Maya froze, her hand still holding the edge of her veil, her face half-revealed as she dabbed at the sweat that had formed from her long day of work. The familiar figure in the doorway stole her breath away—the same tall, striking man she had bumped into earlier. This time, he was closer, and his gaze lingered on her, studying her as though he were trying to piece together a puzzle.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Maya's pulse quickened as his piercing blue eyes settled on her, an intensity in them that made her self-conscious, especially with the veil pulled back. She felt a warmth rise to her cheeks and quickly adjusted her veil to cover her face fully.
The prince cleared his throat, seeming to snap out of his own trance. "Forgive me," he began, a slightly awkward smile touching his lips. "I seem to have wandered into the wrong room. I was... well, searching for the washroom."
Maya bowed her head, the formality of his voice contrasting with the faint glimmer of something else in his eyes. "Apologies," she murmured, straightening. "It's just down the hall to the left," she added, keeping her voice soft but steady, hoping it masked her nerves.
Prince Alexus nodded, but he didn't turn to leave right away. Instead, his gaze stayed on her, curiosity evident in his expression. "You're the same person I bumped into earlier, aren't you?"
Maya felt her breath catch, and she nodded, not daring to say anything further. The prince tilted his head slightly, almost as if trying to see through the veil. He seemed on the verge of speaking again when a sound down the hall interrupted them.
The prince glanced back toward the noise, then looked at her once more, his expression unreadable. "Thank you... again," he finally said, a hint of warmth in his tone. Without another word, he stepped back, casting one last lingering look before turning away and disappearing down the hall.
The prince returned, a slightly sheepish look on his face, his hand rubbing the back of his head. "I apologize for being such a nuisance, but… could you remind me of the directions to the washroom? I seem to have gotten myself turned around," he admitted, his tone laced with embarrassment.
Maya, seeing she'd finished tidying the room, nodded with a faint smile. "As an apology for bumping into you earlier, allow me to lead you there myself," she said, gesturing for him to follow as she began to walk.
As Maya led the way through the winding halls, Alexus couldn't help but be drawn to her quiet elegance. Her steps were light and graceful, her posture poised, yet there was a humility in the way she moved—a gentleness he wasn't accustomed to seeing in his world of royal formality. The blue gown she wore fit her well, accentuating her movements in a way that seemed almost effortless. He caught himself studying the soft bounce of her hair with each step and the graceful sway of her gown.
So lost was he in his thoughts that he almost didn't catch her voice as she spoke. She'd asked something, her words a gentle murmur that brought him back to the present.
"Pardon?" he replied, realizing he hadn't quite heard her.
Maya paused, glancing back with a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I was just asking… if I might know your name, sir," she repeated, her voice soft, polite.
Maya's soft voice pulled Alexus from his thoughts, and he blinked, realizing they had reached the door to the washroom. For a moment, he was caught off guard by how intently he had been watching her—every step, every gentle sway of her dress, the way she moved with a quiet confidence. There was something captivating in her presence, something that made her feel different from anyone else he'd met.
The prince straightened, giving her a polite nod. "Apologies," he said, his voice warmer than he'd intended. "I seem to be the one who's distracted now. My name is Alexus." He offered a slight, almost bashful smile, trying to mask the curiosity that lingered in his gaze.
"Thank you for showing me the way, Miss...?"
Maya hesitated, unsure if she should reveal her name. She felt the weight of the prince's gaze, and a warmth crept into her cheeks. "Maya, sir," she replied softly, lowering her eyes as a polite gesture, though a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "And... it was no trouble."
There was a moment of silence as they stood in the narrow hallway, the soft torchlight casting flickering shadows on the walls. The air seemed to thicken between them, an unspoken tension lingering in the quiet.
"Well, Maya, I apologize for the confusion," Alexus said, his voice softening slightly. "I'm grateful you helped me find my way." His tone held a hint of amusement, and she couldn't help but notice the way his eyes lit up when he spoke.
Maya bowed her head once more, hoping to hide the flutter in her chest. "It was my pleasure, Alexus," she replied, keeping her voice steady, though her heart raced.
Just as she turned to leave, he spoke again. "Perhaps... if I get lost again, you might be so kind as to guide me?" His words held a playful tone, but there was a sincerity beneath it, an invitation to an unspoken connection.
Maya paused, glancing back at him. "Of course, Alexus. But I'll hope you won't need rescuing again," she replied, her own smile finally breaking free, a rare, brief moment where she allowed herself to meet his gaze.
