Big Misundertsanding

For the next few days, Prince Xavier waited for the Queen to approach him with great anticipation in his heart. His mood was much better as well, thinking of the impending marriage between him and Lady Melissa. However, after much wait, there was no sign of the Queen nor was there any summon for him to see her. After much thought, Prince Xavier decided to meet the Queen himself. His marriage was much more important than his pride anyway. 

When he reached his mother's chambers, he knocked and was summoned in.

"Xavier, my son! What brings you here today? Is something wrong?" Queen Serina was surprised to see her normally aloof son appeared before her today. 

"How do you do Mother?" Prince Xavier went to hug his mother. 

"I'm very well, thank you. Is everything alright, Son?" Queen Serina probed again. 

"Well, yes I'm doing well. Mother, I heard you've been busy choosing brides these past few days. How's that going?" Prince Xavier asked casually.

"That's a surprise! I thought you didn't like talking about this thing. I still remember the last time you were so mad when I showed you Lady Anastasia's portrait. You actually tore that portrait up! Why the sudden interest my dear? Are you ready to get married as well?" Queen Serina said while smiling at her son. 

Alarmed, Prince Xavier caught what his mother had said. 'As well?'

"What do you mean Mother? Who is getting married?" Prince Xavier asked, panic started to rise in his heart.

"Why, it's Zachary! He's been widowed since Lady Delia passed away 5 years ago, now it is time for him to settle down again. That boy's the same as you, so hard to convince. Fortunately, he has agreed this time. I guess he likes the choice of bride your Mother has chosen for him. He's just too shy to admit it." Queen Serina laughed softly, she seemed very pleased with herself. 

"Mother, who is the bride that you've chosen for Zachary?" Prince Xavier asked warily. In fact, he was on the verge of breaking down. In his heart, he somehow knew the answer but he was still unwilling to accept it. 

"Lady Melissa Rose Knight, the only daughter of Duke Malcom Knight. The Knights have agreed as well. Oh, yes I think you've met her once when she visited here with her mother many years ago. I heard you even saved her from Katherine's wrath back then. Now that little girl will be your cousin-in-law, how delightful is that? Xavier, Xavier, are you listening to me? Son, what's wrong??!" Queen Serina exclaimed in panic upon seeing his beloved son suddenly collapsed to the ground, with his hands holding onto his head, looking like he had fallen sick.

Prince Xavier's eyes turned red instantly. Lady Melissa, his one and only true love, was marrying someone else. He couldn't accept this. No, he couldn't! Suddenly, his vision turned black and he fainted. The last thing he heard was his mother shouting his name.

When Prince Xavier opened his eyes, he was laying on his bed. The Queen was seated next to him, looking worried. When she saw him awaken, the Queen looked relieved. 

"Xavier, you're awake. The doctor said you could be suffering from fatigue, hence you fainted. What's wrong Son, is everything alright?" The Queen enquired. 

Prince Xavier looked at his mother, a mixed of emotions brewed in his heart. He felt anger, resentment, regret and sadness, making him reluctant to converse with his mother. Thus, all he could muster was a short reply, "I'm fine. Mother, may I be left alone? I need to rest." The Queen was hesitant at first but after a moment of contemplating, she kissed her son's forehead and left his chambers. 

After Queen Serina left, silence engulfed the whole room. Prince Xavier had never felt so lonely in his life before. He had enjoyed his solitary life, away from the useless chatter of the common folk regardless of how noble they were. He liked to be alone, and most of the time he would think about Lady Melissa and how the future would be once they got married. He even went as far as planning on how many children they would have. Their future would be a happy one, he would cherish and pamper her in every way. With the thought of this, Prince Xavier's eyes grew heavy with tears and he started crying silently. With just a few words from his mother, his future was shattered completely. 

Prince Xavier's heart felt so much pain, as if something was pressing down on his chest, refusing to let go. He felt a mix of intense sadness, longing, and disbelief, all rushing to him at once, suffocating him. Lady Melissa, who was the closest person he held in his heart, had been snatched away from him under his very eyes! Prince Xavier couldn't bear this loss. He continued to weep silently, feeling lost.

After few days of being in what could be described as hell, when he was calmed enough, Prince Xavier began to organize his thoughts and found it hard to believe that Lady Melissa would forget about him easily. Something must've made her accepted this ridiculous arrangement. Yes that's right, someone or something forced her into this marriage. He needed to speak with her, but how? He couldn't just barge into the Knights mansion, could he?

Prince Xavier spent the whole day thinking about his predicament. He harboured resentment towards his cousin, Duke Kensington. The Queen had always favoured Duke Kensington since they were young. Growing up, whatever he had, his mother would make sure Duke Kensington was given the same as well. The only difference between them was that he's of royal blood, destined to inherit the throne, while Duke Kensington would forever be his subject. That's the only consolation he had for this 'sibling rivalry' between them.

