Quinn’s POV.
I took a deep breath and gazed up at the ceiling as I laid down the mattress. The only sound I could hear was birds chirping on the window pane.
When we returned to the palace after a close to full day of sightseeing and exploring the place, I immediately rested. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t sleep. My thoughts were jumbled. Such revelations haven’t fully registered in my mind.
“My name is Alvaro, and I am the Prince of this Kingdom…”
I face-palmed when Prince Alvaro’s voice echoed like a loose screw in my head.
Prince? Why are there princes and princesses in this place? Why do they have different kingdoms?
I scoffed. “What is this, an empire?”
But isn’t it?
What happened to me? Where have I gone? What’s going on, and why am I trapped here? How do I head home? I have far too many questions for myself, but I have yet to find an answer.
I rolled out of bed and sat next to the window, where I could admire the view outside. I breathed out with a sound.
I’m not sure how long I’ll be in this place. I have no idea what will happen to me in the days ahead of my stay here.
All I know is that I need to find a way to get back home as soon as possible…
***
I was forced to leave the bedroom when my stomach growled in hunger. I nearly got lost searching for Prince Alvaro throughout the palace, but I couldn’t find him anywhere. He was the only person I knew and with whom I could communicate here.
As I passed by the kitchen, the cooks were preparing for dinner. They looked over at me, as if they were wondering if they knew who I was.
“Don’t you think the Prince’s guest is gorgeous? She’s an epitome of elegance and charisma.”
“She’s mesmerising! As far as I know, she’s a princess from another kingdom.”
“Minimize your voices if you don’t want someone to overhear our conversation. If the queen finds out, we’re doomed.”
As I was leaving, I overheard the three kitchen staff whispering. I shrugged, feigning indifference, and kept on walking within the palace. Over and over until I had mastered every turn. I was also expecting Alvaro to show up, but after a few minutes, I still hadn’t seen him. I stalled in front of two servants cleaning a flower pot.
“By any chance, have you seen Prince Alvaro? Where is he?” I asked.
“The prince must be resting in his room by now, Your Royal Highness,” one of them replied. I thanked her before walking past their direction.
I was about to leave the palace for some fresh air when I was stopped by the arrival of a sophisticated woman and a beautiful man, both of whom were quite old but retained their beauty and youthfulness.
“Who are you?” The lady greeted me with an unwelcoming demeanor.
I was inert. I couldn’t even speak because she was eyeing me from head to toe with a raised brow. The way she stared at me was intimidating. I couldn’t open my mouth because I had nothing to say either.
Fortunately, Prince Alvaro appeared before us just when I needed him the most. I breathed a sigh of relief and stashed behind him.
“Who is she?” The lady asked once more, this time turning to Prince Alvaro.
“She is my guest, mother. She is a princess from the Kingdom of Borza,” Prince Alvaro replied, causing her to frown and cast another glance at me. “You may call her Princess Emerald.”
Princess Emerald…
I blinked my eyes in surprise. Everything was brand new to me. The way he addressed me was like music to my ears. Everyone, including my parents, referred to me as Quinn. I had no idea what my second name was for because I had never used it. So it feels strange that they would call me Emerald and bestow me the title of princess. But I couldn’t do anything because I needed to act like a real princess.
I’m not sure what they can do to me if they discover that what I said was untrue, and there’s a high chance that my life will be put at risk if they assume I tricked them. I have to lie low and go with the flow for the time being.
I turned my attention back to them. When I remembered what Prince Alvaro had called the lady in front of us, I realized it was his parents. I couldn’t believe I met the Royal King and Queen of the Kingdom of Narva.
I bowed to them in greeting and respect. That’s what I’m used to seeing princesses do in movies starring kings and queens.
“G-Good evening, Royal Queen and Your Majesty,” I greeted, my voice quivering.
“Good evening, princess.” His Majesty smiled at me. “Please join us for our dinner.”
I agreed with a nod because I couldn’t refuse his invitation. Food was already on the table when we entered the dining area. I was sneakily drooling over the ample supply of delicious dishes and fruits served there.
I sat next to Prince Alvaro and could not escape the queen’s inquisitive eyes on me. She was keeping a watch on me and every move I made. I didn’t pay attention to her and began eating because I was hungry.
My way of eating was slow and modest. I avoided getting messy or dirty in the slightest. I’ve imprinted in my mind that I am a princess in this palace, and I must act accordingly. I’ll just pretend I’m in a project and playing a role. I would go to any length to convince them that I am not lying about my true identity until I get out of their kingdom.
