nd the sound of birds singing. She had been feeling cooped up in t

days. She didn't notice when the path behind her disappeared from view, and before she knew

ase. She had no idea which direction to go, and th

horse's hooves behind her. She turned to see a handsome you

" he asked, rein

rassed. "I'm afraid I wandered a bi

se. "Allow me to escort you back to the

is stranger. As they walked, she learned that his name was

ease in his presence. She couldn't help but notice the way his eyes sparkle

e, its towers shining in the sunlight. She felt a pang of disappoi

cess?" he asked, his eyes locked on hers. "

ense of excitement. "I w

, Aria couldn't help but wonder i

ian's motives for helping h

ther to their shared love of horses. Aria found herself feeling more and more at ease in E

"Thank you for allowing me to escort you back, Princess," he said, his vo

in her chest. "I've enjoyed i

e he could see right through her. "Perhaps I might call on you

ask to see her again so soon. But as she looked into his e

t," she said, try

the corners. "Until tomorrow, then,"

sense of excitement. She had a feeling that she was

caught sight of Kael watching her from the shadows. H

ng her with an intense gaze. "What's wrong, Ka

s seemed to bore into Aria's soul. "I don't

ho?" she asked, although s

ian had gone. "Prince Elian," he said. "Ther

are you talking about, Kael?" she asked. "

king about, Princess," he said. "He's too perfect. Too charming.

mind. She had felt a connection with Elian, but what

"But I don't think we should jump to conc

sense a hint of disappointment. "Just be caref

as only trying to protect her, but she couldn't shake the fe

off the feeling that Kael's suspicions were unfounded, and she didn't

ing to know him better. They went on long walks, had picnics

g nature. He seemed genuinely interested in getting to know her, and she

omething. He would occasionally receive mysterious messages or meet with unknown indivi

She didn't want to ruin their relationship without solid eviden

couldn't shake off the feeling that sh

e. "I'm really glad we met, Aria," he said, his eyes sparkling with sincer

bout you, Elian," she replied, smiling back at him. "You

orners. "I'm glad I can bring some joy into

f contentment wash over her. She was happy to have Elian as a fr

offered Aria his hand. "Shall we head back t

the lake's shore. She felt a sense of ease and comfort wi