In Time And Memories

Chapter Three

My mind went blank as I stare at the prince because of his bizarre answer. Why would a prince look for me? It's not like I did something horrible, is it? I was certainly just admiring this beautiful sculpture of the goddess.

I gaped my mouth to speak. "May I know the reason why you're looking for me, Your Highness?" Even though my heart kept on fluttering, I couldn't help but ask that question due to curiosity.

"Well..." He muttered then glanced at me. "Is it forbidden if I look for my future consort?"

Future-What?!

As exaggerated as it may sound but I think my jaw just dropped on the floor. I know I look dumbfounded right now and I couldn't believe what he just said.

His what?! I'm his what?!

A deep chuckle made me come back to my senses. I can't tell if the prince just pulled a joke on me or... I don't know. There's part of me wished that wanted to believe him but I also don't want to keep my hope up.

I'm afraid to get hurt, you know? Emotionally-I mean.

Prince Pierre didn't stop his low laughs and I took that as a sign that it was just a silly joke. I managed my composure back and heaved a heavy sigh.

"What a good joke to make, Your highness. Well then, if you'll excuse me." I bowed my head to him and took a step back. Frustration is rising in me after hearing him laugh with his statement. I also couldn't help but get angry at myself.

I took several steps already and was ready to leave the garden when a hand suddenly stopped me from walking away. My body turned to see who it was but it just made my heart skip a beat.

"Please forgive me, Lady Laurenze, but I never said that it was a joke."

"What?"

"There's no other woman who fits to be my future consort aside from you, My Lady," he said softly while he also has that gentle smile on his lips.

My body started to tremble and the fact that my heart kept on pounding, I also couldn't ignore my heated cheeks.

It's not a joke? I blinked at him but he only smiled at me.

Both of us fell silent as we continue to roam around the garden. All I can hear was the pounding of my heart but instead of being anxious, it was like a comfort to me. I don't know how to describe it.

It just feels... peaceful.

I stopped in my tracks when my attention was caught by a beautiful flower. This is the first time I saw it and it is quite unique in its appearance. It has a gold petal with a shade of black in each corner of the petal.

"That's minesoua, a flower that only blooms once a year," the prince suddenly spoke. My head turned to him; he was also staring at the beautiful flower.

"It's so gorgeous," I commented.

He nodded at me. I was about to walk past the flowers but a hand reached out on it. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped.

Is he crazy?!

How can he pick up a flower that only blooms once a year?! My body froze as I can feel the frustration rising on me. I just can't believe he did that. But all of my worries and frustration melted when he softly grinned at me.

He walked towards me and fixed my hair. I felt his soft touch around my ear and then the texture of the flower. He must have put it on the back of my ear.

"There, it suits you."

My eyes went on his face. There was a light breeze that brushed through his soft golden hair and the moon's light that illuminated his handsome face.

If only I can stay in this scene forever and adore the prince. Everything in this scene is perfect. The beautiful flowers that surround us, the faint sound of music coming from the banquet hall, and of course-Us.

The prince suddenly reached his hand to me. "May I have this dance, My Lady?"

I shifted my gaze on his hand then back to his face. Well, who am I to reject the prince, right? So, I nodded at him and gladly took his hand.

He held my hand tightly while his other hand went on my back. As we hear the sound from the banquet, he guided me to dance. It was gentle and it was easy to follow his steps. He was smiling at me while looking straight through my eyes.

"You're beautiful, My Lady. More than these flowers." He surely knows how to flatter a girl through his sweet words.

"You're flattering me, Your Highness."

"I only speak the truth," he rebutted. I shake my head and laughed at him. I've been trying to keep my composure since I'm in the presence of the prince but how can I do that if my heart keeps on pounding.

The dance was sweet and mellow. After that, I became more relaxed and started to have a decent chat with him. It was so fun that I don't want the time to pass.

"You can visit me anytime, My Lady."

I hummed. "But aren't you busy, Your Highness?" My voice is filled with curiosity. Every member of the Imperial Family is known to have a busy schedule. It is understandable since it's hard to run a whole empire.

Aside from the political problems, keeping the alliance between empires and kingdoms is also a must. Even though the Meliean Empire is strong to stand against those neighboring kingdoms an empire, it'll still be a loss for us if we don't have an alliance with them.

"It's alright, I can make time for you." I'm out of words on how to reply to that.

"Your Highness, the queen has been looking for you." A knight suddenly appeared and informed the prince. That's right. We've been missing the banquet for some time now. Father must be looking for me too.

Prince Pierre turned to me and slightly bowed to give a curtsy to me and I did the same back to him. He reached for my hand and planted a soft kiss on the back of it.

"Thank you for your time, My Lady. I had fun tonight because of you."

"Same here, Your Highness. I'm grateful to be in your presence," I said to him. He tightened his grip on my hand before letting it go.

"I'll be waiting for your visit," he muttered before leaving me in the garden.

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