When Lady Melissa stepped into the main banquet hall, almost everyone was captivated by her beauty. The young ladies eyed her with envy and jealousy, some even sneered at her appearance. Prince Xavier who was standing with a few close acquaintances of his, all of them young men from the aristocratic families, couldn't help but smirked at the sight of his beloved. As expected of the woman of his choice, she could stunned everyone just by standing there doing nothing. Prince Xavier was further pleased when he realized that the troublesome Lord Melvin Knight wasn't present tonight. It was only Lady Melissa and her mother, Duchess Rose Knight.
"Isn't that Lady Melissa? The one who fought with the Princess a few years ago?" Lord Benjamin Blackwell said, while keeping his gaze on the lovely girl.
"Yes, I see that time has done her great service. She has blossomed well indeed." This suggestive remark from Lord Davis caused the rest of the noblemen around him to look appreciatively at Lady Melissa.
"Your Highness, did you see anything interesting?" Earl Samuel Arden asked, upon realizing that Prince Xavier's attention was focused on something, or possibly someone. With that question, everyone's attention turned curiously at Prince Xavier.
Prince Xavier didn't answer but merely cast a cold look at Earl Samuel, causing the man to feel guilty at his presumptuous query. He then glared menacingly at the rest of the men which caused them to remain silent, uncertain of what the Prince would do. Even though Earl Samuel Arden was the closest to the Prince compared to the other noblemen around, Prince Xavier's private matters were not within his privy and it had remained the same over time. Thus, no one knew what exactly the Prince think or what his exact feelings were.
"There's something I need to do. Please excuse me." With that, Prince Xavier walked away, leaving his companions worried that they might have offended him somehow.
Prince Xavier was furious upon hearing the offensive remarks made by the foolish noblemen. 'Fools!' Although Prince Xavier left his company, he didn't leave the banquet hall. Instead, he stood alone at a corner, away from the prying eyes of others, his gaze never left Lady Melissa. He sensed Lady Melissa's discomfort at being alone and true enough, she left the banquet hall heading towards the royal garden. He cautiously followed her out, afraid he would startle her. She seemed to be heading towards his rose garden. Upon realizing this, Prince Xavier was thrilled. 'Does this mean she remembers me?'
Upon reaching his rose garden, Prince Xavier saw Lady Melissa squatting down and she was touching the white roses. Yes, her favourite was the white roses. When he was near enough, Prince Xavier coughed lightly and said, "I remember those are your favourites."
Lady Melissa seemed startled and almost fell backwards if not for Prince Xavier's quick action in stabilizing her. She quickly stood up and turned to face him. At first glance, Lady Melissa seemed to recollect something when she exclaimed excitedly, "Your Highness!"
"Do you still remember me?" Prince Xavier asked with a smile, hoping that she would.
"Yes, of course! How can I forget you, Your Highness?" Lady Melissa smile at him.
Satisfied with her answer, Prince Xavier asked further, "What're you doing out here all by yourself? Did you find the party dull?"
"No, Your Highness, I just want to get some fresh air. What about you? Aren't you supposed to be inside?" Lady Melissa wondered aloud.
"I'd rather be here, with you." Prince Xavier said, while looking into Lady Melissa's beautiful eyes.
Prince Xavier could see the young girl blushed at his remark and he proceeded to invite her for tea at the gazebo, to which she accepted graciously. He instructed a passing page to deliver his instructions for tea and pastries to be brought promptly. The page quickly scurried away to get the Prince's request fulfilled. The palace maid who sent the tea and pastries over was surprised to see the normally aloof and cold prince was now sitting and conversing happily with a beautiful lady. When she got back to the kitchen, she quickly shared this piece of news to the other palace maids. Everyone was shocked, did this mean the prince had someone he fancied?Unaware that the two of them had caused such a stir among the servants, Prince Xavier enjoyed his time immensely with Lady Melissa. This moment was what he'd imagined many times over the past three years. At times, he found himself staring at her shamelessly, which caused the girl to blush even more. Being so near to her, Prince Xavier tried so hard to control his emotions towards her.
"Lady Melissa, can I ask you a question?" He couldn't stand it anymore, he needed to know.
"Yes, Your Highness, what is it?" Lady Melissa answered.
"Do..do you have someone you fancy?" Prince Xavier blurted out the question which had been brewing in his mind all this time.
