Chapter 12: Emotions

After a while, they both had returned back to Ziva still hand in hand. Alicia was first to notice the look on her guide's face, she wasn't happy. "What took you two so long?" Ziva asked, looking back and fourth between them. Wyrran looked down at Alicia, laughing softly at seeing her being stunned by the question "Don't worry, I was just telling her stuff, it was actually quite fun." he turned to face Ziva.

"Is that so?" Ziva threw Wyrran a disbelieving look, remembering what he had told her on Alicia's first night in the Palace. "Yes, yes it is. Shall we get going?"

"I believe we should." Alicia spoke softly, gaining the attention of those around her. "Good then." Ziva said leading the way once again. While walking towards the next location within the place, Wyrran had been asking questions regarding what her childhood was like.

Not wanting to go into detail, she said things like it was fine and fun. Suddenly, a question popped into her head, "Where is the Princess?".

"Busy." Wyrran said after stopping, turning to face her. "Don't worry about it." Ziva cut in before Wyrran could continue. Ziva continued to walk down the long hall "Did I say something wrong?" Alicia asked slowly and quiet, worried she had done something wrong and offended Ziva by the question.

"No, you're fine. I think she's a bit annoyed we took a while in the gardens." He said gently looking down at her with his blue eyes that were filled with tenderness. "But I think we should get going." He said adverting his eyes from her.

He didn't wait for her to reply, he had continued walking to catch up to Ziva, within in minutes, they saw her staring. Getting out of Wyrran's grip, she walked up to Ziva and stood beside her "What is this area?" Alicia had confusion written all over her face, she even tilted her head.

"This area belongs to the Princess. She has her own quarters just like King Ayre, Queen Ahshala. She has siblings but they're currently... busy with their own lives. They're married to other Princes and Princesses that belong to other kingdoms on their own decision. But this Princess has no choice in the matter." Ziva took a glance at Alicia's expression every now and then while speaking, her voice had a hint of sadness in it.

"But its for the good, isn't it?" Alicia spoke kindly, not wanting to annoy Ziva any further. "It is, but the Princess has been away for a very long time and needs time to.. whats the word? Adjust again to her surroundings."

"I see. Well, I hope for the best." Alicia said with a smile on her face.

"So do I." Wyrran and Ziva both said at the same time, the three of them laughed happily. Alicia stopped laughing as sudden realisation hit her "Hey, where is everyone?"

Wyrran spoke first before Ziva could "Everyone is busy with things, not many people come down this end of the palace anymore, but they will do soon."

"Oi, could you not cut people off when speaking? Or is it natural to every elf?"

"Be careful with your words Ziva. Do not forget I'm heir to the throne of Phuria, and am even a guest here. You should treat me well, and don't ever insult my kin." Wyrran spoke with authority and coldness, it was sharp to the ears as he stared down at Ziva.

It caused a shiver to go down her spine "Y-yes Wyrran, I- I reassure you it won't happen again." She adverted eye contact and turned her head to look at Alicia who was calm, there was no sign of fear in her eyes or through her body language.

"You're not scared?" Ziva was surprised and impressed at the same time, knowing what had happen to her, she couldn't blame Alicia for not reacting like a normal person would.

"No I'm not.. Should I be?" She asked confused and looked up to meet Wyrran's gaze, he could tell that she wasn't afraid of him and he felt happy inside about that. He shook his head and held her hand, "No, you shouldn't"

As hours passed with chit chats and laughs, the day was finally coming to an end. Ziva had returned to her room early as she was tired and wasn't needed anymore. She had left Alicia and Wyrran by themselves in the large elegant living space for the guests.

Alicia had learned more of Wyrran who was sitting on the opposite lounge sipping his tea which was given by a maid earlier. He had also mentioned that Ziva came from Criles Kingdom, it was nature like, but it was more like a desert. Alicia had laughed when he complained about the weather conditions there.

Once the both of them finished their tea, they both decided on going to sleep as it was getting late in the night. Heading up stairs, they approached Alicia's room, they both stared at each other.

"What time do I need to be up by?" She asked with a smile on her face.

"Hmm, I'll say before nine but you may get up earlier and take a stroll through the gardens if you wish."

"I'll consider that. Thank you for today Wyrran." Alicia spoke softly, not breaking their gaze with a small smile. "It was my please my dear, have a good sleep, I'll see you tomorrow." And with, Alicia nodded and mouthed a 'you too' finally closing the door to her room.