As Jack descended from the terrace, he called out in a gentle, melodious voice, "Princess."
Indravati's heart skipped a beat as she turned around, her eyes locking onto Jack's. Her face lit up with a bright smile, and she exclaimed, "Jack!" However, she quickly clamped her hand over her mouth, her eyes widening in alarm.
She had suddenly remembered that Jack might not like his name, and she didn't want to hurt him again. Her smile faltered, and she looked at Jack with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
Despite her uncertainty, Indravati's feet seemed to move of their own accord, drawing her closer to Jack.
"Hey, how... how have you been?" Princess Indravati stuttered, her awkwardness palpable.
"I'm good," Jack replied, his voice low and smooth, but unable to dispel the tension between them.
The air was thick with unspoken words, and both Indravati and Jack struggled to find their voice. They glanced around, their eyes darting everywhere except at each other, as they both fought to compose themselves. The blush on their cheeks deepened, and they couldn't help but steal glances at each other, only to quickly look away, their faces burning with embarrassment.
This awkward dance continued for what felt like an eternity, until finally, the tension became too much to bear. They locked eyes, and simultaneously, they burst into laughter. The sound was like a dam breaking, releasing all the pent-up emotions and awkwardness.
As they laughed, their faces relaxed, and their smiles returned. They giggled and snickered, the sound filling the air, and for a moment, they forgot about everything else, lost in the joy of each other's company.
Just as they were reveling in the joy of their shared laughter, Jack's eyes darted towards the approaching knights. "Come here!" he whispered urgently, swiftly pulling Indravati into a nearby corner.
They squeezed into the narrow space, their bodies pressed together as they held their breath, watching the knights march by. Jack's eyes remained fixed on the knights, his gaze intense as he waited for them to pass.
Indravati, meanwhile, found herself acutely aware of Jack's proximity. The warmth of his body, the beat of his heart, and the scent of his skin all blended together to create a heady sensation that left her feeling lightheaded and breathless.
As they stood together in the cramped space, Indravati's face flushed with embarrassment. "Umm..." she muttered, her eyes avoiding Jack's.
"It's a bit cramped, huh?" Jack observed, attempting to create some distance between them. However, the narrow space made it impossible, and they remained pressed together.
"I'm sorry, Princess. Please wait for a minute; the knights are still there," Jack whispered, his breath tickling Indravati's ear.
Indravati nodded, her head inadvertently touching Jack's chin. Jack's hands rested against the wall above her, their bodies so close they could hear each other's breathing.
Suddenly, Jack winced. "Ouch!" he exclaimed.
Indravati's eyes widened with concern. "What happened?" she asked softly.
"Nothing, just your headband is a bit sharp; it's poking my chin," Jack whispered.
Indravati's face fell. "Oh no! I'm sorry; it must be painful."
Jack smiled reassuringly. "No, it's just a bit ticklish."
Indravati's voice took on a teasing tone. "Stop lying; I know how sharp it is."
Jack's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Shh!" he whispered, his finger pressed to his lips. "If you don't keep quiet, those knights will find us. And if I'm caught like this with a princess... well, that will be much more painful."
They stood there, frozen in silence, until the knights finally departed.
As the coast cleared, Jack grinned. "Okay, it's clear now. Let's go!" He held out his hand, and Indravati took it without hesitation.
They walked together, leaving the palace and its crowds behind. The path wound its way through a secluded area, eventually leading them to a serene lake. The atmosphere was tranquil, with only the occasional birdcall breaking the silence.
As they sat down together near the lake's edge, Indravati nodded toward her hand, which Jack still held. "Umm... Hey," she said softly.
Jack's eyes met hers, and he smiled sheepishly. "Hmm, what?" he asked.
Indravati's gaze drifted back to their joined hands. "Umm," she whispered, her cheeks flushing.
Jack's face mirrored hers, and he hastily released her hand. "Oh! Yes, I'm sorry," he muttered, his eyes avoiding hers.
They sat together in comfortable silence, watching the lake's calm waters sparkle in the sunlight.
Jack broke the silence, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Say, umm... I didn't ask first, but what are you doing here?" He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I mean, it's your big day, and you're wandering around here."
Indravati's gaze locked onto Jack's, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. "You don't know what I'm doing here," she said, her voice low and mysterious.
Jack's grin widened, his eyes teasing. "Well... I won't know unless you tell me."
