Tell me about yourself, Your Highness?" I stuttered.
Rohaan chuckled. "I heard you're learning swordsmanship. Why's that, Princess?"
His gaze intensified.
"I-I just like it," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
Rohaan raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, interesting."
He stood, his movements fluid. "Kaid, please leave us alone."
Kaid bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."
As Kaid exited, my anxiety spiked.
Rohaan sat beside me, his proximity unsettling.
"Princess, I can call you Athanasia, right?" His eyes sparkled.
I nodded, surprised. "Y-yes, of course, Your Highness."
Rohaan smirked. "Athanasia, call me Rohan. Okay?"
"Bu-but Your Highness—"
He interrupted, his voice firm. "It's an order. Say my name, Athanasia."
I hesitated, then whispered, "Prince Rohan."
Rohaan's smile widened. "No, no. Just Rohan."
He pinched my cheeks, his touch sending shivers.
"You're so cute."
Rohaan grasped my hand. "Let's stroll in the garden and have tea."
I felt trapped, unsure how to react.
Seated amidst vibrant flowers and towering trees, under the open sky, I held a delicate tea cup. Rohaan faced me, his intense gaze unsettling.
Why was he staring? It felt awkward...
"Athanasia," he whispered, his smile mischievous.
I flinched. "Y-yes, Your Highness."
Rohaan chuckled. "Athanasia, it's Rohan. Say Rohan."
I repeated, "Rohan."
He beamed. "Good. You'll get used to it."
Rohaan's hand covered mine, his touch warm.
"Athanasia, will you visit me tomorrow?"
I hesitated. "My my apologies Rohan but I-I'm busy tomorrow."
Rohaan's expression softened. "It's okay, Athanasia. Come anytime. We're friends now, right?"
Forced smile. "Y-yes."
Rohaan's lilac eyes sparkled, his grip tightening slightly.
"I'll send a carriage for you soon."
My heart skipped a beat.
I forced a smile. "Yes, I'll try."
"Your Highness... Rohan, I should leave now. It's late."
Rohan's grip on my hand tightened, his expression turning melancholy.
"Do you have to go, Athanasia?"
I stuttered, "W-well, Rohan, Grandpa Kan said—"
Rohan's eyes sparkled, interrupting me.
"Your butler, right? I understand."
He smiled, releasing my hand.
"Go, Athanasia. Bye."
Rohan waved, his lilac eyes lingering on mine.
I mirrored his gesture.
"Bye, Your Highness."
I turned to leave, feeling Rohaan's gaze follow me.
Upon returning home, Grandpa Kan rushed toward me, concern etched on his face.
"Princess Athanasia, are you quite well? Did the Crown Prince treat you with respect?"
"I'm fine, Grandpa. I merely shared tea with His Highness Rohan."
Grandpa Kan's tension eased, replaced by a warm smile.
Next morning, during sword practice, a maid rushed in, huff huff huff...breathless.
"Your Highness, Crown Prince Rohan has arrived."
I stumbled, surprised. "what why?, what brings His Highness here?"
The maid curtsied. "I'm unsure, Princess."
Inside, Rohaan sat on the sofa, beaming.
"Greetings, My princess Athanasia. As you declined visiting me, I thought I'd join you instead."
I curtsied. "Your Highness... Rohan."
Rohaan approached, grasping my hand.
"May I join your sword practice?"
I hesitated. "huh what , ah..no i mean As you wish,Prince Rohan."
Rohaan smiled, leading me to the training field.
"Shall we begin?"
"yes".
"In the training field, Athanasia, shall we engage in a match?" Rohaan asked, eyes sparkling.
"But, Your Highness—" I protested.
Rohaan's grin widened. "Afraid I'll hurt you, or do you think you're stronger, Princess Athanasia?"
"N-no, Your Highness, it's nothing like that," I stammered.
Rohaan chuckled. "Let's begin, then."
With a nod, our instructors announced, "Commence!"
The sword fight began.
Clashing steel echoed through the field as Rohaan and I danced, our blades entwined. His skill surpassed mine, yet I refused to yield.
Rohaan parried my attack, his lilac eyes gleaming. "You're impressive, Athanasia."
I countered, our swords clashing fiercely.
The match intensified, our movements swift and precise. Rohaan's smile fueled my determination.
Suddenly, Rohaan landed a swift blow, sending my sword flying. I stood defenseless.
Rohaan approached, his chest heaving. "Yield?"
Panting, I nodded. "I yield."
Rohaan offered his hand, helping me rise. "Well fought, Athanasia."
Crown Prince Rohan sheathed his sword, his piercing gaze holding Athanasia's. "Princess, why wield a sword when a man can ensure your protection?"
Athanasia's countenance radiated determination. "I seek to safeguard my loved ones and myself, Your Highness. No gentleman's protection is required."
Rohan's eyes mesmerized by hers, he dropped his sword. Closing the distance, his hand gently cradled Athanasia's face; the other tenderly entwined in her golden tresses.
"Athanasia, you possess an enchanting quality... though I struggle to define it."
Rohan's fingers delicately toyed with her locks.
"Your Highness—"
"Athanasia, when we are alone, address me as Rohan," he whispered, brushing stray strands behind her ear.
Athanasia's cheeks flushed.
"Yes, Rohan."
Rohan's smile lingered, releasing Athanasia. "Now, I shall take my leave. Farewell, Athanasia."
Strolling away, he waved.
"No need for tea. My sole purpose was seeing you. Until soon, Athanasia."
Athanasia's soft reply followed. "Indeed... until soon, Your Highness."