The mysterious figure was in a long coat, their face was covered by a mask. Clearing their throat, the mysterious person removed their hand from Oliver's waist. "I apologize my prince." Prince? How did this person know Oliver was the prince? Gaining the courage to speak up, Oliver asked, "It's okay but who are you? And how do you know I am the prince?" A deep chuckle resonated through the walls of the hallway. "My prince, the entire Kingdom is aware of your arrival;you look just like the duchess in her younger years or well so I heard. As for who I am, I am Sir Vernon Cross; I am the royal adviser's son and a knight of the palace." Vernon said with a bow. "O-oh no don't do that..." Oliver lifted the knight's head, trying to get the young man to return to his standing position. Vernon hummed in agreement and stood up straight. Now getting a good look at the man standing Infront of him, Oliver could make out a muscular build under the long cloak. Without saying anything, Vernon bowed again before walking away, the loud click of his boots echoing softly through the now empty lonely hallway.
Finally, Oliver made it. He found his way to his room, opening the door then kicking it shut. He didn't hesitate to collapse into the warmth of his surprisingly heated bed. Rolling onto his back, he couldn't help but think about the interaction he had when he encountered Vernon. He hated to admit it but he was curious about what the young knight looked like. "Was he ugly? Was he actually as attractive as his voice? What am I thinking???" Oliver thought while trying to ignore a subtle heat spreading to his face. He knew he shouldn't had entertained thoughts like those but it didn't stop him from thinking about the way that gentle hand held onto his waist.
Knock
Knock
The knocking at the door was gentle but loud enough to get Oliver to break free from his thoughts. "You can enter" he said, sitting up on the edge of the bed. Two maids walked in, one reaching behind the other to close the door. "We're sorry to disturb you prince Oliver but we need to get you ready for tonight. The duchess has ran into an unexpected guest so she won't be able to see you until the celebration tonight," The maid with the green hair explained, " I am Petunia and the person beside me is Junibieve." Junibieve merely nodded in acknowledge to show that she was paying attention. "Well...um...it's nice to meet you both...what are we going to do now...?" Oliver asked but seeing the look on the maids faces made him regret ever asking.
TIME SKIP
It was almost time for the celebration to start. Oliver was looking at himself for the fifth time of the night. "Was my waist always this snatched?" He questioned allowed. His fingers gently ran over the ruffles of his corset looking top (It didn't function like a corset it just had a similar pattern). "Yes my prince..." Petunia said in an amused tone. "Let's get you to the ball room," Junibieve said, opening the door to escort Oliver and Petunia out of the preparation room.