I stood close to the fountain, my trembling gloved hands clenched my matching floral purse tightly. My breathing quickened as the seconds drew near. The sound of horses strutting caught my attention. I turned to my side, a carriage was approaching me—the horses halted before me with a light nicker.

The carriage door was pushed open and the butler walked down. His hand was extended to me—I hesitated and solemnly accepted it, climbing in awaiting my fears to come to reality.

“The portal is ready for your departure, Young Miss!” He informed me.

I shot him a confused look “Portal? What portal?”.

He looked more confused than I was as he replied slowly, “The Portal that led you to the Royal Palace for last night's ball!”.

My eyes widened as the memory hit me. I must have been so occupied with attending the ball that I didn't notice the portal that we used.

“Oh! Of course I know about the Portal!” I said, nervously.

He only nodded and looked at me. His expression softened different from usual.

“Do not worry about the Crown Prince, Young Miss! You may not meet him in the Palace. It is a very vast place. I doubt he may hold a grudge against you—don't let the words of Lenora frighten you!” He said slowly, his words assured me.

Hearing those words placated me a little. “Thank you!” I said sincerely “. . .and you are right I may not even see the Crown Prince!” I said in an assuring tone.

He smiled warmly at me, closing the door shut. I took deep breaths as the carriage rode—leaving the estate. The path to the portal grew thinner. It was surrounded by trees on each side. The chirping sound of different birds resounded in the air as rays of sunlight seeped through the leaves of the trees, resting on the soft grasses.

The carriage rode slowly as it approached a nearby stop. I looked out the window curious of what was before us. A gasp escaped my lips as we approached what seemed to be like a gate.

My eyes widened at the two silver long rods with strange markings —standing apart from each other, between them a spiral-like portal with hues of different colors emanated a surge of energy.

I stared in awe as the carriage rode through it, enthralled by its wonder. It seemed—people's mails were delivered faster and easier with the portal system. This world always seemed to excite me with every new discovery.

The other end of the portal led to a different path. The trees weren't as dense like the ones in the duchy and the path seemed wider. It only took a few minutes but we soon arrived at the Royal Palace.

The grand Palace golden gates were pulled open and the carriage rode in. The Palace looked different during the day, more magnificent than ever. The sun stood atop the Alderian flag situated on the rooftop—its rays spread across the land, adding more regality to the Royal Palace.

I took a deep breath as the carriage halted at the front entrance. Last time I was here, things didn't go too well for me but this time I was certain that things would be totally different.

I pulled the door open and stepped down, holding my head high as I walked the fleet of stairs—approaching the front doors which were drawn open by the Palace Knights as I drew closer to them.

I walked in slowly, staring at the silent lobby. I heard footsteps approach me and I turned to see a man dressed as the Royal family butler, sauntering towards me.

“Glad to see you made it, Lady Rosalind!” He stated. “Welcome to the Royal Palace!”.

I nodded slowly, acknowledging him. “I shall lead you to the Royal gardens where the party is being held!” He said.

“Lead the way!” I responded.

He gave a light nod and turned around_heading towards a bright, vast and lengthy hallway with different numerous doors on each side, the rays of the sun seeped through the windows—lighting the hallway. I followed him quietly, taking in my surroundings.

He led me further into the hallway which left me pondering where the so-called garden was. From afar, I could perceive the sound of scampering footsteps approaching us. The figure became distinct as it drew nearer. A woman in a maid dress ran towards us. She halted and whispered something to him. I noticed the worried look on his face as he listened keenly to her.

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“I am sorry, My Lady but could you walk to the garden alone? I have to attend to an emergency!” He said quickly, looking a bit terrified.

“But I. . .” before I could finish the sentence he ran off with the maid, abandoning me in the lonely hallway.

“. . . I have no idea which door leads to it!” I yelled, hoping that he heard me.

He was already out of sight to reply. I looked around the hallway, the only things besides the numerous doors that I could notice were the different Knight's armors situated at both sides of it looking very life-like.

I took a few steps forward and turned to the door beside me. My hand reached out to touch the door knob but I hesitated. What if the door didn't lead to the garden but led to a room that I am not allowed to see? The question made me ponder a lot.

“But, I will not know until I try!” I said, taking my chances with it.

I placed my hand on the knob and was about to pull it but I felt someone from the other side jiggle it and I quickly let go of it.

The door was forcefully pushed open and the last person I dreaded seeing, stood before me.

