The Second Prince.

My mind wondered with possibilities as I thought of the mysterious letter. I couldn't help but think positively, my thoughts were consumed by the idea that it might be from Caius or Elias.

"Perhaps, Elias had finally found Caius and was trying to reach out to me discreetly? Or maybe Elias needed more information about Caius to aid in his search?"

I concluded that it had to be one of them, possibly Caius, who might not know his way around the palace and had asked someone to deliver the letter on his behalf since it was not Elias handwriting.

"But why would Caius choose night, especially if he was new to a place?" I thought quietly.

"I know no one in this palace who would want to see me this discreetly, except maybe for Elias or Caius," I reasoned, and then made up my mind. I braced myself, waiting for 10PM to arrive, my heart racing with anticipation.

As the hours ticked by, my excitement grew. I tried to focus on my tasks, but my mind kept wandering back to the mysterious letter. I found myself pacing in my room, my heart racing with anticipation, seeming too eager.

Finally, the clock struck 10PM. I took a deep breath, smoothed out my dress, and made my way out...

The palace was dimly lit, with only a few flickering candles to guide my way. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I walked through the corridors.

As I turned a corner, I saw a figure waiting in the shadows. my heart skipped a bit. "Who is it? Caius, or Elias? Or someone else entirely?"

The person stepped forward, revealing a hooded face. my instincts warned me to be careful, but ny curiosity got the better of me.

"Who are you?" I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady.

The figure slowly pulled back its hood, revealing a face that made my heart flutter...

My eyes widened as I recognized the face before me. "Oh, it's you! You're the one who brought the letter!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with wonder. And the servant smiled strangely.

"So, what's this about?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. But the servant's response was short. "Follow me."

I hesitated, my instincts telling me to be cautious. "And why should I just follow you?" I retorted, but the servant was already walking away, leaving me with no choice but to trail behind him.

As we walked, I hit him with questions. "Who do you work for? Who sent you? Are you a servant?"

But the servant's replies were frustratingly brief.

"Yes, I am." he said, his eyes fixed ahead.

My frustration grew but my curiosity got the better of her.

"You will see for yourself soon, who I work for." the servant added, in a cryptic tone. Seeming to be hiding something.

I muttered under my breath, "Tch! he's acting all bold and mysterious..."

Nonetheless, I continued to follow him, to see where and how things leads.

We finally arrived at a door, and the servant pushed it open, revealing a room where someone was waiting.

my heart skipped a bit as I entered the room, my eyes locked on the young man.

Immediately, the servant bowed to the man. Makes me wondering who he could be.

"You may leave," the man said to the servant, who bowed again before exiting.

"Hey, hey! Where are you going, leaving me alone here?! Who is he?!" I screamed, but couldn't get an answer from the servant who walked out immediately as he was ordered.

"Hey, Aria," the man said calmly, in a friendly tone.

"Exactly, who are you to make me come all the way here?" I replied in a frustrated tone.

Another figure emerged from behind the prince. "How dare you raise your voice!" he said, confronting me while pulling out his sword.

The person seem more like a personal bodyguard, a tall, imposing man with a stern expression. His dark hair was cropped short, and his piercing eyes seemed to bore into my soul. His voice and unfriendly appearance too.

"It's fine, let her be," the man said, holding the guard's hand and stopping him from pulling his sword. He looked through the bodyguard's eyes as if they had communicated secretly, and immediately, the bodyguard pulled back and maintained his position.

"Leave us, wait outside," the man added.

The bodyguard replied with a bow and reached for the door.

In frustration, "So what now? Is there another person hiding in here too?" I said.

"No, Aria, it's just us two now," the man replied.

"Don't call my name again," I retorted.

The man leaned back in his chair, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.

"I must say, you're quite different from the other ladies I've met in the palace," he said, his voice low and smooth.

"Most are so.... polite, so concerned with propriety. Worried of their image and how others view, defines them hence, faking things. But you... you seem to speak your mind."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued even when I wasn't in the right mood. "What do you mean?"

"I've observed you from afar," he said, his gaze never leaving mine. "You're not afraid to stand up for yourself, to challenge the status quo. I find that... refreshing."

My wariness began to fade, replaced by curiosity. "How do you know my name?" I asked, my voice sounding a little softer.

The man chuckled. "I've made it a point to learn about you, Aria. You're quite... fascinating. And I must admit, I'd like to get to know you better."

My instincts still whispered caution, but there was something about this man that put me at ease. Maybe it was his warm smile, or the way he looked at me, focusing on me alone, also his soft voice.

Whatever it was, I found myself relaxing in his presence, feeling more comfortable by the minute.

"I'm glad you think so," I said, my voice sounding a little stronger now. "But I have to ask, what makes you so interested in me? I'm just a... a lady." I stuttered.

The man leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with interest. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Aria. You're so much more than that. You have a fire in your soul, a spark that sets you apart from the rest. And I want to know more about it."

I felt a flutter in my chest, a mix of excitement and nervousness. No one had ever spoken to me like that before, like they saw something in me that I didn't even see myself.

"I... I don't know what to say," I stammered, feeling a little confused.

The man smiled again, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You don't have to say anything, Aria. Just talk to me. Tell me about yourself, about what makes you tick."

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of wonder at this strange, unexpected conversation. And then, I began to talk...

As we spoke, I found myself opening up to this man in ways I never thought possible. He listened with a keen intensity, asking questions and making me laugh with his witty remarks. I told him about my life in the palace, how I felt alone and bored and he listened with a warmth and understanding that made me feel seen and heard.

In turn, he shared stories about himself, about his travels and adventures, and found myself captivated by his sense of wonder and curiosity. I couldn't believe how easy it was to talk to him, how natural it felt to be around him.

As the hours passed, the room grew darker, and the candles started burning low. But Aria didn't notice as she was lost in the magic of our conversation. I felt like I'd known this man my whole life, like we had'd been friends forever.

And yet, I still didn't know his name or identity...

"I think I should get going, Thorold would be worried if I arrive too late," Aria said, finally standing up.

"So soon? Well, thanks for your time, Aria," he replied.

I smiled mischievously. "You could have come yourself, why the trouble of sending someone over, even writing a letter too?"

He seemed taken aback, stumbling over his words. "Uhm, uh... oh that? It's just... I couldn't confront you at first."

My curiosity piqued. "Why not?" I asked.

He took a deep breath, his eyes locked on mine. "I'm attracted to you, Aria. I was scared of how you would behave at first, maybe... rudely." He said, after calculating his words.

I laughed, feeling a flutter in my chest. "We just met!"

He grinned. "I know. You should get going, right? Do you want me to see you off?"

I shook my head. "No, I can find my way."

He chuckled. "As expected, bravo. Let's meet again. I'll wait for you outside the palace."

My eyes widened. "Outside the palace?" I exclaimed.

He asked, "Why, don't you want to?"

I excitement grew. "No, I would love to, it's just that it's been long, I want to step out too, but do not know anywhere around this place."

He nodded. "We will go to the market then, in two days, it will be market day, that's when the market will be full, and you will see much fun there."

"I have something to tell you too, I will make it that day." He added.

My face lit up.

"Alright, thank you. I will look forward to that day." I replied,

And we both bade our farewell.

****