Staying in the chair, I watched as the king walked out of the room to go see his son. I'd give him a few minutes before I would follow. It had been many years since Cassius was shipped off across the Aquamedius Ocean to Ateria. His mother felt it was necessary for him to go live with King Darhi so he could prepare him more for the throne. A good future king should get to know other countries and their ways. But it was also partially due to how close me and the prince's relationship was growing. Queen Kiara didn't want her son developing romantic feelings for me. I was only nine and Cassius was twelve. The only feeling involved between him and I was friendship. He was the one person I could confide in; my only friend. I just had to catch a glimpse of him, if only for a moment.
Once again, I raised my hood up to conceal my face. I hastily made my way out of the room I was in, keeping to the shadows and making sure I made no sound. I didn't want the guards announcing me to the king and prince. I was all too sure the king wouldn't like me barging in without his permission.
As I grew closer to the Great Room, I started to hear voices. I checked both ends of the hallway to make sure nobody was coming. Firmly pressing my hands against the wall witha portrait of a devious looking man hanging on it, I heard a click and slowly opened the secret door. The dark hallway was dank and musty, signs that clearly meant the room was never used. It led to another secret door that let out behind a suit of armor that once belonged to King Titus' great grandfather. I made my way out quickly. Hiding behind the suit of armor, I peered around it.
My breath immediately caught in my throat; Cassius appearance was not what I expected it to be. He was tall like his father, but no where near being lanky. He had a robust figure; muscular, sturdy, and strong looking. He had his father's chiseled jaw and dimpled chin, but he also had his mother's plump lips and piercing blue eyes. His hair was thick yet not unruly. It was the same brown color that I remembered; a warm, chestnut brown. Upon his face was a well groomed beard. Cassius held himself with poise and grace. He was the epitome of what a great king looked like.
Apparently his hearing was better than King Titus'. He had heard my sharp intake of breath. Cassius glanced towards my direction and smiled. I could feel my knees trembling. That smile was beyond beautiful. Though he was alerted to my presence, Cassius didn't utter a word about it to his father. He just continued to look at me and yet I couldn't make myself leave.
"How is Savina?" His voice was deep and sensuous. His gaze flickered my way.
I swiftly put my back against the armor and clutched at the area of my robe where I could feel my heart pounding quickly. When Cassius spoke my name, I felt a flutter like feeling in the pit of my stomach. I couldn't quite understand the emotions I was feeling right now; joy, anxiety, and a longing to run up and hug him. My mind snapped me back to the precarious situation I was in. I retreated back into the secret room. I didn't want to stay for the rest of the conversation. Even though my heart was urging me to stay.
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Author's Note
Above is the song I listened to the whole time while writing this chapter. There is also a gif of what I see Cassius sorta looking like. Plus, I just love that look that Henry Cavill is giving. Across the Stars is probably going to be the love theme song for Cassius and Savina. <3 I apologize for it being so short, but I wanted the dinner and Savina seeing Cassius after so many years in a different chapter!
