Cherry Tree

-Chapter 6-

~Elex~

The moon hung high in the sky, casting its silvery glow over the palace grounds as I slipped through the shadows, my heart pounding in my chest. Tonight was supposed to be a simple job—a quick snatch and grab under the cover of the royal wedding festivities. But as I crept closer to the palace walls, a sense of unease gnawed at my gut.

The guards were on high alert, their watchful eyes scanning the perimeter with hawk-like precision. Every step I took felt like a gamble, a dance with danger in the moonlit courtyard.

I pressed myself against the rough stone wall, waiting for the opportune moment to make my move. That's when I saw him—a figure emerging from the darkness, his silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the cherry tree.

Prince Ariol.

My breath caught in my throat as I watched him approach, his footsteps hesitant yet determined. What was he doing out here, alone in the dead of night? Had he seen me?

Before I could react, Ariol stopped beneath the cherry tree, his gaze fixed on the twinkling stars above. He seemed lost in thought, a solitary figure in the moonlit garden.

I hesitated, torn between the urge to flee and the inexplicable pull that drew me closer to him. There was something about the prince, something that intrigued and irritated me in equal measure.

Gathering my courage, I stepped out from the shadows, my footsteps silent against the dew-kissed grass. Ariol turned, startled, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of me.

"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice sharp with suspicion.

I raised my hands in a gesture of peace, but there was a steely edge to my tone. "Easy there, Your Highness. No need to get all worked up."

Ariol studied me for a moment, his expression guarded. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone tinged with annoyance.

"Just passing through," I replied coolly, trying to match his demeanor.

Ariol's gaze hardened, a flicker of disdain crossing his features. "Passing through, huh?" he scoffed. "Seems to me like you're up to no good."

I bristled at his accusation, my own temper flaring. "And what about you? What's a prince doing sneaking around the palace at this hour?"

Ariol's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with irritation. "That's none of your concern," he snapped, his voice sharp.

There was a tense silence between us, the air crackling with animosity. Despite the danger of the situation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at getting under the prince's skin.

But as Ariol turned to leave, his expression tight with anger, I couldn't shake the feeling that our paths would cross again. And when they did, it wouldn't be on friendly terms.