Liora's expression changed after leaving Prince Gavin's sight. How dare he call her worthless? A frown formed on her face.
That prince sure is mad; he doesn't deserve you, Liora. Celestial spoke in a hushed tone to avoid being heard.
"I am with Prince Kealan all the way,"she gave a bright smile giggling like a girl In love.
"Did you see how he defended you? I might not have known true love myself,but I know it when I see it."
Liora's eyes wandered a bit, still undecided. Every word Kealan said brought happiness to her.
She had to admit she also liked him. Could this love be real, or was she just being delusional, hoping for a fairy tale? She cleared her throat and raised her shoulders a little bit higher.
"How dare he leave his fiancée and go hunting? Shouldn't he get to know me more at least?" she scoffed, folding her arms and pouting.
Celestial coughed, trying to get her mistress's attention and signalling her of a presence behind her, but Liora was lost in her words.
"He isn't even that handsome... okay, maybe he is, but still, how dare he ignore me?
"Right, I ignored him first",She muttered Sighing in frustration, her eyes met with Kealan's face as she inhaled his masculine scent. His hair fell loosely, and his lips hovered above her's;her breath hitched in her throat.
Kealan had to admit she was cute, especially when angry, and was she trying to insult him or compliment him? He chuckled at that thought.
His eyes trailed along her skin and her dress. She looks beautiful in blue, he thought.
Making up his mind to spoil her with all the jewels in the world. They both stared at each other for a while before snapping out of their thoughts.
I see the princess is angry with me; blushing at being caught red-handed, she looked away. Kealan chuckled in a deep voice, You have a habit of looking away when you're in a difficult situation, raising his hands to hold her chin. Her skin felt soft in his hands.
"Look at me, princess, when I am talking to you." Liora felt a magnetic pull as she met his gaze."
Good, he smirked. "I apologize for any wrong you think I might have done, princess.
"Please accept my apologies."
He tucked a delicate flower into her hair,It was a small gesture,but it warmed her heart."
I am not a princess, Liora spoke in a soft tone.
Like I said, you are my princess, and I will keep on calling you that henceforth.
My princess Liora .
Her gaze locked with his once more; she couldn't deny it any longer—she was in love with him .
"Before all formalities are complete and you go back to Ardentor, would you like to go for a quick hunting trip?"
Liora's eyes beamed with happiness; she was never allowed to step out of the great fortress except to pick healing herbs.
She nodded frantically and gave a bright smile.
"You are beautiful, princess, and I hope you keep that smile, always,"his voice whispered into her ears, sending shivers down her spine. One she liked
"Mistress, what about Master Thalen and Matron Maerina? They will be done soon. What if they get worried?" celestial asked worriedly
I promise to bring her back before then. Kealan gave orders before leaving: Dorian, stay with Celestial.
I can protect my princess myself. Dorian bowed, yes, your highness, the celestial followed suit with bowing.
Holding Liora by her hands, he helped her hop on an elegant-looking horse, making sure she was firmly seated before riding into the forest.
The forest was beautiful. Liora gawked at the wildflowers and beautiful scenery. She loved it. Kealan's voice brought her out of her daze.
"Remember, princess, we are in a dangerous forest, not a beautiful garden. Not everything here is as it appears;danger often hides in beauty. You have to be on high alert."
"How dangerous could it be? It seems safe to me, and I haven't sighted any danger yet. Liora stared around, trying to see any danger.
Kealan chuckled at her naivety. He will have to take extra care of protecting her. Look down, princess; you are stepping on something.
Liora's eyes widened in fear seeing she was standing on a snake that stared at her with anger. She yelled, holding onto Kealen, who raised her up by carrying her in a bridal style in his hands. I told you, princess, he laughed at her actions.
As Kealan held her in his arms, the fear of the snake melted into something else, comfort. And that scared her more than the snake ever could.
The snake swiftly moved away from them, noticing the dangerous aura coming from Kealen.
Dropping her down gently, she instinctively clung on to the fabric of his shirt.
"Princess, the snake is gone,unless you are planning on having our wedding night here?"
Liora blinked heat rushing to her face has she stumbled a step back.
"Ha ha, that's not funny," she blushed.
Liora's brows furrowed in confusion there was something strange about the snake. Why didn't it bite, and it looked as if its body was being controlled?.
Kealan's expression changed into one she couldn't read; he didn't expect her to be that vigilant. Let's head back; it's getting pretty late .
I'm sure we could complete the hunting next time. He tried changing the topic, not wanting to pry further. Liora thought she was just hallucinating.
Kealan had spotted the snake the moment she stepped on it. Just as it raised its fangs to strike, it felt its blood boil, moving against its own will.Kealan smirked, his fingers subtly shifting as he manipulated it's blood.
He has kept his secret as a blood bender ever since his mom, Queen Flora, died.
Let's head back home,As they rode in silence Kealan remembered her being murdered in cold blood, he only saw her lifeless body and not the perpetrators. He swore to take revenge. Before breathing her last, she held his face with tears in her eyes.
Her voice crackled with pain as she bled profusely, speaking slowly: "Do not expose your powers ....not until you are strong enough to control them." Promise me you will stay safe, Kealan",she whispered before breathing her last.
He was just six years old, screaming for help and crying for anyone to come save her. He came back to reality when he felt a hand on him.
Are you alright, Prince Kealan? Liora noticed he was stiff and seemed to be lost in his thoughts. She felt pain in his eyes, but they soon left like they weren't there in the first instance.
He gave her a reassuring smile , which didn't meet his eyes.
"I am fine, princess. It's best we ride faster to the castle; it's getting late. It's not alright for you to wander at night, and I still have to gain the trust of your parents.
If anything were to happen to you, they will have my head," he smiled.
Sensing he was alright,she looked away trying to give me some space.
Celestial paced to and fro, waiting for her mistress.
Seeing the horse from afar, she heaved a sigh of relief. Kealan helped her from the horse, with Liora giving him a thank-you smile.
Celestial ran to them hurriedly. "Milady, Master Thalen and Matron Maerina are almost here. It's a good thing you made it back just in time.Celestial's voice trembled as she fussed over her mistress.
"If anything happened to you..." She swallowed hard, brushing nonexistent dust from Liora's sleeve. "Next time, take me along."