Market Day

Finally, the day had arrived. My excitement about touring the market was impossible to contain. I paced my room, my mind racing with anticipation. Visions of vibrant stalls, exotic scents, and his warm smile dominated my thoughts.

I stopped before my mirror, checking my reflection.

"Too plain," I muttered, adjusting my hair. My eyes sparkled with eagerness, but my outfit lacked the quality and style I desired.

Just then, Thorold burst in, holding a stunning dress. Its silk fabric shone in the sunlight, embroidered with beautiful patterns that seemed to come alive.

"Try this!" Thorold exclaimed, with a big smile. "A friend helped me pick it out. I've been waiting for the perfect moment to gift it to you."

My eyes widened as I took in the dress's incredible details. Delicate lace decorated the neckline, and tiny gemstones were sewn onto the sleeves.

"It's beautiful!" I breathed, my fingers tracing the embroidery.

Thorold assisted me into the dress, smoothing the fabric to bring out my shape. The fit was perfect, as if tailored specifically for me.

"You look stunning," Thorold declared, stepping back to admire me. "He won't know what hit him."

My cheeks flushed, my thoughts drifting to him, wondering if he would be equally captivated by my new look.

Thorold chuckled, noticing my blush. "I knew you'd make this dress shine."

With a final adjustment to the gown's folds, Thorold handed me a small, beautiful necklace.

"A finishing touch," he said with a smile.

The necklace's pendant had a tiny crystal which sparkled against my skin. I felt transformed, ready to venture to the market and whatever adventures awaited.

"Thank you, Thorold," I said, my voice filled with gratitude.

Thorold's eyes sparkled. "You're welcome, my dear."

I narrowed my eyes. "Wait, I didn't tell you I was meeting someone. How did you figure it out?"

Thorold shrugged nonchalantly, his eyes twinkling. "It's obvious, isn't it? The way you've been pacing, the extra attention to your hair... You're not dressing up just for a walk alone."

My cheeks flushed, my nerves resurfacing. "What if he doesn't show up?" My voice was barely above a whisper.

Thorold's expression turned serious, his tone reassuring. "He will, Aria. Trust your instincts."

I clarified, my words rushing out. "It's not what you're thinking. I wasn't going there because of him, I just needed to get out and relieve some burden." I said, sheepishly.

Thorold's knowing smile hinted he wasn't entirely convinced. "Regardless, you deserve this break, Aria."

He stepped closer, his voice taking on a gentle tone. "Remember, you've been cooped up for too long. Go have fun and forget your worries."

My anxiety began to fade away, and I felt more confident.

Thorold handed me a small pouch. "A little something for luck."

I opened it, finding a delicate silver charm.

"Thank you, Thorold," I said, my voice filled with gratitude.

Thorold's eyes sparkled. "Anytime. Now, go make some memories."

Feeling more confident, I took a deep breath and headed out.

"See you soon!" Thorold whispered, as I disappeared from view.

***

My heart skipped a beat as I spotted the man, waiting outside the palace gates. His bright eyes scanned the crowd until they locked onto mine, and a warm smile spread across his face.

"It's him," I whispered to myself, my pulse quickening.

The man walked quickly towards me, confidently covering the distance between us.

"Aria, you look amazing," he said, offering his arm.

I thought for a moment before taking his arm, my cheeks flushing as I felt a spark of electricity at his touch. "Thank you," I said sheepishly.

Together, we strolled through the lively market stalls, the sounds and smells filling the air around us.

I gently pulled my arm from the man's, my cheeks flushing.

"I'm sorry, may I have some space? I'm not... comfortable with this."

His expression softened, though a look of understanding crossed his face. "Of course, Aria. I apologize for presuming."

He stepped back, allowing me to set the distance between us. His eyes never left mine, filled with kindness and respect.

"I want you to feel at ease around me," he said, his voice sounding sincere.

"We can walk together, but I'll keep my distance," he added.

My tension eased, replaced by gratitude. "Thank you."

As we continued walking through the market, I felt more relaxed. The prince pointed out interesting stalls and asked my opinions, engaging me in conversation.

I hesitated, my eyes locked on the colorful flowers. The vendor noticed and made an offer, but it hung in the air, left unanswered. I shook my head and smiled faintly.

"Thank you, but no," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

The man's expression hinted at disappointment, but he nodded politely with a smile. "Perhaps another time."

My thoughts were occupied, my mind racing with reasons to keep distance. I thought the man was head over heels for me.

"I shouldn't confuse this innocent man," I reminded myself.

"He shouldn't think I have special feelings for him," I added.

My gaze drifted, lost in thought. "Where's he...?" I murmured to myself, Caius's face etched in my mind.

The man's voice pulled me back to reality.

"Aria, shall we continue exploring?"

I nodded, forcing a smile. My heart was filled with mixed emotions.

As we walked, my thoughts lingered on Caius, imagining his presence beside me instead of the man's.

My curiosity got the better of me as we strolled through the market.

"Uhm, you mentioned last time we met that you had something to tell me. What is it about?"

The man's expression turned serious, his eyes scanning our surroundings before focusing on me.

"Yes, I did. But I'm not sure if this is the right place to discuss."

My intrigue deepened, and I became more curious.

"Is everything alright?"

The man nodded.

"It's nothing serious, I assure you. But I would rather not share it publicly."

My mind raced with possibilities. What could he want to discuss that required secrecy?

"Perhaps we could find a quieter spot?" he suggested.

I agreed, and we walked through the crowd, leaving the bustling market behind.

As we found a secluded corner, the man's demeanor changed. His eyes narrowed, and I could see him recalling something.

"Aria," he called out in a low voice,

"I know what I saw that day. You weren't just lucky to survive the tunnels. There's more to you, isn't there?"

