Second Meet

When Lady Melissa stepped into the main banquet hall, almost everyone was captivated by her beauty. The young ladies eyed her with envy and jealousy, some even sneered at her appearance. Prince Xavier who was standing with a few close acquaintances of his, all of them young men from the aristocratic families, couldn't help but smirked at the sight of his beloved. As expected of the woman of his choice, she could stunned everyone just by standing there doing nothing. Prince Xavier was further pleased when he realized that the troublesome Lord Melvin Knight wasn't present tonight. It was only Lady Melissa and her mother, Duchess Rose Knight. 

"Isn't that Lady Melissa? The one who fought with the Princess a few years ago?" Lord Benjamin Blackwell said, while keeping his gaze on the lovely girl.

"Yes, I see that time has done her great service. She has blossomed well indeed." This suggestive remark from Lord Davis caused the rest of the noblemen around him to look appreciatively at Lady Melissa. 

"Your Highness, did you see anything interesting?" Earl Samuel Arden asked, upon realizing that Prince Xavier's attention was focused on something, or possibly someone. With that question, everyone's attention turned curiously at Prince Xavier.

Prince Xavier didn't answer but merely cast a cold look at Earl Samuel, causing the man to feel guilty at his presumptuous query. He then glared menacingly at the rest of the men which caused them to remain silent, uncertain of what the Prince would do. Eventhough Earl Samuel Arden was the closest to the Prince compared to the other noblemen around, Prince Xavier's private matters were not within his privy and it had remained the same over time. Thus, no one knew what exactly the Prince think or what his exact feelings were. 

"There's something I need to do. Please excuse me." With that, Prince Xavier walked away, leaving his companions worried that they might have offended him somehow. 

Prince Xavier was furious upon hearing the offensive remarks made by the foolish noblemen. 'Fools!' Although Prince Xavier left his company, he didn't leave the banquet hall. Instead, he stood alone at a corner, away from the prying eyes of others, his gaze never left Lady Melissa. He sensed Lady Melissa's discomfort at being alone and true enough, she left the banquet hall heading towards the royal garden. He cautiously followed her out, afraid he would startle her. She seemed to be heading towards his rose garden. Upon realizing this, Prince Xavier was thrilled. 'Does this mean she remembers me?' 

Upon reaching his rose garden, Prince Xavier saw Lady Melissa squatting down and she was touching the white roses. Yes, her favourite was the white roses. When he was near enough, Prince Xavier coughed lightly and said, "I remember those are your favourites." 

Lady Melissa seemed startled and almost fell backwards if not for Prince Xavier's quick action in stabilizing her. She quickly stood up and turned to face him. At first glance, Lady Melissa seemed to recollect something when she exclaimed excitedly, "Your Highness!" 

"Do you still remember me?" Prince Xavier asked with a smile, hoping that she would.

"Yes, of course! How can I forget you, Your Highness?" Lady Melissa smile at him.

Satisfied with her answer, Prince Xavier asked further, "What're you doing out here all by yourself? Did you find the party dull?" 

"No, Your Highness, I just want to get some fresh air. What about you? Aren't you supposed to be inside?" Lady Melissa wondered aloud.

"I'd rather be here, with you." Prince Xavier said, while looking into Lady Melissa's beautiful eyes.

Prince Xavier could see the young girl blushed at his remark and he proceeded to invite her for tea at the gazebo, to which she accepted graciously. He instructed a passing page to deliver his instructions for tea and pastries to be brought promptly. The page quickly scurried away to get the Prince's request fulfilled. The palace maid who sent the tea and pastries over was surprised to see the normally aloof and cold prince was now sitting and conversing happily with a beautiful lady. When she got back to the kitchen, she quickly shared this piece of news to the other palace maids. Everyone was shocked, did this mean the prince had someone he fancied?

Unaware that the two of them had caused such a stir among the servants, Prince Xavier enjoyed his time immensely with Lady Melissa. This moment was what he'd imagined many times over the past three years. At times, he found himself staring at her shamelessly, which caused the girl to blush even more. Being so near to her, Prince Xavier tried so hard to control his emotions towards her. 

"Lady Melissa, can I ask you a question?" He couldn't stand it anymore, he needed to know. 

"Yes, Your Highness, what is it?" Lady Melissa answered.

"Do..do you have someone you fancy?" Prince Xavier blurted out the question which had been brewing in his mind all this time. 

Lady Melissa seemed shocked at his question and was silent for a moment. Prince Xavier quickly added, "It's alright if you don't want to answer. I apologize if I've offended you." 

Lady Melissa smiled before she said, "I'm not offended Your Highness. I was just thinking. Well, apart from my father and brother, I've had no interaction with any other men, or women for that matter. To be honest, I think you're the only person who's willing to talk to me. So, to answer your question, there's no one that I fancy."

