Princess Cyra is recovering from a failed engagement, a lack of friends, and possibly inheriting a kingdom when she meets High Prince Halewijn, who is set on making her his bride. When it is revealed to her that he is actually her assailant's son, t...
That morning, during her bath, she informed Mirabel about her vow of silence. It would last until they called off the engagement, or until Halewijn died.
"How will you choose what you want to eat? Or what you'll wear to the wedding? Or what you'll say for your -- Oh. No speech, no vows to say."
"Although my mother will most likely sign the document herself." With that, she resigned herself to speechlessness. Cyra did not speak at breakfast, nor during the proceeding days. When her mother and father discovered her plan, they ignored the display of childishness and left it to Halewijn to figure out.
"Princess," He finally began one day while she sat on a bench, reading. It had been a week and a half since she had spoken to anyone, save Mirabel. "You haven't spoken to me in quite some time." Hal sat next to her, smoothing out his navy blue tunic and matching pants. His feet were covered in golden slippers, and his hair swept behind his laurel crown. He continued to astound her with his devilishly good looks, but she would never let him see her gape at his figure. She shut the book in her lap and stood, indicating that he had disturbed her peace. Halewijn didn't take the hint, however, and followed her across the large courtyard.
"Have I done something to displease you?" His concern seemed genuine, but Cyra couldn't let up, not for a moment. "Cyra, I implore you..." Hal continued to follow her into the palace, past the portico, and into the grand entrance. "Is this vow of silence in protest of our impending engagement?" She stopped in her tracks, gripping the book in her hand.
Halewijn stepped in front of her, holding her shoulders gently. "Cyra, I do not wish to entrap you with this engagement. Say the word, and I will rescind the offer." Cyra met his gaze, hopeful. Should he rescind his offer, her mother would have no option but to drop the thoughts of any engagement ever occurring. It was a perfect agreement. She opened her mouth to speak, but just as she inhaled, her mother rounded the corner to the stairs.
"Ah! Halewijn, I have been looking for you." Bilka eyed the two royals standing opposite each other, but she did not acknowledge the implications of the visage. "Come, we must choose the colors for your engagement clothing."
"Your Majesty, I was actually about to allow --"
"--himself to take me for a stroll in the hedge maze," Cyra spoke over him, finishing his sentence. Bilka stood there, shocked into stillness. And there goes her vow.
"Well... I won't stand in the way of your mid-afternoon stroll. Come find me when you have returned, High Prince." When her mother had disappeared up the steps, Cyra snapped the spine of the book with her deadly grip. Halewijn turned to her at the sound and raised a brow.
"I have some questions that need answers."
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The hedge maze felt like a prison as they made their way through it, Halewijn walking with his arms tucked behind his back.
"Ask your questions." Cyra snapped, setting her mouth in a hard line.
