Chapter 3

ALEX

My mind never stopped wandering back to the green-eyed lady I met last afternoon. Our meeting was not exactly a wonderful first impression but she interests me and I want to know more about her.

Two swift knocks on my door and it swung open

"Your Highness, the king requires your attention in the throne room," Clint said quickly.

It must be a serious issue. I dragged myself quickly from my window seat and headed to the hallway.

"You called, father," I said arriving in the throne room minutes later

"Yes," he said as he stood up from his lavish throne, his eyes stared at me seriously. "England has waged war against the kingdom" His shoulders were tensed and there were bags under his eyes formed.

My mouth had gaped open for a moment before a frown appeared on my forehead

"What happened to the negotiations we sent?" I asked

"It appears they are unwilling to give up the territory. Their instructions were we either give it to them in peace or they take it by force." He said

"We need that territory" I spoke my thoughts out loud and both father and I shared a look

Both understanding what that meant, for ourselves, our kingdom.

Moments passed before father hailed Clint into the room, who had been previously standing on guard outside the main entrance to the throne room.

"Ready our strongest men, we have the battle to prepare for," He told him.

***

"Where are we going today," Clint asked

"To look for the lady from yesterday" I answered quickly.

"Please tell me you're joking" Clint shook his head in disapproval

I didn't reply to him as I finished tying my laces to my tarnished boots. I had to change back to my uncomfortable breeches and my long cloak. We'd have to be especially careful again this time, as we don't usually leave the castle until late afternoon to the evening.

Once we'd passed the final castle outpost much to Clint's distress to be sneaking out again. We began a short distance to the market. By the time we arrived, most of the bustling market had settled down and shop owners were packing away their stalls. As we rounded the fountain that centered the market, her blonde hair was what first caught my sight. She was packing up her stall and I made my way towards her. Her back was to me as she folded and put away the crops she hadn't sold. The smirk on my face grew wider as I watched her jump in fright when she turned to face me. But it only lasted a second, before the expression became nonchalant.

"What do you want?" she asked with an edge

"Why, shouldn't you be speaking to a customer with a little more respect?" I raised my eyebrow at her. Clint stood off to my side a couple of meters away.

"We're closed for the day," she said

A pinch of disappointment, I felt in my heart.

"You still owe me a thank you" I reminded

She picked up her burlap sack and turned to face me.

"I owe you nothing" she replied with a deep frown and turned to leave.

Then I held her by her arm stopping her in her movement. What am I doing? She looked at me with surprise and I let go of her arm quickly

"Let me buy you a drink," I said as my smile returned to my face.

She turned to me with her arms folded and gave me an unsure look. And my smile deepened.

We got to a local inn where most of the soldiers usually hangout. I've been here a few times with Clint to know what food outside the palace tastes like. And it's amazing.

"Your Order," the lady asked in a rough accent.

"We'll have three bottles of wine," I said as my eyes caught hers staring intently at me and I smiled. "And chicken" I added

She lifted a brow at me. Every part of her was exciting to me. I wanted to know her much more. Her skin was fairly light mostly from sun-burn. The dress she wore was faded, quite obvious she wasn't from a well-heeled home, but that is none of my concern. Her hair flowed and part of it somewhat covered her eye. She would sometimes use her hand to take the hair back. My eyes never left her and a relentless smile was on my face. I noticed she was getting edgy but she did know how to control herself

"What," she asked sharply

"Enjoy" The lady interjected, dropped our food, and left instantly.

She faced the food and I noticed how bright her face had become.

"I still don't know your name" I grinned

"I don't unveil personal information to strangers" she smirked.

This was the first time I saw her smile. She was teasing me.

"Oh really, but you do accept meals don't you...from strangers" I emphasized.

"Well so long it's to my benefit, then it's good for me" she smiled.

"I'm Alex," I said.

"Hmm, fascinating," she said as she took another morsel from her chicken.

I had not touched mine, I was finding her much more interesting than the chicken.

"So what do you do for a living?" she asked

Darn it. I was not ready for that question. I never expected such a question from her. I don't work. As a prince, all I do is stay by Father's side and assist with whatever is needed. And also make plans for wars, events and also order around.

"I.....um" I looked at Clint who had a quizzical look on his face. "A soldier" I added. "Yes a soldier," I said with reassurance

"Really" she raised an eyebrow noticing my rickety moment.

"Of course. I go for wars and also help in the palace" I said.

"Oh wow, you work in the palace? That's nice" she smiled.

Pfft, I live there.

"Have you been to the palace before?" I asked

"Nope. I've never" she said.

Interesting.

"I guess your friend here also is a soldier," she said looking at Clint who was beside me.

"Actually...I'm a tax collector" he said mordantly and I nudged him and she stifled a laugh.

I leaned closer to the table and concentrated my face on hers which was a few distances away from mine. I could sense her nervousness set in and that triggered a smile on my face.

"What do you say? Would you like to be friends?" I probed

She dimmed her eyes "I can't be friends with a pervert" she stated and my mouth fell at her declaration.

"It was an honest mistake," I said as I leaned back on my chair.

"Yeah sure," she smiled as she downed her wine.

We were finally done with our food and left the inn. The sun had finally set but the evening was still young.

"Thank you for the meal," she said as we walked back to where she sold her vegetables.

"You're welcome" I smiled and paused awhile. "You still haven't told me your name" I reminded nervously.

She smiled. "Hmm. Your loss" she said and walked ahead.

"Okay then. I guess I'll get it some other time" I said undertone.

I watched her as she raised herself on the horse, then she turned to face me

"Mia" she smiled. "The name's Mia," she said as rode off

"Mia," I said as a smile found its way on my face.