"You're not like other women I've met," Alexander remarked, breaking the silence that hung between us after he pinned me to the wall.
I met his intense gaze, with a mix of curiosity and wariness. "And what makes you say that?"
"There's a depth to you, a mystery that intrigues me," he replied, leaning closer. "Most women I encounter are transparent, driven solely by their desire to win my favor. But you, princess, seem to harbor secrets and aspirations beyond the surface."
My heart pounded in my chest. I had to be cautious in my response, not revealing too much. Well... It's not that I have anything important to reveal; aside from that, I came from outside of this fictional world.
"I suppose everyone has their own desires and dreams. Mine may not be so apparent, but they exist nonetheless." I replied nonchalantly, not wanting to intrigue him further, just like what I did a few minutes ago. If I'm not careful, my actions will escalate to something that I don't want to encounter.
Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly as if trying to decipher the layers of my words. "Indeed, and I'm determined to uncover them. There's more to you than meets the eye, and I intend to find out what lies beneath that composed facade."
My mind raced, contemplating how much I could reveal without jeopardizing my true identity. "I must admit, Your Highness, you are unlike any man I've encountered. Your confidence borders on arrogance, yet there's a charm that draws people to you."
A hint of a smile tugged at the corners of Alexander's lips. "Charm can be a useful tool in the game of politics and power. But with you, princess, it's more than just a tool. It's a genuine desire to understand and conquer the enigmatic princess."
I felt a mixture of irritation and intrigue at his persistent pursuit. "And what if the enigma is not for you to solve, Elysia?"
His gaze intensified, a fire burning in his eyes. "Then I shall make it my mission to unravel it, one layer at a time."
My heart fluttered at his words, well not really mine but Elysia's, though I fought to hide my reaction. "You're relentless in your pursuit, Xander. What do you hope to gain by peering into the depths of my soul?"
Alexander leaned forward, his voice low and filled with determination. "I hope to discover the truth behind your disdain for me and your fascination with the King of Monsters. There's more to your loathing than what meets the eye, and I suspect it's tied to the mysteries that shroud you."
A mixture of fear and defiance surged within me. I couldn't let Alexander dig too deep, for the consequences of discovering my 'hidden' identity could be dire. "My feelings are my own, Your Highness. I suggest you focus on the affairs of your kingdom rather than delving into matters that don't concern you."
It's time for me to stick to formality just to create distance between us once more. I shouldn't be too complacent with him as I have something dire to protect. A flicker of distant memories hit my consciousness a while ago, making me confused and nervous at the same time. Am I truly amnesiac?
Alexander's eyes locked onto mine, a challenge in his gaze. "But you do concern me, Princess. Your presence has awakened something in me, something I can't quite grasp. I won't rest until I understand it fully."
My mind raced, searching for a way to divert his attention. I wanted to quickly run away from him. I needed space to decipher the meaning of the memories that just flocked my mind. "Surely, there are more pressing matters at hand, Your Highness. The hunt for the King of Monsters and the fate of your kingdom, for instance."
For a moment, Alexander's resolve wavered, but then he shook his head. "Those matters can wait. My focus is on you, Princess. Your secrets and your heart are mine to uncover."
As the night grew darker outside, the atmosphere in the room became charged with tension and uncertainty. I knew I had to be careful in navigating this love-hate relationship with the relentless prince, for my own fate and that 'hidden' secret rested on the delicate balance of our confused relationships.
"Now back to our prior discussion. Do you still want me to act like a true abductor?"
I do not know for how long I have held my breath. I feel suffocated by his closeness. "No. I simply misunderstood your good intention." I have to withdraw from my foolishness. I thought Alexander was like other characters, following a script without free will. I have poked too much and freed him from the script.
Alexander squinted at me, wondering if I was telling the truth or simply another mischief. His beautiful violet eyes were partly closed, and his forehead wrinkled slightly.
"The night is getting late. I should withdraw to my own chamber. Will you excuse me, Your Highness?" I renew my resolution to our original state. Earlier, I was careless in calling him Xander. The pet name sounds too intimate, and I should avoid it.
"But we haven't discussed your proposal? Do you forget it on purpose?"
Ah... the damn proposal. Minutes ago, I was planning to bargain with him. But somehow, my intention diverted its pure cause and turned the situation upside down because of those subtle memories that suddenly flooded my mind out of nowhere. Hence, our position right now is scandalous. I'm still pinned onto the wall with his large body hovering over me intimidatingly. He does not need to touch me to send my feelings spiraling into a hurricane. His closeness is so suffocating, and I feel hot.
"We shall have another session for that. I'm drained." I stand straight, giving him a clue to let me go.
But he did not even budge an inch, making our bodies stand so close. I can feel his hot breath on my forehead. I brave myself to look into his eyes. He was looking down at me, bending his body slightly to almost level our eyes.
"Then we shall discuss it tomorrow at breakfast. Liam will escort you to the garden behind the inn." As if reluctantly, Alexander finally stepped backwards, giving us ample space to breathe normally.
I curtsied, and with a dash, I opened the door and fled.
Alexander let out a chuckle and shook his head slightly. He was amused by the princess. Never had he felt such colorful feelings toward any woman—Elysia was the first. Not even the enchantress Seraphina and free-spirited Areilla were able to awaken such sensations. Alexander felt alive for the first time in his life.