2 Prince Theo of Scandinavia

In a luxurious carriage headed to the palace of the Alexandrovanovs, two princes sit in front of one another. Followed by another two carriages, one carrying their clothes and things, the other carrying gifts for Princess Laurana and her family. "Brother, I'm bored. Let's play a game," the younger prince said.

"It's your problem. Why did you insist to sit here in my carriage? And be quiet," the older prince said coldly while closing his eyes again.

The younger prince pouted and made faces at him, "It'll be too boring to sit by my own. But you're even more boring."

"Stop calling me brother especially when we're inside the palace. Address me correctly. Act your age."

"Fine, 2nd Prince Egon."

Minutes passed, the younger prince talked again, "Have you heard what they're saying about the princess?"

Prince Egon opened his eyes at the mention of the princess, "What is it?"

The younger prince teased him, "Now you're listening."

Prince Egon stare daggers at him, "Speak while I'm nice."

"Someone might have seen her and said that she is so elegant and stunning!"

Prince Egon smirked, "That's good, but what's important to me is the throne. So, don't get in my way."

The younger prince thought, 'Why did you become like this? You weren't like this before, brother..' Heavy silence, the rest of their journey was like that.

...

Contrasting to the princes who are traveling in carriages, a dashingly handsome prince is riding his black horse at full speed. Not far from him, guards riding their horses follow him, shouting, "Prince, slow down!" "Wait for us!" The palace was expecting the princes to show up after noon, but this prince arrived in time for breakfast. The Emperor heard the arrival of this prince and decided to invite him to have breakfast with them.

Dining Hall. I was the last to arrive, and I did not expect to see a guy sitting beside my seat. I remained calm and walk towards the table. My father saw me and said, "Laurana, this is Prince Theo of Scandinavia."

The prince stood up and did a neck bow, while I did a small curtsy. He, then, pulled my chair out for me before he took his seat. I smiled and thanked him.

Father asked him, "Theo, how did you arrive so early and can I ask why?"

Prince Theo smiled shyly, "Forgive me, Your Imperial Majesty. The reason why is that I want to talk with your daughter."

I looked at father questioningly, and he just smiled at me, "Lets have our breakfast first, you two can talk after. I told you before to call me sir when its only the two of us, Theo."

Prince Theo laughed, "Yes, sir."

I went back to my chamber to changed into my all-white fitted long sleeves horseback riding outfit with gold designs, fitted white pants and a black long riding boots. When I arrived at the stables, I went straight to my fjord horse, Mono Chrome, he's small but a very strong horse, I often use him when I go for trail riding in the mountains.

Outside the stables, Theo was waiting for me beside his black horse, he was wearing a dark blue fitted coat use for horseriding, white long sleeves on the inside, white pants and a black riding boots; he sure is charming, especially the way he's looking at me right now.

"I heard you rode your horse instead of riding in a carriage, aren't you tired?"

He smiled and walked closer to me, "I can rest later. May I help you up?"

His chivalrous manner made me smile, "Thank you, but I can do it."

After we're settled on our horses, he told me that my father explained to him that I lost my memories a few months ago.

"Princess, you don't remember me, do you?"

I lowered my head in response, "No.. I'm sorry, Prince Theo."

"You don't need to be sorry, can you call me by my name when its only the two of us, just like before?"

"Then, you should call me by my name, too, Theo," I smiled at him. I feel like I could trust him, just like mother told me earlier while I was changing. She also told me that Theo and I are close friends since we were young. We were inseparable when were together.

"I will, Laurana."

"It's so nice to go trail riding here in the woods with you, Theo. I thought I didn't have a friend when I woke up with no memories of my life here," I glanced at him and saw that surprised look on his face.

"You look surprised, my mother told me earlier that we're close friends since we were young. When I found it out, I was really glad." Then, we rode in silence.

...

"Theo, for how long will you be staying here? Because I have many questions for you about our adventures together when we're young." I asked him because I want to clarify something, indirectly. I feel like we're not just close friends; I don't know if its only my imagination, I think he's here not as a friend, but as one of the suitors.

"I'll be staying in the guest wing for awhile. I also like to get to know you, again, Laurana. Can I court you?"

"I'd like that, too, Theo."

We went back to the palace talking and laughing, sometimes just riding in peaceful silence. When we arrived outside the stables, he swiftly got off his horse and stride towards me, "Let me help you, may I?" I nodded. He gently reached my waist with both arms and quickly got me off my horse. It was so quick that I didn't notice immediately how close we are at the moment. Until, I looked up because he's taller than me. When our eyes met, we were frozen in place, him holding my waist and I holding his arms. We stayed like that up until a hostler or stableman arrived to take the horses inside. His arrival made us back away, instinctively, with me suddenly saying, "Thank you!"

"You-- you're welcome, Princess."

"I'll take my leave, Pr-- prince Theo!" I turned around and hastily walked towards the palace.