Chapter 3

"Hey Trevor." Claude called out to his friend while his eyes kept towards the silent lady he just met. She was putting up the ornament he just picked up to tree.

Claude never in his life felt that way before. There was something about the maiden's eyes that seemed prodigiously satisfying to him. He had to hold his breathe just to look at her. He doesn't understand what is going on with him right now.

"What is it your highness?" The future Duke of Camberton, Trevor McAlister responded.

"How did you know that?"

"Know what, your highness?"

"How did you learn how to understand those gestures she made?" He asked still focused on the lady who's taking out a star from the old-looking chest and twisted it around her small slender calloused hands.

That's how it felt when he touched it earlier. Such delicate hard-working hands.

"It was part of the lessons that I took when I was a kid. I was visiting the town once with my father to check on some things and also to teach me about the people in our land. Then we got to this inn and went to the counter. My father asked for some drinks to the owner. Then there was a little girl sitting on the stool just beside where I sat. Then she did something with her hands which I didn't understand that time. I thought that she was dancing or something. But then to my surprise, my father did the unexpected and did the gestures to her with a smile on his face." Trevor drank his champagne and looks towards the tree. "It was very spectacular and I was really amazed and proud of my father, so when we got home, I asked him to teach me how to do those gestures and understand them. But as a duke, he was really busy so he gave me a teacher to teach me sign languages. And that's why I understood the young pretty servant over there. Did I talk too long your highness? Forgive me. I am just so proud of myself."

"Yeah…seems like it." Sir Lucian said, the commander of the White Tiger Knights. It's surprising that he said something. Lucian almost never cared about a lot of things.

"Why? Do you want me to teach you your highness? It will be rather costly. My expertise is expensive, so I shall tell."

Claude chuckled at Trevor's remark. "Don't worry, I will pay you. How much gold do you want?"

"Whoah there your highness. Hold your winged horses. Are you serious?" Trevor said.

"What if I tell you that I am?"

"Wait, hold on, hold on. Don't tell me that that girl caught your attention." Trevor added.

Claude focused his attention to the lady who was smiling beautifully while looking up the tree. Probably wondering a way on how to place the star to the top.

"You could say that." He can't help but smile at the thought of the silent girl. He can't stop his heart from beating hard upon looking at her. It was rather peculiar.

"But your highness, you're already---."

"Betrothed, I know…well, temporarily. And I already told my parent about my opposition to the marriage. I am not letting them chose the next queen of the kingdom. I am already twenty-one, I believe that I am in the proper age to choose the one equitable enough to stand by me in ruling the kingdom."

"Is that so?" Trevor said.

"It is. Now come with me." He commanded.

"Where to, you're highness?"

He arranged the collar of his tunic and plaid the sides with his palms, preparing himself for another encounter. "You are going to be my translator." He said and started walking towards the direction of the giant Christmas tree he assumed would be the center piece of the upcoming ball in the Christmas Eve. "I think there is a star that needs my help."

"Your Highness! Wait up! Lucian, you coming?"

"No…" He said tediously and drank his drink.

"Fine…Suit yourself. Your highness!" Trevor increased his pace to catch up to the prince.