Against all odds: A royal romance

Anara sighed softly, feeling the weight of the day's duties settle upon her shoulders. The royal ball had demanded her constant attention, leaving her longing for a moment of respite. Finally done with her tasks, she stole away to the tranquil refuge of the royal garden. Nestled beneath the shade of a venerable tree, a favorite retreat since she began her service a year ago, she found solace in the gentle caress of the evening breeze upon her face. Her peace did not last long when she heard the doors open. She stood up in a hurry, pretending to be busy tending the flowers nearby. Prince Cedric, youngest of the princes, entered the garden with an air of hurried determination. His brown hair tousled slightly from the festivities, hazel eyes scanning the familiar surroundings until they settled upon Anara. Locking the door behind him, he hesitated, momentarily startled by her presence before regaining his composure. "Your Royal Highness," Anara acknowledged with a respectful bow, meeting his gaze with practiced neutrality. "Oh, well, uh, hello. Please, do rise," he replied, his tone somewhat uncertain. She straightened, maintaining the façade of tending to the garden's blooms. The awkward silence hung in the air before Prince Cedric cleared his throat. "I sought refuge from the revelry, I hope I did not disturb your duties" Prince Cedric explained, a warm smile softening his features—a rare sight that caught Anara off guard. She had seldom seen any of the royals smile, especially not him. "You did not disturb my duties, Your Highness. They are completed for the day. Since it is so, may I be excused?" Anara requested, her voice steady despite her inner turmoil. Prince Cedric chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "There is no need to depart on my account. I know of no one else who could tend to these roses, both delicate and treacherous, with such adeptness. You seem immune to their thorns." His remark puzzled Anara. Was he mocking her? Uncertain of his intentions, she remained cautious. Realizing his blunder, Prince Cedric flushed slightly, embarrassed by his lapse in decorum. "I have observed you here before, seeking respite after your duties. You need not pretend to tend the flowers. This garden is my sanctuary as well, though I did not expect our paths to cross during such a busy event." Anara nodded, her initial apprehension easing slightly. His knowledge of her visits, shared without reproach, offered her a measure of reassurance. Prince Cedric appeared different from his siblings—warmer, more approachable—qualities that intrigued her. "I see. Well, please do pardon me. There is quite a lot to be done your Highness" Anara replied bowing once more, prepared to vacate the garden "You need not depart" Cedric emphasized, shocking himself with the earnestness of his tone. "We can simply sit here, in silent companionship before you resume your duties. I imagine today has been quite....taxing" The sincerity of her voice shocked Anara who's mind was quite numb from this sudden request. Has he ways been this kind? He was the royal and she could not refuse any of his requests "If you insist, your Highness" She sat on the bench again, Prince Cedric slowly walking next to her and taking his seat, the distance between them slowly closed, a silence enveloping them. As they sat in companionable silence, Prince Cedric stole glances at Anara, captivated by her serene presence. Her eyes were lighter than he thought, a light green he had never seen before. Her dark her was soft looking under her white head cloth. Her skin was very fair and looked really soft. He had seen her before, amidst the roses, always lost in thought. Her beauty had struck him then, but he knew not her name, nor dared to ask until now. "What is your name, if I may ask?" Prince Cedric finally inquired softly, breaking the silence that had enveloped them like the garden's evening mist. "Anara, Your Highness," she replied, her voice a gentle breeze through the leaves. "Anara," he repeated, savoring the sound of her name as if committing it to memory. "A name as pretty as it's bearer." Suprised and caught off guard by his poetic nature, a blush tinted her cheeks, unnoticed in the twilight. "Thank you, Your Highness." Silence fell between them once more, a comfortable quiet broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant strains of music drifting from the palace. Anara knew she must soon return to her duties, though the thought of leaving the calmness of the situation for some reason did not sit well with her. She rose gracefully and silently from the bench, Prince Cedric immediately rising with her. She bowed, averting her face. "It's time I leave your Highness though I am grateful for inviting me to sit with you. It has been an honor" Her voice was as delicate as the soft glow that danced on her face. It was silent for a short while. "Must you leave so soon?" Prince Cedric asked softly, surprise and disappointment evident in his deep and booming voice. Anara hesitated, surprised by the clear desire for her to stay longer in his voice. "I fear my absence may be noticed if I linger longer, Your Highness. The night grows late." Understanding flickered in Prince Cedric's eyes accompanied by a tinge of disappointment. "Of course. Duty calls, as it always does." She nodded softly. "Yes, Your Highness. Well then.......Goodnight" She turned to leave but stopped in her tracks hearing him call out to her. "Do pardon me but...will you come again tomorrow?" Prince Cedric's voice held a note of hopeful anticipation, his hazel eyes filled with hope. What exactly was his business? Anara wondered. "I am not sure your Highness. If my duties are not abundant, then perhaps I shall return." Cedric nodded in understanding, smiling softly. "Thank you, Anara, for keeping me company." She smiled, confused , bowing in return before taking leave. With a final glance, Anara departed, leaving him amidst the roses and the fading light. In that tranquil garden, against all odds, two hearts began to weave a tale as old as time. #######################