The One

𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘸𝘰 ✈

"𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦." –𝘔𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘢 𝘎𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘩𝘪

୨﹒˖˚──﹕♡﹕──˚˖﹒୧ 1 Day Later...

All the bags were now loaded onto the private jet. The plane felt incredibly spacious, especially since it was just the three of us. It boasted full-sized beds adorned with luxurious silk sheets, and the abundance of food was almost excessive. With a mere 15-hour flight ahead, I found it hard to comprehend why we needed such an extravagant plane. Then again, I supposed that when you possessed the means, such luxuries were simply at your disposal. Regardless, I felt genuinely appreciative that Eleanor had chosen to bring me along, though a sense of concern lingered regarding her underlying intentions.

The Kingdom of Harmonia's eldest heir, a prince roughly my age, had been quite open about his affections for me for some time. If Eleanor truly aimed to establish an alliance or treaty, I suspected she might propose a marriage between us. To be honest, I thought it might be a better solution, as his hundreds of letters each month had become rather vexing.

I made my way to the designated bedroom for the plane ride. It featured lovely light blue blankets and pillows. I set my belongings on the bed and took a moment to reflect upon the journey ahead.

୨﹒˖˚──﹕♡﹕──˚˖﹒୧ Four Hours Later...

It was now around dinner time, and we were only four hours into the flight, but it felt like an entire day had passed. I sat down at the small plane table for dinner, surprised to find that, for once, we were having my favorite food—mac 'n' cheese. Adjusting to the luxury of royal dinners was challenging for me, as my favorite foods usually cost less than ten dollars. As I zoned out, I could somewhat hear my father and Eleanor discussing our plans for our arrival in Harmonia. Overhearing that we were going straight to the palace for dinner with the royal family didn't exactly thrill me. I had to prepare myself to meet Prince Alexander immediately, even though I wasn't a blood royal, and he still persistently sought my hand in marriage.

We began getting ready on the plane. A kind maid handed me a baby blue gown and helped me get into it. Once I was dressed, she braided my hair into a bun.

"You look beautiful," she complimented me.

"Thank you," I smiled.

I walked out of my room to find my father and Eleanor. Eleanor was dressed in a dark blue gown with sheer sleeves, while my father was wearing a matching dark blue suit with a black undershirt. Eleanor came to hug me.

"You look beautiful, darling," she said, kissing me on the cheek.

I smiled at her and replied, "Thank you."

As the plane was about to land, we took our seats, and upon landing, I could see the press waiting on the ground. Nervousness filled me; anything could happen. I was handed a small white clutch, which contained everything I might need. Stairs were extended from the plane's door, and I descended them first, with my father and Eleanor following. We were immediately ushered into a large black limo, and the drive to the palace took just about ten minutes. When we arrived, two guards opened the car doors. At the top of the stairs, I could see the royal family waiting. Prince Alexander smiled when our eyes met, eliciting a conflicted "Ugh" in my thoughts. Still, I couldn't help but acknowledge that he was quite cute.

This time, I walked behind Eleanor and my father, flanked by two knights. As we reached the top of the stairs, we were warmly greeted by the royal family. When I approached Alexander, he gallantly kissed my hand and said, "Hello, Princess." I honestly expected him to prolong our interaction.

We were then led to the guest rooms of the palace. While my parents went to their quarters, Alexander followed me to mine. Someone opened the door for us, and he entered the room.

"Nice, isn't it?" he inquired, turning toward me.

I nodded, feeling a bit awkward.

"So, have you received my letters?" he asked with a grin.

"Yes," I chuckled, "All 400 of them."

He smiled again, "Sorry, I thought you weren't getting them." He then turned to me and said, "I'd best be going; I'll see you tonight, Princess." With a slight bow, he exited the room, and the door closed behind him.

୨﹒˖˚──﹕♡﹕──˚˖﹒୧ Later That Night...

A maid entered my room, carrying the beautiful butterfly dress that Eleanor had shown me earlier. She gracefully bowed to me and proceeded to help me get ready. The jewels that Eleanor had gifted me were carefully placed in my ears, and the necklace gracefully adorned my neck. Rings and bracelets found their places on my fingers and wrists.

The maid then styled my hair, creating gentle waves, and applied my makeup before leaving the room.

A female knight entered and inquired, "Are you ready, Princess?"

I nodded, getting up and casting one last glance at my reflection. I was led to the banquet hall, where Eleanor and my father had already been introduced. I stood before the doors, and as they swung open, I could see a knight standing inside the room.

"Please welcome Princess Athena of Amare."

With that introduction, I entered the grand banquet hall, taking my place at the table beside Eleanor and Alexander.

Dinner consisted of five courses, and by the fifth, I felt like I might become ill. Once the meal was served, Alexander invited me to join him and led me to the royal garden, where the beauty of the flowers surrounded us.

"Do you come here often?" I inquired.

"Yes, it's a tranquil spot. You can't hear anything from the palace here."

I nodded and agreed, "It is very calming."

He then asked, "How's your life as a royal going?"

I responded, "Nerve-wracking. It's very different from being a normal citizen."

Alexander nodded and reassured me, "I'm sure you'll adjust eventually," offering a warm smile. "Shall we sit?" he proposed.

I smiled and nodded. He extended his hand, and I took it. We walked to a bench, where he released my hand to allow me to sit before taking a seat himself.

Curious, I asked, "So, what are your hobbies?"

"I love traveling, writing, and art," he replied. "How about you?"

I shared, "I love equine sports and art."

"Have you ever competed in any competitions?" he inquired.

I lamented, "No, Eleanor won't let me. She says it's too dangerous. She never has liked horses, according to my father."

Alexander empathized, "That's too bad. She should let you explore your passions."

He gazed deeply into my eyes, his words soft and sincere, "Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?" A faint blush colored my cheeks. Before the moment could linger further, I heard the palace bell chime. I counted the tolls; it was eight o'clock. I rose from the bench and mentioned, "I should get going."

Alexander also stood and offered, "I'll lead you to your room."

I followed him back to my room. Upon arrival, he kissed my hand and bid me goodnight. I entered my room and quietly closed the door. Shedding the exquisite dress, I changed into more comfortable attire, realizing that Eleanor might disapprove if she knew.

I lay in bed, gazing at the beautifully painted ceiling. Alexander's compliment kept echoing in my thoughts. My feelings toward him had begun to change rapidly. He was proving to be a very kind and nice prince.