two of them , surrounded by the cool night air and the rhythm of their heart beating in sync