Forbbiden Love Princess & Guard☑️

Chap #7 Lady Zara & Prince Lucien

The midday sun filtered through the tall windows of the palace, casting golden beams across the marble floors. In the spacious sitting room, Zara Evernight River, Elara's eldest lady-in-waiting, lounged on a velvet chaise, her legs tucked beneath her as she toyed with a delicate glass of wine. Her sharp eyes, always brimming with mischief, flicked to the door when it creaked open.

Prince Lucien Maverick stepped inside, his ever-present smile widening when he spotted Zara. She arched an eyebrow, setting her glass down on the small table beside her.

"Well, well, if it isn't the charming prince," Zara said, her tone teasing. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Lucien chuckled, closing the door behind him. "I didn't expect to find you here, Zara. I was looking for Elara."

Zara smirked, shifting slightly to get comfortable. "The princess is occupied with her royal duties. I'm afraid you'll have to settle for her fiery lady-in-waiting."

Lucien shrugged, his expression light. "I could think of worse company."

Zara watched him for a moment, her eyes narrowing in playful suspicion. "You know, I've been meaning to ask—what's your game, Lucien?"

The prince gave her an innocent look. "My game?"

"Yes, your game," Zara replied, rising gracefully to her feet. She circled him slowly, her gaze sharp. "You come here, charming everyone with your smiles and politeness. But you've been here for weeks, and I can't quite figure out what you want."

Lucien met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Isn't it obvious? I'm here to form an alliance between Avendale and Valorian. A marriage between Elara and me would secure peace for both our kingdoms."

Zara tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "That's what the court wants, isn't it? A perfect union between two royal houses. But I wonder, Lucien—what do you want?"

For a brief moment, Lucien's mask slipped. His eyes flickered with something deeper—something Zara recognized. She stepped closer, her voice lowering.

"Do you truly want to marry Elara?" she asked softly. "Or are you just doing what's expected of you?"

Lucien's smile faltered, and he glanced away. "Elara is... kind and intelligent. She would make a wonderful queen."

Zara studied him, her smirk fading. "That's not what I asked."

Lucien sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It doesn't matter what I want, Zara. What matters is what's best for our kingdoms."

Zara crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "And what if what's best for the kingdoms isn't what's best for Elara? Or for you?"

Lucien's jaw tightened, and for a moment, he seemed unsure of how to respond. Zara watched him closely, her sharp wit cutting through his practiced façade.

"You know, Lucien," she said, her voice soft but firm, "Elara may be a princess, but she's still a person. She deserves to marry someone who truly cares for her. Not just someone who's following a script."

Lucien looked at her, his expression conflicted. "You don't think I care for her?"

Zara shrugged. "I think you're trying. But I also think you're afraid to admit what you really want."

Lucien's gaze dropped to the floor, and he let out a small sigh. "I've spent my whole life being told what I should want. What I should do. Sometimes, it's hard to tell where my own desires begin."

Zara nodded, her smirk softening into something more genuine. "You and Elara are more alike than you think. She's been carrying the same weight on her shoulders. The expectations, the duty... it's suffocating."

Lucien looked up, meeting Zara's eyes. "And you? Do you carry that weight too?"

Zara chuckled, shaking her head. "Me? I've always been the rebellious one. I've never been good at following the rules."

Lucien smiled, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "I envy that."

Zara gave him a teasing grin. "You should try it sometime, Prince. It's liberating."

He laughed softly, shaking his head. "Maybe I will."

For a moment, the tension in the room lifted, and the two stood in comfortable silence. Lucien glanced out the window, his expression thoughtful.

"Do you think Elara will ever be free of it?" he asked quietly.

Zara followed his gaze, her voice softening. "I hope so. But it won't be easy. She's bound by so many chains—duty, tradition, the crown. It'll take someone strong to help her break free."

Lucien looked at her, his eyes filled with a quiet resolve. "Maybe that's why I'm here."

Zara raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Then you've got your work cut out for you, Prince Lucien."

Lucien chuckled, his smile returning. "I've never been one to shy away from a challenge."

Zara nodded approvingly. "Good. Because Elara deserves more than just a pawn in this game. She deserves someone who sees her, not just the crown."

Lucien met her gaze, his expression serious. "I see her, Zara. I do."

Zara held his gaze for a moment before finally nodding. "Then maybe you've got a chance."

As Lucien turned to leave, Zara's voice stopped him. "One more thing, Lucien."

He glanced back at her, curiosity in his eyes.

"Don't forget that the heart doesn't always follow the path of duty," Zara said, her tone softer than before. "Sometimes, it leads you somewhere unexpected."

Lucien smiled faintly, nodding in understanding. "I'll keep that in mind."

With that, he left the room, leaving Zara standing by the window, her sharp gaze following him. She sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Oh, Elara," she muttered to herself, "this is going to get interesting."