FORBIDDEN ATTRACTION

Chapter 6

As they strolled through the garden, the prince's tone turned conversational, his questions about Sophia's daily routine and activities. Aria answered succinctly, her eyes never leaving his face. She couldn't help but notice the contrast between his behavior now and the rumors she had heard.The prince's reputation for ruthlessness and cunning was well-known, yet here he was, showing a genuine interest in his sister's well-being. Aria's thoughts swirled with curiosity, wondering what lay beneath his charming facade.As they approached a secluded bench, the prince gestured for her to sit. "Aria, I must admit, I'm impressed. Sophia adores you, and you seem to have a way with her."

Aria's gaze remained steady. "Thank you, Your Highness. I strive to care for her as if she were my own."The prince's eyes narrowed, his voice taking on a hint of warning. "See that you continue to do so, Aria. Sophia's safety and happiness are of utmost importance to me."

With that, he rose, his long strides carrying him away, leaving Aria to ponder the complexities of the prince's character.

Aria sat on a bench in the castle's courtyard, her mind still reeling from her encounter with the prince. Emily, a maid with curly brown hair and a friendly smile, approached her.

"Hello, governess, I'm Emily. I've seen you around, but we haven't had a chance to talk yet."

Aria smiled, appreciating Emily's warm demeanor. "Nice to meet you, Emily. I'm Aria."

Emily's eyes widened in awe. "Aria, I can't believe you're sitting here so calmly after talking to the prince! I mean, I know you're the governess and all, but still...he's the prince! I'm shaking just thinking about it."Aria chuckled. "He's not that intimidating, Emily", Aria said and even she knew it was a lie, the prince was hell intimidating.

Emily's eyes nearly popped out of her head. "Not intimidating?! Aria, have you seen the way he looked at you? Like he's devouring you with his eyes! "What??! no that's not true, Aria said laughing. "And that body...good heavens, I'm a maiden and even I can appreciate the prince's...ahem...physique."Aria laughed, surprised by Emily's boldness. "Well, I suppose he is quite...handsome."Emily nodded vigorously. "Handsome?! He's a god among mortals, And you, Aria, have the nerve to sit there and chat with him like he's just any ordinary person. I'm both impressed and terrified for you."Aria smiled, enjoying Emily's lively personality. "I think I'll manage, Emily, more over we were discussing little princess Sophia's wellbeing. But tell me, what's it like being a maid here in the castle?"

Emily grinned mischievously. "Oh, it's a hoot! We have our own little community among the servants. We often get together in the evenings, share stories, and have a good time. You should join us sometime. Aria's eyes lit up. "That sounds lovely. I'd love to."

Emily beamed. "Great! We're having a little gathering tonight in the servants' hall. Just a few of us, chilling and having a good time. Meet us at nine, and don't worry, I'll make sure the royals do not find out!"

And with that, the two women continued their conversation, laughing and joking like old friends, with Emily occasionally interjecting with a comment about the prince's good looks or Aria's bravery in facing him

After her chat with Emily, Aria returned to the nursery to check on Princess Sophia. She found the little princess playing with her dolls, but looking sleepy, so they had dinner and Aria began to sing a soft lullaby, gently rocking Sophia in her arms. The princess's eyelids drooped, and she soon fell fast asleep. Aria tucked her into bed and left the nursery, making her way to her room.

As Aria entered the hall, she was greeted by a mix of curious and indifferent faces. Some servants nodded or smiled, while others barely acknowledged her presence. Emily, however, beamed with excitement, waving Aria over to a cozy corner where a small group of servants were gathered."Hey, Aria! Welcome! I'm so glad you could make it," Emily said, as Aria joined the group.The servants introduced themselves, and they began to share stories and jokes, laughing and chatting like old friends. Aria felt a sense of belonging, enjoying their company.

As the evening wore on, Emily leaned in, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Hey, Aria, I have a confession to make. I have a crush on one of the guards, Thomas. He's so dashing and kind...sigh"Aria chuckled, teasing Emily playfully. "Oh, Emily, you're a hopeless romantic"

Emily blushed, giggling. "Guilty as charged, But hey, a girl can dream, right?"

As the night drew to a close, Emily escorted Aria out of the servants' hall, making sure she safely reached the nursery wing.

"Thanks for tonight, Emily," Aria said, smiling. "I had a wonderful time and Made some new friends."Emily smiled back, her eyes sparkling. "Anytime, Aria. We'll have to do it again soon. And maybe, just maybe, I'll convince Thomas to join us..."With a wink, Emily bid Aria goodnight.

Aria got to her room and immediately fell asleep.

In the queen's chambers, a warm and cozy room adorned with tapestries and soft cushions, Queen Adelaide sat with Princess Elaine, concern etched on her face.

"Elaine, my dear, you must calm down. You're worrying yourself sick over my son's behavior," Queen Adelaide said, her voice gentle and soothing.

Princess Elaine nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I know, Your Majesty. But it's hard to see him like this. He's always been my friend, my confidant...and now he's distant and cold."

Queen Adelaide placed a comforting hand on Elaine's shoulder. "I know, dear. But sometimes men need time to come around. Alexander will accept you, slowly but surely. Just be patient and don't push him too hard."

Princess Elaine took a deep breath, a small smile on her lips. "I understand, Your Majesty. And I trust that everything will be fine. Alexander and I have been friends for so long...I know he'll come around eventually."

Queen Adelaide smiled, relieved that Princess Elaine was calming down. "That's my dear. Have faith in my son, and in yourself. You two will work things out, I'm sure of it." Princess Elaine was happy at the support of Alexander's mum, she knew she lied when she said she didn't expect anything from him, of course she expected a lot of things from him, including the reciprocal of her feelings for him, she has been the only female he was acquainted to, and the prince has been the only man to see her nakedness and her first, that's how much of friends they were, but they didn't let that make their friendship awkward. When she heard that his kingdom needed help, she had to convince her father tie a marriage alliance between the both of them, she wanted to be the only woman he could fall back to. After she wished the queen good night, she went to her room that was at the other end of the corridor, she wondered why the governess got the room opposite Alexander's room, she fell asleep with a smile on her face assured that she would be the only woman in his life.

The next few days the castle was quiet, the prince has not been around, Aria and Emily's friendship progressed over the course of time and Aria got another friend, Emiles.

In the servant quarters, Emily, Aria, and Emiles sat at a wooden table, laughing and chatting like old friends. Emiles, a new guard, had quickly become part of their group, sharing Emily's playful and mischievous nature. Funny how their names both matched.

Emily tossed a jest at Emiles, who retorted with a teasing comment about her crush on Thomas. "Oh, Emily, you know Thomas only sees you as a friend...and honestly, you're not beautiful enough to catch his eye"

Emily playfully rolled her eyes and threw a mock punch at Emiles. "Oh, shut it, Emiles! You're just jealous because no girl ever notices you.

"I'm way out of your league, guard or not, Emiles chuckled, his deep voice rumbling. "Jealous? Of your unrequited love? Never, Emily. And I'm just trying to keep you grounded, my dear."Aria giggled at their banter. "You two are something else. Always bickering like siblings"

Emily grinned. "Hey, someone's got to keep Emiles in line...and his ego in check"Emiles smirked, his eyes twinkling. "And someone's got to keep Emily's dreams of Thomas in check...and her pride, too"

The three friends continued their lively conversation, enjoying each other's company and the easy camaraderie they shared.