The morning sun streamed its golden rays through the silk curtains of the palace radiating with their golden color, another new day. The sun rays washed over Alexander's handsome face spreading its warmth through his body making him to stir in his sleep. He fluttered his long eyelashes slowly, while staring at the ceiling. Yesterday, he had found some sleep all thanks to dreaming of that beauty. Isadora. He called her name softly in the silent room.
He slipped his feet in to a pair of sandals and headed for the bathroom. As a prince, he had a tub in his room that was filled with water with his liking. He preferred a warm bath so the maids always filled the tub with warm water. The maids were also supposed to bathe him but he was against this idea. Most of them would drool over his body and he knew he would eventually end up doing something regrettable. So he chose to bathe himself.
Settling in the cool warm water, he settled into its sensation and enjoyed it as it soothed his muscles and gave him a fresh feeling. After what seemed like eternity, he finally stepped out of the tub, wrapped in a towel as his raven black hair dripped wet. However, this did not make him lesser handsome. In fact, no words could be used to describe his current looks. If any woman would stare at him then, she would fall head over heels at him. His male aura was so domineering and he looked indescribably handsome.
Turning to his closet, he picked a black robe that matched well with his hair. This color also matched well with his personality and he looked more colder than ever. His princely aura doubled just from wearing a simple garment. His looks now looked otherworldly. Even he could not help but gape as he studied himself at the mirror. "So handsome!" He thought. Given his current looks, no woman could possibly reject her. And she was no exception.
Thinking about her, he flashed an evil smile and he knew that it was only a matter of time. A knock interrupted his naughty thoughts, making his handsome face turn a few shades darker. Striding across the room, he reached for the door and opened it revealing a smiling Lord Richard. His smile turned from that of amusement to that of admiration as he scanned the prince from head to toe. Alexander met his gaze and arched a brow at him.
"It seems you are dressed for the occasion," he said coolly averting his gaze towards the window.
"And what occasion are you talking about, Lord Richard?" He asked sounding respectful but sarcastic at the same time. These two never got serious with each other. Despite their big age difference, they acted around each other the way boys would do. Maybe it had the fact to do with Lord Richard's temperament towards the prince. Although Alexander joked around Lord Richard, he knew that the man cared deeply for him and was a fatherly figure since his father was bed ridden. Lord Richard had watched as the boy grew into a fine young mine since he was little.
"Queen Victoria has requested your presence in the dining room," Richard said turning his gaze towards the prince. He probably wanted to see his reaction but Alexander just stared back at him with no hint of emotion on his calm face. "Princess Roselyn has also graced the event with her presence. Don't miss," he glared at him as if sending a warning before he turned around and left.
Alexander looked disturbed by the news, especially about Princess Roselyn. As far as his mother was in that room with that woman, he knew that his day had been spoiled. But he knew he had to go. Princess Roselyn was a daughter of the neighboring kingdom, Arcadia, and long term friends of Valoria. It was therefore unwise and disrespectful of the crown prince to disregard her presence. Such a trivial matter could even bring rivalry among the kingdoms.
The dining hall of the royal palace of Valoria kingdom was a glad room that could hold as much as fifty visitors. Of course only members of the royal family of a neighboring kingdom could be welcomed and dine in here. The room was adorned with several tables but only one stood out from the rest. This table was embedded with golden paintings and royal carvings of the royal seal and crown. The chairs around it were extremely extravagant, made of materials that could only be gotten beyond the South sea.
Beside this table sat different figures surrounded by the air and aura of royalty. Only two seats were empty in this table. The rest were all occupied. At the front of the table was a chair that stood there lonely, embedded with the royal crown. Only one person had the privilege to sit on this majestic chair; the breathing king of Valoria.
To the left of the table sat a beautiful middle-aged woman who wore a golden tiara that accentuated well with her golden dress. She exuded an air of royalty as she ordered maids around the table. This was none other than Queen Victoria. Her looks were unmatched and could rival those of a fairy. Even the beautiful princess Roselyn who sat quietly at the far end of the table could not hold a candle against the queen.
The doors of the dining hall opened revealing prince Alexander, who stood there majestically. His gaze swept around the table looking at his family as if he had never seen them before. The queen sent a warm smile into his direction gesturing him to have a seat. Alexander sat at the right of the royal seat. This was the place the crown prince was designated to seat, beside the king.
"I thought you wouldn't show up." The queen said as she sipped her tea. Alexander looked at his mother indifferently and took a quick cold glance at Princess Roselyn. He was certainly bothered by her presence and he was in a bad mood.
"How would I fail to welcome the beauty of Arcadia," he said, his voice sounding sarcastic. The queen threw a cold glance at her son, irritated by his words.
"Can't you show respect to the princess of Arcadia?" She asked angrily, her face turning a few shades darker. "Besides, she is one of the candidates for the title of the crown prince." The queen was clearly angered by her son. But she expected no less from him. All this was thanks to her dying husband. He had instilled in him the wisdom of choosing wisely. But the queen thought that Roselyn would be the best choice for him. And she had vowed to do anything to see that she sat on the throne.
"Alex," a sweet voice called across the table. Alexander turned and met with a couple of innocent eyes staring at her. This was his younger sister, Elle. She was just twelve but her body had matured, showing signs of early womanhood. Her looks weren't as outstanding as the queen's or Alexander's but she was generally gorgeous.
"Yes," Alexander answered softly. If there was anyone that Alexander really cared for in this world, then it was Elle. He could easily kill anyone who messed with his sister. Her sweet voice seemed to cool the tension that was now hanging in the air. Alexander had calmed down too and he concentrated fully on her. "What do you want dear?" He asked softly. Anyone hearing his voice right now couldn't believe that this was the ever cold prince Alexander.