THE ASSASSIN'S FLAME

CHAPTER FOUR

Days passed, and Alethea had prepared a list of well-known girls all over the Kingdom.

On her way to the throne room, General Alethea's thoughts swirled like the palace fountains, her mind a maze of duty, loyalty, and forbidden emotions.

"I've known Prince Kieran for years," she thought, her gaze drifting to the ceiling. "But last night, I saw him differently."

Alethea recalled Kieran's words: "Someone who can defend herself, with passion in her heart and kindness in her soul." Her heart skipped a beat.

"He deserves someone extraordinary," she thought.

Alethea's eyes narrowed, her mental voice firm.

Yet, the memory of Kieran's smile lingered, like the fragrance of blooming flowers.

"I must focus on the tournament," Alethea reminded herself. "And the suitors. I will find the perfect match for Prince Kieran."

But as she walked, the palace's shadows seemed to whisper secrets, tempting her to reconsider her own desires.

Elsewhere,

As he awaited her arrival, Prince Kieran's thoughts wandered like the palace gardens' winding paths, his mind lost in the labyrinth of his own emotions.

"General Alethea," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "She's like a puzzle, intricate and mysterious."

Kieran recalled Alethea's armour, shining in the moonlight.

"I've never seen her like that before," he thought. "So...human."

He chuckled, his eyes crinkling.

"Who would have thought the infamous General Alethea could make me feel so at ease?"

Kieran's gaze drifted to the stars.

"Maybe it's because she doesn't see me as just a prince," he thought. "She sees me."

The realization struck him like a shooting star.

"I want someone to see me, truly see me," Kieran thought. "Not just the crown, but the person beneath."

His thoughts swirled, a maelstrom of emotions.

The door of the grand throne room burst open, and Alethea walked in and stood  beside Lord Ravenswood, surveying the assembled candidates. Each lady possessed unique qualities, skills, and beauty.

"Your Highness," Lord Ravenswood announced, his voice clear and commanding. "I present to you the selected suitors, chosen for their exceptional characteristics and potential to be your ideal partner. General Alethea will guide you so I'll take my leave now."

Prince Kieran scanned the room, his eyes widening as he took in the gathering. Five ladies, each radiant in their own right, curtsied before him.

_Lady Claire of Eldrid_

Claire's golden hair cascaded down her back like a river of sunset hues. Her bright smile and gentle demeanour immediately put Kieran at ease.

"Your Highness," Claire said, her voice melodious. "I'm honoured to meet you."

Kieran's eyes crinkled as he smiled. "The pleasure is mine, Lady Claire."

_Princess Sophia of Valtoria_

Sophia's raven hair framed her heart-shaped face, her piercing blue eyes sparkling with intelligence. Her confident posture commanded attention.

"Prince Kieran," Sophia said, her voice assertive. "I bring greetings from Valtoria. I'm eager to discuss diplomacy and politics with you."