the kiah

chapter 5: the crown prince

axelle arsenio was the crown prince of the empire and also the firstborn of the royal kids. it was said that he was perfect in every way but was difficult to please.

walking in front of his younger brother and sister axelle arsenio was even more dominating as the rumors made him out to be. he had a smile on his face but it didnt reach his eyes, there was no emotion on his beautiful face and his blue eyes gave nothing away as a lock of his wavy black hair fell over it.

not everyone knew but axelle was different than what they assumed. he wasnt that hard to please but merely they were not using the right methods. he already had lots of land, servants and treasure not to mention there were tons of noble ladies wanting to marry him. these things did not amuse him anymore.

what axelle wanted- that remained to be seen. today he was merely curious about this possible fiance that his mother told him about. ailith ione zosia. axelle was curious about the girl who was rumored to be the best candidate to be his crown princess. he wondered if she was just like other noble ladies or was something different enough to capture his attention.

"greetings his majesty, her majesty, your highness may the gods bless us all" the crown prince greeted followed by the second prince and the princess. 

"you all are here, good." the emperor nodded as the royal kids took their seats and turned to the grand duke who was done greeting the prince and princess.

"i believe everyone is here. its time for lady ailith to arrive" 

ralan bowed and then whispered something to the servant beside him. soon the stewart announced the arrival of the zosia siblings.

"young master nichol zosia, lady ailith zosia have arrived"

axelle turned towards the doors just like everyone else. standing there were two figures, one was the young master and heir of house zosia nichol. 

his black hair combed properly and his blue eyes being covered by glasses. even his silver dress suit was properly adorned with all the accessories as he walked in elegantly, escorting the person that caught axelle's attention.

wearing a silvery blue gown that covered most of her body, the white blonde hair was tied in a half bun and the veil covered her face nose down leaving her greyish blue eyes to be visible. she walked with elegance unbecoming for a lady her age, the coldness from her gaze, as she turned her eyes around to take a look, gave him a chill; still they were curious wanting to experience things.

the way she held her dress made her look like a grown up lady but the way she slightly tilted her head when something caught her attention made her look like an innocent kid giving him an urge to protect her. 

axelle silently observed her as she came to a halt and bowed. greeting the royal family first; in a proper way. his breathing halted as she was ordered to raise, her eyes meeting his. axelle's palm went over his heart as it began racing after skipping a beat. 

but that moment didnt last long as ailith lowered her eyes again. axelle wondered why she was wearing a veil. it wasnt any tradition or ritual. even girls or married ladies were free to show their faces instead of hiding them.

"lady ailith, i was curious why wear a veil?" the queen asked the question he was curious about

ailith bowed slightly "answering to your highness, according to maids this veil is made of a blessed piece of cloth that protects one from the evil; hence they made me wear it after what happened with my mother" 

hearing ailith's melodious voice axelle was mesmerized but he also understood some things. lady ailith's maids were fond of her, even going as far as making her wear a blessed veil to keep her safe. also she still missed her mother. but axelle also came out of his trance when he noticed something other's didnt- a hidden coldness in lady ailith's tone when she mentioned her mother.

"i see. they are very thoughtful and caring it seem" the queen melisende spoke but her voice have changed into a sorroful one too.

"enough of the past" the empress, his mother, interjected the conversation

"lady ailith it's your night, go and greet the guests and enjoy" she dismissed the lady while smiling at the queen.

As lady ailith bowed amd left his father turned towards them.
"you should also enjoy the party and interact with people your age." with that they had permission to leave.

Axelle didn't immediately leave to vanish in the crowd like his younger brother who immediately went to check out the food. Instead he remained seated and observed lady ailith.
She first went to greet her parents. Grand duke ralan spoke fondly to her and even introduced her to some nobles.
Ailith did not behave like normal noble lady her age. She behaved different. Axelle noticed.
Ailith spoke properly and clearly to everyone, she did not speak more than necessary and even in the sentences she spoke felt emotionless, almost cold.
Soon the duchess took her towards a group of ladies where a similar scene played out.
Once ailith was done greeting the older generation and other important nobles, she took a break moving towards the food stalls.
That was when axelle stood from his spot. He was interested, wanting to know more about the lady but also a little hesitant because of her cold nature.
Axelle was approached by few noblemen and ladies on his way to which he politely rejected their talks and offer to dance and continued towards the lady who was observing the food stalls intensely.
"lady ailith, do you need help to find something according to your taste? The royal chef is skilled though and everything should be appetizing" axelle found himself standing behind ailith, at a distance because as he was approaching her she had turned around already aware of his moves.
Their eyes met and axelle felt himself taking a step back. The look ailith had was not one that a young lady her age should support, it was that of a person who have killed, seen war up close and was alert always.