Lady Melissa seemed shocked at his question and was silent for a moment. Prince Xavier quickly added, "It's alright if you don't want to answer. I apologize if I've offended you."
Lady Melissa smiled before she said, "I'm not offended Your Highness. I was just thinking. Well, apart from my father and brother, I've had no interaction with any other men, or women for that matter. To be honest, I think you're the only person who's willing to talk to me. So, to answer your question, there's no one that I fancy."
Prince Xavier didn't want to give up. He must seize this opportunity to confess to her, lest he would not get any in the future. He'd waited three years for this day, he's not willing to wait any longer.
"How about me? Will you be willing to give me a chance?" Prince Xavier asked, his gaze was full of anticipation.
"Your Highness..please don't jest with me. I know what everyone is saying about me, I don't mind their words as I've nothing to do with them. But, I thought we're friends." Lady Melissa was obviously sad.
Prince Xavier was helpless, he didn't expect his sincere question would cause Lady Melissa to be unhappy.
Prince Xavier stood up and went nearer to where his beloved was seated. He kneeled down on one knee and held her hands in his. Lady Melissa seemed puzzled at his actions.
"My Lady, I'm being serious and I'm sincerely asking for your hand. You've always been on my mind since we last met. I'm glad to be able to meet you again after all these years. I hope you can consider my sincere request. I will wait for your answer." With that heartfelt confession, Prince Xavier kissed Lady Melissa's hands.
She didn't reject him straightaway nor she denied his kiss, therefore Prince Xavier felt he stood a chance with her. He didn't want to rush her with her answer, he decided he would wait for her.
On that note, Prince Xavier escorted Lady Melissa back to the main banquet hall. All the way, they were silent but she let him held her hand in his arms. When they reached the main entrance, she even flashed him a dazzling smile and promised to give him an answer soon. However, that was the last time he saw her.
Prince Xavier waited, and waited for days but no news came from Lady Melissa after that. Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months. After waiting for such a long time but still didn't hear from her, he was worried that something had happened to her. After the last palace banquet, Lady Melissa seemed to have vanished and she never appear in any social events anymore. No one knew what happened to her. Prince Xavier had tried to get information but everyone from the Knights' Estates was tight lipped and no news were leaked on their Lady's wellbeing. Prince Xavier nearly went crazy trying to find out the truth. She had clearly promised to give him an answer, and he knew she wasn't the type to forget about it easily.Unpleasant rumours started to spread about Lady Melissa after that. Some said she was disfigured and became so ugly that she didn't dare to show herself in public. Some said she was embarrassed as she had no friends so staying home was the best option. Some even went as far
For the next few days, Prince Xavier waited for the Queen to approach him with great anticipation in his heart. His mood was much better as well, thinking of the impending marriage between him and Lady Melissa. However, after much wait, there was no sign of the Queen nor was there any summon for him to see her. After much thought, Prince Xavier decided to meet the Queen himself. His marriage was much more important than his pride anyway. When he reached his mother's chambers, he knocked and was summoned in."Xavier, my son! What brings you here today? Is something wrong?" Queen Serina was surprised to see her normally aloof son appeared before her today. "How do you do Mother?" Prince Xavier went to hug his mother. "I'm very well, thank you. Is everything alright, Son?" Queen Serina probed again. "Well, yes I'm doing well. Mother, I heard you've been busy choosing brides these past few days. How's that going?" Prince Xavier asked casually."That's a surprise! I thought you didn't
After few days of being in what could be described as hell, when he was calmed enough, Prince Xavier began to organize his thoughts and found it hard to believe that Lady Melissa would forget about him easily. Something must've made her accepted this ridiculous arrangement. Yes that's right, someone or something forced her into this marriage. He needed to speak with her, but how? He couldn't just barge into the Knights mansion, could he?Prince Xavier spent the whole day thinking about his predicament. He harboured resentment towards his cousin, Duke Kensington. The Queen had always favoured Duke Kensington since they were young. Growing up, whatever he had, his mother would make sure Duke Kensington was given the same as well. The only difference between them was that he's of royal blood, destined to inherit the throne, while Duke Kensington would forever be his subject. That's the only consolation he had for this 'sibling rivalry' between them.However, he would never imagine that h
