AVERY

  Before I knew it, days had already passed, and it was time for us to depart for the Hollingrew Kingdom. I stood outside with my maid, Meylin, and the Captain of the Silver Knights, Sir Richtan. I was inwardly giggling to myself to see them both look awkward and shy when, just yesterday, I saw them confessing to each other in the rose garden. I didn’t tell them what I saw, but I gave them both a knowing look when we saw each other at dinner last night.

  “Are you ready, my darling?” Mother asked, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. I looked up at her and nodded.

  “Yes. Though, I can’t say I’m excited either. I rarely stand out at these kinds of events,” I said, watching as the servants and knights loaded our things into the carriages.

  Everyone was working so hard that I felt like I should do something. My mother gently patted my shoulder before walking towards my father. I sighed once more.

  “Don’t look so glum, Princess. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ball and the trip either way,” Meylin cheered me up, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

  “You’re right. I brought my books with me, too. I just hope I can read smoothly while in that carriage.”

  “Don’t read too much, though. You should also take time to rest and watch the mountains and fields as we travel.”

  I gave her a look, “Meylin. Nothing can compare to the beauty of the mountains and fields here in our kingdom,” I poked her cheek, “Isn’t that the reason why a lot of neighboring kingdoms are dying to form an alliance with us?”

  Meylin gasped and pondered for a moment, “I guess you’re right, Your Highness.”

  I smiled victoriously as we were then escorted to our carriage. The King and Queen rode in a separate carriage while I rode with my maid. As we ventured out of the castle gates, I looked back, praying and hoping that nothing bad would happen to our peaceful kingdom.

  * * * * * * * * * *

  The ride was smooth and relaxing. I read the three books that I brought with me inside the carriage. It was quite a shame that I didn’t get to grab my other books from my luggage when we stopped earlier. My mother scolded me the night before our departure for bringing too many books, but I told her that I needed something to ease my boredom while traveling. Eventually, she gave up, and I packed as many books as I could fit in one of my luggages.

  “Do you want to have some biscuits, Your Highness?” Meylin asked, pulling out a jar from her bag.

  “Yes. Thank you.” I grabbed one and was surprised to get a ginger cookie. I looked at Meylin, “Did you not pack madeleines?”

  “I did, but I mixed some other biscuits so that you wouldn’t get bored with just madeleines.” She smiled widely, making me smile back.

  As I munched on the cookie, I looked out to see the trees passing by. It was a good thing that it was such a sunny day. As far as I know, the travel duration from our kingdom to the Hollingrew Kingdom is about 2 to 4 days.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  It’s surprising how it took us just 2 days and a half.

  When we exited the forest and I saw the field of dandelions across the horizon, I knew we were close. I haven’t gone to the Hollingrew Kingdom, but I’ve read books and seen pictures of what it looked like.

  It was said that the king of this kingdom was ruthless, selfish, and… a womanizer. The thought of meeting the king made me shiver from fear.

  “Princess? Are you feeling alright?” Meylin asked, placing a hand on my knee.

  I smiled, “Yes. I’m fine. It’s just… have you not heard of what other people say about the king of this kingdom?”

  “Of course, I have. I just thought they were baseless rumors, but if Your Highness is worried, then maybe it’s true.” Meylin’s voice was soft, and it made me think that maybe it was just a baseless rumor that nobles spread.

  "We won’t know until we find out, then."

  * * * * * * * * * *

  We were escorted to another part of the castle once we arrived. The servant told us that it was where all the other guests were staying and that the king couldn’t greet us since he was busy meeting with his councilors.

  “Here is your room, Princess Avery. Your parents will be in the room down the hall,” the servant said.

  “How come they’re not staying next to my room?” I asked politely. I did not want to sound rude or offensive, but I found it weird that my parents wouldn’t be next to me.

  “My apologies, Your Highness, but the room next door is already occupied by someone important,” the servant opened the door for me and I entered.

  The room was spacious and clean. The bed was also made and there were some snacks prepared on the small table in the middle of the room. The one that caught my eye was the balcony. I walked towards it and opened the door. The wind blew in my face and the view of the gardens and mountains came into view. A small gasp left my lips and I sighed in contentment.

  “We hope you enjoy your stay, Princess. I shall leave you to your privacy,” the servant bid, and left.

  I stood on the balcony and glanced at the balcony of the person’s room next to mine. I huffed and propped my arm on the ledge, resting my chin on the palm of my hand.

  “I wonder how important this person is for the king to let them choose their room,” I mumbled to myself.

  I shook my head and just enjoyed the warm breeze and peacefulness of the kingdom. Unfortunately, that peace was disturbed by a loud crash from the room next to mine. I flinched and panicked, wondering if that person had been hurt.

  Without hesitation, I rushed out my door and knocked on my neighbor’s door.

  “Excuse me! I heard a loud sound and was checking if you’re alright.” I yelled out. No one was around, so I couldn’t call for help.

  I knocked on the door repeatedly when, suddenly, it opened. I looked up to see a very tall man with a muscular figure. He was shirtless and was breathing heavily. His tanned skin was hinting of a slight redness to it and beads of sweat dripped down from his neck to the valley of his hard-looking pectorals.

  I shook my head to erase the naughty thoughts and asked, “Is… everything alright, Sir?”

  “You.” His voice was raspy and cold, “Who are you to disturb me?”

  I felt cold sweat run down my spine as I heard the man’s voice. I blinked at him several times, trying to make sense of his words.

  Disturb him? I thought he was hurt!

  “I apologize if I disturbed you, but that loud crash made me think that you got hurt,” I said in a firm voice. My eyebrows knitted together as I looked him in the eyes.

  My heart pounded loudly against my chest as I met the man’s eyes. His cold crimson eyes stared into mine, piercing through my entire being.

  I held his gaze, feeling my body burn at his intense stare. For a moment, I thought the world stopped as we looked into each other’s eyes.

  The silence was broken when he groaned and said in a gruff voice, “I don’t need any help. Even if I was bleeding in this room or not, I would never call for help.”

  I was startled by his cold words. My eyes widened, and I cast my gaze onto the floor.

  “I apologize. I was merely concerned, but if you claim that you are fine, then I will leave you be. Good day, sir,” I said dismissively before storming into my room and slamming the door shut behind me.

  I leaned against the door and sighed, feeling my heart beat out of my chest. I took a couple of deep breaths and finally, I was able to calm down.

  I walked towards the plush couch in the middle of the room and lay there, draping an arm to cover my eyes.

  He is a handsome man with an air of authority and royalty, but he seems like a bastard who pushes people away. I never want to bump into that man again.