The Truth Revealed
Melissa's own heart tightened at this revelation. She felt Lady Melissa's longing, expectation, desires and love towards Prince Xavier, as if they were her own. It was truly overwhelming. She was speechless. Then she remembered something happened to Lady Melissa when she turned 16. It was at this palace banquet! In order to unravel this mystery, Melissa cast aside her own thoughts and concentrated on the memory of Lady Melissa.
While she was admiring the roses, Lady Melissa heard a light cough and a voice saying, "I remember those are your favourites."
Lady Melissa was startled and almost fell backwards. She felt a man's hands holding her steady and she felt shy at his touch. She quickly stood up and turned to face him. At first glance, Lady Melissa seemed uncertain as he looked somehow different with longer hair, but she would not mistaken the warm blue eyes staring back at her. It was Prince Xavier! She exclaimed excitedly, "Your Highness!"
"Do you still remember me?" Prince Xavier asked with a smile.
"Yes, of course! How can I forget you, Your Highness?" Lady Melissa said, beaming with joy at the sight of the Prince.
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 asked, not wanting to tell him that she hated being inside, and would rather be out here with him.
"I'd rather be here, with you." Prince Xavier said, while looking into Lady Melissa's beautiful eyes. Lady Melissa was overjoyed, it was like a heaven-sent opportunity. She was somehow glad she came to the banquet after all.
Prince Xavier then invited her for tea at the gazebo, to which she accepted. They spoke of the old times, how things had changed for either of them. Lady Melissa caught the Prince staring at her a few times and she blushed under his intense scrutiny. His eyes seemed to evoke fires in her heart.
"Lady Melissa, can I ask you a question?" Prince Xavier suddenly asked.
"Yes, Your Highness, what is it?" Lady Melissa was curious as to what the Prince wanted to know.
"Do you have someone you fancy?" Prince Xavier blurted out the question which shocked her. She didn't expect this.
The next second, 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."
It was the truth, there was no one whom she liked, except for this handsome Prince before her. But how could she said that? However, she almost had a heart attack hearing what he said next.
"How about me? Will you be willing to give me a chance?" Prince Xavier asked her, his gaze was full of anticipation. Although she was excited, she didn't think the Prince was serious. How could he want to be with her, an outcast?
"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 answered, feeling dejected.
The next moment, Prince Xavier stood up and came to where she was. He kneeled down on one knee and held her hands in his. Lady Melissa was 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 was speechless. 'Is this really happening? He really likes me?!'
The next moment was like a fleeting memory to her. She was in a daze. The Prince said he would wait for her answer. As much as she wanted to say yes and hug him instantly, she knew her boundaries. Yes, she probably should think hard about this and not act hastily. He was, after all a Prince, the heir to the throne. There're so many factors that she needed to take into consideration before accepting him in her life.
When Prince Xavier escorted her back to the main banquet hall, Lady Melissa promised to give him an answer soon. After Prince Xavier left her, she was about to go in and look for Duchess Rose when suddenly a palace maid approached her and invited her to the back pavilion. Cautious, Lady Melissa asked, "Who wished to see me?"
The palace maid was nervous, she was only instructed to bring Lady Melissa there. Faced with this question, she answered carefully, "I apologize My Lady, it was a Lady. I do not know her identity."
Hearing that it was a female guest, Lady Melissa relaxed. At least, it's not that spoiled Princess. Curious, Lady Melissa followed the palace maid. When she reached the pavilion, there was indeed a young lady stood waiting for her. Her back was facing Lady Melissa.
"I heard you wish to see me?" Lady Melissa asked when she got nearer to the girl.
The girl turned at her voice, and what greeted Lady Melissa was one of the most beautiful girls she had ever seen. The girl looked older than her, probably 20 years old, blonde hair with green eyes. She was petite and standing next to Lady Melissa, she seemed smaller in size. She looked up and smiled at Lady Melissa. Even her smile was captivating! Who's this girl?
"Lady Melissa Knight, is it? My name is Lady Anastasia Blackwell. I'm Prince Xavier's fiancée." She answered, all the while smiling at her.