Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the opulently decorated hallway on the second floor of the palace as Elianna and Nicholas walked side by side. Elianna's soft-looking lips were slightly agape, and her beautiful celestial blue eyes were glimmering as she looked left and right, enjoying the view around her.

  Nicholas' sea green eyes flicked to Elianna, and he smiled with his cheeks reddening slightly, seeing how excited she looked.

  As Elianna was looking around, her gaze flicked to Nicholas, and she smiled, seeing that he was eyeing her. She tilted her head slightly to the right. "What is it?"

  Nicholas shrugged and looked forward, "Nothing. It's just cute how excited you look."

  Elianna's brows raised, and this time it was her turn to blush. With a rosy tint on her cheeks, Elianna looked to the side, with her stomach fluttering slightly. "Well," Elianna began, with her eyes tracing the grey-bricked walls and beautiful paintings. She smiled softly, "I am excited."

  "Because you want to see the palace itself? Or because you like the antiquarian look?" Nicholas asked, giving Elianna a curious look.

  Elianna shrugged, "Both." With a soft smile and a slight blush, she looked at Nicholas and met his gaze. The fluttering sensation increased as she looked into his deep sea green eyes. "Plus, looking around the palace will give me a chance to see what your childhood was like before I met you."

  Nicholas' brows raised, eyeing Elianna for a moment. Then, he smiled softly, thinking it made sense that Elianna was interested in what Nicholas' life was like growing up. After all, who wouldn't want to know what it was like growing up as royalty?

  Nicholas nodded and looked forward, "Well, don't worry. I'll give you a good tour to give you a good idea of what it was like."

  Elianna chuckled slightly, "I'm looking forward to it."

  Elianna looked straight ahead as they neared a corner. As they got closer, her eyes fell on a maid who had just come around the corner. The maid's brows furrowed, seeming to look over Nicholas, Elianna, and the group of guards behind them. But, not even a moment later, her eyes widened to an unnatural size. She scrambled to place her back against the wall and curtsied, hanging her head low.

  "Good morning, Your Highness and Lady," The maid said in a soft yet official tone.

  Nicholas sighed and stopped before giving the maid a sincere smile. "Good morning. You can relax and carry on with your duties."

  The maid's head shot up, looking surprised. She opened and closed her mouth, seeming to want to say something, but no words escaped her. So, she simply nodded before she stood straight and began to head in their direction.

  Elianna watched the maid curiously, giving her a kind smile, as the maid moved around them, seeming to give as much space between her and them as possible. Elianna turned and followed the maid with her eyes as she quickly began to walk away, heading away from them. Her gaze then shifted to the group of guards standing behind them, who gave her a nod when their eyes met. Elianna smiled at them before she looked forward just in time as Nicholas continued walking.

  Following Nicholas around the corner, Elianna looked at Nicholas inquisitively, "Why have all the palace staff members acted like that?"

  Nicholas looked at Elianna, confused, "Like what?"

  Elianna shrugged, "I don't know. Like they're surprised that you tell them to continue. Then, they just seem scared to even come near you."

  "Oh," Nicholas said, and looked forward. "That's because technically, they're supposed to stand to the side when a member of the royal family walks by." He chuckled slightly. "So, I guess I'm changing their dynamic a little when I tell them to continue."

  Elianna nodded, "That makes sense."

  "As for the being scared to touch me bit," Nicholas continued, and his eyes shifted down. "I suppose it's because they are."

  Elianna looked at Nicholas, confused. "Why?"

  "Because," Nicholas began, and looked at Elianna. "Per Gavarian law, no one is to touch a member of the royal family unless given permission or during exigent circumstances."

  Elianna's brows raised, "Really? What would happen if someone were to break that law?"

  Nicholas looked to the side and thought for a moment. "To be honest, I don't really know." He chuckled slightly. "No one broke that law while I lived here."

  Elianna nodded, then looked at Nicholas jestingly. "So, does that mean I need permission whenever I want to touch you?"

  Nicholas met her gaze, smiled softly, and shook his head. "Never. You will always have permission to touch me."

  Elianna chuckled playfully, "Good to know."

  Hearing one of the guards behind them cough, Elianna and Nicholas looked behind them. They noticed how they were all looking anywhere but at them, with some of them smiling while others seemed a little awkward.

