Chapter II

"Princess Arian, may I come in?" Marcella one of the maids asked it was morning already.

"Yes Marcella," Arian answered wryly as she combed her hair in front of her mirror.

"You have a letter," Marcella added on entering the room.

"A letter?" Arian wasn't expecting any letters.

"Thank you. Who has sent it?" She asked.

"All Demetri said was to give it right to Princess Arian," Marcella smiled.

"Hahaha fine, it's okay." Arian said opening the letter.

"To the beautiful Princess Arian,

I tore five sheets before getting the courage to write this one and eventually send to you.

It's been two weeks since I visited the palace and since then you've been in my every thought. I can't wait to see your smile again and I hope to see you soon.

My regards to the King, Queen and Prince Arden. 

                            Love,

                            Miguel."

"It's from Miguel! It's Miguel!" She shouted from excitement.

Her cheeks turning pink as she began to blush. Hugging the piece of paper with a bright smile on her face as she fell on her bed. She was so happy.

Arden noticed his sister was all smiles since morning. At first, he thought it was because her favorite dishes were served at both breakfast and lunch. She was reading a book in the garden something she rarely did, he had to ask.

"Someone sure seems happy today..." He said sitting right next to her.

"Why did you say that? I'm always happy." She added with a smile.

"Yes but today it's different. You've been hmming, twirling and even picking sunflowers." If anyone knew Arian best it was Arden.

"I... just got lucky," she said putting her hair behind her ear.

"Hahaha. You won a lottery?" He asked curiously.

"Umm... Nah. Try again." She flipped to another page.

"Come on, Ari I'm not good at guessing." He said.

"Tell me already, please. Pretty please," he added.

"Well okay since you're my lovely brother..." she said.

"Hey! I'm your only brother," he interrupted.

"I received a letter this morning," her smile broadening.

"Really? That's sweet." He said.

"So who was it from?" He asked eagerly.

Arian acted like she didn't her that and flipped to another page of her book. He looked at her with his mouth slightly agape.

"Eureka!" he snapped his fingers.

"Wh... what?" She asked laughingly.

"It's Miguel, isn't it?" A grin breaking across his face.

"Maybe," she blushed.

" I knew it! There had to be a reason," he hugged her.

"Hey not too tight, I can't breathe," she giggled.

"You're happy," he smiled as she gave a cute nod.

Arden wasn't the only one who noticed how happy Arian seemed, Queen Ara did too. Soon the two siblings filled her in on everything and she was so happy. The King wasn't left out. Arian was sure her mother was going to tell her best friend every bit of the story.

Miguel began to visit frequently. He was nice and friendly. He would take Arian on walks and even go horse riding with her. He and Arden even trained together as he just like Arden was a swordster. Arden felt like he now had a brother and Arian was pleased to know that.

At Miguel's home, Enrique, the counselor noticed his son had grown fond of visiting the palace. He wasn't sure why and Miguel hadn't said anything.

He was seated on an armchair in the living room, reading the papers when Miguel came in.

"Father I'm going to the fields with Prince Arden," he said.

"Aaa... alright. Do send my regards to palace," the counselor answered returning to his paper.

"We'll have a talk when you get back," he added.

"Yes Father," and Miguel left.

Miguel returned home a little after sunset. He freshened up and headed to the dining room. The maids had prepared a delicious dinner for the two. They both had dinner and dessert afterwards.

"Miguel," Enrique said adjusting his eyeglasses.

"Yes Father," he answered.

"How've you been?" Resting on the chair he was in.

"I've never been better," Miguel returned.

"You sure seem happy... Anything my boy thinks his father should know?" Enrique asked with a keen smile.

"Dad I'm happy, very happy." He said with a grin.

"That's beautiful. What's the secret?" Enrique asked.

"Not what dad, who..." He was obviously blushing and trying to hide it.

"Is it a girl?" Enrique asked and Miguel nodded in the affirmative.

"Have I met her?" He added.

"You have... It's Princess Arian," smiling from ear to ear as he lowered his head.

"She's one fine young lady," he said.

"Now everything makes sense. What are your plans?" He added.

"I want to make her an Enrique," Miguel smile.

"You want to marry her?" Enrique asked warmly.

"Yes Father, I do," he returned.

"That's amazing my son. I'm so proud of you," he said.

"When do you plan on informing the King," Enrique asked.

"I'm taking my time," Miguel returned anxiously.

"I understand. Be brave my son. When you're ready I'll be right with you," Enrique assured him with a hug.

"Thanks Dad!" Miguel said feeling relieved.

Miguel thought about everything for a while and after so much reluctance he decided to make his intentions clear to the King. Enrique was happy and went along with his son to seek for Princess Arian's hand in marriage. King Ayden was more than happy to give his blessings. He ordered for preparations to be made as the wedding date had been fixed.