THUD! A loud sound could be heard as she fell to the ground.When Prince Xavier reached to where Melissa was, he could see her lying face down on the ground motionless, a big boulder could be seen next to her. She must've knocked her head on it when she fell! Panic seeped into his heart and he quickly turned her over to check on her injuries. What greeted him caused him to tear up instantly. There was a big cut on her forehead and she was bleeding profusely. Not wanting to waste any more time lest her life could be in danger, Prince Xavier quickly carried her up and headed towards the main palace, all the while blaming himself for what had happened. The whole palace was in chaos. The sight of Prince Xavier carrying a lady in his arms was too extraordinary! This was the first time anyone had seen Prince Xavier being so close to a woman, other than the Queen. Prince Xavier couldn't be bothered with the watchful eyes of the people around him. When he reached the main entrance, he saw D
"Aren't you afraid that the Princess would complain about you to the Queen?" Prince Xavier asked her while guiding her around the royal garden."Why should I? She's in the wrong, not me. How dare she called me ugly and asked me to fetch her a glass of water? Do I look like a maid to her?" Lady Melissa pouted her lips, not feeling the slightest guilt."Haha! Yes, you're right! How dare she! You're definitely not ugly at all." Prince Xavier replied, with a smile on his handsome face. "Of course, my mother is so beautiful, and I look like her. That means, I'm beautiful too, am I not?" Lady Melissa said proudly.Prince Xavier nodded repeatedly, indulging her vanity. "By the way Your Highness, why did you save me? I think you're in more trouble now than me." Lady Melissa said, puzzled as to why this Prince would rescue her from his own sister."I think you and I can be great friends. So, I saved you. Friends should look out for one another." With that, they reached to where his garden wa
Melissa's own heart tightened at this revelation. She felt Lady Melissa's longing, expectation, desires and love towards Prince Xavier, as if they were her own. It was truly overwhelming. She was speechless. Then she remembered something happened to Lady Melissa when she turned 16. It was at this palace banquet! In order to unravel this mystery, Melissa cast aside her own thoughts and concentrated on the memory of Lady Melissa. While she was admiring the roses, Lady Melissa heard a light cough and a voice saying, "I remember those are your favourites." Lady Melissa was startled and almost fell backwards. She felt a man's hands holding her steady and she felt shy at his touch. She quickly stood up and turned to face him. At first glance, Lady Melissa seemed uncertain as he looked somehow different with longer hair, but she would not mistake the warm blue eyes staring back at her. It was Prince Xavier! She exclaimed excitedly, "Your Highness!" "Do you still remember me?" Prince Xavie
"What?" Lady Melissa said softly, staggering backwards. She held onto a nearby chair to steady herself, both physically and emotionally. 'Fiancée? How can it be? Just moments ago the Prince has asked me to become his intended. Is she making a joke?'"Yes, you heard me right. Prince Xavier and I are betrothed. The palace will announce it soon." Lady Anastasia said proudly."Why are you telling me this?" Lady Melissa still couldn't believe it. She must've ulterior motives to say these things to her."Why? You should know why. You didn't think your little seduction will work, did you? Smiling at him, hanging onto him shamelessly. Who do you think you are? You're just an outcast, a nobody in the society." Lady Anastasia was no longer smiling, in fact she looked so sinister as if she wanted to kill Lady Melissa that moment. "You're lying! The Prince is not engaged! Definitely not to you!" Lady Melissa couldn't accept this, it's outrageous."If it's not me, should it be you? Yes, I know ab
Melissa felt someone was holding her hand. But she didn't know who it was. The hands were big, indicating they belonged to a man. She tried to open her eyes, but she couldn't no matter how hard she tried.Is this how being in coma feels like?The man was stroking her palm, and soon she felt droplets of water on her hand. Whoever it was, he was crying, probably distressed by her condition. "Melissa, please open your eyes. I'm sorry for causing you such harm. I never meant to hurt you." The man said, his tone was very soft. It's Prince Xavier! Oh my God, he's crying because of me."I wish we could go back in time. I would get us engaged even if it meant going against the order of society. I waited three years for you, only to lose you again. It's been two years, there's no news from you. Melissa, what did I do wrong? Why did you shut me out completely without telling me the reason?" Prince Xavier's anguish voice clearly filled the quiet room.Based on what the Prince just said, Meliss