Maria's eyes widened upon realization of what was happening. It took her 5 long seconds though, because being hugged by the prince had never crossed her mind.
"Y-Your Highness?" Maria called, gulping down in awkwardness. She, of course, wasn't returning the hug. She was confused as to why she got a hug from royalty in the first place. She had never met Prince Owen before, at least that's what she thought.
Prince Owen finally pulled away from the hug and held Maria on her shoulders instead, boring his eyes at Maria's chocolate ones.
"When did you wake up, Maria?" Prince Owen asked, eyes twinkling in relief and excitement.
Maria was beyond confused now. At first, it was her father and little sister who were acting weird, and now the prince. The fact that the prince was acting friendly to her was even weirder. She couldn't think of a reason as to how the prince would know her name. She was just a commoner after all.