Indravati's face suddenly lit up with a radiant smile. "Oh, come on! I came to see you!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in excitement. She turned around, pouting playfully.
Jack's face split into a wide grin, his eyes shining with happiness. "Princess, I'm sorry," he said, trying to placate her.
Indravati's pout deepened, her voice muffled. "Hump."
Jack's chuckle filled the air as he tried to coax her out of her pout. "I'm sorry, I was just teasing you. Please look here, Princess."
Indravati's gaze slowly returned to Jack's, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Hmm..." she murmured, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You're such a tease," Indravati said, her voice filled with laughter.
Jack's eyes widened in mock offense. "No, I'm not!"
Indravati's grin grew wider. "Oh, please, no one can annoy me like you do."
Jack's face lit up with a warm smile. "Well... I don't know if it's good or bad."
Indravati's eyes sparkled with mirth. "Well, it's not a bad thing."
They stood in comfortable silence for a minute, taking in the serene surroundings. Suddenly, Indravati's gaze fell upon two swans swimming in the lake. They were majestic creatures, and as they glided across the water, they formed a heart shape with their bodies.
"Hey! Look at that swan; it's beautiful," Indravati exclaimed, her eyes shining with wonder.
Jack turned to her, a warm smile on his face. "Yes, indeed it is," he said, his eyes never leaving hers.
Indravati's gaze returned to the swans. "Hey, you know, doves are my favorite animal, but I think it might change to swans today. Just look at them; they're amazing."
Jack's eyes sparkled with amusement as he interrupted Indravati's awestruck moment. "Say, why are you not saying my name? I've been noticing you keep calling me 'hey'."
Indravati's cheeks flushed slightly. "Well, you didn't like it in the first place."
Jack's expression turned apologetic. "Well, I'm sorry about that, Princess. I know, I've said way too much that I didn't need to, and I'm sorry I hurted your feelings"
Indravati's voice took on a teasing tone. "Yes you did hurt my feelings"
Jack's eyes dropped, his voice filled with remorse. "Princess, I'm really sorry i was just overreacting and it wasn't that big of a thing, I was just annoyed"
Indravati's smile faltered, and she reached out to touch Jack's arm. "Jack, stop apologizing."
Jack's gaze met hers, and he smiled wryly. "Yes, I'm sorry... I will stop apologizing."
Indravati's laughter filled the air. "Quit it, Jack! You've been saying 'I'm sorry' several times since we met."
Indravati's face turned sheepish. "And I'm sorry too if I ever unknowingly hurt your feelings."
Jack's expression softened. "No, Jack, I know your intentions are not bad."
Jack's voice dropped to a whisper as he muttered to himself, "It was just me getting jealous of a dog."
Indravati's ears perked up, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Pardon?"
Jack's eyes snapped back to hers, a hint of embarrassment on his face. "No... nothing..."
As the afternoon wore on, they continued to chat and laugh together, taking in the breathtaking scenery around them. The warm sun shone down, casting a golden glow over the tranquil lake, and the gentle rustle of the trees in the breeze created a soothing melody. Indravati and Jack sat together, lost in conversation, their words flowing easily as they enjoyed each other's company.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Indravati suddenly realized she was running late. She had promised her brother she would return to the party soon, but hours had slipped by unnoticed as she and Jack lost themselves in conversation.
A pang of worry crossed her face as she turned to Jack.
"Oh no! Oh no! Jack, what should I do?" Indravati exclaimed, panic etched on her face.
"What happened, Princess?" Jack asked, concern lacing his voice.
"I'm late! My brother is going to kill me," Indravati said, her eyes wide with worry. "I need to leave."
"Now?" Jack asked, rising to his feet.
"Right now!" Indravati emphasized, her voice urgent.
"Okay, Princess, let's go," Jack said, offering his arm.
But Indravati hesitated, her expression cautious. "No, you stay here. Brother must have sent some of the men to search for me by now. If we're seen together, it won't be good."
"Okay, Princess, you go first," Jack said, smiling.
Indravati nodded and turned to leave, but then she spun back around, a mischievous glint in her eye. "By the way, it's Indravati. Stop calling me Princess from now on, we're friends, no?"
Jack's face had fallen as he watched Indravati leave, but her words lifted his spirits, and he grinned. "Yes, Princess!" he exclaimed, his happiness evident.
Indravati's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Indra, call me Indra," she corrected him, her voice teasing.
Jack's face lit up with a wide smile. "Indra!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the air, filled with joy and happiness.
To be continued...