A Face that launched a thousand ships

Part 4

part 4

"A-Are you sure we're at the right place?" she asked the coachman. Outside the Hansom cab she rode in, she could see a huge palace just a few miles away. It was grand and it was really a place fit for a king. "Yes ma'am. I am a very sure that this is where you are headed." The coachman answered, still driving the carriage. The carriage continued to travel the now smooth road of the capital.

"Your majesty, pardon me for the intrusion." The head butler of the royal family entered the private quarters of the king. "Yes, yes. What is it?" he asked in an impatient tone. He was sitting in a chair by the window; overlooking the whole city. "Your guest has arrived." He replied with a smile. The man immediately stood up as he heard the news. "Where is she?" he asked, excitement written all over his being. "She is waiting at the lobby, your majesty." The butler bowed as the king passed by him in glee.

The king rushed down from his quarters to the lobby. There, he saw a girl with long black hair, and a perfect tanned skin complemented by her hazel eyes. She wore an off-shoulder dress with which the hem reached a few inches below her knees. There was also a cross necklace hanging around her neck. The girl stood in the middle of the huge lobby, her eyes wandering in awe.

"Maria!" an unfamiliar voice called her from the top of the stairs. Quickly, she turned around to see who it was calling her. Her eyes widened as the person calling out to her hastily hugged her as soon as they came in contact. "A-Arthur?" she asked, her brows buried in curiosity. "Yes, it's me, Maria. I missed you so." The man replied tightening his hug around the petite girl. She giggled at the man's affection, "I missed you too, idiot." Maria hugged back.

He broke off the hug and held her hands tightly, "Come, it's time for lunch. Let's eat first before we get too busy with talking ourselves." He smiled. Maria nodded and smiled in reply, "Yes, I am quite hungry." The man led her to the dining room which was just down the long corridor.

He opened a grand door revealing a long dining table with only two chairs—one on each end. The table was full of delicious and aromatic feasts. If one was to see it, their tummy would grumble for sure. He guided her to the chair nearest to them and pulled it out for her. She smiled and thanked the man before sitting. After letting the girl sit, he went to the opposite side to sit in his own chair. "Let's eat." He smiled at her from the other side of the table.

"It's been 5 years, huh?" he chuckled. They walked around the palace garden—holding each other's hands. The girl giggled, "At first I wasn't able to recognize your voice. It grew deeper; you used to have a squeaky voice!"

"H-Hey! That was before! I'm a man now." He pouted childishly. They stopped and sat by the lake. The water was crystal clear; it shone brightly as the sun's rays reached it. The day was harmonious; everything was in balance. Maria sat by the grass with her legs folded beside her. Arthur rested his head on the girl's lap. Her hands played with the blonde strands of his hair. He closed his eyes, feeling relaxed by the girl's presence. "I didn't know you were of royal blood. Why didn't you tell me before?" she began.

"I was afraid that you might not see me the same way anymore." He replied, slowly opening his eyes to stare at the bright blue sky. Maria placed her left hand on top of Arthur's eyes, "Why would I?" she smiled. Arthur moved her hand away from his eyes and held it tightly, "I don't know..." he answered, his jade orbs were wandering around the lake.