THE ASSASSIN'S FLAME

CHAPTER THREE

Upon arriving at the designated meeting room, Kieran found Alethea standing by the window, her emerald eyes fixed on the gardens below.

"Prince Kieran," she said, turning to face him. "I wished to speak with you regarding the tournament."

Kieran's expression remained neutral. "Of course, General. What is it you'd like to discuss?"

Alethea's gaze locked onto his. "I know you were expecting to represent Avalor. I want you to know that I will make sure our kingdom's honour is upheld."

Kieran's eyes searched hers, seeking any sign of condescension or pity. Instead, he found genuine respect and understanding.

"Thank you, General," he said, his voice sincere. "I have every confidence in your abilities."

The night sky unfolded above Avalor like a canvas of diamonds, with the moon, a glowing crescent, casting its silvery light upon the palace gardens. Prince Kieran strolled alongside General Alethea, her lithe figure clad in lightweight armour that seemed to shimmer in the moonbeams. The armour, though functional, couldn't conceal her elegance, as if the very metal had been moulded to accentuate her ethereal beauty.

For the first time, Kieran saw Alethea in such attire, her usual heavy armour replaced by a sleek, silver-gray suit that hugged her curves. The light armour danced across her skin, highlighting the contours of her athletic physique. Her raven hair, woven into a French braid adorned with crimson stripes, cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night. The prince couldn't help but steal glances at her, his gaze drawn to the striking contrast between her dark locks and the moonlit armour.

"Your Highness," Alethea began, her voice measured and respectful, "I assured you earlier that I will not disappoint you in the tournament. Now, I must discuss something with you, though it goes against my orders."

Kieran's curiosity piqued. He nodded for her to continue, his eyes never leaving hers.

"It concerns your father's wishes," Alethea said, her emerald eyes sparkling with discretion. "He seeks my aid in selecting suitable marriage prospects for you. Though I was sworn to secrecy, I wished to inquire about your preferences."

The prince's eyes widened, surprise etched on his face. "You're asking me?" he repeated, his voice laced with wonder. "I didn't expect... General, you surprised me."

Alethea's expression remained steadfast, though a hint of a smile played on her lips. "I understand it's unconventional, but I must consider your desires. Your father means no pressure, only preparation. Perhaps one of these suitors will catch your eye."

Kieran's thoughts whirled, his mind racing with the implications. "I'm shocked you asked," he admitted, "but I'll tell you. I desire someone who can defend herself, with passion in her heart and kindness in her soul. Loyalty and a willingness to do good for others are essential. Outer beauty matters little to me."

Alethea's gaze never wavered, her face a mask of respect. "I see," she said, her voice thoughtful. "You seek a partner, not an ornament."

Kieran nodded vigorously. "Exactly! Someone who can stand beside me, not just stand behind me. Intelligence, courage, and compassion – these are the qualities I cherish."

Alethea nodded, her expression contemplative. "I will take heed of your preferences, Your Highness. And, please, let this conversation remain between us."

The prince nodded, his voice laced with gratitude. "Thank you, General. Your discretion is appreciated. I must admit, I'm intrigued by your willingness to defy orders and ask my opinion."

Alethea's smile, fleeting as a moonbeam, crossed her face. "Sometimes, one must take risks to ensure the right path is chosen, Your Highness."

As they concluded their discussion, Alethea bowed her head, her movement fluid and precise. "I will not fail you, Prince Kieran."

With those words, she turned to depart, leaving Kieran to ponder the unexpected conversation. He watched her disappear into the night, her armour glinting like moonlit waves.

"An assassin, a general, and yet...," Kieran thought, his mind trailing off in awe. "Her beauty is a sword, cutting through convention.

General Alethea walked alone in the palace gardens, the moonlit path illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. Her thoughts drifted to her conversation with Prince Kieran, their discussion lingering in her mind like the fragrance of blooming flowers.

She recalled the prince's words: "Someone who can defend herself, with passion in her heart and kindness in her soul." Alethea's lips curved into a subtle smile.

"He seeks a partner, not an ornament," she thought, her mind echoing his words. "A woman of substance, not just beauty."

Alethea's thoughts turned to the potential suitors she had compiled. Would any of them meet the prince's expectations?

As she strolled, the sound of gravel crunching beneath her feet served as a reminder of her own footsteps, her own path. Alethea's gaze fell upon her hands, clad in lightweight armour.

"I've dedicated my life to serving Avalor," she reflected. "But what of my own desires? Do I dare consider them?"

A fleeting image of Prince Kieran's smile crossed her mind, followed by a surge of surprise.

"No," Alethea told herself, her mental voice firm. "I've never had such thoughts before. I must erase them from my mind. My duty comes first."

Yet, the memory of their conversation lingered, like the whisper of a summer breeze.

Prince Kieran stood at his chamber window, gazing out into the moonlit night. His thoughts wandered back to his conversation with General Alethea.

"Why did she ask my opinion?" he pondered, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "And why did I open up to her so easily?"

He recalled Alethea's words: "Your father seeks my aid in choosing a suitor for you." Kieran's heart skipped a beat.

"Marriage," he thought, the concept both thrilling and terrifying. "I'm not ready, yet...Alethea's words stirred something within me."

Kieran's mind drifted to the qualities he had listed for Alethea: "Someone who can defend herself, with passion in her heart and kindness in her soul." He chuckled.

"Did I truly mean those words?" he asked himself. "Or was it just a reaction to Alethea's unexpected question?"

As he reflected, Kieran realized his answer was genuine.

"I want a partner, a friend, a confidante," he thought. "Someone who sees beyond the crown and values the person beneath."

His gaze fell upon the palace gardens, where he had strolled with Alethea.

"General Alethea," Kieran thought, his voice barely above a whisper. "She's an enigma – strength and beauty, duty and mystery."

He pictured her in lightweight armour, her raven hair woven into a French braid.

"I wonder?" Kieran wondered, his heart racing.

He dismissed the thought, chuckling.

"No, she's a general, an assassin. I'm just a prince, a mere duty to her.