The Enchantress

22.

Rowan.

I had her in my arms but I wasn't able to talk to her. I can't even walk around freely for someone might recognize me and blow up my cover. I do need to talk to father about what I need to do next.

I was sitting on my bunk when the general came in. The boys all stood up and salute to the general. He looked at us and when he found me he ushered me forward.

"Rowan, I need you to give this message to the Prince. It is important he sees it tonight." He said handing me a rolled parchment.

"Yes sir." When he left I hurriedly took my cloak and put the parchment on my bag. "I'll head out." I said to the boys.

This is the perfect time I could get into the castle and talk to father. When I was near the gates I pull up the hood of my cloak and went past the guards. I walked casually through the streets leading to the castle. I looked around and since it's late there's not much people outside tonight. When the coast is clear I turned left and headed towards my house.

Mother was surprised to see me and then cried as I hugged her. Unfortunately my father was on duty for the feast. I told my mother what I need to ask him just in case I won't be able to see him in the castle. I told mother that tell father to write what I need to do next and hide it by the old tree at the eastern castle entrance. I then kissed mother goodnight and set out for the castle.

Upon reaching the castle gate, I was told by the guards that the feast was at the banquet hall. I went straight there but went through the garden as a short cut.

I reached the garden and was surprised to see Mina there. My love. All the longing I've felt for the past months came rushing back to me upon seeing her again. She looked surprised seeing me

"Rowan..." How I missed my name spoken by her lips. She looked more beautiful in her gown. How I missed holding her in my arms. I started to walk towards her and she did the same.

Somehow my eyes went past her and I instantly knew why. I was shocked seeing the Prince standing at the other entrance looking at us.

I then hurriedly bowed at Mina then at him. He asked why I was there so I gave him the parchment and then left. I went past him but he stopped me. My heart felt like it'll explode that I'll soon drop dead anytime.

He then asked about the camp and then said we'll ride in the morning. I then excused myself and left them. I walked along the corridor but before the garden completely went out of my sight, I glanced back and saw the Prince were now behind Mina.

A sudden hatred spread in my body that makes me want to run back there and tell him she's mine. No, Rowan, this is not the time to be jealous. It'll complicate things not just for you but for the kingdom too. With all my will I turned and hurriedly went to the castle's exit.

I don't like seeing him with her. He's... He's... I can't think of anything against him to be not suited for her. I don't want to lose her. I then became sad for he is a Prince, a perfect fit for the Princess. But what saddened me the most is the truth that Mina doesn't feel the same way with me. She does love me but not as deep as how a lover should.

With a heavy heart I went back and went straight to the general's tent and reported the parchment was delivered. I also told him that we'll ride in the morning.

I was dismissed so I went to our tent and took off my cloak and lie down. That's when thoughts flooded in my head. What if the Prince wanted her? How would I compete with that? He's a Prince, handsome, strong, smart and could give her anything, whereas I'm just a mere spy with nothing to offer her but my love.

I then shook my head. No, Rowan. You shouldn't give up when the fight hasn't even began.

~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°

Prince Chaeyoung.

I admit I'm worried to have Rowan around Mina. Tonight they almost talked. If Rowan didn't see me I wonder what would have happened. I remembered how she called his name and walked towards him. Luckily I was there and prevented him from talking to her. 

I thought seeing Rowan near her would ruin my night. But I was at the right place at the right time and that gave me an opportunity to talk to her. It was the first decent talk we had without her snarling at me. She clearly hates me. But after tonight, her hatred seemed to have faded.

Surprisingly we had a lot in common and it felt like we could be closer.

It took me all my strength to control myself. I've been waiting for her for a long time and now that I've found her I want to hug her tight and never let go. But since our situation is more complicated, I need to be patient. I will wait and I'll do everything I can to make her see how I feel for her.

The next day...

I woke up early went over to Momo's room and woke him up. I went back to my room and hurriedly wash up and get dressed. 

I went down the stairs and at the same time at the opposite stairs there was Mina. We stopped when we saw each other. She looked lovely even in a simple dress. I smiled at her and surprisingly she smiled back. We continued going down the stairs until we reached the landing.

"Good Morning, my Lady." I bowed at her and smiled.

"Good Morning, your highness." She bowed a little yet smiled as well.

I then offered her my arm which took her a few seconds before she accepted and out her arm on mine. We then started walking along the hallway. I can't help to glance at her from time to time as we walked in silence.

"Do you usually wake up this early?" I said breaking the silence.

"I do." She suddenly stopped. "Uhm... This way, we normally have our breakfast by the gardens" she said before turning and head towards the garden.

I smiled remembering our talk last night. It's too bad that we need to leave. I stopped walking which confused her.

I faced her and went near then took hold of her hand.

"We'll be leaving before noon, my Lady. I just want you to know that I'm glad we were able to talk last night. Those few minutes would be deeply cherished."

Did I heard it right? Did she just caught her breath? Held it? I wasn't sure for my heart is going haywire now.

She looked stunned and didn't know what to say. Her blushing face looks so adorable that I'm controlling  myself not to hug and kiss her.

"Cat got your tongue?" I smiled at her. "Is it okay if I come to visit you?"

"I..." She cleared her throat before she spoke again. "You're always welcome here, your highness."

"That's good to know, for I want to see you again. I'll surely miss your presence." I then held up her hand and give it a light kiss. Her reaction was priceless. Her face turned from blushing pink to looking red as a tomato.