My eyes widened, and I felt my composure begin to waver.

His eyes locked onto mine, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need to ask you something. Did you encounter... the Phantomari that night?"

My heart skipped a beat. How did he know about the Phantomari? But I later recalled, it's something everyone in the palace is aware of.

Rumors whispered that anyone who crossed paths with the Phantomari met a terrible fate. And the man knew I had entered the very place where the creature was said to reside.

"What makes you think I met the Phantomari?" I asked.

The man's expression turned grave. "I've heard rumors, Aria. About the whispers of an otherworldly presence within those tunnels. And I saw how you moved through them, as if... it was calling to you."

My thoughts reeled, and I was confused about what to say. "What does he suspect about me?" I pondered.

"Explain it to me, Aria." He pressed on, his eyes searching mine.

"How did you survive that night? What connection do you have to the Phantomari that led you there?"

My silence hung like a challenge, my mind racing for an escape.

Then suddenly, my eyes narrowed, my voice filled with disappointment.

"Aha! So this was it, huh? You pretended to be close to me to get something out of me. Well, you've met the wrong person, and would be disappointed because I have got nothing to tell you."

"No wonder I didn't even ask about your name. My instincts didn't buy it from the start. I don't care who you pretend to be or what your name is, just stay away from me!"

The man's expression darkened, his jaw clenched. "My name is Kaelos," he said, in a deep firm voice.

"And I assure you, I'm not pretending to be someone I'm not."

The man's expression faltered, his eyes widening in protest.

"I didn't mean to deceive you," he said, his deep voice seeming sincere.

"And I swear, my intentions were pure," he added.

My gaze pointed at Kaelos's. "Save it, Kaelos. I don't know what your game is, but I'm not playing it," I replied angrily.

Kaelos's face dropped, seeming disappointed and his composure began to crack. For a moment, I saw genuine emotion, concern, perhaps, or desperation.

"Aria, please—" Kaelos began.

"Don't 'please' me, Kaelos," I interrupted, turning to leave. "I'm not a pawn for your games."

I knew I was overdoing things. It wasn't something to be so angry about, I could have played along, yet I let my emotions get the better of me.

"Maybe I expected too much of him that I do not deserve. That explains my anger," I pondered, then walked away.

Kaelos's voice stopped me. "Aria, be careful. You don't understand the danger—" he was cut off.

I turned around, my eyes flashing. "I understand perfectly. And I won't be played," I retorted.

With that, I walked away, leaving Kaelos standing alone.

I didn't look back, my mind reeling about who Kaelos is and what he wants from me.

I also questioned myself about being overly sensitive and protective against people.

"It's all my fault, I have lost a good friend now. I wasn't calm..." I blamed myself.

***

I sat in my chamber, sipping water to calm and settle my emotions. My mind raced with questions, thousands of them running through my mind, and I felt overly curious about everything.

"How did he find out about me? My name, my connection to Thorold... what else does he know? He seems to have a lot, judging from his behavior and the people around him. He has a bodyguard..." I wondered.

My frustration boiled over. "That Kaelos or whatever his name is, he's bold, and unfair. I know nothing about him, yet he's dug up my secrets."

My thoughts turned skeptical, I became doubtful.

"Kaelos, or... whatever, is that even his real name?" I raised an eyebrow.

I scoffed, recalling my initial impression.

"I thought he was different, genuinely interested. But no, it was all an act."

My voice dropped to a murmur, "You were attracted to me, you were different... all lies! I was even pitying him, thinking I shouldn't lead him on. Who knows, it was all a pretense," I said, barely audible.

Determination ignited within me.

"I need to uncover his true intentions. Which family he is from and what he wants from me?" I braced myself for action.

My eyes narrowed. "I'll find out, Kaelos or whatever his name is. He won't keep me in the dark," I added.

With newfound will, I was ready to unfold the mystery surrounding the prince. Before I could form a plan, Thorold entered the room, wearing a warm smile on his face.

"Hey, how was your date?" he asked.

I scoffed. "What date?"

Thorold's expression turned curious. "You seemed distant. Didn't go well?" he asked, seeming concerned.

I retorted. "I didn't say I was going on a date. I just went out for fresh air and explored the market."

Thorold's eyes narrowed, sensing something amiss.

Without giving him a chance to pry further, I asked,

"Thorold, do you know anyone named Kaelos? What family is he from?"

Thorold's expression shifted from curiosity to caution.

"Kaelos... I'm not sure. Describe him to me."

I took a deep breath, recalling every detail... then concluded with, "And... he has a commanding presence. And there's something about him that seems... calculated.

He was with a bodyguard, yeah, and has a servant. The servant was timid, but the bodyguard seemed skilled."

Thorold's expression changed from curiosity to recognition. "That's indeed Prince Kaelos. The king's younger son, the second prince. His family has considerable influence in the kingdom."

My eyes widened. "A prince?!"

Thorold nodded. "Be careful around him, Aria. He's not one to be underestimated."

My determination hardened. "I know. But what's his interest in me?"

Thorold's eyes narrowed. "I'm not sure. How did he find out about you?" he asked, then realized how his question might add to my sudden distress and decided not to press further.

"But I'll find out. Keep your distance for now," he concluded.

I nodded, concern filling me.

Just then, a knock at the door interrupted our conversation.

"Enter," Thorold called out.

A servant bowed upon entering. "A message from Prince Kaelos, my lord."

My heart skipped a beat.

"What is it?" Thorold asked.

The servant handed Thorold a sealed letter and left.

"Prince Kaelos requests the pleasure of Lady Aria's company at dinner tonight," Thorold read, his eyes widening in surprise.

My eyes met Thorold's, and a silent warning flashed between us.

***