Morning crept in slowly as soft light streamed through the tall windows and illuminated Elena's bed. She stirred awake to a gentle knock on the door.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," Nyla called out, slightly opening the door. "Did you have a good night's sleep?"
Elena rubbed her eyes and sat up, still tangled in the sheets. "Yes, thank you, Nyla."
"Breakfast will be ready soon. His Majesty has requested that you join him in the East Hall."
Elena's heart raced at the thought.
Nyla chuckled at her anxious expression. "Don't worry. I'm sure he won't bite," she teased.
Together, they got ready for the day. Nyla brushed Elena's hair and arranged it into a simple yet elegant twist. She selected a soft blue silk gown that made Elena's eyes look like clouds on a stormy day.
As Elena gazed into the mirror, she barely recognised herself because she truly looked like a queen.
Her new closet was a realm unto itself, filled with rows of ball gowns, delicate slippers, and even jewelled cloaks for winter hunts. She absentmindedly brushed her fingers over a velvet cape, wondering how long she would be here.
The East Hall was warm, bright and filled with morning sunlight. Aiden was already there, dressed in a black tunic adorned with silver threads. He stood when he saw her, his expression as inscrutable as ever.
"Good morning, Princess," he said.
Elena performed a small curtsey. "Good morning… Your Majesty."
She was still unsure about how to address him, even though she wondered why he had been calling her "Princess" since their arrival.
He motioned for her to sit beside him.
They shared breakfast in silence for a while. He inquired if she had slept well, to which she nodded. The dining hall was filled with only the sounds of clinking cutlery.
Elena found herself stealing glances at him, captivated by how his dark hair fell over his brow, the strength of his calm voice, and the way the storm in his eyes softened whenever they met hers.
After breakfast, Aiden stood from his chair with unhurried grace.
"Since there's not much to do today," he said carefully, keeping his voice deep and measured, "let me show you around the castle."
Elena blinked and hesitated for a moment before nodding. "That would, um... be nice."
"Okay, good." He stretched his right hand forward as she placed her palm in his, and he helped her up.
They walked slowly out of the dining hall, making their way toward the corridors. The corridors of the palace stretched endlessly. The stone walls were softened by tapestries depicting battles long past. Tall arched windows allowed sunlight to pour in, spilling golden light across the marble floors. They walked side by side, not too close, but close enough to feel each other's warmth.
As they strolled through the corridors, Aiden spoke at intervals, highlighting the history of a grand hall or explaining the significance of a portrait. Before long, Elena was captivated by his many stories, and she began to loosen up subconsciously. They had been walking for quite a while and had almost covered half of the large castle. Soon, they reached a narrow passageway leading back to Aiden's study. They both stopped to take a break, but she noticed something in the way his gaze lingered on her when she wasn't looking. Aiden stepped closer, and she could smell the faint scent of cedar curling between them.
"You know," he said, his voice low enough that only she could hear, catching her by surprise, "I'm starting to think you're doing this on purpose."
Elena blinked. "Doing what?"
"Looking at me like that," he said, a lazy grin tugging at the corner of his mouth as he continued moving closer.
She stepped back at the same pace until she reached the wall behind her. She swallowed, suddenly aware of how close he stood. "I wasn't..."
"Oh, you were," he murmured seductively, leaning in just enough for the edge of his breath to graze her ear. "And I don't mind. Just… don't be surprised if I start looking back the same way."
His gaze lingered on hers for a moment too long before he finally stepped away, leaving her heart racing.
Elena straightened her spine and cleared her throat softly. "If you'll excuse me, I need to return to my chambers. There are… things I must arrange," she said, trying to hide her flushed cheeks.
He studied her carefully for a moment before stepping back with a faint nod. "Okay, princess, as you wish."
She quickly left and soon returned to her room, shutting the door tightly behind her. Leaning against the wooden door, she exhaled sharply, pressing her palms to her cheeks in an attempt to cool the warmth rising there. How dare he make her heart race like that? She had actually believed he was a gentleman, but he had just proven her wrong. Oh, how foolish she felt for thinking that!.
In Aiden's study, he sat at a long table, looking serious. His men, dressed in the black and silver of Ebonhart, stood before him.
"Your Majesty," Rowan began, "we've confirmed what you asked us to investigate last night."
Aiden leaned back in his chair and clasped his fingers together. "Go on," he urged.
"It was Prince Caspian. He sent word to Prince Alexander regarding your marriage to the Queen."
"And that rogue prince agreed to help him for free?" Aiden asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No," Rowan replied. "Prince Caspian promised full alliance from Aurelia."
Aiden's gaze grew stern, though his tone remained low. "Does King Richard know about his son's... recklessness?"
"No, Your Majesty. All indications suggest this was Prince Caspian's doing alone."
For a moment, Aiden was silent. The fire in the left corner crackled in the stillness. Then, slowly, he spoke. "Alexander would not risk moving troops across borders merely for an alliance. Valencia and Aurelia together are still not enough to stand against Ebonhart in the event of war. This means Alexander wants something else."
He turned his eyes to Dona, a woman standing in the shadows. Her presence was almost unnoticeable to most as she stood there quietly.
"You will find out what it is," Aiden instructed firmly. "And you must do it as discreetly as possible."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Dona replied, bowing her head slightly.
Aiden redirected his attention to the group. "Before anything else, send word to Aurelia. Let them know this is their first and last warning, especially regarding Caspian. If he acts rashly again, I will not let it slide."
The four men bowed politely. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Good," Aiden replied, dismissing them with a flick of his hand. He turned his gaze to the window, where snowflakes began to drift lazily from the grey sky outside. His thoughts shifted to Elena, and he couldn't help but giggle at the memory of the look on her face from earlier.