Alexus chuckled softly, watching her disappear down the corridor before finally turning toward the washroom. For the first time since he'd arrived in Eldoria, he felt a strange sense of excitement—a curiosity about a woman who was, by all rights, a mystery he couldn't ignore.
Prince Alexus returned to the banquet hall, where soft music floated through the air, mingling with the low hum of laughter and conversation. The lively atmosphere welcomed him back, and he took a moment to take it all in before the king noticed him.
"Ah, Prince Alexus!" the king called, raising his goblet. "Come, join us! This is Eldoria's finest wine. Let's drink and make merry!"
Alexus accepted the offered wine, the rich, robust taste warming him as he took a sip. A pleasant buzz crept in, adding a touch of excitement. As he listened to the enchanting music, he found himself moving subtly to its rhythm, letting the melody seep into him.
He glanced across the hall and noticed Princess Samantha seated nearby, her gown glimmering in the candlelight. Seized by a sudden impulse, Alexus approached her with a charming smile, extending his hand. "Princess, would you honor me with a dance?"
A hint of surprise softened her features, but she smiled and placed her hand in his, rising gracefully. Together, they moved to the center of the hall, their movements blending perfectly in sync. They danced with a natural ease, each step and turn flowing into the next, and Alexus could see the joy in the king's eyes as he watched them.
Inspired by the scene, the king turned to the queen, his eyes warm with affection. "My queen, may I have this dance?"
Taking his hand, the queen joined him, and soon others followed, the hall filling with couples swaying to the rhythm. The night came alive with laughter and movement, every person swept up in the magic of the moment, sharing in the music, wine, and a sense of togetherness that lingered in the air like a sweet melody.
As the dance continued, Princess Samantha suddenly caught sight of a shadowed figure lingering near the back of the room. Her smile faded, and she glanced back at Prince Alexus apologetically. "I'm sorry, I'll be right back," she murmured before slipping away, leaving Alexus standing alone in the center of the hall.
Feeling the sudden stillness, Alexus decided to make his way to the terrace. Stepping outside, he let the cool night air brush over him as he looked out at the moonlit landscape. The silver light bathed the rooftops, creating a shimmering blanket across the kingdom of Eldoria, with the soft notes of music drifting out from the banquet hall behind him. The view was breathtaking, filling him with a quiet sense of peace.
"Sir, are you all right?" came a familiar voice from behind. Alexus turned to see his royal advisor, Angus, standing nearby, concern softening his usual serious expression.
A smile tugged at the prince's lips. "Yes, Angus, I am. Isn't it peaceful? The slow music, a glass of fine wine in my hand, and this view… It's almost perfect."
Angus joined him, nodding in agreement as he looked out at the scene. "Eldoria certainly has its charms," he said thoughtfully. "Though I don't recall the last time I saw you this… contemplative."
Alexus chuckled, his gaze never leaving the moonlit horizon. "Perhaps this place is bringing something out in me," he admitted. "Or maybe it's just that tonight feels… different."
Angus studied him, his advisor's intuition sensing more beneath the surface. But he chose to let it rest, allowing Alexus his moment of quiet. They stood there in comfortable silence, with the soft strains of music and the shimmering lights of Eldoria spread out below, as if they had stepped into a dream.
The princess returned, her cheeks flushed, and she found Prince Alexus gazing out at the moon. She approached him hesitantly, noticing the calm, almost wistful look in his eyes as he leaned against the railing, his wine glass nearly empty.
"I apologize for leaving you unattended," she said softly, feeling a hint of embarrassment. "It's hardly the mark of a good host."
Alexus turned, offering her a gentle, slightly tipsy smile. "No need to worry, Princess. This view… it kept me fine company," he replied, his words relaxed, the warmth of the wine evident in his voice.
She let out a small laugh, charmed by his unexpected honesty. "I see the wine has done its work," she teased.
Alexus chuckled, glancing down at the glass in his hand. "I'd say it has," he admitted. "But as you can see, I might be a bit… well, let's say I'm pleasantly dazed." He straightened up, setting the glass down. "I should probably head to my chambers before I say anything embarrassing."
He inclined his head in a playful bow, but his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, as though drawn to her warmth and grace in the soft glow of moonlight. The princess felt a flicker of something unspoken pass between them before he gave her one last nod and turned to leave.
"Goodnight, my prince," she called softly after him.
He paused briefly, giving her a smile over his shoulder. "Goodnight, Princess," he replied, his voice warm before he continued down the hallway, leaving her with the echo of his parting words in the stillness of the night.