As the sun dips below the horizon, the terrace transforms into a canvas of warm, golden hues. Delicate string lights, draped elegantly along the iron railing, twinkle like stars awakening in the twilight. Lanterns, each holding flickering candles, cast a soft, inviting glow, their light dancing gently in the evening breeze.
Gradually, the sky shifts from vibrant oranges and pinks to deep purples and blues, casting long shadows across the terrace. The atmosphere becomes almost ethereal. The city below begins to sparkle, its lights mirroring the stars above, creating a breathtaking backdrop for my meeting with Robert.
We sit on chairs woven from the finest reeds, their cool touch a welcome contrast to the lingering warmth of the day. A small table laden with delicate porcelain and silver utensils holds plates of traditional snacks—delicate pastries with powdered sugar dust, savory dumplings with spiced meat filling, and sweet, sticky dates drizzled with honey.
A gentle breeze, a whisper of the approaching night, ruffles our hair and rustles the leaves of the trees surrounding the terrace. The palace maids, their movements as graceful as the dance of butterflies, move among us, offering steaming cups of fragrant tea, the aroma mingling with the scent of flowers blooming in the palace gardens.
The world seems to hold its breath, waiting for the stars to emerge and paint the velvet night sky. The air is filled with a sense of enchantment and anticipation. As we begin to converse, I find myself captivated by his charm and intelligence. "Tell me about yourself," he encourages, his gaze steady and sincere.
I briefly tell him about myself, my family, and my kingdom. I want to find out if he knows my exact role in our army, so I ask him, "Your Highness, you are the Crown Prince of the most powerful kingdom in Miloria. Why are you interested in a Princess from a small kingdom?"
As I finish my question, I watch closely for his reaction. A subtle smile plays on his lips, one that seems to hold a secret. His words, smooth as velvet, send chills through my body.
He leans closer, his gaze unwavering, and the scent of his cologne—a fragrant mix of spice and woodsmoke—fills my senses. "Ah, Princess Alexandra," he begins, his voice a low rumble, "it's not merely your status that intrigues me. It's the strength and resilience you show for your kingdom. You carry the weight of your kingdom with grace, and that is a quality I deeply admire."
Inside, a storm of emotions brews within me. He knows about my role in the army, my struggles, my hard works, and my triumphs in wars.
He continues, his tone earnest, "In a world where power often overshadows compassion, I find it refreshing to meet someone who embodies both. Your kingdom may be small, but your spirit is anything but. I believe that true strength lies not in the size of one's territory, but in the heart of its leader."
"Tell me," he adds, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "what dreams do you hold for your kingdom? I would love to hear your vision for the future."
He leans back slightly, allowing me space to respond, all the while maintaining an air of intrigue. He knows that by engaging me in this way, he can draw me closer, making me feel seen and understood.
I can sense that he knows everything about me. His aura, demeanor, body language, and expressions—all the little details about him remind me of Xavier. I can't be certain, but my heart pounds violently in my chest. I can't shake the feeling that he might be that demon. What can I do to confirm my suspicions?
As I observe him more closely, I notice the way his eyes flicker with an intensity that feels both familiar and unsettling. There's a confidence in his posture, a subtle grace in his movements that echoes the memories I have of Xavier. It's as if he carries an energy that draws me in, yet simultaneously sends a shiver down my spine.
I find myself grappling with a mix of curiosity and fear. What if he truly is the demon? The thought makes me feel a cold dread, but I can't help but be intrigued.
I need to gather more information to understand the truth behind this unsettling connection.
If he is really that demon, then he saved me from certain death before and took care of me for almost his entire life on Earth.
I understand he is anything but my enemy. But he has done so much for me; for what reason? I need to know more about him.
Perhaps I could engage him in conversation, probing gently to see if he reveals anything that might confirm my suspicions. He might slip up, revealing something that would give him away.
Alternatively, I could observe him from a distance, watching how he interacts with others. Are there moments when his facade cracks, revealing something darker beneath?
I know I must tread carefully. The stakes are high, and I can't afford to make a mistake. I need to uncover the truth, but how far am I willing to go to find it? I wonder…