The deafening silence dominated the surroundings. None of the people at the table with me said anything and simply ate quietly. I just did the same thing to fit in with them.
Our attention was soon diverted to the newcomer. The queen stood up and welcomed the young man with open arms. Perhaps he is the brother to whom Prince Alvaro alluded.
“Sit down and eat with us,” ordered the king.
Before he sat down, his deep-set dark amber eyes bore into me. He must be puzzled by my presence.
“Good evening, Your Highness,” I simply greeted him.
I had no idea what his name was. He held his gaze but didn’t say anything or bother to return my greeting. Instead, he smirked at me before taking the seat next to his brother.
When he came, I heard the voices of the others at the table again. The queen was the one who placed the food on her son’s plate. I stole a glance at Prince Alvaro who was silent and leaning against his chair. He had just finished his meal.
“I formally introduce you to my family, Princess Emerald,” the king started the conversation. “Alvaro mentioned to me that you were lost and you ended up in our kingdom. You’re probably aware that I am the king. I am Alfred and this is Adelana, the queen and my wife. They are Prince Alvaro and Prince Alfaro, my sons.”
I was fascinated to learn about their family tree. So, I guess, Prince Alvaro is the oldest and Prince Alfaro is the youngest?
“Alfaro, greet your brother’s guest.”
“Nice to meet you, Princess Emerald,” Alfaro said with a sly grin on his face.
I don’t know if he greeted me with sarcasm or if that’s just how he is. I also noticed that he never removed his gaze from me. Despite his weirdness, I constrained myself to smile back at him to avoid appearing rude.
I turned to look at Prince Alvaro when he stood up and excused himself to leave. I hurried through my meal because I didn’t want to sit at the same table as the kingdom’s royal family. So, as soon as I was finished, I immediately stood up and expressed gratitude.
“Thank you for the dinner, Your Majesty,” I uttered to the king, bowing to everyone before exiting the dining room and following Prince Alvaro.
I searched the palace for him. I spotted him in the garden of their palace, sitting on the bench and gazing at the moon and stars in the night sky. I approached him and sat down alongside him.
“So, he’s your brother,” I mused. “Who among you is the oldest? Is it you?”
“Yes.” His tone was non-committal, and his face gave nothing away.
Under the silver light of a full moon, I smiled. The night looked peaceful, with neither the sound of animals nor the breeze hushing through the trees.
The moonlight casted a glow on his face. I took the opportunity to stare at his side profile. I started from his tousled hair. My scrutiny trailed down to his unfathomable, golden brown eyes, which were framed with thick lashes. He has a sharp, defined jawline; a pointed, aquiline nose; and natural pinkish lips. He was fair, almost pale white. His face had a faraway look in it, which cannot be described in words. He was even more appealing up close. He looked attractively illegal.
“He was handsome, but you’re more appealing than he was,” I said aloud.
He was astounded by my bluntness as I was. It took me a while to realize what I had said. We both looked away at the same time, trying to avoid making eye contact. I covered my mouth and cursed all the bad words I knew in my head.
Damn! I was shamelessly checking him out. I wouldn’t wish for him to catch me drooling over him. That would be beyond embarrassing.
Get your mind out of the gutter, Quinn!
Silence reigned between us. The crickets were the only sound we could hear in the garden. I kept my mouth shut until Prince Alvaro spoke up.
“I heard you were looking for me earlier.” He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. I just had a lot on my plate.”
My cheeks flushed. I couldn’t contain the embarrassment. What does he mean by he kept me waiting? I didn’t wait for him! I didn’t say that out loud, though. Instead I glared at him, hoping I’d get my point across.
I waved off and shook my head. “N-No, it’s fine. I understand that you have a lot of responsibilities as the prince of the kingdom. That’s only natural.”
“I noticed your shocked reaction when I introduced you to the king and queen,” he mentioned. “You probably didn’t expect them to be my parents.”
I winced and scratched the back of my neck. He even noticed that. Perhaps I was being too obvious with my actions.
“I see you’re not used to being addressed by your second name, but would you believe me if I told you it suits you?”
It caught me off guard. His deep, husky voice echoed in my ears. I felt a jolt of excitement within the sea of melancholy I'’d been feeling lately. I suppose I’d have to get used to being referred to by my second name.
I looked up at the starry night. The moon shone brighter than the stars. I closed my eyes and smiled a little when the cold air touched my skin. The weather was nice today.
My gaze shifted to Prince Alvaro, who was staring at me. My heart skipped a beat when our eyes locked. His eyes were as deep as expressive, where you could get lost if you stare long enough.
“I want to get to know you better…”