In Time And Memories

Chapter Five

Oops... It wasn't my intention to raise my voice so I looked down and humbly asked for forgiveness. "Forgive me for the sudden tone of my voice. It was not my intention, Your Highness."

I felt restless and sipped on my cup again. This is so intense.

"Do you... hate the idea of marrying me?" The prince asked with a faint voice. My mouth gaped at the sight of his gloomy and disappointed face. His hand is clenching too.

I know I have feelings for the prince but it's still quite a shock for me to talk about our future marriage.

"It's not like that, Your Highness," I trailed off. "I was just shocked but I think my reaction offended you so, please forgive me." I stood up from my chair and bowed to him.

The prince sighed and he gently placed both of his hands on my shoulder. He pulled me up to stand straight- To make our eyes meet.

His fingers reached out for the strand of my hair and tucked it on the back of my ear. "It's alright. I understand that it's shocking news for you." I'm glad that he understands me.

"Don't worry, I won't force you or even rush you, My Lady. I'll wait for you until the coming of your age ceremony," he assured me.

I feel much better now with his assurance. Our conversation with the queen continued and he also showed me around the palace.

The rumors about the prince are all true. He's such a gentle and kind man- The main reason why my feelings developed for him; even more now that we spend our time together.

We share a three years age gap. I'm already fifteen while he just turned eighteen last banquet. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the banquet was his birthday celebration. If only I knew about it then I should have given him a present.

He chuckled at me. "It's alright, My Lady. There's no need to feel disappointed about it. Besides, think about the time we spent together that night as your present. It's more than enough for me," he assured me again when he noticed my grim face.

I heaved a heavy sigh then turned to him with a small smile on my lips. Well, I guess I can just make up for it next time.

The prince and I had fun again with the time we spent together. It's safe to say that we have gotten closer to each other too.

Until my visit became a normal routine for us. I'm always welcome to visit the palace and spent my time with the prince. Of course, I'm not there every day. I would just visit the palace whenever I'm free from work in the duchy.

As time passes by, my heart completely surrenders to the prince. I handed him a gift that I personally made. It's a handkerchief with a simple embroidery of his name.

Prince Pierre Varzillion.

This gift will serve as my confession to him.

"I-It's been four months since we started to spend our time together." I gathered all of my courage to speak. He's staring at me intently while waiting for me to continue.

I bit my lip and fidgeted with the hem of my skirt. "And I, uh... I-I have a confession to make." My eyes went up to meet his. A sigh escaped through my lips before I continue speaking.

"I like you, Your Highness!" There, I've said it.

Silence fell and invaded both of us. I quickly shifted my eyes in a different direction because of the embarrassment.

The feeling of uneasiness crept in me and my heart just pounds loudly without missing a beat. I don't know what kind of reply I should expect from the prince.

These past months, I know we've got closer to each other but that doesn't mean he has developed feelings for me too and reciprocates it. But to think about that- I admit that it's quite disappointing.

The moment of silence took longer than I thought. I couldn't handle it so I stood up from my seat. "You can forget what I have said, Your Highness. I totally understand if you don't feel the-" My words were cut off.

His arms wrapped around my waist. He's so close to me that I can even smell his manly scent. I'm standing here like a frozen doll as I process the fact that the prince just embraced me. All of my thoughts just left me and the pounding of my heart sounds louder than normal.

"I like you too."

Four words and yet, it's enough to make my mind and heart go crazier. All of my worries melted down and vanished into thin air.

I inhaled- His scent is invading my nose. With my eyes closed, I hugged him back and a faint smile formed on my lips.

If this is only a dream then I don't want to wake up from it. Can I just stay in this moment right here? I want to memorize this moment; having the person you like to reciprocate your feelings. I want to make this last longer.

"After your coming-of-age ceremony, we'll start preparing for our wedding," he said after breaking the hug.

I giggled. "You have to wait for less than three years, Your Highness." There are still two years and six months until my coming-of-age ceremony. It's still a long time to wait but by that time, Prince Pierre will also have his coming-of-age.

"I can wait as long as it's you, My Lady." He caressed my cheek and planted a kiss on my forehead.

This moment is really special to me and I want to repeat this again and again. Now that the prince confessed to me too, I don't have anything to worry about.

It'll be just me and him.

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Boys' coming-of-age is 21. Girls' coming-of-age is 18.

Azelaine's birthday is in june while Pierre's is in august.