FORBIDDEN ATTRACTION

Chapter 5

"Father, why wasn't I informed that princess Elaine was going to be staying here with us in the palace, the prince said calmly not wanting his anger take control of him, "I thought it was better to not tell you son, judging from the fact that you didn't seem happy about the marriage arrangements, the queen said with a gentle smile, "so you all now make decisions for me without my consent, " no........ prince Alexander walked out before the queen could continue talking, he could hear his father sigh, he didn't know why the king his father thought he couldn't look after the kingdom, didn't he trust him at all, he thought, he already devised a plan to protect his kingdom, he didn't need anyone making him feel like a prince in distress. He walked to his room and lit up a cigar as he stood on the balcony taking a drag. He heard footsteps coming and he didn't need anyone to tell him who it was, he already knew her so well to now her footsteps, but what did she want, "Alexander, you don't seem happy, princess Elaine said with a hint of concern plastered on her face, Alexander talk to me ple....."it's prince Alexander to you princess Elaine, do not forget the titles the prince said with a frown, "and if you do not want to destroy the little friendship we have then you should better behave and not expect anything from me, "Alexa.... prince Alexander,the princess remembered and corrected herself immediately, she didn't want to get the man angry, " I understand what you've said, and trust me when I say I know you enough to not expect anything from you, moreover we are friends and that's already enough she said with a smile. "good to know that you have a working brain in that little head of yours, the prince said as he took a drag of his cigarettes and left the room, he stepped out of the room and looked at the door opposite his, he wondered how that little governess was living, he remembered seeing her laugh when his wedding alliance was announced at breakfast, was he funny to her he thought. He wanted to step into her room and tease her like he did the last time, he found her reaction totally cute and without realizing it he was smiling just at the thought of teasing her, when the prince realized that he was smiling he immediately wore a frown and walked away.

Aria was in the little princess room after putting her to sleep, she decided to watch her as she slept, there was no resemblance between her and the prince Aria thought as she studied the sleeping princess carefully. There was a knock on the door, and a guard arrived with a message from Prince Alexander. "The prince requests that you prepare a plan outlining your duties as governess to Princess Sophia and submit it to him before dinner time," the guard said stiffly.

Aria's heart sank. "Was the prince trying to assert his control over her. She nodded curtly and the guard left.With a sigh, Aria left the room and headed to her room, she sat down at her desk and began to write. She outlined her duties, from teaching Sophia etiquette and protocol to overseeing her education and playtime. But as she wrote, Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of resentment. Why was the prince questioning her competence?

When she finished, Aria read over the plan, making sure it was thorough and precise. Then, with a deep breath, she headed to the prince's chambers. She was surprised to see guards at the prince's door, she realized that ever since the arrival of princess Elaine the security of the castle became tight. "I need to submit this to the prince, Aria said with a polite smile and thankfully one of the guards who was at the door was the the guard that delivered the message, he went inside and after some seconds he came out, "you can go in miss, the guard said and Aria thanked him as she entered, Upon arrival, she curtsied and handed him the plan. "As requested, Your Highness," she said, her voice neutral and timid.The prince took the papers, his eyes scanning them quickly. "Very good, Aria. I'll review this and discuss it with you later." "alright your highness, I'll take my leave now Aria said as she curtsied with a bow and turned to leave, " report to me everyday about your activities with the princess, the prince said and Aria nodded and bowed once more before leaving. "who thought my job was going to take a worst turn, Aria thought as she walked downstairs for some fresh air.

The next day, the king's courtroom were filled with the murmur of courtiers and advisors, all gathered to discuss the impending wedding alliance between Prince Alexander and Princess Elaine."Your Majesty," began the Lord Chancellor, "the union with Princess Elaine would strengthen our kingdom's position, security and defense and also secure our future."

The king nodded, his face stern. "I am aware of the benefits, lord Bangrove. "But what of the prince's...reputation? Rumors of his arrogance, cunning, and ruthlessness have reached even my ears." Said lord Bangrove in a whisper his voice shaken because before he completed his statement the prince walked in.

The courtiers exchanged nervous glances, aware of the prince's infamous character. Prince Alexander stood by the window, his eyes fixed on the gardens below, his expression unreadable.

"Father," he said, his voice low and smooth, "I shall do my duty...as always." His words were laced with a hint of resentment, his tone devoid of enthusiasm.

The king's expression turned stern. "You will make this marriage work, Alexander. You will not bring shame to our Kingdom.

The prince's gaze never wavered, but his jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with a hint of defiance. The courtiers sensed the tension and nodded in agreement, aware of the prince's reputation for cunning and ruthlessness.

With a nod, the king declared, "Very well, it is settled then. The wedding shall proceed as planned."

The courtiers dispersed, leaving the king and prince alone. The prince's gaze lingered on his father, his eyes cold and calculating, before he walked out of the court room.

Aria curtsied as Princess Elaine entered the castle's solar, her silk gown rustling softly. "Your Highness," Aria said, her voice respectful.

Princess Elaine's gaze settled on Aria, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Ah, the governess. I see you're still here."Aria's eyes met the princess's, her expression neutral. "Yes, Your Highness. I am."The princess's tone was not unkind, but neither was it warm. Aria sensed a hint of calculation behind her words.

"I suppose we shall be seeing a great deal of each other, Aria," Princess Elaine said, her voice measured. "I propose we establish a friendship, of sorts. It would make my stay here more...pleasant."

Aria's gaze never wavered. "I would be honored, Your Highness."The princess's smile was polite, but her eyes seemed to bore into Aria's very soul. "Excellent. I shall look forward to our...conversations."

With that, Princess Elaine glided away, leaving Aria to wonder why the princess wanted to establish a friendship with her, she just sighed as she went back to the princess Sophia's room.

Aria made her way to the nursery, her mind still reeling from her encounter with Princess Elaine. She pushed open the door to find three-year-old Princess Sophia playing with a ball, her golden curls bouncing with each movement.

"Aria! Aria!" Sophia squealed, running to the governess with open arms.Aria smiled, scooping up the little princess. "Hello, my dear. What would you like to do today?"

Sophia's eyes sparkled. "Go out! Play!"

Aria nodded, and they made their way to the garden. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the flowers and trees. Sophia ran ahead, laughing and chasing after butterflies.

As they strolled, Prince Alexander appeared, his eyes fixed on Sophia with a tender smile. "Little one!" he exclaimed, scooping her up in his arms.

Aria's eyes narrowed, surprised by the prince's affectionate demeanor. Everyone knew he had a bad reputation, but seeing him with his sister, he looked...different.Sophia giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Alexander! Play!"

The prince spun her around, his eyes shining with a warmth Aria hadn't expected. "Of course, little one. We'll play all day."Just then, a maid approached, curtsying low. "Your Highness, the little princess's nap time is approaching."

The prince nodded, his expression changing in an instant. "yes. Take Sophia to her room, . I have...matters to discuss with Aria."

Aria's eyes met the prince's, a shiver running down her spine. She knew what he wanted – her daily report on Sophia's activities.

As the maid led Sophia away, the prince turned to Aria, his voice low and smooth. "Walk with me, Aria. We have much to discuss."

Aria fell into step beside him, her mind racing with questions.The prince seemed so...different when he was with his sister?