However, he would never imagine that his own mother would push the only woman he loved to be Duke Kensington's bride. He simply couldn't accept this reality. Prince Xavier was angry, but as angry as he was, he knew his mother didn't do it intentionally, and wasn't at fault in this matter. If only he spoke to her earlier, and told her about his feelings towards Lady Melissa, things would be different now. The one's getting married would be him instead of that snobbish cousin of his!

Suddenly a thought came to his mind. Maybe it's not too late to stop this marriage. At most, they're just engaged. Many had annulled their betrothals before, citing various reasons. Why not this one? The best way forward was to speak to his Mother. Surely she would for once prioritise her son's feelings and not someone else. Furthermore, knowing Zachary, that bastard would never love Lady Melissa. He's known to be interested only in his business and wealth, and now possibly his son. That's it. Why should Lady Melissa suffer in the hands of someone unfeeling like him?

When the maid stepped in to deliver his meal, Prince Xavier enquired on the Queen's whereabouts and was informed that she's expecting guests in her chambers. When Prince Xavier heard the names of people coming to visit the Queen, Prince Xavier stood up so abruptly that the maid was startled and immediately stepped backward. Upon seeing the silent Prince, she quickly left the chambers.

There was an indescribable feelings in Prince Xavier's heart when he heard that Lady Melissa was coming to the palace. Finally, his chance had arrived. He could finally see her, and seek clarification from her, especially on whether she truly consented to this wedding. There was finally a silver lining in the dark clouds hanging over his head!

Present time

Memories of the past caused Prince Xavier to be melancholic at the moment. However, he was jolted back to reality after he sensed movement from Lady Melissa. He immediately let go of her hand and stepped back, as he didn't want to scare her with his imposition, especially since he wasn't sure where he stood in her heart.

With her eyes still closed, Lady Melissa yawned while stretching her arms upward, feeling refreshed after a quick nap. She couldn't believe she actually fell asleep so easily in the royal garden. It must be the soothing scent of the beautiful roses around her.

She suddenly heard a small chuckle and snapped her eyes opened immediately. There stood before her was the most attractive man she had ever laid eyes on. The only rival was of course none other than Duke Kensington. However, if Duke Kensington was the dark handsome type, who exuded a mysterious and brooding charm, this man before her was the opposite. Melissa's eyes feasted on the stranger's features; his light blonde hair shined like spun gold, framing a chiseled jawline and a full, well-defined lips. His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, sparkled with a clarity that reflected his easygoing charm and intelligence. Melissa also noticed the man was unusually fair, tall and muscular. 'Wow, if he's in my world, he looked like Luke Eisner, that hot actor!' 

The hot looking stranger seemed to be smiling at her. Melissa was flustered for a moment, she silently pinched herself to stop staring. If she didn't, she probably would start drooling soon. 

"Lady Melissa, are you alright?" Prince Xavier noticed the young woman's unusual reaction and couldn't help but felt worried. He very much wanted to hug her and kiss her but he summoned all his will to restrain himself from doing so. 

"Yes I'm fine. I beg your pardon, but who are you?" Prince Xavier flinched and instantly clenched his fists when he heard Lady Melissa's question. 

He closed his eyes momentarily and stood there in silent. His heart was squeezing so tightly that he found it hard to breathe. 'This can't be happening. How did she forget about me? What's going on?'

A soft hand touch his arm and he instinctively opened his eyes. 

"Sir, are you feeling sick? You don't look too good." Lady Melissa had stood up and walked over to where he was standing. Being so close to her, looking into her worried eyes, Prince Xavier's restraint collapsed instantly and he immediately pulled her into his tight embrace. The young woman's body went rigid under his warm embrace but he didn't let go. He had longed for this moment far too long to let it go. 

Melissa was stunned at this stranger's sudden action. Although she basically didn't mind being hugged by this sexy dude, but she also remembered her status and where she was at the moment. 'If someone sees this, I'm doomed!' With that thought in mind, she immediately mustered all her strength and pushed this stranger away. 

"Melissa...." The man's eyes revealed a deep sense of sadness which she couldn't fathom. He was clearly hurt by her action. 'What the hell is happening here? Did we know each other?'

Feeling utterly confused and uncertain about the stranger before her, Melissa strongly felt she needed to get away. She quickly rushed out of the gazebo. Unfortunately, in her rush, she missed a step on the stairs, stumbled forward and fell, finally landing on the ground below. 

"Lady Melissa, watch out!" Prince Xavier exclaimed when he saw her falling.