The Fallen Princess

Nineteen

With the bright sun and cool morning air came the whimsical songs of birds Zaria had never heard before. A lively chorus of unfamiliar melodies swirling through the open balcony doors, eager to greet the new day.

Wrapped in soft sheets and Callen’s lingering warmth, Zaria blinked sleepily into the light. “I have a meeting and a few matters to attend to,” Callen murmured against her neck, his breath warm on her skin, “but I’ve assigned a maid to help you dress, and a healer to tend to these.”

He pressed a slow kiss to one of the dark marks along her collarbone, making her exhale a shaky breath. “Thank you… for everything,” she said, clutching the blanket to her chest with a shy grin she couldn’t hide.

“I should be thanking you,” he replied, brushing a gentle kiss over her lips... though his hand was already coaxing the blanket down. He stepped back just enough to admire her, a smug, unrestrained grin spreading across his face. “On second thought, perhaps I’ll spend the day with you instead.”

He moved toward the bed again, clearly having changed his mind. “Go away…” Zaria laughed, pushing a palm against his solid chest to keep him at a respectable distance, if such a thing even existed between them anymore.

“Alright, alright,” he conceded with a smirk, though the way his gaze lingered made her pulse flutter. He reached the doorway. “Wait... before you go,” Zaria called softly. “Is there a way I can see my brother?” Her voice carried a hopeful tremor.

Callen gave a short nod. “Not today,” he said, eyes dragging over the marks he’d left on her neck and shoulders, as if trying to memorize them. “But tomorrow or the day after.” Zaria accepted the promise gratefully.

She knew her legs were sore, but she hadn’t anticipated just how uncooperative they would be. The moment she rose from bed her knees buckled. She caught herself on a nearby post just as a beautiful young woman slipped into the room, dressed in a dark blue-and-white uniform trimmed with silver; a castle maid.

“Oh dear,” the girl gasped, rushing forward to steady Zaria. “Forgive me for entering without knocking; His Highness instructed me to come straight in.” Zaria leaned gratefully into the support as the girl guided her toward the washroom.

The maid’s eyes widened despite her best efforts to remain professional when she noticed the dark marks scattered over Zaria’s skin. She said nothing, only moved efficiently around the tub, warming the water, sprinkling scented oils and petals that drifted lazily across the steaming surface.

“I’m embarrassed to be meeting you like this,” Zaria admitted, cheeks warming. “I’m sure I look a complete mess.” “Please don’t worry, miss. I’m here to help with whatever you need,” the young woman said kindly.

Zaria eased into the bath, sighing as the warmth seeped into her aching muscles. “I’m Zaria,” she introduced herself gently. “What’s your name?” “My name is Ada,” she replied, placing a towel beside the tub.

“Well… thank you for helping me, Ada,” Zaria said sincerely. “Of course, Miss,” Ada answered. Zaria wilted just a little. Not even my name, she thought ruefully, but said nothing.

After her bath, a healer arrived. A witch from the central forest, her fingers smelling of crushed herbs and resin. She applied pungent salves over Zaria’s bruised skin, wrapping each area in soft cloth and instructing her not to remove the bandages for at least half a day.

The next few hours crawled by mercilessly. Zaria wasn’t allowed to leave the room because of the healer’s orders, and although Ada remained present, the maid was not much for conversation. Every attempt Zaria made at small talk was met with short, polite, painfully bland responses.

By the time a knock sounded at the door, Zaria was close to welcoming a complete stranger with open arms simply for the novelty of conversation. Ada opened the door and both froze.

Crown Prince Christian stood in the doorway holding a bottle of wine and two books. Zaria shot to her feet and bowed. “Welcome, Your Highness. I apologize, but Prince Callen is currently out on business.”

“Princess,” he said, smiling warmly. “I told you yesterday, call me Prince Christian. And I’m not here for my brother.” He corrected, with a wink. “I’m here for you, my dear.”

Zaria blinked, unsure what to make of that. She smiled politely. Behind her, Ada murmured softly under her breath, “Princess…”

“Please, sit, Prince Christian,” Zaria said, gesturing to the settee near the sheer balcony curtains. “What brings you here this afternoon?” He studied her a moment, his smile playful. “I came for lunch. I thought you might enjoy the company.”

He set the wine and books on the table as another knock came. A servant entered with a tray of smoked meats, cheeses, fruits, and tea. He set two plates down before departing swiftly. “How thoughtful,” Zaria said, grateful. “I would appreciate the company.”

“Well then,” Christian replied, “shall we eat?” His grin was so similar to Callen’s it made Zaria’s heart dip, just slightly. “Are you and Prince Callen twins?” she finally asked the question that had been needling her for days.

“We are.” He laughed. “Though I am Crown Prince by eight minutes.” Zaria nodded, filing the information away. “Tell me, Zaria,” Christian said, leaning back comfortably. “How is a radiant beauty such as yourself not already betrothed?”

“I could ask you the same, Your Highness,” she countered lightly, taking a sip of tea. Christian laughed, delighted. “My brother seems rather interested in you...” “I’ve been told I’m… quite interesting,” Zaria said, popping a piece of fruit into her mouth.

“My brother is currently engaged,” Christian added to test her. Plans were already in place, wheels in motion; he could not have his brother back out now. The words hit like a quiet blow, but she did not falter. “And I offered him my sincerest congratulations,” she replied smoothly, setting her plate aside.

The crown prince’s eyes glinted with approval at her polished answer, even as he sighed dramatically for effect. “Such a pity my brother found you first... You and I would have been perfect together...” He took another bite of food before continuing, “You know precisely what to say and when to say it, and you’re guided by a strong moral compass... I can see it in your eyes.”

Zaria remained silent, unsure where he was going with this. “However, more than a few little birds told me you’re impulsive.” he went on lightly, “but still young. You’ll grow out of that in time... You have been driving my brother mad, haven’t you?” Her lips twitched. “You flatter me, Prince Christian. But why are you here?”

“Princess,” Christian cut in, leaning slightly closer, “I’ll be frank. I’m very good at reading people. I find you trustworthy and think a relationship with you would be mutually beneficial. I hope to become fast friends.”

Christian folded his hands, studying her reaction with sharp, assessing eyes before he continued. “Admittedly I have a reputation, I can be a bit of a s****l deviant as my tastes are unique... but I swear I have no interest in pursuing you.” Strangely, Zaria believed him.

“So,” Christian said, wiping his hands lightly with a napkin, “with all that said, would you join me tomorrow for a tour of the castle? We could get to know one another... do something cheerful, since you’ve been trapped in here all day due to your own deviant activities.” He gestured to the bandages wrapping her neck.

Zaria’s cheeks warmed, but she nodded. “I would love to, but unfortunately your brother forbids me from leaving without his permission.” “And since when have you listened to my brother?” He leaned back in his chair, lips curling into a knowing smile. “Since every attempt to leave ends with his guards escorting me right back to this room,” she replied dryly, earning a delighted laugh from the prince.

“Well then like a damsel locked in a tower,” Christian mused as he rose with an elegant stretch. “I shall be your shining knight. I’ll come for you tomorrow. Prepare for our outing.” He took her hand, lifted it, and kissed her knuckles softly before taking his leave.