chapter three

Skylar stood in the grand hall, surrounded by Arya, who recognized that asking Skylar to adapt to everything in one day was impossible. Still, Skylar had quickly familiarized herself with the palace's intricate layout, and the lectures she had received about its operations had only deepened her understanding. Arya began explaining the royal family members: Prince Derek, Prince Louise, Prince Damien, and Prince Ramiel. Skylar would soon get to know each of their personalities, but for now, Arya was the one guiding her.

Each prince had their own head maid and assistant, and it seemed likely Skylar would be assigned as a maid, rather than an assistant. It was a more demanding role, but Skylar considered herself fortunate. After all, she could have ended up as a slave, a prisoner, or worse, dead. Life had given her a second chance, and she intended to make the most of it.

As Arya continued explaining the rules and regulations, a maid in identical attire approached. Dressed in black, with brown hair and striking blue eyes, the maid caught Skylar's attention. For a moment, Skylar wondered if the maid wore contact lenses, before remembering the presence of strange creatures in the palace.

The maid bowed to Princess Arya, who gestured for her to rise.

"Speak," Arya commanded.

"The king requests the presence of the princes and princess. He wishes to discuss some matters with all of you," the maid informed them.

"You may leave," Arya dismissed her, and the maid bowed before departing.

Arya turned to Skylar, who had been silent up until then. "Now is the time to assign you your duty," she said.

"My duty?" Skylar asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

They walked down the hallway and arrived at a large room where four ladies stood, all dressed professionally like Skylar. Arya whispered to her, "Join them," and Skylar did so, noting the jealous glares from the others.

*What have I done now?* she silently cursed, though she couldn't quite place why she felt like an outsider.

When Arya entered the courtroom, the doors opened with a grace that only someone of royal blood could possess. The room fell silent, and Skylar noticed the other princes—Derek, Louise, and Damien—standing by the king. Arya made her way to them, bowing to her father.

"You may rise, my daughter," King Roland said warmly, his voice carrying the weight of his love for her. He looked at her with a gentle smile, his vibrant health a constant source of joy for Arya.

"How are you, Father?" she asked.

"I am well, my child. How about you?" King Roland responded, his concern for his daughter always evident.

"I am good, Father," Arya replied, her bright smile contrasting the usual somber atmosphere of the palace.

But her father's gaze shifted, and Skylar could see the faint shadow of sadness in his eyes.

Derek, ever the observant one, smirked as he saw his father's wistful expression. "Father, you don't need irrelevant people in your life. I am here for you," Derek said, his tone unbothered.

Damien rolled his eyes. "Irrelevant," he muttered with a smirk. Derek ignored him, focusing back on the king.

"I guess he's not coming," the king said softly, his sadness palpable.

"Father, we are here. Please focus on us," Derek urged, trying to move the conversation along.

---

Outside the palace, the sound of approaching footsteps reverberated through the stone halls. The maids, sensing the person's aura, bowed in unison, and Skylar instinctively followed suit. Her heart raced as she glanced upward. Her eyes locked with a pair of piercing silver ones, and for a moment, she was stunned by the man's striking appearance. He wore black, his loose pants and shirt clinging to his well-built form in all the right places. His silver hair caught the light, giving him an otherworldly, almost ethereal quality.

*Wait...* Her mind raced. *Wasn't that the same man I saw earlier—taking someone's life with such ease?*

Skylar's heart skipped a beat as the memory flooded back—the fluid motion of him wielding a sword, the darkness in his eyes.

The maid who had delivered the message earlier whispered urgently, "Look down." Skylar's pulse quickened. *Could this be it? Was he here to kill her?*

Ramiel ignored the gaze of everyone around him. He walked past Skylar, smirking to himself, and the door to the courtroom opened upon his arrival. All heads turned in his direction, except for Damien's.

King Roland's eyes lit up when Ramiel approached. The king, visibly relieved, smiled warmly at him. "Glad to see all my children here," he said, his voice filled with love.

"Did you finalize the marriage proposal from Prince Sebastian of Alvast?" the king asked Arya.

Arya nodded with a smile. "Yes, Father. I am happy to be with him."

"Good," the king said, his tone light. "Of my three children, two of my sons are already married, and now my only daughter is preparing for marriage. That leaves just Damien and Ramiel."

Damien, ever the smooth talker, grinned. "Father, you don't need to worry about me. I've already found someone I'm interested in. With time, you'll meet them."

"I certainly hope so," the king said, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. He then turned to Ramiel. "And what about you, Ramiel?" he asked, his gaze intense.

Ramiel let out a heavy sigh before responding, "I plan on surprising you, Father. As well as those who think I'm insignificant."

Derek shot him a quick glance, while Damien rolled his eyes. Arya exchanged a look with Ramiel, and he winked back at her, which made her smile, albeit with a hint of reluctance.

"I can't wait," King Roland said, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.

"You may all leave now," the king announced, waving them away.

Derek stormed off, his irritation clear, while Louise bowed respectfully and followed his brother.

"Relax, bro," Damien called out, smirking at Derek's retreating form. "See you later, Dad," he added, glancing at Ramiel, who was still smirking at him.

"Congratulations, Arya," Ramiel said, his gaze softening as he met his sister's eyes.

"Thank you, brother," Arya responded, her smile widening.

Ramiel walked up to her and wrapped her in a hug. "If he ever harms you, just let me know. I'll deal with him," he said, his tone both playful and serious.

"Thank you, brother," Arya echoed, holding him tightly.

King Roland watched the interaction between his children with a mix of pride and sorrow. It had been a long time since Ramiel had shown this much engagement. The prince was always distant, rarely visiting his father or sharing much of his life.

After the hug, Arya bowed to her father and Ramiel before leaving with a content heart.

"I'll be taking my leave now, Father," Ramiel said, bowing respectfully.

"Hold on," the king interjected. Ramiel paused, looking up at his father. "If I were to ask you to stay here at the palace, to be with your family, would you be willing to?"

Ramiel's eyes flickered, and a rare softness appeared on his face. "If that is your desire, Father, I will comply."

The king blinked in surprise, his heart swelling. "You mean you will stay?"

"Yes, Father. I just need to collect a few things that Arya has prepared for me," Ramiel replied.

"I am so grateful to have you as my son," the king said, his voice thick with emotion.

"Thank you, Father," Ramiel responded, his voice steady yet filled with warmth.

---

As the others left the courtroom, Skylar lingered, still processing what had just happened. Her mind buzzed with questions about Ramiel, the mysterious prince. She recalled the maid's earlier statement about the princes and princesses. He must be one of them, she thought. *That explains why everyone bowed to him.*

Just then, the door opened once more, and Skylar's heart skipped. Ramiel's gaze locked with hers again, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.