Three days passed in a blur, each moment loaded with anticipation. At last, the day of Prince Maximillian's arrival dawned, and Adela found herself standing in the palace courtyard, dressed in her finest gown, the sun reflecting off the gold and jewels that adorned her. Her hair was pulled into an updo, and her face was devoid of emotion, a carefully crafted mask of indifference.
"Oh, to be a fly on the wall when he arrives," a maid whispered to her fellow servant, her eyes dreamy. "They say he's as handsome as the stars in the night sky and as charming as the devil himself. He could have any woman he desires, and here he is, coming to court our princess!"
The other servant sighed wistfully.
Adela bristled at the gossip, and went back to her unconscious behaviour, biting her tongue to prevent a retort. She knew better than to engage with servants, but she couldn't help but feel irritated by their words. She had no desire to be treated like a prize to be won, and the thought of being paraded in front of some love-struck prince made her stomach turn.
Just then, the trumpets blared, announcing the arrival of Prince Maximillian. Adela's annoyance quickly gave way to wariness as she watched the prince dismount from his horse, his armour glinting in the sunlight.
The prince approached, his gaze landing on Adela, and she stiffened, standing as tall as she could manage, her expression straight and unimpressed.
Maximillian's eyes danced with amusement as he continued to walk, closing the distance between them with slow, deliberate steps. Adela's heart drummed in her chest as she fought to maintain her composure. There was something magnetic about the prince, something that made her want to listen to the whispers of the servants to give in to the pull of his charm.
"Ah, but gossip has a way of revealing the truth, does it not?" Maximillian's voice was low and seductive.
"Princess Adela," the prince said, his voice deep and smooth. "It is an honour to finally meet you. I have heard tales of your beauty, but they do not do you justice."
Adela raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "And I have heard tales of your charm, Your Highness. But I would not place much faith in gossip."
Maximillian's own smile faltered just slightly, his eyes narrowing in what seemed to be amusement.
"Perhaps it does," Adela replied, her voice calm despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "But I prefer to judge for myself."
Maximillian chuckled, a sound that sent a shiver down Adela's spine. "Then I shall endeavour to give you ample opportunity to do so, Princess."
Adela's face heated as he took his seat, his gaze never leaving hers.
"Your eyes," Maximillian began, his voice like silk. "They are like emeralds sparkling in the sunlight, a verdant field of promise and mystery. Your hair, like a cascade of molten gold, framing a face that could launch a thousand ships."
Adela felt her cheeks flush, but she held his gaze, her expression inscrutable.
"And your smile," he continued, his voice husky and intimate. "It is a thing of wonder, like the sun breaking through the clouds after a storm, a beacon of light in a world of darkness."
Adela's smile faltered slightly, her gaze softening ever so slightly. "You're very good with words, Your Highness," she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Maximillian smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Words are only as good as the person they're directed to. In your case, words seem insufficient to capture the essence of your beauty."
"I've heard tales of your love for the wild, for the majesty of the forest and the roar of the sea." Maximillian's voice took on a dreamy, wistful quality. "And in you, I see those things reflected—the beauty of the world, untamed and unconstrained, yet also refined and elegant in its wildness."
Adela's smile faded for a moment, replaced by a look of surprise. It seemed even she was not immune to such eloquent words.
Maximillian held her gaze, his own expression steady and confident. "It's not every day that I meet a woman who can hold my attention like this," he said, his voice low and intimate. "And I can't help but wonder—what other hidden depths might you possess?"
Adela's brow furrowed as she searched his face for any hint of deception. But all she saw was sincerity and admiration.
"The depths of my being are as vast and unknowable as the deepest ocean," Adela replied a hint of challenge in her voice. "But if you're willing to dive deep, you may find treasures beyond your wildest dreams."
A playful smirk tugged at the corners of Maximillian's mouth. "Challenge accepted," he said, bowing slightly. "And I have a feeling that diving into your depths will be an adventure unlike any other."
"Adventure, you say?" Adela arched an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in her expression. "And just what kind of adventure do you have in mind?"
"That," Maximillian said, his eyes twinkling, "is for you to discover. But I assure you, it will be one that will make even the bravest of souls quiver with anticipation. For the journey we're about to undertake is not for the faint of heart." He paused, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "But trust me when I say, it will be one that neither of us will ever forget."
Adela chuckled, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Very well, Your Highness. Let the adventure begin."
As the two of them turned and walked toward the palace, the sun began to set, casting its golden light across the courtyard and bathing them both in its warm glow. And though the shadows were lengthening, they felt their spirits rising, eager to begin their journey, whatever it might bring.
Suddenly, Maximillian paused, fishing a small package from within his cloak. He presented it to Adela with a flourish. "A small token of my admiration," he said with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Adela took the package, unwrapping it to reveal a stunning bracelet of gold and emeralds. "A beautiful piece," she said, her smile widening despite herself. "Your taste is impeccable."
The young prince simply smiled and nodded.
As the sun's golden rays started to settle low, Adela found herself lost in thought, her mind wrestling with the newfound intrigue that Prince Maximillian had brought. His kiss on her cheek, gentle as it was, remained on her skin, and a smile played at the corners of her lips as she considered the possibilities that lay before her.
"Until we meet again." The prince said and entered the car to hit the road.