  Elianna leaned toward Nicholas and whispered, "Are they okay?"

  Nicholas shrugged and looked forward, "I don't know." He smiled, "But, we're here."

  Elianna's head snapped forward, with her eyes gleaming with excitement. She watched as Nicolas walked up to the door in the hallway.

  Grabbing the knob, Nicholas shot Elianna a grin before he opened in, and gestured to her, "After you."

  Elianna giggled and smiled, "Don't mind if I do."

  Nicholas smiled at her as she stepped into the room, but his smile faded when he looked at the guards, who were prepared to follow them inside. "You guys can stay out in the hallway; it's only Lia and me in here."

  The sergeant, who was the highest ranking in the group, nodded, "As you say, Your Highness."

  Nicholas watched as the guards proceeded to take sentry positions in the hallway, before he closed the door and entered the theater. His gaze flicked to Elianna, who seemed to have a curious expression as she looked around.

  Elianna noticed how the luxurious theater was well-kept. The concession area to her left was clean, without an ounce of dust in sight. The theater itself was huge, much larger than the one at her mansion. In fact, it was more like the theater she went to in Tri-Union City. Rows of fine black leather reclining chairs were situated in the theater, seeming capable of sitting maybe fifty or more people. At the end of the room was a pedestal, which Elianna surmised was for the illusionaire.

  "What do you think?"

  Elianna looked at Nicholas, seeing his questioning gaze. She smiled at him and nodded, "It's nice." She walked deeper into the theater and playfully laughed as she jumped into one of the chairs. She was instantly pleased by how comfortable the chair was and sank further into it. She looked at Nicholas as he walked around her and sat beside her. She smiled softly at him, "So, did you use this theater often?"

  Looking around, Nicholas shrugged, "A little, but not much."

  Elianna's smile faded, feeling a little disappointed. She was hoping he would tell her about all the times he used the theater and how much fun he had. "Oh," She looked forward. "I see."

  Nicholas looked at her with a raised brow, sensing her tone. He smiled a moment later, thinking the theater wasn't all that impressive since she had been in a theater before, whether that be in a palace or not. Thinking of something that might excite her, he smiled. "We can go to the gaming room."

  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  Elianna looked at Nicholas and tilted her head to the right with a slight smile, "Oh? Did you play a lot in there when you were younger?"

  Nicholas shrugged, "Sometimes. I was also mostly busy with lessons. In my free time, I would sometimes go there, but I would rather do other things."

  Elianna sat up, and her smile grew. "Like what?"

  Nicholas looked at Elianna for a moment before looking forward and shrugging, "Painting and stuff."

  "Was there anywhere you liked to hang out more than others?"

  Nicholas looked at her and nodded, "I suppose."

  Elianna looked at him inquisitively, seeing how he seemed to look a little embarrassed. She smiled, "Could you show me that, then?"

  Nicholas' eyes fell.

  Elianna looked at Nicholas, confused about why he would be hesitant or embarrassed. She reached out and gently grabbed his arm.

  Feeling her soft and warm touch, Nicholas smiled softly and looked up, meeting her beautiful gaze.

  Elianna spoke genuinely. "I just want to know more about your childhood. Not just see where you grew up. I want to see the things you loved to do."

  Nicholas eyed her for a moment before he smiled, hummed, and nodded. "Okay." He stood up, "Follow me."

  Elianna nodded and stood up, following Nicholas out of the room. As they entered the hallway, the guards standing along the sides snapped to attention and immediately began to follow them.

  Elianna looked at Nicholas, "So, where are we going?"

  Nicholas' lips curved, "You'll see."

  Elianna chuckled slightly, as she did like surprises.

  Elianna followed Nicholas down the halls to the grand staircase. They descended to the first floor, and Elianna looked at Nicholas curiously and confused, seeing him walk toward the large wooden double doors, which seemed to lead out of the castle.

  Elianna didn't question Nicholas as he pushed the doors open, allowing the bright and radiant light of the evening sun to stream inside. She blinked a few times, allowing her eyes to adjust, as she followed Nicholas outside. Looking around, her eyes widened in pleasant surprise.

