The knights and I got home safely that night. As soon as I got off the carriage, my older brother, Crown Prince Nikolai Mortcombe, embraced me as he cried. He kept going on and on about how he worried about me, and how he wanted to leave the palace so bad.
I suddenly remembered how my dearest brother went to find me when I was kidnapped by Vaughn. He was one of the people who cared about me the most, and it breaks my heart knowing that… he died as soon as he found me in a cabin in the mountains.
It has been over a month since I've seen Vaughn. I'm not really expecting to hear from him so soon, but I can't deny that I want to see him.
Lately, I've been debating with myself whether I should send him a letter or not, but in the end, I did not bother sending him any.
I'm currently here at the library, reading books that might help me in the future.
I stood up and looked for the next few books that I might want to read. I suddenly spotted a door with a sign that says 'Do not enter'. I walked towards it and tried to open the door, but I couldn't for it was locked.
How can I enter this room?
I walked towards the librarian, and asked, "Excuse me, but how can I go inside that room?" I pointed to the door and faced her again. "Do you perhaps have the key?" I asked.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but only His Imperial Majesty and His Majesty can enter that room," she said politely and lowered her head. "Oh no, it's alright," I said and smiled. "There is a way for you to enter that room, Your Majesty. You can ask for His Majesty's library card, or maybe His Imperial Majesty's card," she explained.
"Okay, thank you for telling me," I said and immediately headed out of the library. I looked everywhere for my brother and even asked the maids where he could be, but none of them knew.
I stopped running in the halls and decided to think where he could possibly be. The only place I could think of is my brother's favorite place—the garden in the west wing of the palace.
I quickly headed there, but when I finally arrived, I did not see anyone. I searched for him in every part of the garden, but I could not find even a single trace of him.
Did he go somewhere? Did he leave?
I walked towards a tree and sat under its shade. I feel so tired right now, and I want to rest for a bit. I'll just wait for my brother to arrive later.
The warm heat coming from the sun makes me feel so drowsy. This is the perfect time to sleep, but I shouldn't.
I really shouldn't...
NOAH'S POINT OF VIEW:
As I marched on the halls, I suddenly caught a glimpse of someone running all over the garden. I stopped walking and looked at that girl again. I found myself smiling when I saw that it was the princess.
I immediately headed to the garden, and when I arrived, I found her sleeping under a tree.
Indeed, this is the perfect time to take a rest, but sleeping under a tree is kinda...
Nevermind that.
I slowly walked towards her and sat in front of her. Her long wavy dark brown hair was a bit messy, her thick and long lashes created a shadow under her eyes, her small narrow nose looked adorable, her soft, plump, pink lips looked so kissable, and her fair skin looked brighter.
She looks so defenseless and it makes me want to protect her...
I've always liked the princess ever since the day I laid my eyes on her. That day, she looked so beautiful and innocent, and I found myself searching for her whenever I had the chance.
Until a month ago, I could only dream of having a conversation with the princess. I couldn't explain the happiness I felt when I was informed that I was assigned to guard her. I've only been looking at her from afar since I never had the guts to approach her, and Sir Andrews was always with her.
But now... I think I've gained more courage.
A few strands of hair were covering her beautiful face, so I stretched my arm to tuck them behind her ear.
Even though I know she's out of my league, I still find myself thinking that I might have a chance once I start pursuing her... but I guess that's just my wishful thinking.
The way she smiled at that man a month ago... was something I could never forget. Her smile was so genuine, and she looked so happy with him.
I bitterly smiled as I remembered that night. Although I got to feel her skin, talk to her, and spend some time with her, the way she acted while she was with me was nothing compared to the way she acted when she was with that man.
If I can't be the man she loves... At least, I'd like to stay by her side... That's what I desire, and nothing more.
"What are you doing here?" I heard someone speak behind me. I immediately stood up and was startled to see the Crown Prince. I immediately bowed to show my respect and said, "A pleasant afternoon, Your Majesty. I was just about to wake Her Majesty up because I found her sleeping under this tree and thought that she might get sick if she stays here for too long."
What I said was nothing but an excuse. Lame, I know... but that's the only way I can prevent myself from drifting further away from her.
"Alright. Leave her in my care and go do your duties. I bet you're quite busy, Sir Haynes," His Majesty said with a serious expression on his face. "I will, Your Majesty," I said and bowed before walking away from them.
And here goes another day that I'm suppressing my feelings for Her Majesty...
My lips curved into a bitter smile as I walked away.
I could only love her from afar, huh...?