It has been quite a while since we stepped out of the throne room. The prince is escorting me to the room prepared for me inside the Astera palace, which is his palace.
The last time we talked was when we were inside the throne room. After that, it was just silence. I can only hear the sounds of our shoes hitting the marble floor. I am a person who gets more distracted and uncomfortable when in an awkward silent situation with somebody. Usually what I do, is talk random things so I and the person I am with would lose ourselves. However, I tried my very best to hold off my mouth.
[Happy thoughts... I don't want to talk and leave an unpleasant impression on the crown prince. Happy thoughts... chicken... tarts... salad... strawberry cheesecake...] I kept on thinking about things that would pull my mind out of the current situation.
"...heim? Lady Melenheim?" the crown prince called.
"Ah! Yes... your highness?" I asked absent-mindedly, looking back at him. We are now ten feet apart from each other.
[Did I walk too fast?"]
"Your room?"
"Yes? What about my room?" I asked back. I saw his eyes glinting with amazement.
"It is here." he motioned his hand in front of him. I just realized that he stopped at that spot because we have already arrived. A small smile is now curving from the side of his lips. I can tell he's just holding himself off upon laughing at me.
"Oh! Yeah... well... yes!" I said. This is so embarrassing, I am now starting to lose my cool. I started to walk toward him calmly. Because I was too self-conscious not to make any mistakes, I ended up doing so. So much for leaving a good impression.
I sighed. "Thank you... your highness!" I said as I forced another smile.
"You are very much welcome, my lady."
Because of my embarrassment, I immediately opened the door to the room and entered. Without any second thought, I slammed the door shut. Not minding about etiquette. Only then have I realized another mistake that I have committed upon the crown prince.
"Oh, crap!" I abruptly opened the door that I just slammed, hoping to still see the prince. A sigh of relief came out when I saw him still standing in the same spot he was at.
"You know-- Crown prince, I am terribly sorry!" I sincerely said with an embarrassed face. It was so hot, I think my whole face is red now.
He was not saying anything. So I intently look him in the eye. It was as if he himself was surprised by the sudden slamming and opening of the door.
"Your highness?"
"Oh! Yes! No, it's alright." he said after a while.
"No! It was very rude of me." I said apologetically. "I deeply apologize. I will accept any punishment given-"
"Stop!" he cut me off. "Honestly, it was fine. I was just surprised, that's it." then he laughed.
He is surprised but he's laughing. Isn't he weird?
"This is so refreshing," he said while looking at me.
"What is?" I'm confused. Aren't you really a weird prince. I bet I am frowning now.
"Nothing." he shook his head. Then he took my hand and kissed it. "I'll see you again tonight, lady Melenheim."
"Thank you, your highness. I'll see you tonight." I replied.
Yeah! This should be what I was supposed to do earlier. When escorted home, or to a room, the lady should stay outside until the man bid her goodbye after kissing the back of her hand. But I totally forgot!
After seeing the prince leave, I slapped my forehead very hard.