  Elianna had noticed she had stepped onto a grey stone walking path, which seemed to lead to a large outer grey-bricked wall that had spikes on top, which seemed to surround the palace. Between the palace and the outer wall, on either side of the walking paths, were beautiful gardens which contained an assortment of flowers, bushes, and trees.

  Elianna felt wholly mesmerized by the utter beauty of the gardens, "Woah."

  Nicholas smiled and chuckled, "The palace gardens." He began to walk forward, "Follow me."

  Elianna nodded and followed Nicholas. They walked further down the stone walking path before Nicholas veered right, taking one of the garden paths. Elianna looked around, her heart full of warmth, seeing the different colors of the plants and flowers come together nicely. The soft breeze around her, the sound of the rustling leaves, and the insects flying around gave the garden a serene ambiance.

  "This place," Elianna began, her voice soft. "It's stunning."

  Nicholas nodded as his eyes looked around. "Yeah. I would spend a lot of time around here."

  Elianna looked at Nicholas curiously, "Doing what?"

  Nicholas seemed like he was going to answer, but stopped. He froze in his tracks, and his eyes widened. Elianna's brows furrowed with concern, seeing his eyes begin to water slightly.

  "Nick?" Elianna asked before she followed his gaze. Her eyes settled on a group of three individuals dressed in light green clothing, who were all wearing sunhats. They seemed to be laughing and having a good time. "Who are they?"

  Nicholas' voice was tight as he spoke. "The garden keepers."

  Elianna tilted her head slightly before she noticed Nicholas begin to approach them. Looking at Nicholas curiously, she began to follow him. As they neared the group of gardeners, she heard them laughing and observed how they all smiled brightly. She also noticed that the group of people was all made up of women.

  As they approached, the woman who was facing toward Nicholas and Elianna looked in their direction as they approached. She was a young woman with black hair and dark eyes. Her brows furrowed as she tilted her head slightly. But a moment later, her eyes widened.

  "Y-Your Highness?"

  The other two women, whose backs were to Nicholas and Elianna, seemed to stiffen. They both seemed to look down slightly before turning around to face them.

  The woman on the left appeared to be middle-aged, with dirty blonde hair and light brown eyes. The woman on the right was an elderly woman with graying brown hair and brown eyes.

  They both seemed to be holding themselves in an official manner at first. But when the elderly woman's eyes settled on Nicholas and Elianna, her brows furrowed. Then, a moment later, her eyes widened, and she smiled brightly. "Nicholas?!"

  Elianna's brows raised, as this was the first time she had heard anyone besides her, Freya, or Celine call Nicholas by his name since coming here.

  Nicholas returned her smile, his smile full of warmth, and his eyes watery. "Hello, Josephine."

  The other two women beside Josephine also smiled, seeming to relax as well.

  Josephine quickly walked forward, and it seemed like she was about to take Nicholas into a hug, but stopped. She quickly asked, her voice sounding tearful, "May I hug you?"

  Nicholas let out a tearful chuckle, "You don't need to ask."

  Josephine didn't hesitate to move forward and take Nicholas into a warm hug, which he gladly returned.

  Elianna watched them, and she couldn't help but smile. While she didn't know who this Josephine was, she could tell she cared a great deal about Nicholas, and he seemed to care for her too.

  Josephine and Nicholas held each other for a while before they broke apart. Josephine gently cupped Nicholas' face between her hands and smiled as she looked up at him. "Oh dear boy. Look how tall and handsome you have become."

  Nicholas chuckled, "Well, I have been gone for a few years. I was bound to change a little."

  "More than a little," The youngest of the three commented, her brows raised.

  Elianna's eyes flicked to the young woman and narrowed slightly.

  Josephine chuckled before looking at Nicholas worriedly. "How are you doing in Tri-Union City? Are you eating well? Are you making sure to get enough sleep? Are you—"

  "Fine," Nicholas cut her off with a chortle. "I've been doing fine."

  Josephine smiled. "I'm glad." She stepped back, looking at Nicholas curiously. "Are you here for your brother's engagement party?"

  Nicholas nodded, "Yeah. We both are."

