Chapter 3

However, amidst the flurry of preparations for the journey, she had forgotten her father's fundamental advice: to have a mental image of the princess, ensuring she could recognize her upon arriving in Astralis, she felt a tinge of embarrassment for overlooking such an essential detail, but she resolved to rectify the situation. She reassured herself that once they reached the grand castle, she would surely come across a painting or portrait of the princess, allowing her to finally put a face to the name.

Curiosity tingled within her, eager to see if the rumors and stories she had heard about the princess were justified or mere unfounded gossip.

"The propaganda surrounding her has been particularly intense," Reyanna muttered to herself, her thoughts echoing through the labyrinthine corridors as she trailed behind the Page alongside Zorion. The winding path seemed to lead them farther from the heart of the castle, a fact that didn't surprise her. After all, she was not among the most prominent guests attending this grand masquerade. In a way, it worked to her advantage, as she could conduct her own affairs without attracting undue attention. The anonymity offered her a certain freedom, a respite from the prying eyes of those who would be occupied with the festivities. It was precisely what she desired – to fade into the background during the three weeks of the ceremony.

At last, they arrived at the small suite consisting of two rooms and a cozy boudoir that served as the entrance. The Page handed them the keys, offering a quick bow before leaving, instructing them to ring the little bell if they needed anything. As the door closed behind him, Reyanna and Zorion found themselves in solitude, far removed from the bustling main hall. It was evident that they had walked a considerable distance to reach this secluded corner of the castle.Reyanna's attention was immediately drawn to the window in the boudoir, where she was greeted with a breathtaking sight. The sprawling garden extended as far as the eye could see, a tapestry of vibrant blooms in a kaleidoscope of colors. The air was filled with a symphony of fragrances, carrying the enchanting scent of roses, lilies, and a myriad of other exquisite flowers. The garden itself was a work of art, meticulously designed with winding pathways that meandered through the lush greenery, leading to hidden alcoves and picturesque gazebos nestled among the foliage.

"Zorion, would you mind taking the room on the right? The bed looks quite comfortable," Reyanna suggested, a hint of excitement in her voice, as she playfully jumped onto the bed in their shared suite.

"Of course, Your Highness," Zorion replied with a slight bow, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Ah.... no "your Highness" here, Zorion. I don't want people to realize i borrowed a false identity to come here. Call me my lady, like everyone else here. Don't forget here. I am Genevieve Hawthorne, the daughter of the Lord Hawthrone, a small planet inhabited by a few angels and a bunch of former slaves. A rock on which grass grows with great difficulty and has that of no natural resources."

Zorion hesitated and then bowed apologetically.

"Sure, my, lady, I will do my best not to make your mission any more complicated than it is."

"Thank you, Zorion," Reyanna nodded appreciatively. "I know you always have my best interests at heart."

Reyanna chuckled softly, appreciating Zorion's unwavering loyalty. He had always been a trusted companion, even willing to bend his own rules to fulfill the princess's occasional whims. It was a contradiction that Reyanna found endearing and intriguing. While he appeared stern and resolute in his duties, there was a hidden softness to him, a willingness to accommodate the princess's delicate nature in a world that valued physical strength above all else.

She couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for the young princess. Reyanna remembered when Zorion had first placed himself at her service and how daunting it had been for both of them. The world was a vast and challenging place, and the princess's vulnerability stood out amidst the chaos. Perhaps Zorion saw a reflection of his own past in her, and it fueled his dedication to protect and serve her.

Reyanna nestled herself into a comfortable position on the bed, savoring the luxurious softness of the bedding. The weariness from their week of travel began to weigh on her, and she could feel sleep beckoning her into its embrace. The upcoming festivities promised to be both exciting and demanding, and she knew she needed to replenish her energy reserves.

Closing her eyes, Reyanna allowed herself to surrender to the soothing rhythm of her breath. The sounds of the bustling castle gradually faded into the background as her mind drifted into the realm of dreams. The weight of her responsibilities temporarily lifted as she embraced the tranquility of sleep.

In her dreams, vibrant scenes of masquerade balls and elegant dances unfolded before her. She twirled gracefully, her gown flowing with ethereal elegance, as she immersed herself in the enchantment of the celebration. Her mind danced with anticipation, envisioning the grandeur and spectacle that awaited her.

As the night progressed, Reyanna's slumber grew deeper, her body embracing the rest it so desperately needed. In the depths of her dreams, she found solace and respite from the demands of her mission. It was a temporary respite, a brief interlude of tranquility amidst the chaos that awaited her in the waking world.

As she gazed out the window, sunlight bathed the sprawling garden beyond, casting a golden glow upon the blooming flowers. It was a metaphorical reflection of her own rejuvenation, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there were moments of serenity and renewal to be found.

A few hours later, Reyanna found herself strolling through the enchanting palace gardens, leaving Zorion to enjoy a well-deserved rest. The warm climate of the imperial capital, Astralium Citadel, nurtured a diverse array of plants that intrigued and captivated her.

As she walked along the winding pathways, Reyanna marveled at the lush vegetation that flourished in this tropical paradise. Towering palm trees reached for the sky, their emerald fronds swaying gently in the warm breeze. Colorful blooms adorned every corner, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of hues. Exotic orchids, with their delicate petals and intoxicating fragrance, captivated her senses. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of jasmine, intermingling with the subtle scent of tropical fruits that hung from the trees.

Reyanna's footsteps were accompanied by the melodious chirping of birds, their vibrant plumage adding splashes of color to the verdant landscape. Butterflies fluttered gracefully from flower to flower, their iridescent wings reflecting the sunlight in a mesmerizing dance. The garden was alive with the buzzing of bees, diligently collecting nectar from the abundant blossoms.