~On the way to the Deodria Kingdom~
~Approximately 1 day for arrival~

"Cassian, I don't know what to say. The letter was from 4 years ago, I didn't know you still felt that way. I have never loved a man before. I don't know if what I feel is even love. Everything is still very confusing. I have so many questions about the day of the attack." I say.

"My lady, I will be by your side no matter what. We can start by clarifying your questions, we still have a long journey ahead of us. So what kind of questions do you have?" he asks.

"Can you tell me exactly what happened on the day of the attack?" I asked him

Of course. It started when my father and I arrived at the Etilan Kingdom. Father wanted to discuss a possible alliance with your father to improve our diplomatic relationships with surrounding kingdoms. So I decided to go with him, and I could give you that letter. And of course, there you were, innocently passing by, the most gracious being I have ever seen, you looked at me and seemed surprised.

"CASSIAN! How are you? I didn't know you were coming today! I am glad you are here though, I can finally talk to someone my age, what do you want to do? I saw a blue fish in the creek. Want to go check it out?" You told me.

"A blue fish? Wow, that is interesting, let me ask father." I said

I look at my Father and he nods at me and permits me to go with you.

I have the letter in my pocket, and I missed many opportunities to give it to you. You were so interested in that blue fish that you didn't notice that I was trying to talk to you. It was adorable though. You were looking so beautiful by the creek, I thought I was dreaming for a minute. I see someone passing by, and I ask if we can go for a walk on the other side of the castle, so we can have more privacy.

"Meliore, do,do you wanna go see the flowers?" I stutter a little.

"Uhm? Good idea. Martha planted white roses the other day, let's see if they bloom." you say so excitedly.

"Wow, look Cassian, they look so beautiful", you said.

"Not as beautiful as you, my lady", I murmured.

"What did you say? I couldn't hear you", you asked.

"It wasn't anything important, I have something to give you." I stuttered.

"What is it?", you asked.

I handed you the letter, and you seemed surprised and excited to read it. But then, your smile disappeared so fast, you fell on the floor right away, the arrow came out of nowhere and hit you in the chest I held you in my arms, screaming for help. I am trying to wake you up, you kept murmuring some words, you said it was cold, and kept repeating my name until you became unresponsive. I carried you back to the castle, hoping you were still alive.

That day, I asked God to take my life instead, it was all my fault. All because of a stupid letter. Even though you were hurt, you were still holding the letter. Later, the Mercenary was found, and from there you already know the story.

I felt relief in my heart when I heard from the Healer that you were stable. Even though an enchantment had to be done to make you go to sleep and only wake up when your body had fully healed. I still waited day after night, hoping sometime soon, you would come back to my arms. I didn't know Martha kept the letter, I thought it had been lost. But I am glad you were able to read it.

"And that's what happened, my lady. But I will make sure you never get hurt again" Cassian says as a tear comes out of his eye.

He blames himself for what had happened. But he was the one that saved my life, that must've been a terrifying day. I position myself closer to him and hold his hand for comfort, I was sensing his sadness thickening. He looks at me with those eyes, those dreamy eyes, the eyes of a man that would do anything for me. He moves even closer to me and slowly inches his face toward mine. He seems nervous, his hand begins to tremble. What is happening? He then leans over in one motion and kisses me. WAIT, HE KISSED ME!

"I am sorry my lady, I couldn't control my actions, please forgive me", he says as he covers his face, in obvious embarrassment. I know he is blushing too.

"It's ok" I surprisingly manage to say, "you don't need to apologize, I just- wasn't expecting to have my first kiss today."

"Your first kiss? Did I at least make it special?"

"Well, I guess being kissed by a prince inside of a carriage is kind of special."

"Good, I can give you more later then, we will do our first stop in a village nearby. I have a close friend that offered us a place to stay for the night." He mentions with a cunning smile.

"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEAN!" I shouted. I hate when he does that, but at least we will have a place to sleep.

"Relax princess we will have separate rooms, my friend has enough space for the both of us." He clarifies.

He is getting very flirty, I honestly don't mind, I enjoy his company. My heart beats so fast every time I look at him, I can't stop thinking about him. I guess this is what it means to have feelings for someone.

We finally arrive at the village, and we meet Thomas, one of Cassian's best friends.

"Greetings Cassian! Welcome back, my brother! Who is this beautiful woman you have in tow" Thomas says to Cassian pulling him from the carriage and nudging his elbow into his side.

"Thomas you wretch, eyes of this one is already taken!" Cassian says.

"CASSIAN! STOP IT!" I said gritting my teeth, and stepping out of the carriage "Hello Thomas, I am Princess Meliore of Etilan. It's nice to meet you, I want to thank you for your hospitality and for taking us in on such short notice."

"Pleasure is mine, your highness." He says with a sweeping bow. "Friends of Cassian are always welcome here, now come my friends follow me."

Thomas motions for us to follow him into his manor. We enter his manor, where a full-course meal has been prepared for us. He mentions the meal was the result of a fruitful hunt, he seems very proud of himself. Which is warranted, because the items on the table look delicious.

"Cassian you've been absent in one of the most productive antelope seasons we've had in generations!" Thomas says.

"Well, luckily for these antelope populations, you're a terrible shot. So, of course, their numbers have grown!" Cassian banters.

We sit down and eat our meal. The rest of the night is full of stories from Thomas's and Cassian's childhood. Stories of adventure, triumph, and tribulations. Each one trying to make their side look the best. It is getting late and finally, Cassian asks Thomas for sleeping arrangements.

"It's been great reminiscing with you brother, but the Princess and I are very tired and are ready to turn in."

"Yes, that's right it is getting late. Follow me I will show you off to your rooms." Thomas replies.

He then gets up, and we follow him up the stairs. There we see a short hall, with three rooms. And he takes us to the last door on the left.

"So, I know I told you I had two vacancies available for the both of you..." Thomas says

"Yes Thomas, that is what I discussed with you in our correspondence," Cassian says.

"You see here's the problem..." Thomas then
opens the door revealing his many taxidermy trophies. Instantly I jump back frightened to see all of these animals staring back at me. And Thomas shuts the door promptly. "Yeah... that's why"

"Alright, I'll take the floor Meliore. We will share the room" Cassian says without very little hesitation or disappointment.

"WAIT, we will be sleeping together in the same room?" I ask.

To be continued in the next chapter...