Junior said with a smile spreading across his face, "Nice to meet you, Emma. Hope we'll get to know each other better." He then turned and gave a subtle gesture to one of the knights standing behind him.
The knight stepped forward, carrying a paper bag in his gloved hands. "Here it is, Your Majesty," the knight said respectfully as he extended the bag toward Junior.
"Thanks," Junior replied, taking the bag with ease. He turned back to Emma and stretched it out toward her. "Take it. It's yours."
"What?" Emma murmured, her hands trembling slightly as she accepted the bag. She quickly opened it and gasped when she saw what was inside,the loaf of bread she had stolen earlier. Her wide, brown eyes darted to Junior, her face a mixture of shock and confusion.
Before she could say anything, Junior spoke "Don't worry," his voice calm and reassuring, a warm smile lighting up his face. "I've already paid the seller for the bread you took."
Emma stared at him, her mouth opening slightly as if to speak, but no words came out. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the prince's actions. Why would he, of all people, do this for her? She tightened her grip on the bag, her gaze lowering for a moment before she looked back at him, her voice hesitant. "Why are you helping me?"
Junior chuckled softly at her question, his smile growing a bit wider, his expression relaxed but sincere. Emma tilted her head, confusion and suspicion clear in her eyes. "Why are you smiling? Was my question really that funny?" she asked, her tone edged with curiosity.
"No, sorry," Junior said, shaking his head slightly. "I didn't mean it like that." He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before continuing. "If I were to explain it..." His words trailed off as his gaze lingered on her face. Finally, he said with unflinching honesty, "It's because I love you, and I just want to help you."
Emma's breath caught, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, but the astonishment was written plainly across her face.
A sharp gasp broke the tension. "What?!" Helen exclaimed from behind Junior, her voice louder than she intended. She froze as everyone walking in the surrounding including Junior, Emma, and the two knightsturned to look at her. Realizing her outburst, her cheeks burned crimson. "I'm sorry, Master," she stammered, quickly lowering her head to hide her embarrassment.
Junior let out a light, good-natured laugh, waving her off. "Don't worry about it," he said, his tone easy. Then he turned back to Emma, his smile softening. His gaze met hers, steady and genuine, waiting for her answers to his honest reply but what he saw instead was something he couldn't explain with words.
Emma's cheeks had turned a deep shade of red, her gaze dropping instantly to the ground. She clutched the paper bag tightly against her chest, her fingers trembling as she tried to process what Junior had just said. It was the first time anyone had ever confessed to her, and the unexpectedness of it left her completely at a loss for words.
"I..." she started, her voice barely above a whisper, but the words caught in her throat. She couldn't bring herself to look up, her heart pounding so loudly it was all she could hear. Her eyes darted everywhere except toward Junior, her embarrassment palpable in the way she fidgeted with the edge of her cloak.
Junior noticed her reaction and chuckled softly, his warm, kind smile never faltering. "Hey, you don't have to say anything right now," he said gently, his tone soothing. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
Emma's grip on the bag tightened, and she managed a small nod, still unable to meet his eyes. Her thoughts were a whirlwind confusion, disbelief, and a tiny flicker of something she couldn't quite name. She peeked at him for a brief moment, only for her gaze to drop again, her face growing even warmer.
Helen, standing nearby, watched the scene unfold with a conflicted expression. She crossed her arms and muttered under her breath, "Idiot Junior…" but her voice was laced with frustration she couldn't fully mask.
The knights exchanged curious glances but stayed silent, sensing that this moment was far more personal than any they were used to witnessing.
Junior shifted slightly, trying to ease the tension. "Emma," he said, his voice soft but steady, "you're free to think whatever you want about me. But I just wanted to be honest with you."
Emma took a shaky breath, her voice barely audible as she mumbled, "I… don't know what to say."
"That's okay," Junior replied with a reassuring smile. "Take your time. You don't have to say anything you're not ready for."
"Thank you, but I think it's time I start heading home," stammered Emma, her voice trembling as she quickly rose from the bench. She clutched the paper bag to her chest as though it could shield her from the overwhelming emotions swirling inside her.
As she stepped away, she was suddenly stopped in her tracks by a gentle but firm hand gripping her own. She froze, her heart skipping a beat.
"Can I go with you?" Junior asked, his voice low and serious, his tone softer than she expected. His gaze was intent, and he leaned slightly closer to ensure that Helen and the two knights standing nearby couldn't overhear. "I want to see the place where you live."
Emma's eyes widened, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red. She quickly understood his intent but found herself fumbling for words. "But, Your Majesty… the place isn't worth your sight," she stammered, her eyes darting left and right to avoid his piercing gaze.
Junior shook his head, his expression unwavering. "It doesn't matter. I just want to see where you live. Please, let me," he said, his tone earnest and unwavering.
Emma's lips parted, but all she could manage was, "But… but…" Her voice trailed off as panic and uncertainty warred within her.
Junior gently cupped her chin, tilting her face up to meet his eyes. His touch was light, but his words carried weight. "Emma," he said softly, his voice steady and reassuring, "I know you're worried about me causing trouble, but I promise I won't. Please, believe me."
Her breath hitched, and her cheeks burned hotter under his gaze. She quickly turned her face away, her pulse racing. "O-okay, Your Majesty," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Then, after a pause, she added with hesitation, "But… your knights… you can't bring them. The children in the orphanage have a bad past with them."
Junior nodded without hesitation, his smile calm and understanding. "Okay. I'll keep both Helen and the knights off our tracks."