Secret Meetings Are Forbidden

TEMARI panicked. The last thing she needed right now is to be caught with the crown prince. Especially not by Lennox Holland, one of the most dangerous man in this castle according to her gut feeling.

Instinctively, her hands grabbed the sides of his shirt. He was obviously startled by that gesture but she didn't pay attention to his reaction. Her wide eyes met his. "I need to get out of here," she mouthed.

The crown prince stared at her. Somewhere in the room (she couldn't see because of the man's huge built and towering height) she heard a screeching sound, as if a passage was opening.

Her heart slammed against her chest. "He must not see me," I whisper. He continued to stare at her face. Temari groaned quietly, let go of his shirt and turned her back on him. She should just look for the part of the wall where they came from a while ago.

She took a step forward but before she can really get away she felt the crown prince's hand on her lower back. Temari was startled at the surprising heat of his palm. She looked up at him at the same time as when he glanced down at her.

"Not that way," he whispered. Then he used his palm on her lower back to push her to the right direction. She lets him lead her to the right wall. He pushed it and it opened. He leaned down until his mouth was near her ear. He whispered, "It is forbidden to meet me outside of the schedules they prepared. When the royal advisors knew about this, you will be punished, my lady."

Temari gasped. She looked back at him and was about to say something but he pushed her until he was outside the room and back to the main library. Then the wall closed and all she sees again is the book shelf. She stepped closer to it and even pressed her ear to the books.

Her eyes widened when she heard the voices inside. They were muffled but Temari has excellent hearing so she could make out Lennox's words. "Are you with someone, Your Royal Highness? I think I heard another voice in here."

Temari's stomach twisted painfully. She wanted to know what Rhys will say but just then, goosebumps spread through her body. Her spine stiffened and she quickly looked around. Slowly, she stepped away from the book shelf, her senses on hyper alert.

Someone was watching her. She couldn't be wrong. But no matter where she looks, she couldn't see anyone. She walked away from the secret door and when she turned a corner she saw a retreating shadow at the end of the aisle. Her heart slammed against her chest. Temari run toward it –

"Lady Temari! So you're here!" Emma's relieved voice reverberated in the aisle. Temari stopped and turned around. Her lady's maid was standing at the far side of the aisle. "They will announce the results of the examination now. You need to hurry."

Temari knew Emma was right. She looked back to where she saw the shadow. She probably won't catch that person now. She took a deep breath and went to Emma. "Sorry. I got engrossed with books. Let's go."

The lady's maid looked confused as she looked at her. Thankfully, she didn't ask questions. She just walked ahead of me with long and fast strides. She followed her without a word.

When they got back to the part of the library where they did the examination, Temari was the only lady missing. The princesses and ladies, as well as the royal advisor who gave the examinations, looked at her disapprovingly. She mumbled an apology and sat on her spot.

The royal guard cleared his throat. Everyone's attention went to him. He was holding a scroll. "I have the result of the examination now."

The women murmured in a combination of excitement and worry. Temari's throat went dry when the old man opened the scroll.

"One among all of you got the highest score with five more correct answers than the lady in the second place. Therefore, the person who will have her lunch with the crown prince today so they can get to know each other is…"

The royal advisor looked down at the scroll. "Her Highness, Princess Miya of Ufrad."

Everyone turned to look at the princess. Temari saw that she remained regally seated with her back straight and her chin up. She smiled demurely but there was confidence in her eyes. Temari realized she knew she will get the highest score. She probably prepared hard for this event.

Temari was still looking at Princess Miya when the latter suddenly turned her way. Their eyes met. It was only for a few seconds but Temari felt a jolt of tension and alertness.

There was something about Princess Miya's eyes that made her on guard. It was as if the princess knew her or at least, aware of her existence. Temari didn't like that.

The royal advisor called Princess Miya's attention and she finally look away from Temari. The princess stood and graciously accepted the royal advisor's congratulations. Then she sat again.

"Now, for the five ladies who got the lowest score, a letter will be sent to your rooms tonight. It is a shame, but you will have to pack your things and quietly leave the castle tomorrow morning. It is a pleasure to have you here." The royal advisor bowed and then he walked out of the library door.

The ladies and princesses began to flock to Princess Miya. Temari remained seated, her mind in chaos. She was thinking of the shadow she saw earlier. Was it possible that it was the same cloaked stranger she encountered before? And what should she do if she happened to be one of the five ladies that will be asked to leave tomorrow morning?

A decision settled inside her. She must continue her search of the royal heirloom tonight.