Prince Xavier didn't want to give up. He must seize this opportunity to confess to her, lest he would not get any in the future. He'd waited three years for this day, he's not willing to wait any longer. 

"How about me? Will you be willing to give me a chance?" Prince Xavier asked, his gaze was full of anticipation.

"Your Highness..please don't jest with me. I know what everyone is saying about me, I don't mind their words as I've nothing to do with them. But, I thought we're friends." Lady Melissa was obviously sad.

Prince Xavier was helpless, he didn't expect his sincere question would cause Lady Melissa to be unhappy.

Prince Xavier stood up and went nearer to where his beloved was seated. He kneeled down on one knee and held her hands in his. Lady Melissa seemed puzzled at his actions. 

"My Lady, I'm being serious and I'm sincerely asking for your hand. You've always been on my mind since we last met. I'm glad to be able to meet you again after all these years. I hope you can consider my sincere request. I will wait for your answer." With that heartfelt confession, Prince Xavier kissed Lady Melissa's hands.

She didn't reject him straightaway nor she denied his kiss, therefore Prince Xavier felt he stood a chance with her. He didn't want to rush her with her answer, he decided he would wait for her.

On that note, Prince Xavier escorted Lady Melissa back to the main banquet hall. All the way, they were silent but she let him held her hand in his arms. When they reached the main entrance, she even flashed him a dazzling smile and promised to give him an answer soon. However, that was the last time he saw her. 

Prince Xavier waited, and waited for days but no news came from Lady Melissa after that. Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months. After waiting for such a long time but still didn't hear from her, he was worried that something had happened to her. After the last palace banquet, Lady Melissa seemed to have vanished and she never appear in any social events anymore. No one knew what happened to her. Prince Xavier had tried to get information but everyone from the Knights' Estates was tight lipped and no news were leaked on their Lady's wellbeing. Prince Xavier nearly went crazy trying to find out the truth. She had clearly promised to give him an answer, and he knew she wasn't the type to forget about it easily.

Unpleasant rumours started to spread about Lady Melissa after that. Some said she was disfigured and became so ugly that she didn't dare to show herself in public. Some said she was embarrassed as she had no friends so staying home was the best option. Some even went as far as saying she had contracted an incurable disease and was dying. These rumours died down eventually especially due to Lord Melvin's intervention. 

Prince Xavier had on numerous occasions wanted to inform the Queen and even went as far as wanting to visit Lady Melissa at her home. However, after contemplating deeply about this, he knew that if he made such a move and his affections for her came to light, it might tarnish Lady Melissa's reputation even more, especially since he didn't know how she felt towards him. Everything would be different if she had accepted him in her life, but now things were hanging, as he's still waiting for her reply. Helpless and in despair, Prince Xavier had no choice but to wait until he could see her again. On the other hand, he became colder and more reticent over time, even the Queen was baffled as to why his once loving son had suddenly shut himself out overnight but Prince Xavier only kept silent when she asked him. Prince Xavier would only appear when he was needed to perform his duties as the Crown Prince. On other time, he would spend time either tending to his rose garden, or kept himself shut in his study or room. 

For two years, Prince Xavier had kept his hopes up. He knew in his heart that Lady Melissa shared the same feelings as him. She turned 18 this year, a suitable marriageable age for a noble born lady. Prince Xavier planned to inform the Queen about his feelings for her soon. Regardless of what happened, Prince Xavier had made up his mind to propose to Lady Melissa. Once they're betrothed, he could ask her what happened two years ago. He's sure there's some explanation for her sudden disappearance.

Once he made up his mind, Prince Xavier went to seek audience with his mother one day. However, as he approached her inner chambers, he heard the very name which made him froze. He couldn't help but listened on tentatively. He knew he shouldn't have eavesdropped but hearing Lady Melissa's name, Prince Xavier was curious as to why his mother mentioned her. 

"Yes, I think Lady Melissa is the best choice for him. Although we haven't seen her for awhile, according to Duke Malcom, his daughter is doing well and loves spending time indoors. She's not at all like what the rumour has said." The Queen said. 

"I'm sure Your Majesty's choice is the right one. Lady Melissa turned 18 this year, so she's of age. If Duchess Rose is still alive, she'd be delighted to have this match with the royal family." Another woman's voice could be heard.

'A match with the royal family. Does Mother intend to choose Lady Melissa for me?' Prince Xavier was ecstatic upon hearing this. He decided not to interfere with his mother's plan this time and would wait until she approach him again with this marriage prospect. Feeling as if a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders, Prince Xavier walked away happily. He was also glad to learn that Lady Melissa was doing well.