Jerome Philipp Borovic part 2.

Two years passed… Jerome take a look at his handkerchief every single day, thinking about the girl.

He tried to show up at every event where Ariana could show up, and look at her from the crowd… he didn't want to reveal his identity, as the Vanderberg family rejected the marriage offer ,and Ariana had a fiancé… he didn't want to hurt her reputation with any gossip.

All he could do was send a maid to the Vanderberg estate, who provided him with information about the girl on a regular basis.

At the hunting ceremony, he was finally able to admire the girl's archery skills up close, which only intensified his feelings… the fact that every time they looked at each other, Ariana smiled at him, reinforced the illusion that they were created by heaven for each other.

Nor did the king just want to let go of this precious fish, he valled again the marquis and his daughter to the tent, to offer them the highest rank a woman could hold.

"Ariana… I still see you as a great queen candidate… my offer is still standing."

"Ah… I already have a fiancée, Your Majesty. I am honored with your trust, but I would rather support the prince from the audience in the future. "

"I understand."

The king sipped his tea with a smile.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the curtain, Jerome listened to the conversation, only stepping forward when they left the tent.

"My son,it's time to find you a fiancé. The Vanderbergs are running out of time, there is no point in waiting any longer. "

"What do you mean, Dad?"

"The Vanderberg mines make up 30% of our stock, and lie not far from the northern border. Not only do our nobles brush their teeth on their wealth, the Hertian kingdom also wants to occupy the territory if they manages to win the war… But without the mines, Karl is a nobody and his daughter is beautiful in vain… worthless and unworthy of you. "

Jerome paled at his Dad calculating words.

"Don't be afraid, my father, I defend the mines and take the girl. I promise!"

"I see… you really insist on it, I don't mind. If you return victorious from the war, I will give her to you. "

"Until then, would you help me to prevent anyone from getting her before me?"

"I will help you… "

The king nodded.

Jerome decided to marrying the girl, no matter what… but he knew Ariana didn't want to be queen, so to ease his guilt, he left his love in the belief that she was free to choose a husband for herself until the last minute.

"Prince charming!"

Jerome flinched in surprise as Ariana addressed him in the hustle and bustle of the street. When he saw that the girl was alone, he quickly approached him before the knights accompanying him could reveal his identity.

"Miss…"

"Well, the past few years have been very gracious to you, you have become my prince, a ready man."

She patted his shoulder with a smile. Jerome's heart was pounding. It's been two years since he last spoke to the girl, the last time he touched her…

"You're getting more beautiful too…"

He replied blushingly, afterall the 14-year-old Ariana was already one of the most beautiful maiden in the country.

"Did you manage to find a nice fiancé, or are you already married?"

"No, not yet. I heard you're engaged with someone. "

"Oh yeah. This is the way it goes among the nobles. "

She replied loosely, thinking nothing of the meaning behind. Jerome fearfully asked the question….

"Are you in love?"

"We're just friends… but we are still young, I will have time to fall in love."

'Of course! How could you love an ugly idiot… when I'm here for you too! '

He tried to hide his smile.

"I see

"Why is my favorite prince grieving? Is it because you have to go to war too? "

"The calls of duty."

"Oh… I understand… well good luck for the fight!"

"Thank you!"

Jerome's heart sank as he remembered that he wouldn't see her for years… But when she pulled out a sword tassel that was just the same colour as her eyes and tied it to the boy's sword, Jerome considered it clear.

'So… she loves me too! After all, women only give this to their love, as a protecting charm to return safely from the battlefield! Yes, the feeling is certainly mutual… you just think I'm not worthy of you… '

The boy wanted to kiss the girl, but he knew it wasn't time to reveal himself…

"I hope it brings good luck to you!"

"I…"

He was about to say something when one of the knights stepped out of the trees.

"Miss!"

Jerome took the chance and disappeared into the crowd. He was happy to be stopped by the knight, who suddenly appeared… because he could hardly hide his feelings anymore, but he didn't want to let go of the girl neither…