the forbidden love with the lost princess

chapter 9-atfer the dream

Fiorella's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Alexander. She couldn't believe he had agreed to this without even checking with her first.

Cole, oblivious to the tension between them, smiled and handed Alexander the list. "Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it."

Alexander took the list and nodded. "No problem, father. We'll take care of it."

Fiorella sighed inwardly and stood up. "I'll go get my purse," she said, trying to sound casual.

As she walked out of the kitchen, Alexander followed her. "Hey, Fiorella, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, his voice low.

Fiorella turned to him, her heart racing. "What is it?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Alexander hesitated, looking around to make sure they were alone. "I know things got a little weird between us last night," he said, his eyes locked on hers. "But I want you to know that I'm not sorry about what almost happened."

Fiorella's eyes widened in surprise, and she felt a flutter in her chest. "Alexander, I..." she started to say, but he cut her off.

"I know we need to talk about this, but can it wait until later?" he asked, glancing at his watch. "We should get going if we're going to pick up those things for father."

Fiorella nodded, feeling a little dazed. "Yeah, okay," she said, trying to sound casual.

After they left

  As they strolled side by side, the only sound being the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet, the atmosphere was serene. The silence between them was comfortable, not awkward, as if they'd known each other for years.

Occasionally, one of them would break the silence with a gentle remark. "Nice day, isn't it?" or "Look, a robin." The other would respond with a brief comment or a nod, and then they'd lapse back into silence.

As they walked, the houses grew closer together, and the streets became more defined. They were approaching the town center, where the sound of distant chatter and the occasional chime of a store entrance bell began to punctuate the air.

Despite the growing noise, the pair maintained their peaceful pace, savoring the quiet morning moments before the bustle of the town fully enveloped them.

As they turned a corner, the town's central square came into view. The sun cast a warm glow over the scene, illuminating the vibrant flowers and lush greenery that filled the planters. The sound of gentle chatter and the clinking of cups filled the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting from the nearby café.

The pair's pace remained leisurely as they navigated through the square. They weaved past people sitting on benches, watching children play tag around the central fountain. The water feature's gentle gurgle added to the serene ambiance, creating a sense of tranquility that enveloped the entire scene.

As they approached the café, the woman spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "Shall we grab a coffee?" Her companion nodded, and they stepped inside, leaving the peaceful atmosphere of the square momentarily behind.

The café was cozy, with warm lighting and comfortable seating. The pair settled into a corner table, surrounded by the gentle hum of conversation and the soft clinking of dishes. They ordered their coffees and sat back, enjoying the warmth and comfort of the café, as well as each other's quiet company.

As they sipped their coffees, they exchanged occasional remarks, discussing everything and nothing in particular. Their conversation was effortless, flowing like a gentle stream, and filling any silences that might have otherwise felt awkward.

Time passed, and the café began to fill with more people. The noise level increased, but the pair remained engrossed in their own little world, enjoying each other's company and the peaceful atmosphere that surrounded them.

As they sat in the cozy café, sipping their coffees and enjoying the warmth, Alexander suddenly pointed out the window. "Look, it's the castle," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Did you hear about the lost princess?"

Fiorella's gaze followed Alex's pointing finger, and she felt a shiver run down her spine as she gazed at the castle's imposing structure. "Yeah, I did," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

But as she spoke, Fiorella's mind began to wander. She couldn't explain why, but the mention of the lost princess sent a strange tingling sensation through her veins. It was as if she was being pulled toward the castle, toward some long-forgotten truth.

Fiorella's thoughts drifted back to her childhood, to the strange, fragmented memories that had always seemed so out of place. She remembered the feeling of being in a grand, opulent room, surrounded by people in fine clothes. She remembered the sound of a woman's voice, singing a lullaby that seemed to match the rhythm of her heart.

As she sat in the café, staring out at the castle, Fiorella felt a sudden jolt of realization. It was as if all the pieces of her past were finally falling into place. She felt a sense of wonder, of awe, as she turned to Alexander with a look of stunned curiosity.

"Alex," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think...do you think I could be the lost princess?"