Chapter 5

ALEX

It was very impossible for me to get Mia out of my head. I liked her from the very moment my eyes fell on her. She was captivating, interesting and just different from the norm.

"You've been staring at the ceiling for a while now, are you okay Your Highness?" Clint asked

"I am" I said smiling as I turned to face him.

"The King and Sir Cornelius went out hunting. His instruction was for you to have your eyes all round before his return" He said

"Of course." I nodded

I sat up quickly from the bed I laid on, I got on to my regular disguise clothing. Seeing me on this apparels would not give one a hint of me being the 'Prince'. It was so distinct from my Princely garments.

"Where are you going Your Highness?" Clint asked with a questioning look

"To see Mia" I smiled proudly.

Since father wasn't around, I need not be extra careful although I still had to watch out for the guards and maids.

Walking out of my quarters with Clint by my side, I headed to the kitchen. I noticed a few ladies working, they would sometimes stop to look at me, wandering who I was. I got into the area where the palace food was made and a smile found its way on my face when I spotted her. Finally.

So enthralled in her work, she had not noticed me. I watched as she gently cut the onions with the knife. She cooks, wonderful.

"Who are you?" A familiar voice asked from behind.

I was so lost I had forgotten my appearance and let my guards down.

Clint quickly turned to Rebecca. She was the head of the Kitchen. In charge of all the cooking and cleaning activities that happened in the kitchen. Father loved her diligence so well.

"Clint?" she asked with surprise.

I turned to face her and gave a sheepish smile

"Your Highness" she gasped

"Shhh" I held her mouth quickly

I looked up to see if Mia heard and our eyes locked immediately. She looked at Rebecca who I had my hand still on her mouth and took her eyes away quickly. Please don't get the wrong idea.

I released Rebecca from my grip who was still shocked at my appearance.

"Why....are you in this Your Highness" she asked

"It's a long story" I smiled. "I need to see someone" I added as my eyes followed Mia as she worked.

She didn't look up anymore. It was as though she didn't see me at all. Did she hear what Rebecca said?

"Mia?" she asked as she followed my eyes and I smiled

Still surprised by all that's happening, I passed by her and furthered into space where Mia was.

"Don't think too much about this" I heard Clint tell Rebecca.

"Hey" I said as I finally approached her

She smiled "You're here.....again" she added.

"You seem to find your job quite interesting" I said as I leaned on the worktable.

"Well, I'm being paid for it. So I have no choice" she stated.

She continued in silence and I checked out all the well chopped ingredients on the table.

"You seem to be familiar with people in the palace" she said as she lighted the fireplace.

"Yes, a few of them" I smiled sheepishly.

I walked to where the roasted fishes were arranged. I love fish. As I picked one to eat, a light spank was made on my hand and the fish dropped.

"ow" I scowled as I rubbed my palm

"Don't touch it" she said with a satisfactory look.

"Just one" I pleaded

"No" she scowled. "Alex, would you mind leaving the kitchen. I need to concentrate on my work" she smiled.

I paused. This was the first time she would call my name.

"No. not until I get one fish" I said with my hands folded.

She gave a nonchalant look that changed into a smile quickly. "Alright, fine" she said and gave me one.

Something about her look was suspicious. Anyways, I got the fish and I smiled with a victory look. She still had a smile plastered on her face.

"What?" I asked feeling uncomfortable

She shook her head "Enjoy your fish. Sir Alex" she bowed

Why do I have a bad feeling about this? With one bite of the fish in my mouth, I cried in pain and she laughed so hard.

"You devilish...." I cried as my tongue burned.

It was very peppery. This was why she was smiling.

"Ha! This is pay-back for yesterday" she laughed.

Why do people love to revenge?

"Just wait till I get my hands on you" I said as I dashed after her

She ran round the worktable avoiding me and finally when I caught her, I had her pinned to the wall.

"Now, you have nowhere to run to" I said as I tried to catch my breath

"You will let me go this instant" she tried to act firm but it wasn't working.

Suddenly realizing the position we were both in, my heart skipped and an awkward silence passed between us.

My eyes fixed on hers and on my thought was something I never planned to do. An impulsive boldness had given me the liberty to carry on with my thoughts. My gaze moved from her eyes to her lips and my head inched closer to hers. My hand held her face lightly as she closed her eyes waiting to feel my lips on hers.

"Your.....I mean...." A voice butted in

I jolted and moved away from Mia quickly. I noticed it was Clint, who looked surprised at the scene that caught his eyes. I left the kitchen quickly to avoid further embarrassment. What was I thinking? Filled with desire and lust, I was going to kiss her. I ran my hand through my hair and sighed in frustration.

"Your....."

"Don't say anything" I cut him short as I walked ahead.

I heard him stifle a laugh.

MIA

I stood in the spot where he had left me and my mind rummaged all that just happened. He was going to kiss me and I was going to let him! What has gotten into me? I can't deny the fact that Alex is very attractive but I shouldn't be that cheap. Do I like him? I cleared my thoughts and returned to work. I should see him less now. These emotions building up are difficult to control. I thought to myself.