chapter six: Unexpected encounter
606 Words
A week had passed since Elara's last visit to Blackthorn Manor.
The stack of books beside her bed had grown considerably smaller, and she had nearly finished the final novel Nerina had recommended.
"I need something new to read," she announced, closing the book with a sigh.
Lysette looked up from arranging fresh flowers.
"The royal library has hundreds of books."
"I've read most of them."
"I'm certain that's an exaggeration."
"It isn't."
Lysette laughed.
"So... what exactly are you suggesting?"
Elara's eyes brightened.
"The Royal Book Market."
"The one in the city?"
"Yes."
Lysette hesitated.
"I'll have to inform His Majesty."
An hour later, permission was granted, though not without conditions.
Two royal guards accompanied them as the carriage rolled through the bustling streets of Aurelia.
Unlike the palace, the city was alive.
Merchants called out to passing customers.
Children laughed as they chased one another through the market square.
The scent of fresh bread drifted from nearby bakeries, mingling with the fragrance of flowers displayed by local vendors.
Elara smiled.
"I've missed this."
"You've been here three times this year."
"Exactly."
Lysette shook her head with a smile.
---
The Royal Book Market occupied the corner of the square, its wooden shelves overflowing with books from kingdoms near and far.
Elara wandered happily between the aisles.
Her fingers traced the spines of leather-bound novels, collections of poetry, and historical records.
She had gathered nearly five books before Lysette gently reminded her,
"You can only read one at a time."
"I know."
"Then why are you carrying five?"
"Because choosing is impossible."
Lysette sighed dramatically.
"I should've known."
Just then—
"Princess Elara?"
She turned.
Standing a few feet away was a young man dressed in an elegant navy coat embroidered with silver thread.
He offered a graceful bow.
"I wasn't expecting to see you here."
Recognition flickered across Elara's face.
"Duke Adrian."
One of the many noblemen she'd met during her father's birthday ball.
"It seems fate has brought us together again," he said with an easy smile.
Elara returned a polite smile.
"It would appear so."
"I trust you've been well?"
"Very well. And yourself?"
"I couldn't complain."
His gaze fell to the books in her arms.
"I didn't realize Your Highness enjoyed reading."
"I spend far too much time with books."
"A surprising hobby."
"Why surprising?"
"I imagined princesses preferred jewels and grand celebrations."
Elara smiled politely.
"I'm afraid you'll find me rather disappointing."
"On the contrary."
He stepped closer.
"I find you... refreshing."
Before Elara could respond, another voice interrupted.
"Your Grace."
A familiar figure approached carrying a neatly wrapped package.
Cassian.
He bowed respectfully to Duke Adrian before handing him the parcel.
"The books you requested have been prepared."
Elara blinked.
Cassian?
Here?
"You know each other?" she asked.
Adrian accepted the package.
"Of course."
He smiled.
"House Ravenshire oversees this bookshop."
" Lord Ravenshire asked me to deliver the parcel specially ," Cassian explained calmly.
Their eyes met for only a brief second.
Just enough for a silent acknowledgment.
Then Cassian lowered his gaze once more.
Professional.
Respectful.
Careful.
"So..." Adrian continued, oblivious to the quiet exchange.
"May I have the honor of escorting Your Highness through the market?"
Elara hesitated.
Before she could answer, Cassian quietly stepped aside, allowing the duke to stand beside her.
He showed no expression.
No disappointment.
No jealousy.
Only the composure expected of a servant.
Yet...
For reasons he couldn't explain...
Watching another man walk beside the princess left an unfamiliar heaviness in his chest.
One he quickly buried beneath duty.
After all...
She was a princess.
And he...
Was only a butler.
- Writer
