The Heiress

Chapter 7 - Sensation

 She could not help but blush again, nodding.

– That would be my pleasure, Prince Wranarhea.

The delighted look he gave to her answer made her smile, unable to help herself.

– You flatter me, my Queen, he exclaimed. So I'm going to go get rea-... Take possession of my quarters. Where should I meet you?

– I will meet you right here at a convenient time.

– Whenever you wish, my Queen, I am at your entire disposal.

The mistake he failed to make and his last sentence did not help the strange feeling that so suddenly filled Ashen, and she huffed a small laugh.

– So let's say eight hours, in this case. Do not hesitate to call on the castle staff if you need anything.

– Thank you, Your Majesty, I will not miss it.

After a curtsy, his lips rested on the young woman's hand, who in turn leaned down before walking away. He watched her go, a smile on his face, then walked back to the rooms she had assigned him when she was out of sight. As for herself, she was wondering what had taken hold of her: why had she felt both embarrassed and cheerful when she was by his side? And why was she now so impatient for evening to come? She did not know, and it troubled her.

However, the excitement Wran's delegation was putting in the South Wing amused her; room-sharing seemed less easy to them than it was to her. In a much better mood than earlier, she stopped by two of her Kingdom's maids, and asked them to help the Prince's men find their place among the castle. Once that was done, she returned to the main wing, where only her two friends and a few Nobles remained. After a greeting to them, she leaned towards the Countess.

– Did everything go well? She asked her.

– Yes Your Majesty, most have heard reason, began the latter.

– Except the Viscount, sighed the Duchess, stepping towards them as the others left. He seemed rather annoyed, let's face it.

– I may have been a little harsh, Ashen confessed, but I cannot allow such trifles to tarnish diplomatic relations between Bôrn and Wran.

– You are quite right, my Queen, agreed the blonde.

– Anyway, you have my gratitude, Ladies, for helping me so much in this situation.

The sovereign leaned forward respectfully in front of them, and both could not help but blush as their Queen addressed her gratitude to them in this way.

– It's only natural, said the Duchess. We said we wanted to help you, so we are. Is there anything else we can do for you, Your Highness?

– It will be fine for now, ladies, she replied, before heaving a laugh. Should we have a cup of tea again? Ours must have cooled down by now.

– That is for sure, laughed the Countess. Let's go!

Ashen spent another hour in the West Wing with her friends, before taking her leave for the evening, and heading to her own quarters, in the heart of the central pavilion. After she had asked one of her maids to spread the word to the cooks that she would be dining with Prince Wranarhea tonight, Hannah helped her prepare for this interview. She then changed her cream dress for one of red silk covered with gold floral lace, which's skirt almost touched the floor. The slightly revealing neckline was edged in gold too, as was the belt around her waist. After taking care of every detail of the dress, the redhead began to comb the sovereign's long hair. She took two strands on each side, braided them in turn before tying them at the back, then came back to tuck the rest of her hair behind them, holding them there with discreet clips. When she was done, she went about her makeup, lightly powdering her face, tinting black her long lashes, and applying a final touch of red lipstick to match the color of her outfit. With that, Ashen stood up, observing herself for a moment in the tall mirror next to her dressing room: Hannah knew how to show off her perfectly. She gave her a delighted smile.

– Thank you, Hannah, I don't know what I would do without you.

– You know that's what I'm here for, big sister!

This nickname had always pleased the sovereign, who came to take the youngest in her arms, before standing up and smiling at her.

– Do you want me to go with you? The latter offered her.

– No, rest. You haven't stopped all day, you need to take a break. As for me, I must hurry if I do not want to arrive at the Prince's quarters late.

– Please be careful, though.

– I promise.

After hugging each other again, Ashen left his rooms without wasting time, and made her way to the south wing almost jogging. However, she was careful not to rush that much when she passed other people, but did not take the time to discuss either. When she arrived at the door of the Prince's quarters, she could not restrain a smile; she was in a hurry to see him again. However, as she was about to knock, she heard two voices:

– But why hasn't anyone told me that the new Queen of Bôrn is so beautiful? Cried the Prince's. And where's that damn jacket?

– Cyran, if you knew how to keep your cool under all circumstances, that wouldn't happen, sighed the second, also masculine. Besides, you usually don't care about any woman.

– But damn, haven't you looked at her? I have never seen someone so distinguished and pretty at the same time!

Ashen had to put her hand over her mouth to keep any sound from coming out, as it seemed her heart raced and his cheeks were on fire. Did he really mean that of her?

– And to think that I was on the verge of coming to grips with one of her advisers, do you realize? Not to mention the damn mail that did not deign to arrive! And to top it off, I'm late! Ah, anyway, I have to stop dreaming... I'm afraid she's far too good-looking and too powerful to care about the Third Prince of a Kingdom as small as mine.

– Hurry, instead of complaining. You don't win a woman's heart by ruminating on your fate.

– But hurrying up is very much all I am doing!

She stopped herself as best she could from letting out a laugh, flattered by all the things he had said about her, and flushed to her ears. Eventually she knocked on the door, doing her best to stay calm. The Prince opened the door to her dressed in a white and gold suit, a broad smile on his lips.

– My Queen! he exclaimed, delighted. Please excuse me for being late, one of my advisers has... He wasted my time.

– Nothing serious I hope? She said, retaining her amused look.

– Not at all! He was just leaving.

The advisor in question, who was a young man with pale skin, long blue hair and sparkling purple eyes, sighed, then bowed respectfully to the sovereign.

– My apologies, Your Majesty, I was not going to hold him back longer, he told her. I wish you both an excellent evening.

He eclipsed himself with those words, as the Prince stepped out, closing behind him. He offered his arm to the young woman, smiling at her. She took it, smiling back at him, and they began to walk. When they left the first corridor, he turned his head to look at her, and raising her face towards him in turn, she noticed that on the left side of his neck, there were three depigmented spots, and she could not help but to think that these marks added to his charm.

– Thank you for the honor you do me, my Queen.

– You are welcome, Prince Wranarhea.

– I-...

He did not finish his sentence: as they arrived in another hallway, they both saw a strange figure in the back of it, and Ashen stopped abruptly, frightened.