  Josephine's gaze flicked to Elianna, and her eyes widened, seeing that she had completely ignored her. "Oh my, where are my manners?" Josephine bowed slightly, "Good evening, My Lady. I am Josephine, I'm in charge of the castle's gardens."

  Elianna returned her smile, "It's nice to meet you, too. And, you don't need to be formal with me. You can call me Elianna, or Elle."

  Josephine straightened and nodded. Her smile faded as she looked at Elianna for a moment, her head tilting slightly to the right. "You came here with Nicholas?"

  Elianna nodded, "Yeah."

  Josephine looked Elianna up and down. "How do you know him?"

  Elianna looked at Nicholas and smiled, "We met in Tri-Union City."

  Josephine nodded, "I see."

  Josephine continued to look at Elianna curiously before she stepped up to her.

  Elianna's brows raised, feeling confused and surprised as Josephine gently cupped Elianna's face between her hands.

  Josephine looked into Elianna's eyes, almost like she was searching for something. "Are you a good girl, Elianna?"

  Elianna's brows furrowed, taken aback by the question. "Uh, I think so?"

  Josephine continued to look at her, "Hmmm, and quite pretty at that."

  Elianna blushed slightly, "Thank you."

  Josephine smiled before she let go of Elianna and looked at Nicholas. "Good choice."

  Nicholas looked confused, not knowing what Josephine meant. He was about to ask when he heard someone call out.

  "Prince Nicholas!"

  All eyes turned to the voice, seeing a maid approaching them. The maid smiled and curtsied, "My apologies for the interruption."

  Nicholas smiled, "It's okay, relax. What is it?"

  The maid stood straight, "Dinner has been prepared."

  Josephine looked at Nicholas and smiled, "Go and eat. We can talk later."

  Nicholas nodded, "I'll see you later then."

  Nicholas shared another hug with Josephine before he began to walk toward the maid.

  Elianna was about to follow him when Josephine stepped up to her.

  Josephine smiled, "Treat him right."

  Elianna looked at Josephine, confused, as Josephine turned and began to walk back to the other gardeners.

  "Come on, Lia!"

  Elianna looked toward Nicholas and saw him waiting for her. Elianna smiled and followed after Nicholas. As she walked beside him, she looked at him inquisitively, "You and Josephine seem close."

  Nicholas smiled warmly and nodded, "She's like family to me." He looked at her, "I'll tell you more during dinner."

  Elianna nodded, loving the warmth in his smile. It made her stomach flutter.

  They made their way back to the palace, and as they entered, they noticed Celine and Freya descending the stairs.

  Freya smiled at Nicholas, "Oh, perfect, just on time. We were wondering where you two ran off to."

  "We were in the gardens," Nicholas said.

  Freya's smile saddened a little, "Ah, I see."

  "Is Josephine still there?" Celine asked, her eyes gleaming.

  Nicholas nodded happily, "Yeah. We just saw her."

  Celine smiled, "Oh, good. I'll have to make sure to say hi."

  "Me too," Freya said. "But first, let's get something to eat; I'm hungry."

  Elianna nodded, "Same."

  "This way," Freya said, beginning down the hall, and Nicholas and Elianna followed.

  As they were making their way through the palace, Elianna's brows furrowed as she noticed that a lot more palace staff and guards were roaming around. Mainly because a lot more people were standing to the side as they walked by, and Nicholas continued to tell them to carry on.

  "Are there usually more people in the palace during the evening?" Elianna asked.

  Freya looked over her shoulder at Elianna, and Elianna noticed a troubled expression on Freya's face.

  "No," Freya said, before looking forward.

  Elianna looked at Nicholas, who also seemed a little confused. "Why are there so many more guards and staff now?"

  Nicholas' brows furrowed, and he slowly shook his head, "I'm not sure? Maybe they called in more guards since I'm here?"

  "It's possible," Celine added. She looked at Freya, "Right, Mom?"

  Freya looked over her shoulder. "Maybe." She looked down before looking forward.

  Elianna looked at Freya, wondering what she was thinking. But a moment later, Freya approached a door and opened it, stepping inside.

  Celine and Nicholas followed Freya inside, with Elianna being the last one to enter the dining room.

  As they all entered the dining room, they all froze, going wide-eyed, seeing the figure sitting at the end of the table.