Chapter 7

ALEX

"The English soldiers are not relenting and are coming in as spies, capturing our people and keeping them as hostages" Cornelius said.

Father had called a meeting at the basement and it seems plans would be pushed earlier than expected.

"What?" I looked surprised.

"It's time we act fast" Clint said.

We all turned to father, whose gaze was fixed firmly on the preparatory map.

"Send soldiers to the borders, send out information to everyone in town and make sure no person is found outside at nights. Have guards at every corners of the town" Father said sternly.

"Yes Sire" Cornelius responded quickly.

We left the basement and worry filled my head. The war is approaching and it will be grievous. The English men are already sending in threats. My mind turned to Mia quickly and remembered what father said. She leaves the palace late, I have to warn her.

As I headed to my quarters, I bumped into someone. My eyes widened at the figure trying to gain her composure. Mia. I pulled my head down quickly before she noticed my face and walked away speedily.

MIA

I was very surprised when I noticed it was the prince I had bumped into. Strangely, he looked familiar, although I couldn't pick the face well and he seemed in a hurry to somewhere. I feel as though I have met him before. I cleared my thoughts. It could just be fragments of my imagination. I picked up the things that fell from me and headed back to the kitchen.

As I entered into the kitchen, my eyes met with those blue eyes that never stops making my heart flutter.

"You're here" I said more like a question. Noticing how he leaned on the work-table with his arms folded

"You know you need to be careful sometimes" He said firmly

"What are you talking about?" I asked with surprise.

"Well...I mean, you can't just go around the palace carelessly. You never know who you may bump into" he lifted his brow.

How did he know? Does this guy watch me every time?

"That wasn't intentional. I mean who would want to bump into the Prince?" I blurted out

The silence that followed made me regret what I had said.

"Do you by any chance know the prince?" He asked

"He looks a bit familiar though, but I doubt if I do" I said

"What would you do if you got to know the Prince?" he asked looking at me with a straight face.

It was strange and cold to see him not being lively or having his bright smile on.

"Well...I...I. Honestly, I don't know what I'll do if I'm to know the prince. I mean it's an honour and a privilege to know him. But I guess it would end there. Why would the Prince even want to know someone like me" I laughed a little embarrassed.

He paused and walked closer to me leaving an amount of space between us

"Why wouldn't the Prince want to know you?" He asked

Why is he asking all these questions? Did he notice anything else?

"Why would he want to know me? What opportunity would bring me to being with the prince? I'm sure he has a lot of work he does and duties to attend to. He can't have time for petty things." I said

"What would you do if you were friends with the Prince?" He asked again

"Well...I'll let the world know I have the prince as my friend" I laughed. "I would show him things outside the palace, you know like mountain climbing, make him know what eating outside is like. Yeah, it would be fun" I said

Thinking about it, I wonder if the prince knows anything outside the palace.

"You wouldn't firstly want to be his Princess?" he asked

"That's a catchy opportunity. But no" I dropped

"Why?" he asked

"I like my freedom. I can't be under some rules and regulation I'm not interested in. of course, I know being royalty, there's really nothing much to worry about. You'll be loved by almost everyone. Other nations would know you, but nah, I prefer my life now. That I can have what to eat and wear and see that my mother is living fine. It's okay for me" I sighed and smiled

He leaned closer to me and caressed my face.

"Well I believe it's a privilege to know someone like you. It's wonderful to know someone who is sincere and honest. Someone truthful. Nothing can be more royalty than that" he said.

Why do you always have to hit the spot?

"Mia, I love you" He said

"What?" I looked surprised.

He took my hands and locked it in his.

"I love you Mia. I know we've only known each other for a while and there's still a lot more to know but I want to be with you, I've found all I've been looking for....in you. I know it all seems fast and quick and I don't expect answers from you yet but I just need you to know. You have my heart and I'm ready to be yours always." He said

Kiss Him.

I leaned closer to him and tip toed, gently placing my lips on His. Where did this boldness come from? I felt the shock and stiffness from him. He had his hands around me and deepened the kiss. Hormones kicked within and adrenalin rushed through me. I just realized how much I had desired to be with him.

We broke the kiss and stared into each other

"I love you too Alex and you have my heart" I smiled.

He caressed my face and smiled brightly, pulling me into a hug. Mother was right.

"There's something I need to tell you" he said as he caressed my face.

I remained quiet waiting expectantly for what he was to say.

"A war is happening soon."

As the words fell from his mouth, my heart dropped. Exactly what I feared. Tears rolled up in my eyes immediately

"Hey, I'll be back" he held my face re-assuring me

"Those were the same words my father said and he never returned" I said as the tears dropped

He hugged me firmly as though nothing was going to separate us.

"I promise Mia, I'll be back. I'm not leaving you alone" He said.

I pulled away lightly and placed my forehead on his.

"You Promise?" I asked again.

He pecked me. "I promise" He smiled and I closed my eyes sinking into our hold.

It's strange how I let myself flow into my emotions, I had promised to stand firm if any man approaches me. Alex just seemed to break that hold knowing the exact place to hit.