My Enemy, My Love

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔖𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔫

Prince Thyme [Sea]

From the marble steps, I had a clear view of the gates, where rows of soldiers and cavalrymen lined up, forming a grand procession. Their uniforms bore the colors of our Kingdom - gold, white, and blue - with rifles slung across their backs, standing in impassive precision. At my feet, a red carpet unrolled, stretching all the way to where the carriage would soon stop. Silver pots filled with roses, tulips, and marigolds decorated the path, their vibrant colours creating a stark contrast with the royal blue of the soldiers' uniforms. Flags of Bangkok waved proudly from the marble pillars, catching the slight summer's breeze.

Beside me, the King and Queen stood in composed anticipation. My mother's dress - a delicate pale green - flowed from her waist, and her hair, intricately styled with ornaments of flowers and ribbons, gave her an almost regal height. My father, dressed in his ceremonial soldier's uniform, wore his medals and pins like badges of his hard-earned valor. A sword hung at his side, the golden hilt gleaming in the afternoon sun.

The carriage appeared at the end of the road, moving slowly toward the palace gates. My heart thudded in my chest as the horses came to a stop, their hooves echoing on the cobblestones. The footman opened the door, and from the carriage emerged Chariya, the Princess of Chiang Mai. Her presence struck me immediately - more so than the last time we had met, seven months ago. She descended with grace, her gown a dark shade of lavender, each step as delicate as a flower petal brushing the earth. Her mother followed closely behind, though it was Chariya who captured the full attention of the court.

I extended my arm, unsure of what I should say or do, but instinctively, I wanted her closer. As she took my arm, her soft touch sent an unexpected tremor through me. "Welcome, Your Highness," I said, my voice a little tighter than I would've liked.

"Thank you, Your Highness," she replied with a smile that momentarily stole my breath. Her eyes lingered on mine for a second too long, and I suddenly became aware of the closeness between us.

Had she always been this beautiful? I couldn't help but notice how much she had changed since our last meeting. Her confidence had grown -- there was a maturity in her now, a control that hadn't been there before. Seven months ago, she had been more animated, free. Now, she seemed entirely at ease in her royal status, reserved, and it unnerved me just how nervous I felt around her.

"Shall we?" I asked, as the formalities concluded, and our parents busied themselves with courtly pleasantries. Our families wanted to discuss the final arrangements in private, leaving Chariya and me alone. Mama encouraged us to take a stroll in the palace garden's for an hour, and I instantly rose to the suggestion with a polite smile. "I'd be delighted to show you our rose garden. I think you'll find it truly impressive."

"Of course," she said, her voice gentle but clear.

I led her toward the palace gardens, the air sweet with the scent of blooming flowers. As we walked, I couldn't help but glance at her from the corner of my eye. Her quiet, tranquil composure almost eased my bubbling anxiety; still, I feared she could sense it. The the last thing I wanted was for her to think me vulnerable, weak, or uncertain. I had been taught how to act in these situations - how to behave, what to say, how to carry myself with confidence. 

It was unlike me to feel so restless or afraid of making a mistake. I'd been through this before, meeting other beautiful and honourable noble women. But this time felt different - more...pressurising. Daunting. That underlying sense of unease, that knot -- whether out of anger, frustration, or agitation -- tightening in my chest, wasn't something I usually dealt with. 

Except when it came to Luka

"I've heard much about the royal gardens here," Chariya said, pulling me out of my thoughts. Her tone was calm and polite, carrying genuine interest. I was glad that she had spoken, breaking the silence that would've otherwise dragged me into thoughts of Luka. I hated how often he crept into my mind, but with each day we spent apart from one another, the more intensely he occupied my head. Why? I couldn't make sense of it. All I wanted was to forget him completely -- erase him from my life, forever.