Chapter 18 - Finally Meeting Her

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 his own mother would push the only woman he loved to be Duke Kensington's bride. He simply couldn't accept this reality. Prince Xavier was angry, but as angry as he was, he knew his mother didn't do it intentionally, and wasn't at fault in this matter. If only he spoke to her earlier, and told her about his feelings towards Lady Melissa, things would be different now. The one's getting married would be him instead of that snobbish cousin of his!

Suddenly a thought came to his mind. Maybe it's not too late to stop this marriage. At most, they're just engaged. Many had annulled their betrothals before, citing various reasons. Why not this one? The best way forward was to speak to his Mother. Surely she would for once prioritise her son's feelings and not someone else. Furthermore, knowing Zachary, that bastard would never love Lady Melissa. He's known to be interested only in his business and wealth, and now possibly his son. That's it. Why should Lady Melissa suffer in the hands of someone unfeeling like him?

When the maid stepped in to deliver his meal, Prince Xavier enquired on the Queen's whereabouts and was informed that she's expecting guests in her chambers. When Prince Xavier heard the names of people coming to visit the Queen, Prince Xavier stood up so abruptly that the maid was startled and immediately stepped backward. Upon seeing the silent Prince, she quickly left the chambers.

There was an indescribable feelings in Prince Xavier's heart when he heard that Lady Melissa was coming to the palace. Finally, his chance had arrived. He could finally see her, and seek clarification from her, especially on whether she truly consented to this wedding. There was finally a silver lining in the dark clouds hanging over his head!

Present time

Memories of the past caused Prince Xavier to be melancholic at the moment. However, he was jolted back to reality after he sensed movement from Lady Melissa. He immediately let go of her hand and stepped back, as he didn't want to scare her with his imposition, especially since he wasn't sure where he stood in her heart.

With her eyes still closed, Lady Melissa yawned while stretching her arms upward, feeling refreshed after a quick nap. She couldn't believe she actually fell asleep so easily in the royal garden. It must be the soothing scent of the beautiful roses around her.

She suddenly heard a small chuckle and snapped her eyes opened immediately. There stood before her was the most attractive man she had ever laid eyes on. The only rival was of course none other than Duke Kensington. However, if Duke Kensington was the dark handsome type, who exuded a mysterious and brooding charm, this man before her was the opposite. Melissa's eyes feasted on the stranger's features; his light blonde hair shined like spun gold, framing a chiselled jawline and a full, well-defined lips. His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, sparkled with a clarity that reflected his easy-going charm and intelligence. Melissa also noticed the man was unusually fair, tall and muscular. 'Wow, if he's in my world, he looked like Luke Eisner, that hot actor!'

The hot looking stranger seemed to be smiling at her. Melissa was flustered for a moment, she silently pinched herself to stop staring. If she didn't, she probably would start drooling soon.

"Lady Melissa, are you alright?" Prince Xavier noticed the young woman's unusual reaction and couldn't help but felt worried. He very much wanted to hug her and kiss her but he summoned all his will to restrain himself from doing so.

"Yes I'm fine. I beg your pardon, but who are you?" Prince Xavier flinched and instantly clenched his fists when he heard Lady Melissa's question.

He closed his eyes momentarily and stood there in silent. His heart was squeezing so tightly that he found it hard to breathe. 'This can't be happening. How did she forget about me? What's going on?'

A soft hand touch his arm and he instinctively opened his eyes.

"Sir, are you feeling sick? You don't look too good." Lady Melissa had stood up and walked over to where he was standing. Being so close to her, looking into her worried eyes, Prince Xavier's restraint collapsed instantly and he immediately pulled her into his tight embrace. The young woman's body went rigid under his warm embrace but he didn't let go. He had longed for this moment far too long to let it go.

Melissa was stunned at this stranger's sudden action. Although she basically didn't mind being hugged by this sexy dude, but she also remembered her status and where she was at the moment. 'If someone sees this, I'm doomed!' With that thought in mind, she immediately mustered all her strength and pushed this stranger away.

"Melissa...." The man's eyes revealed a deep sense of sadness which she couldn't fathom. He was clearly hurt by her action. 'What the hell is happening here? Did we know each other?'

Feeling utterly confused and uncertain about the stranger before her, Melissa strongly felt she needed to get away. She quickly rushed out of the gazebo. Unfortunately, in her rush, she missed a step on the stairs, stumbled forward and fell, finally landing on the ground below.

"Lady Melissa, watch out!" Prince Xavier exclaimed when he saw her falling.