Elara turned to Evander, a sly smile playing on her lips. "I must say, Evander, I'm quite tired too. I will be retiring to my room now!" she announced, her tone light and airy, but with an undercurrent of excitement that she couldn't quite conceal.
Evander's eyebrows shot up, a flicker of surprise crossing his usually composed features. "But princess, it's the middle of the day... you never go to bed this early. Are you feeling ill?" he asked, his voice laced with concern, as he quickly stepped forward and placed a hand on her forehead.
"Don't be silly, Evander, I'm quite alright," she stated, brushing his hand away with a dismissive flick of her wrist. "Just a bit tired, that's all," she continued, clutching the note hidden within her glove.
"Well... alright then, princess, I shall escort you to your room," he said, his gaze lingering on her for a moment, as if trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind her words.
Elara smiled and nodded, turning on her heel with a newfound spring in her step. As they walked towards her chambers, Evander's mind raced. He knew her too well to believe her sudden fatigue. They had known each other for a lifetime, his duty to guard her extending back to their childhood, when he was just a young boy and she a mischievous princess.
She probably just wants to fantasize about that king, he thought, his jaw tightening involuntarily. The thought, for some reason, sent a wave of unease through him.
"Well, alright then, princess, I bid you goodnight," Evander said, bowing slightly as she slipped into her room with a quick curtsy.
Behind the closed door, Elara clutched the note to her chest, her heart pounding with anticipation. With trembling fingers, she unfolded the delicate paper.
My dear princess,
You and me tonight at the entrance of the Whispering Woods. I invite you to tea. Around 17:00 pm.
Lucian.
Elara's heart fluttered with an intoxicating mix of excitement and anticipation. Lucian's invitation was a dream come true – tea with the king, and in the Whispering Woods, no less! The woods were renowned throughout the kingdom, a place of breathtaking beauty, where villagers strung delicate fairy lights among the ancient trees and cascading waterfalls shimmered in the twilight.
A plan began to form in Elara's mind. Evander, ever vigilant, would never allow her to venture out alone. She would have to be stealthy, a task not typically suited to a princess accustomed to being surrounded by guards.
She quickly changed into a gown of soft, flowing silk, designed for both elegance and freedom of movement. Peeking cautiously through her door, she saw no sign of Evander. With a quick, silent prayer, she slipped out of her chambers.
Elara sped through the castle corridors, her footsteps muffled by the thick carpets, her eyes darting from side to side to ensure she remained unseen. But her luck ran out when she collided with a solid, unyielding chest.
"Princess!?" Evander's voice, laced with surprise and concern, filled the air. He quickly steadied her, his hands gently gripping her arms. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
"Oh, Evander!" Elara exclaimed, rubbing her nose, a sheepish smile spreading across her face. "I'm fine, perfectly fine."
"Where are you headed?" he asked, crossing his arms, his gaze sharp and questioning.
Elara, caught red-handed, hesitated. "Nowhere..." she mumbled, her smile turning awkward.
Evander's gaze intensified, his expression unwavering. He had only to look at her for a moment longer before she confessed.
"Fine!" she blurted out, her cheeks flushing. "I was on my way to the Whispering Woods... I've been invited... for tea." A blush deepened on her cheeks as she admitted her rendezvous.
Evander's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. "Oh. You know you're not allowed outside the castle without your royal guard," he stated, his arms still crossed.
"Oh, come on, Evander! Please!" Elara pleaded, her voice laced with a playful sweetness. She knew her "cute face" was her most effective weapon against him.
Evander sighed, his resolve weakening. "Fine. Only if I go with you."
Elara sighed in defeat. "Just don't show yourself. Hide," she instructed, her tone firm. Evander nodded, a silent agreement passing between them.