Crowned In Thorns

1. The Library

    "I'm quite certain that the inscription at the entrance explicitly stated that access is restricted to members of the Ashbourne royal lineage, did it not?" The voice's tone was monotoned and cold.

She never knew that she would get caught soon. She sighed as she closed a book in front of her. She maintained her gaze down as she turned around.

"My apologies, my lady, I must have missed the announcement." As she turned, she was confronted by a remarkably tall figure, who possessed a striking physique of well-defined build. His black, straight, sleek hair hung past his muscular shoulders in length, his skin paler than snow.

He wore expensive, high-class attire adorned with a golden emblem of the Ashbourne's royal lineage on his black velvet cloak.

His piercing dark midnight eyes scrutinized her, making her feel a little intimidated.

"I apologize as well. They were busy at my sister's wedding." She returned the book on the shelf gently as she returned her gaze at him. "I'm merely bored."

"Ah, indeed, they have been preoccupied with the festivities of the wedding ceremony." He took a closer look at her face, his midnight eyes piercing into hers, his gaze held an unspoken intensity, like a predator seeking to expose her vulnerabilities.

"What is a fair lady like you doing in the library? Shouldn't you be attending the grand wedding or perhaps partaking in one of the numerous festivities within the castle grounds?" His voice, though soft, held a hint of firmness and authority, a subtle suggestion that he held a higher status in the room.

"Not my cup of tea, Your Grace." She chuckled as she returned his glance as she slightly nodded. "Kalyna Vitaliana, the eldest princess of House Vitaliana." She introduced herself.

"The eldest princess of House Vitaliana, I am aware of your position. You accompany your sister who is soon to become a member of the Ashbourne family." He took an authoritative stance, his body language conveyed a dominant energy as he spoke.

"Your presence in this room intrigues me. It's not often I encounter a lady who chooses the seclusion of the library over the merriment of a grand event. It shows a certain independence and a mind that seeks knowledge and solitude."

"Is that so?" She momentarily gaze at him and the shelves. "It's a better way to escape from my father's nag for potential suitors. I'm better off here in this secluded place." She returned her look at the prince. "I do apologize for trespassing, I won't be staying long."

"Ah, escaping the persistent nagging of your father regarding suitors, I can understand that all too well." He let a faint chuckle from his lips, his piercing dark eyes fixed on her. He began to circle her slowly, as if he was assessing her every move.

"And what if I wish for you to stay a while longer? After all, I don't mind some... company."

She slightly chuckled to herself as she was about to pick a book. "Then may I?"

"Certainly." With a swift motion, he positioned himself by her side, his eyes fixated on her elegant frame as he watched her select the book of her choice. The allure of his presence was nearly tangible, a hint of a smirk forming on his lips.

"Tell me, Princess Kalyna, what intrigues you most about this library of the Ashbourne family?" His question was more of a command than a question.

"I am mostly engaged in botany and architecture. But here, my curiosity fell into war strategies. It's fascinating." She spoke as she turned the pages on her hands. She can't help but wonder who this man is.

"Botany and architecture, both interesting subjects indeed. War strategies, however..."His smirk deepened, the tone of his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "...is something I am intimately familiar with. In fact, it is my expertise."