"I… I wanted to invite you to take a walk in the gardens," his voice grew increasingly quiet towards the end of his sentence as he averted his gaze.
"Pardon me, my lord. Could you speak up?" She asked as she leaned in.
Was the lord shy all of a sudden?
Darrion knew she was clearly teasing him. But what choice did he have but to be played by her? He had already made his request. He could not possibly go back on his word now!
"I would like to invite you to take a walk in the gardens, if you're not too tired," he asked again, this time more audibly.
"Let me think about it," Athena replied as she got up from her seat.
She back-faced him, looking out of the window for a few seconds. She could see his reflection on the glass window. She saw the look of slight disappointment on his face. Did he think she was going to turn him down?
Just as he looked like he was about to say something, she turned around and gave her reply.
"Very well, let's go," she said with a gleaming smile.
"I- What?" Darrion looked up at her in disbelief.
By then, Athena had already made her way over to the side of the door.
"What are you waiting for, Lord Darrion? We don't have all day," she reminded him as she opened the door.
Whispers of the Lord and the Princess in the garden quickly spread like wildfire. By the time they had made it to the entrance, everyone seemed to be stealing glances their way.
Athena knew her attire likely attracted more glares and disapproving looks but she did not mind. She had done so on purpose. She wanted to see how Lord Darrion would react to it.
To her surprise, he did not seem to mind.
Sir Nikolai and the rest of Athena's entourage kept a distance away from Lord Darrion and her, giving them space. However, Athena felt like Nikolai's gaze was on her the entire time.
It didn't make her uncomfortable for she knew he didn't do so to spy on her. But she can't help but wonder if he was just being protective or jealous.
"Your Highness, how are you getting used to things in the castle?" Darrion asked casually, hoping to break the ice.
"You can call me Athena, my Lord. Spare the formalities. They are needlessly taxing," she said before replying to his question, "It's been going well so far, but it's taking me a while to adjust. I ask that you pardon my… lack of grace. I'm not like the other princesses."
Lord Darrion chuckled a little.
Did she say something funny?
"You are most certainly unlike any other princess I have meant," he commented without much thought.
"My apologies, princess. I didn't mean harm. It's just… Your mannerisms, your way of thought…" he fumbled at his words, increasingly flustered the more he spoke.
Athena folded her arms and raised a brow as she watched him try and salvage his words. The more he tried, the more he stumbled.
Eventually, Athena couldn't help but laugh.
"You aren't like any other lord I've met either, Darrion," she mused.
This was the first time Athena had addressed him directly by his name. He paused in surprise, watching the smile on her face, listening to her laughter. He was seeing a side of her he had not known existed.
Ever since the eldest princess had returned to court, every encounter they had was unpleasant. Misunderstandings. Arguments. This was the first time they were getting along.
"I like it."
"Like what?" Athena asked.
Darrion blushed. He didn't realize he had said those words out loud. But there was no need for him to hide his thoughts either.
"I like the sound of my name on your lips."
Athena barely believed what she just heard. Was she dreaming? Why would Lord Darrion, her betrothed, the Lord who's been siding with her younger sister, say this to her?
"Are you mocking me, my Lord?" She asked accusingly as she curled one hand into a fist.
"What? No, of course not. Why would you think that?"
Athena bit her lip.
Pak!
Everyone gasped. Some held their breath. Even Sir Nikolai was surprised by the princess' actions. Athena slapped Darrion across the face.
"One moment you're all chummy with Princess Casindra and one moment you're all chummy with me. What do you have up your sleeve?" She questioned him accusingly.
She got up close to him, glaring straight at him before she warned, "If you dare to swoon us both for the fun of it, mark my words Lord Darrion. I will never let you live it down."
With that, Athena turned on her heels and left with her entourage scurrying behind. Sir Nikolai gave the lord a side glance before following his princess. Even he thought things were going well between Princess Athena and Lord Darrion.
But the princess' actions were not uncalled for either. Lord Darrion was clearly flirting with her. But shouldn't he? Both of them were betrothed after all. It had every right to do so.
When they finally returned to Hemlock Mansion, Athena returned to training with Daric and Nikolai. Lord Darrion did not make an appearance for the rest of the day, nor did the princess bring up the matter.
But it was clear it weighed heavy on her mind.
That night, Athena lay wide awake in bed. Once she was certain almost everyone was asleep, she carefully slipped out of her bedchamber under the cover of night. She made her way to Lord Darrion's quarters in the guest wing of the castle.
She cursed beneath her breath.
If she wanted to see him now, she couldn't possibly knock on his door. Not only was it guarded, people would know she had been here.
Looking at the open balcony, she knew what she had to do.
"What other choice do I have," she grumbled to herself as she climbed her way up.