The men accompanying Dorian and Zion were already exhausted, they've been traveling since dawn without rest. Dorian noticed they were tired from their movement and facial expression and suggested they rested a bit.
" we can't set a camp here, we haven't even gotten to half of the way yet. Besides this place is no safe to set a camp at night" Zion said to Dorian
" but they are tired, they can collapse anytime due to exhaustion" Dorian said
" they can manage" Zion said
" you manage, you can go if you want to" Dorian said and Zion scoffed
" don't let us argue on this issue, besides His Majesty put me in charge" Zion said
" I think we should just go" one of the men said noticing the tension between the two guys
" you can all go if you want,I'm staying right here till I've rested enough" Dorian said
" suit yourself then, let's move on" Zion said to the other men but some stayed behind with Dorian
" young Lord Dorian, I feel we shouldn't seperate the squad. it really dangerous" Brooke said
" if he insist on being stubborn, I have no other choice" Dorian said then he faced the men who waited behind
" we would rest a bit and then catch up with the rest" he said
Cyma felt numb and she was about to fall off her horse but a strong arm caught her in place.
" you okay my lady?" Ace asked and cyma still couldn't believe her eyes
" yeah" she said as he helped her off the horse
" I see you still have fab with you" he said petting the horse
" he misses you" she said
" do you know each other?," Nena asked
" yes, he was one of my very close childhood friend" cyma said
" you must be princess cyma, I'm Hazard .. I mean Ace right hand man. Harry" the other guy said stretching his hand out to her for an handshake
" we should get going, we got work to do" Ace said with a smile but cyma was still looking dumbfounded
" when did you get back?" she asked as they walked through the market
" some days back" he said
" how come I didn't know about it?" she asked
" i wanted to surprise you, and it worked" he said with a smile
" does Zion know?" she asked
" no, I haven't seen him since I arrived" he said
" oh... okay" cyma said
A little boy ran pass them and hit cyma making her almost trip but Ace wrapped his strong arms around her waist catching her in place. Cyma was still in shock from almost falling and now she's in a guy arms. The same guy she once loved, her first love. She was staring right into his eyes, she could still see the little Ace of those days but now he's changed. He is more handsome and charming, his physique was like that of a warrior. She couldn't tell why her heart was beating faster than normal since she saw him. Yes, she like him when they were much younger but now she feels her heart ache for liking him. she feels she's doing something wrong by her heart responding to his touches. she feels she's betraying someone but why.
" you okay?" Ace asked bringing her back to reality
" yes, I'm fine" she said adjusting her position
" you seem to be clumsy today, that's not part of the rumors I heard" he said
" rumors?, you did research on me?" she asked
" let's say I made some research on princess cyma not the cyma I know" he said
" I'm still the same" she said
" not in those men cloth" he said and chuckled
" they're more comfortable than gown you know" she said
" hmm, you look good in anything though" he said
" was that a complement" cyma thought as she tried hard to hide her blush
" so what did you hear about me?" she asked
" nothing much, just that you're very loose. You're close to Zion, you're a fighter, you're pretty, elegant, and oh.... you have a fiance" he said
" that part got me wondering which guy stole my dear cyma's heart" he added
" it's an arranged agreement, nothing more. It's not like we are getting married or anything. It s just for people to stop talking and spreading fake rumors" she said and she felt like she just told a big lie
" okay, the guy must be that bad then cause I just asked who he was and you're already condemning him" he said
" I'm not condemning him, I'm just clearing the misunderstanding" she said
" I still want to meet the guy that dares to make you his fiance. what a bold move" he said
" don't get your hopes high, he's just a guy" she said
" A guy that managed to make you his fiance" he said
" can we just skip his part" she said
" okay, it's just long I've seen you. I don't know if you've changed or not" he said
" trust me, I haven't" she said
" let's get something to eat, I'm famished. Besides I want to know the best places in the city" he said
" yeah sure, right this way" she said leading him to the restaurant
Princess Cyma took Ace to the restaurant sh loved the most in the whole town. The moment they stepped inside, the woman behind the counter gasped.
"Princess Cyma!"
Cyma froze mid-step.
Her eyes dropped to her clothes, the men's boots, loose tunic, her hair tucked neatly away. She slowly looked back up.
"…Do I know you?"
The woman laughed warmly. "Of course you do. I would recognize you anywhere."
Then, lowering her voice conspiratorially, she added, "And how is Young Lord Dorian, your husband?
Cyma's heart slammed against her ribs.
Ace stopped walking.
Slowly, he turned to her, one eyebrow lifting.
"Your husband?" he repeated calmly
Cyma swallowed. "He's not— I mean— it's complicated."
"That seems to be your favorite word," Ace muttered.
Before she could defend herself, he turned to the woman. "Two steaks, please."
Cyma blinked. "Ace—"
"She loved steak as a child," he added, glancing at Cyma. "Didn't you?"
She stared at him, surprised he remembered something she once mentioned in passing.
"I did," she admitted softly.
When the food arrived, however, it wasn't steak.
It was chicken soup.
Cyma's eyes lit up instinctively. "Chicken soup…
The owner smiled proudly. "You love it more. You'd drink every drop."
Ace stiffened
"I didn't know," he said quietly.
Cyma met his gaze. There was no accusation in her eyes—only warmth.
"Tastes change," she said gently. "But hearts don't."
For a brief moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them.
She cleared her throat quickly. "This is Ace. A… childhood friend. He just returned."
The woman's eyes sparkled as she turned to him. "Then fate has brought you at the right time. I have a daughter—beautiful, kind—"
Ace laughed softly. "I'm honored, but my heart already belongs to someone."
Cyma's spoon slipped.
She coughed violently.
Ace was on his feet instantly. "Cyma."
He pushed a cup of water toward her, his hand brushing hers for half a second too long. "Slow down."
"I'm fine," she said quickly, refusing to meet his eyes.
The owner stared between them, confusion knitting her brows.
First Dorian.
Then Zion, who hovered like a worried shadow.
Now Ace, whose eyes never seemed to leave her.
*Is this a love circle?* the woman wondered.
Shouting erupted outside.
Ace's assistant, Hazard rushed in, whispering urgently.
Ace's jaw tightened. "Come with me."