The Hidden Princess

Chapter Two

"Perhaps we can start over? As friends, this time?"

After his conversation with his father, Rowen was left standing alone outside, a gnawing sense of unease settling over him. He paced back and forth, trying to make sense of the unsettling feeling that had suddenly gripped him. It wasn't long before he realized the source of his discomfort: Owen, his father, had left without Liora-a breach of protocol that was almost unthinkable. The palace had strict rules about the presence of guards, especially when it came to the princess's safety. No guard was supposed to leave their post unless another was in place to take over, but Owen had departed, leaving Liora vulnerable.

The realization hit Rowen like a bolt of lightning. His father had deliberately left him behind with Liora, forcing him into a situation that would compel him to confront the issues between them. Rowen felt a surge of frustration mixed with determination. He had been avoiding Liora, unsure of how to mend the rift between them that had grown over time. His father's actions had now put him in a position where he had no choice but to address the problem head-on. But where should he start? What could he possibly say to make things right?

With a deep breath, Rowen resolved to face Liora. He approached her slowly, his heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and resolve. As he neared her, he heard her murmuring softly to herself, her gaze fixed on the village that lay beyond the castle walls. The sight of her in such a pensive state made him hesitate for a moment. He was uncertain if he should interrupt her solitude, but he knew the conversation had to happen.

"Liora," he called out gently, stepping closer to her.

Startled, Liora turned to face him, her expression instantly guarded. "Rowen, I... I didn't hear you approach."

Rowen offered her a reassuring smile, attempting to diffuse the tension that lingered between them. "I'm sorry for earlier. I didn't mean to come across as cold. My father made me realize that I may have been wrong in how I've been treating you."

Liora's eyes softened slightly, a glimmer of hope breaking through her initial wariness. "Really? I thought you didn't want anything to do with me anymore."

Rowen shook his head, taking a step closer. "No, Liora, that's not true. I just... I wanted to do what I thought was best for you, but I see now that I might have been mistaken."

The air between them was heavy with unspoken feelings. They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their past misunderstandings hanging over them. Finally, Liora spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I appreciate you saying that, Rowen. And I'm sorry too, for assuming the worst of you."

Relief washed over Rowen, and he smiled genuinely. "Perhaps we can start over? As friends, this time?"

Liora's guarded expression melted into a smile, her eyes lighting up. "I'd like that."

Rowen smiled at Liora as they started to walk around the garden, it was dark bit there were lanterns lighting the paths they walked, Rowens hand rest on the hilt of his sword incase it needed drawing. Liora noticed this and frowned.

"Do you really think someone will come and attack us? Within the walls?" She asked her brows furrowed.

"I can never be to carful." He responds glancing at her before looking back at the way they were walking.

The walk turned silent as they just enjoyed each others company as they turned to walk back towards the castle. Unbeknownst to them, someone was watching from outside the palace walls. This figure, cloaked in shadow, was intent on gathering evidence to substantiate the rumors that had been circulating about Liora's mysterious powers and her reclusive nature.