Royal Guard's Embrace [𝐙𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐖 FF]

𝐬𝐢𝐱

After getting ready for bed, I noticed Poppy was taking an unusually long time to bring my tea. Curious, I decided to leave my room and find out what was keeping him.

As I walked down the hall, I passed Zee's room. His door was open, and I could see him standing by the window, gazing out at the night sky. He was shirtless, as he often was while working, his broad back illuminated by the moonlight. He wore only his bottoms, and his skin glistened slightly.

I had on a set of pink-and-white striped satin pajamas, complete with long sleeves and a collar, buttoned neatly up to the top.

"Do you like the view?" I asked, my voice soft to avoid startling him, though he still turned sharply to look at me.

"I'm sorry." I added quickly. "I didn't mean to surprise you."

"I've never seen the east side of the castle before. I don't really visit it. This is the only time I've seen it. You have an apple orchard." 

That comment brought a small smile to my lips. Zee wasn't much of a talker, but it seemed he was warming up tonight. I resisted the urge to correct his grammar but it wasn't tutoring time, after all. It was just nice to hear him speak more.

"Yes, there is." I replied, moving closer to the window to join him. 

The orchard stretched out beneath the silver glow of the moon, the trees swaying gently in the breeze.

"Do you like apples?" I asked.

"They're my favorite." Zee replied without hesitation.

"Really? Why's that?" I asked, curious to know more about this quiet man.

"They're versatile. You can make pies, muffins, or just eat them plain. They're always delicious," he said, glancing out the window. "I also like pineapples for some reason."

"Interesting." I remarked, smiling at his unexpected fondness for fruit.

Zee stood quietly, still looking out of the window, and the silence between us didn't feel awkward. It was peaceful. I could tell he really appreciated small, quiet moments like this, taking in the view from the east wing of the castle. It was a side I didn't spend much time in.

"Zee." I called softly, pulling him from his thoughts.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Do you have any formal attire? For a gala or a ball, I mean?" I asked, realizing I'd never seen him in anything more than his working clothes.

He looked at me, almost sheepishly. "No, Your Highness."

"Oh no," I muttered, but his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Why?" he asked.

"There's a ball in two days," I explained. "It's been planned for months. I'll have someone make something for you tomorrow. It might take the whole day, but it's important."

"You want me to attend?" Zee's surprise was evident in his voice.

"Yes, of course," I nodded. "I need you there."

"What is it for?" Zee asked, still gazing out of the window.

"I have to meet princesses from various countries," I explained, a hint of reluctance in my voice. 

"It's part of the process to find a queen, but everyone is invited to the ball, even the townsfolk."

"Oh..." Zee responded, his eyes drifting back to the view outside.

I sighed, leaning against the window frame. "If I'm being honest, I don't really want to do it."

"Why not?" he asked, turning his head slightly toward me.