It's hours later when we reach the border. Flora jumps out of the carriage and runs toward the caravan in front of us. I see Prince Maxim and his entourage waiting for us at the border, and Flora and Maxim embrace each other warmly.
As I step out of the carriage, the border area bustles with activity. Guards from both kingdoms coordinate to ensure smooth passage and security. The air is filled with excitement and relief as people from both sides greet each other.
Prince Maxim looks up and sees me. With a warm smile, he walks over and bows slightly. "Princess Daniella, it's a pleasure to see you again," he says respectfully.
"It's never a pleasure to see me, Prince Maxim," I reply with a smile. "I did deliver your bride in one piece."
"Indeed you did," he replies, looking affectionately at Flora. "We've been eagerly awaiting her arrival."
"Your Majesty," Prince Maxim says, bowing to Sinbad, "I didn't know you traveled with the princesses. I thought you were not coming."
"We met on the way," Sinbad says with a smile. "Being an emperor and an adventurer can be difficult, so when I heard about a royal wedding, I hopped on the boat."
"I'm glad you're here," says Maxim. "It's a good thing I prepared a bit more space on the train."
As we continue our conversations, the atmosphere remains light and filled with anticipation. The train, waiting to take us to the capital, stands ready at the border station, its sleek, polished exterior gleaming in the sunlight.
"Shall we?" Maxim gestures towards the train, and we begin to move towards it. Flora and Maxim walk hand-in-hand, their excitement palpable. I follow, with Sinbad and Lady Nabila by my side.
"Looks like we're in for quite a journey," Sinbad remarks, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Indeed," I reply, glancing around at the assembled group. "It's going to be a fast ride."
As we step onto the train, I'm immediately captivated by the opulent interiors. The plush seats, adorned with elegant decor, create an inviting ambiance enhanced by the subtle fragrance of fresh flowers. As we make our way to our compartments, the warmth and comfort of our cabins envelop us, promising a truly pleasant journey.
The train begins to move, and I watch the scenery change outside the window. Fields, forests, and villages blur together as we speed towards the capital. The rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks is soothing, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of events and emotions of the past days. I make my way to the dining section of the train to catch up with the rest. The train journey feels like a brief respite from the chaos, a moment to reflect and gather strength for the days ahead. With the border behind us and the capital ahead, the promise of new beginnings and unforeseen adventures awaits.
As drinks are served in the carriage and the noise level rises, I feel my social battery running low. The unfortunate part is that it's a train; there's nowhere to escape unless I retreat to my private compartment or join the guards on the other side. As everyone gives a toast to the soon-to-be newlyweds, Princess Flora and Prince Maxim, I look around and catch Miss Motan's gaze. I know what that look means—she's not pleased.
"You finally join us," says Maxim. I look up and see it's Prince Malo. He greets everyone, but his gaze lingers on me. As the only standing people in the cabin, all eyes are on us.
"Prince Malo," I say, inclining my head politely. "It's been a while."
"Too long," he replies, his eyes holding mine. "I've missed your presence."
His words are courteous, but there's an undercurrent of something more, something I can't quite place. The room feels smaller, the air thicker, and I know I need to find a way to defuse the situation, all eyes on us.
"I must apologize," I say after a moment. "The journey has been long, and I find myself in need of some fresh air." Prince Malo gives me a way to exit the room.
I make my way out of the compartment and down the narrow corridor of the train, feeling the tension ease with each step. The sound of laughter and conversation fades as I reach the end of the carriage and step outside onto the small platform at the back.
The cool breeze is a welcome relief, and I close my eyes for a moment, letting it wash over me. The landscape rushes by, a blur of greens and blues, and I take a deep breath, trying to center myself.
Footsteps behind me cause me to turn, and I see Vider approaching. His expression is as stoic as ever, but there's a softness in his eyes that wasn't there before.
"Needed a break?" he asks, leaning against the railing next to me.
"Desperately," I admit, a small smile tugging at my lips.
Vider nods, looking out at the passing scenery. "May I stand here?" I look up at him and simply nod.
We stand in companionable silence for a moment, the wind carrying away the remnants of my tension. I steal a glance at him, grateful for his quiet presence.
The moment stretches, and I find myself wanting to know more about this enigmatic man. But before I can say anything, the door to the carriage opens again, and Sinbad steps out.
"There you are," he says, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Trying to escape already?"
"Just needed some air," says Vider and I in unison.
Sinbad smiles, then nods. "Well, did you enjoy the view?" Sinbad shuts the door and I look up at Vider. I can't help but smile. For the first time, he smiles back, and my stomach turns uncomfortably. My cheeks flush with heat.
"May I be excused? I need to freshen up before dinner," I say, excusing myself quickly from the scene without waiting for his response.
***
A knock on the door pulls me from my slumber. Groggily, I sit up, rubbing my eyes as the door opens and Prince Malo steps inside. I can't believe I dozed off.
"Princess Daniella," he says softly, "it's dinner time."
Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I look at him, surprised. "Prince Malo? You didn't have to come to wake me, the handmaidens would have."
He smiles, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I volunteered. Besides, I thought it would be nice to have a moment to talk."
I swing my legs over the side of the bed, standing up and smoothing my dress. "Thank you," I say, still a bit groggy. "I must have been more tired than I thought."
"It was a long journey," Malo replies, stepping aside to let me pass. "And there's still a bit more to go."
Malo steps into my compartment and gently closes the door behind him. "I advise you leave the door open," I say, getting up and heading to open it. He grabs my hand midway and looks at me. "Your Highness, people will think foul of us if we stay in this enclosed space alone."
As I open the door, he says, "I want to discuss that night." I gently close the door of the cabin, realizing it's a much more secretive talk. I cast a noise-proof spell on the door and turn back to face Prince Malo.
"We agreed not to ever speak of it," I whisper, my heart pounding.
"I know," he says. There is a moment of silence as I give him time to think. "Prince Malo, please don't make me feel worse about that night than I already do," I say, trying to diffuse the situation.
"You think I don't feel bad?" he yells, but keeps his voice low. "I feel so damn guilty, and that guilt is haunting me."
I look at him in silence, not knowing what to tell him.
"Let it stay between us forever," I say, holding his hands in mine. "This secret must go with us to the grave. You can't trust anyone. We shall both be ruined if it comes out. Please."
For a moment, we get lost in each other's eyes, and the world outside the cabin ceases to exist. "Princess, have you told anyone?" he asks, his voice trembling with concern.
"It's so foul I can't even tell my plants," I say, prompting a reluctant smile from him. The tension in the room eases slightly, but the weight of our shared secret still hangs heavily between us.