Chapter 2

Winter descended into the grand dining hall, her heart racing with anticipation. The room was opulent, with crystal chandeliers and velvet drapes. Ryker stood by the window, his back to her, gazing out into the night.

"Your Highness," she curtsied, announcing her presence.

Ryker turned, his piercing eyes sweeping over her. "Winter. You look stunning."

She felt a flush rise to her cheeks as he approached her. His words were courteous, but his tone seemed distant.

The dinner table was set with fine china and silverware. Logan, Ryker's right-hand man, stood at attention beside the table.

"Please, sit," Ryker gestured to the chair beside him.

Winter sat, trying to compose herself. The meal was a sumptuous feast of roasted meats and steaming vegetables. Ryker engaged her in polite conversation, asking about her journey and her family.

As the main course was served, Winter gathered her courage. "Prince Ryker, may I request permission to explore the city?"

Ryker's expression turned guarded. "I'm not sure that's wise, Winter. The city can be... unpredictable."

"I understand, but I'd like to learn more about your people and your culture," she persisted.

Ryker's gaze lingered on hers, then nodded curtly. "Very well. Someone will escort you tomorrow. But be warned: our city is not for the faint of heart."

Winter's heart skipped a beat at the hint of danger, but she smiled, relieved. "Thank you, Prince Ryker."

The rest of the dinner passed in stilted conversation, with Ryker's responses growing increasingly terse. Winter sensed a depth to him that she couldn't quite reach.

As the evening drew to a close, Ryker rose from his seat. "I have matters to attend to. Logan will escort you to your room."

With that, he departed, leaving Winter feeling both relieved and puzzled.

As Winter finished her dessert, Ryker pushed his chair back and stood. "I have matters to attend to. Logan will escort you to your room."

Winter nodded, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. She had hoped to glimpse more of Ryker's personality, but his mask of courtesy remained firmly in place.

Logan stepped forward, offering his arm. "This way, Your Highness."

Winter took his arm, and they strolled through the palace's winding corridors. The silence between them was comfortable, and Winter found herself relaxing in Logan's presence.

"Logan, what's Prince Ryker like?" she asked, curiosity getting better.

Logan's expression turned guarded. "The prince is... complicated. His Majesty has many responsibilities."

Winter sensed evasion, but Logan's loyalty to Ryker was clear.

They reached the door to Winter's chambers, and Logan bowed. "I'll be outside if you need anything, Your Highness."

Winter entered her room, feeling a sense of isolation wash over her. The palace was vast and overwhelming, and Ryker's distance only added to her unease.

She began to explore her chambers, discovering a hidden balcony overlooking the palace gardens. The moonlit view took her breath away.

As she gazed out into the night, Winter wondered what secrets Ryker hid behind his enigmatic smile.

Winter's thoughts drifted back to Ryker, wondering what lay beneath his reserved exterior. As she turned to retreat inside, a faint rustling caught her attention.

A piece of parchment fluttered in the breeze, caught in a nearby vase. Winter freed the paper and unfolded it.

A handwritten note, penned in elegant script:

"For the light that shines brightest in darkness,

Seek the truth in shadows.

R"

Winter's heart skipped a beat. Ryker's initials at the end sent a shiver down her spine.

What did it mean?

Was this a message from Ryker himself?

Her mind was clouded with questions that she couldn't understand, as she entered her chambers absentmindedly, a soft knock echoed.

"Enter, "Winter called.

A timid maid,Elara curtsied. "Your Highness, Prince Ryker requests your presence in the library, "Winter's pulse quickened.

"Shall I accompany you?" Elara asked. Winter nodded; together, they navigated the palace corridors.

The library's grand doors swung open, revealing Ryker standing by a roaring fire," you seek my presence," She curtsied. Ryker turned upon hearing her voice. Staring into her eyes; she felt her heart skip a bit," I wanted to talk arrangement."

She felt her palms grow sweaty.

"What do you propose?" She asked.

Ryker's gaze intensified, "I suggest we focus on mutual understanding," her cheeks flushed.

"Pardon?" She watched him step forward, leaning over with a smirk, her lashes dropped, and her lips stretched into a tender, vulnerable curve.

"Cooperation will ease our union, ".

Her eyes snapped open in embarrassment,she failed to notice the man in front of her who had a wicked smirk.