My eyes grew wide as I stared at him with slightly parted lips. His golden hair was slightly ruffled with crystal blue eyes that were taken aback by my presence.

I didn't know why but my gaze slowly drifted to the sword he held in his hands. A gasp escaped my lips as I noticed the red, viscous liquid dripping from it—staining the marbled floor. I suddenly felt lightheaded and my face grew pale with fright as I clenched my purse with trembling hands.

“I didn't mean to!” I said quickly, my voice wavered as I spoke, “I came for a tea party hosted by the Queen but I have no clue where the garden is. So, I thought that this door led to it!” I found myself explaining things that didn't matter to him.

He was about to say something but I beat him to it.

“I didn't see anything!” I said frantically, looking away.

My hands trembled more as I stood there transfixed. I could feel my heart hammer in my chest as he stood there not saying a word.

The word ‘murder’ rang in my ears. Lenora's terrifying words of him tinged with it.

“You came for a tea party?” He asked. I noticed how cold and dark his eyes were. It seemed that he was furious about my visit. I suddenly felt a cold sensation around me—the air was chilly, I shivered. His presence was really horripilating.

I nodded frantically, too frightened to speak.

He kept quiet for a while, probably wondering on how to murder me as his next victim for the day. I swallowed, the thought of death frightened me more.

“I can take you to the garden!” He suggested out of the blue.

“No!” I yelled, my reaction stunned him. “You are probably busy with killing. . . I mean doing some very important things and I do not want to bother you with my predicament!” I said nervously.

He stared at me, the corner of his lips quirked up a little.

“Wait here!” He ordered.

I found myself nodding to his command.

He walked back into the room, his voice echoed resonated the walls. I could vividly hear him.

“Ronald! Take care of things here and do well to get rid of the pest properly!”,

My body flinched on hearing the word ‘pest!’.

“And also have someone clean my sword! Make sure that there will be no stains this time!” He ordered.

“Yes! Your Majesty!” I heard someone respond.

I noticed his shadow approach the door, cold sweat ran down my face whilst my trembling hands clenched my purse tighter than ever. The door was pushed open and he walked out of it.

“You really don't have to, Your Majesty!” I pleaded, hoping he would heed to it.

“I should as a member of the Royal family, unless you would like to explore alone and open a different door this time—it could lead to your doom!” He said slowly, his eyes were darker than earlier as he bore into mine.

My heart skipped a beat at his words, I felt blood drain from my face.

“You may lead the way!” I said, giving in to him.

We walked further into the hallway, not saying anything to each other. The hovering silence didn't help my situation at all.

“So, do you kill people often?” The question flew out of my lips before I could take it back.

He stopped and stared at me, I felt faint by my sudden question. This is one of the reasons why I should be killed, asking random questions like this to a complete murderer will lead to my death.

“I. . . uh. . .that's not what I meant!” I said, wishing to rectify my question. “It is just that I have been thinking about death since yesterday all thanks to someone!” I muttered. Lenora's face popped up in my head.

“Don't think much of it! I don't want to die—I mean I am too young to die. Please don't kill me!” I pleaded, lowering my head. I squeezed my eyes shut awaiting a reply or something.

A light hearty chuckle echoed in the silence. I slowly looked up, astonished to see him look so cheerful.

“Why would I want to kill you?” He asked, his face was radiant like the sun. It was fascinating.

“Because, I. . . uh. . .!” I thought of what to say_ my eyes wandered about and landed on a familiar figure walking towards us. “Lady Adeline!” I said, being ever so happy to see her.

She looked perplexed and shocked to see me too. She quickened her steps and approached us.

“Lady Rosalind, it is nice to see you again. . .” her voice trailed off when she noticed the figure towering over me.

“Your Majesty!” She greeted, quickly—dipping into a curtsey.

I suddenly felt an urge to be a matchmaker at the moment. Since they didn't meet properly during the ball due to someone's fault which is totally not mine. I will make sure that they get together like they are originally supposed to.

“Why don't you stay here and talk to His Majesty?” I asked, grabbing her hand and pulling her closer to us. Confusion etched her features as she stared at me, “. . .while I will go to the garden!” I said cheerfully.

I quickly left them ignoring their confused looks and headed towards the door in front of me hoping that it led to the garden. My heart lightened, glad it actually led to it. It seems that the story will be right on track seeing that the male and female lead have finally met and it was all thanks to me.