Alexandra, sitting inside the carriage, wiped the continuous tears rolling down her face. She was finally en route to the Castle of Caestria as the crown princess, a title that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.
Her mother's words echoed in her mind, urging her to be strong, reminding her that she would face more foes than friends in the days to come. Alexandra wasn't sure she was ready for all of that, and the weight of it made her tearful once more.
As the carriage passed a bustling delivery postal office, a spark of determination ignited within her. "Stop the coachman!" she called, her voice firm despite her emotions. "I'll be back."
She stepped down and entered the post office, calling out, "Mr. Paschal?" When she didn't see him in his office, she settled onto a plush brown sofa, its upholstery soft beneath her.
"Ah? Lady Carmarthen?" Mr. Paschal, the elderly postmaster, emerged from a door on the left. "Ah, I was just arranging some letters to be sent North."
A smile broke through Alexandra's sadness. She stood, handing him a small satchel. "That's great then. This is for my brother, Ryanair Carmarthen. Please ensure it doesn't get lost or go missing, Mr. Paschal." She offered a respectful bow before departing, not waiting for a response.
"How cute," the old man chuckled, shaking his head fondly as he returned to his duties.
The journey from Ylzia down to the Midlands didn't take much time, and before Alexandra knew it, she was passing through the towering gates of Caestria Castle. Once again, she was awed by the castle's majestic architecture, its spires reaching toward the sky like fingers of stone. The carriage came to a halt in the courtyard where it had parked on the day they first arrived.
"The royal maids will come soon to assist with the luggage once they notice you're here," the coachman informed her as he helped her down from the carriage.
Alexandra nodded, about to express her gratitude when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"You're here? Imagine my surprise; I didn't know you were coming." Silverstein's tone was light, laced with the warmth of their shared history.
She spun around in surprise, her heart racing. "Oh, you're royal high—" she began, instinctively preparing to bow, but he placed a gentle palm on her shoulder.
"You shouldn't. We're closer than that," he replied with a charming smile, causing warmth to bloom in her cheeks. "The maids will be here soon. May I walk with you before we greet our parents?"
Our... The word echoed in her mind, sending her heart fluttering. She nodded, feeling a thrill at the thought of being with him.
He led her to the garden, where vibrant flowers bloomed under the sun's embrace, their colors alive with enchantment. The air was sweet with the scent of roses and jasmine, creating an atmosphere that felt almost magical.
"My mother mentioned she sent a letter about my arrival. I guess you must not have heard," Alexandra said, stealing glances at him as they walked side by side, her heart racing at the sight of him.
He was clad in a black satin robe adorned with intricate red designs, an outfit that hinted at both elegance and strength. His inner suit matched, as did his trousers and shoes. His hands were clasped behind him, and his black hair was slicked back to his neck, save for a single curly strand that fell charmingly across his forehead.
"What, do I look that handsome you can't take your eyes off me, Lexy?" he teased, a playful grin spreading across his face.
Alexandra widened her eyes and felt her cheeks flush. The nickname made her both giddy and embarrassed. "I—uh..." she stammered, struggling to find her words.
Silverstein chuckled, clearly enjoying her flustered state. "Mm. As you said, I didn't hear about your letter. We should get you to greet them." He extended his right hand, a gesture that felt both natural and electrifying.
She hesitated for a moment, then bit her lower lip before placing her small hand in his, clasping it with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
As they walked toward the tea room, she heard him ask, "How are you feeling?" His velvety voice sent a pleasant shiver down her spine.
"I'm feeling fine, thank you for asking," she replied, smiling shyly as she met his gaze.
Upon entering the tea room, they found Queen Selina seated on a lavish couch, the room adorned with delicate tapestries that told tales of bravery and love.
"Oh my! You're here! Come, come!" The Queen's voice was bright, filled with warmth. She embraced Alexandra tightly. "How have you been, dear? I hope this isn't too much for you. Do you miss your mother? You want to go back, don't you? And why is Aaron rushing you here?!" She kissed her teeth, annoyance coloring her expression. It was evident that she had hoped for more time with her son's bride.
Silverstein rolled his eyes playfully. "What, Mama? Do you think my wife is a baby?"
Alexandra blushed at the word "wife," and Queen Selina caught the change in her expression, a soft smile creeping onto her lips.
"Fine, fine! The King is in a meeting now; you'll greet him later when he's done. Sit down, okay? Let me get you your favorite raspberry-flavored tea." The Queen smiled and turned her gaze toward Silverstein, who seemed ready to slip away. "You, where are you going? Come and make tea for your wife!" she ordered him, her glare playful yet firm.
Silverstein turned to face his mother, blinking twice in disbelief. "Me? Tea? I don't know how to make that, Mama." He shook his head stubbornly, his expression one of mock horror.
Selina gasped dramatically, holding up her gown as she strode toward him, playfully hitting his back twice. "You don't know how to make tea?! Who do you think will make tea for your wife then?!"
"I've spent half my life in wars! How do you expect me to learn how to make tea?" he shot back, half-laughing, half-protesting.
Alexandra widened her eyes, alarmed by the sudden turn of events. Quickly, she stood up and moved in front of Silverstein, blocking the Queen from giving him any more playful hits. "Ah, it's alright, Your Majesty. I can teach him how to make tea."
Silverstein looked down at her, surprise flickering in his eyes. No one aside from his mother had ever stood up for him like that before.
Queen Selina noticed the way her son looked at Alexandra in that moment and a sense of understanding blossomed within her. No one, save for her, had ever protected him from the weight of his father's expectations and the harshness of the world beyond the castle walls. In that instant, she saw the bond forming between them, a flicker of hope igniting in her heart.