The prince awareness

The sun was shining brightly through the windows of the palace, casting a warm glow over the bustling halls. Servants scurried about, attending to their daily duties, while the sound of laughter and music drifted from the throne room.

In the midst of this ordinary palace routine, Princess Abigail made her way to Prince Ryker's chambers. She knocked softly on the door, and a deep voice bade her enter.

Abigail smiled as she stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the dimmer light within. Prince Ryker sat on a plush couch, a book open in his lap. He looked up, a hint of a smile on his lips.

"Abigail, my love," he said, his voice low and smooth. "What brings you to my chambers today?"

Abigail glided across the room, her skirts rustling softly. "I just wanted to check in on you, my dear," she said, her voice sweet. "I feel like we haven't had a chance to talk in ages."

Prince Ryker set his book aside, his eyes never leaving Abigail's face. "I've missed our conversations," he said, his voice sincere. "But I've been busy with state affairs. You know how it is."

Abigail nodded, her expression understanding. "Of course, my dear. I know how demanding your duties can be."

As they chatted, Abigail's expression turned thoughtful. "Oh, that's true, Prince Ryker. I forgot to tell you...I sent a guard to Elijah's cabin yesterday."

Prince Ryker's eyebrows rose, his interest piqued. "Elijah? The Elijah we've been discussing?"

Abigail nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "The very same. I invited him and his friends to the palace for a tour. I think it would be...enlightening for them to see the inner workings of the palace."

Prince Ryker's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I see," he said, his voice measured. "And what do you hope to achieve with this invitation, my dear?"

Abigail's smile grew wider as she replied, "We're going to have a lovely dinner party, with just a few close friends. It'll be a wonderful opportunity for us to catch up and talk more."

Prince Ryker's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression thoughtful. "And Elijah, of course," he said, his voice measured.

Abigail nodded, her expression innocent. "Of course, my dear. It's been quite a while since I've seen him. Just because he was sent away from the village doesn't mean I can't see him now, does it?"

Prince Ryker's gaze lingered on Abigail's face, as if searching for something. But Abigail's expression remained serene, her smile unwavering.

The prince's eyes dropped, his attention turning to the book on his lap. "No, of course not," he said, his voice neutral. "It's perfectly fine, Abigail. Invite whoever you like."

Abigail's smile grew wider, her eyes sparkling with triumph. "Thank you, my dear," she said, her voice sweet. "I'll make sure to extend the invitation to Elijah and his friends."

As Abigail turned to leave, Prince Ryker's voice stopped her. "Abigail?"

She turned back, her expression questioning. "Yes, my dear?"

Prince Ryker's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense. "Be careful," he said, his voice low. "Elijah is not the same boy you once knew."

Abigail's smile faltered for a moment, before she regained her composure. "I'll be careful, my dear," she said, her voice measured. "Don't worry about me."