Dangerous Love

Chapter 5

~ FLASHBACK ~

It was a beautiful day, so I decided to go for a walk - outside the palace grounds for once. I put on the simplest dress I could find, so I wouldn't draw any attention, and walked to the castle gate.

"Melissa! Where are you going?", my mother asked, as I hurried through the garden, and walked toward me with quick steps.

"I just want to go for a walk. Please, mother.", I asked her - almost begging - as I saw the concerned look on her face. I never left the castle alone, I just wanted to see the town, wanted to be free - just for one day.

"No, it's too dangerous. If someone recognizes you-"
"No one will.", I cut her off. "I never left the castle before, no one knows what I look like. Mother, please."

She sighed. "Stefan will come with you.", she said, making me smile.

"Thank you!", I said and hugged her tightly.

"Stefan!"

A tall man with dark hair, who was standing just a few steps away talking to the gardener, came over to us.

"Yes, your Majesty?", he asked politely, his head up straight, his hands folded behind his back. "My daughter would like to go for a walk. Would you please go with her? I'm a little worried. With everything going on... I would feel a lot more relaxed knowing she wasn't alone."

I rolled my eyes, but Stefan smiled at me and nodded. "Of course, your Majesty.", he agreed.

"Wonderful, thank you. Have fun and be safe.", my mother said.

"I shall protect her with my life."

"Let's just hope it won't come to that.", my mother said and turned to finish her instructions for the gardener.

Stefan and I left the castle area through the gate and walked through the city streets. It was the first time for me and I was visibly overwhelmed. "I-I have never imagined it like this.", I said quietly, as I saw so many poor people sitting in the streets begging for food or money.

"Maybe it's better if we head back to the castle and-"

"No.", I interrupted him. "No, I want to see more. And I want to do something against this. No one should have to live like this.", I said and walked ahead.

We soon arrived at a small café called Musain. "I wanna go inside.", I said determined, something was pulling me there.

"I don't think that's such a good idea.", Stefan worried and looked at some young men entering.
One of the men had blonde curls, blue eyes and wore a red jacket, which seemed to let Stefan know who - or what - he was. But I looked at him absolutely mesmerized, maybe it was because he was one of the first men I saw besides the guards or any other palace staff, but I just could't get myself to look away.

"Melissa? Are you alright?", Stefan asked.

"Let us go inside." I just had to find out, who that man was or even just his name.

Stefan sighed, but then he nodded. "Fine."

I smiled as well, then we entered the café and walked up the stairs. As we stood at the end of the stairs the room went silent and the many young men inside looked at us. The blonde man was one of them, although I had the feeling that he was only looking at me. I had to smile and saw, that he smiled as well. Stefan led me to a table and I sat down, then ordered something for us. I didn't hear what it was, I kept looking - or rather staring - at the blonde man. He was so fascinating...

They were talking about something, but I couldn't hear what it was. The man kept looking at me several times and smiled.

"Melissa?"

I turned my head to look at Stefan. "Yes?"

"What is it with you and that man? I doubt you know him.", he asked.

"No, no I don't.", I said and turned my head again. I started feeling silly on one hand, but on the other I just couldn't help myself.

After some more time, a few of the men had left, until only the blonde man and another one were left.

"It's time to go back. I'm sure your mother is already worried sick.", Stefan said.

We got up and walked to the stairs, but before I could walk downstairs, I felt someone holding my arm. "Excuse me, Mademoiselle? May I talk to you?", I heard a soft voice behind me.