╔═════ஓ๑♕︎๑ஓ═════╗
scene two:
𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗇𝖾𝖼𝗍

"Prince of Archery from
Kingdom Connect!"
╚═════ஓ๑♕︎๑ஓ═════╝

✧˖*°࿐

Ava stood on her seat, wine poured into her wine glass as she watched people enjoy their time in the ball.

"I swear, will it hurt to try to talk to one man?" Yeonjun's veins could be seen.

"Yes," Yeonjun was about to say something until Beomgyu placed his hand on Yeonjun's shoulder.

"We can't change her mind," Beomgyu whispered. The other princes are on the brink of giving up.

That's what Ava wants. For her stubbornness to get to them.

"No-,"

"Your royal highnesses," they were cut off by a royal butler.

"I apologize for the bother but the princes of Kingdom Connect is here," the butler moved to the side.

They all came face to face with 7 men. Masquarade masks on their faces. Ava saw the same man from earlier at the food table.

"Ah, yes! I heard one of you are chosen by father to marry our sweet sister!" Yeonjun clapped his palms together.

Ava's eyes widen at the sudden news. She turned to face her brothers who only avoided her gaze.

"Huening-,"

"I'm sorry, Ava... Father's orders," Huening Kai muttered.

Ava knows they can't go against her father, the king. They are bound to follow his orders, so does she.

Immediately, she stood from her seat. Yeonjun looked at her.

"Ava, do not leave," Yeonjun mouthed at her as if he read her mind.

Ava scowled and left the ballroom with pure anger. She lifts her gown up to leave quicker.

She kneeled down to remove her heels. She felt like it was her doomsday. She was standing on anger's flames.

She turned around to see no presence. She threw her shoes to the side and walked away from the ballroom.

The castle's halls empty and lit up by the shining blue moon.

✧˖*°࿐

Ava enters the empty training fields.

She wanted to let it out, so she will. She will do that by shooting arrows and swing her her sword like what her mother taught her.

Never has she never disliked Yeonjun so much.

They know she won't choose anyone, so they chose for her. They cannot understand her.

They cannot understand the life of a woman in their times. Men are so delighted to marry but women? How can they know?

She aimed her arrow at the target. Not enough light to see the center but enough to see actual target.

Unbeknownst to her, someone was watching. The male was leaned on the pillar, his green and blue mask rest on his face.

Ava lets go of the bow's string. The arrow hit the center of the target. She did another one, followed by another one.

She shot the last arrow, it shot the last arrow, completely breaking it into half.

The male has his eyes widened at her archery skills.

"You're good," Ava turned around at the voice. Her bow and arrow pointed at the male who didn't bother.

"It's just you," Ava put her bow down. She examined the male.

"What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at the ballroom," Ava turned around to continue practicing her skills.

"You're the crowned princess, you're supposed to be there," his voice felt like it was made out of silk.

Ava turned to examine him again. He definitely doesn't look like that... Maybe, if he removed the mask then she'll know.

"The atmosphere was dreadful," Ava shot another arrow.

"Surely, it made you leave," he stood on her side. He noticed she was no longer in her ball gown.

The tulle beige gown was replaced with much darker colors. The cotton skirt made it easier for her to move.

Her leather boots could glide her through the rough ground of the fields. Even her sheathed sword was on her waist.

"Prince of Kingdom Connect, what ever is your business here?" Ava asked, shot another arrow that broke the last arrow.

"I was simply dragged here... May I?" He asked for the bow and arrow. With hesitation linger in her head, she gave it to him.

"I don't kill," he stated and aimed the arrow at the target. He admit it was difficult, there was no light, other than the moon.

He let go of the arrow. Ava gasped at the result.

He missed hers by a centimeter.

"You're good," Ava complimented. The prince returned the bow and arrow.

Just like Ava, with hesitation in his head, he removes his mask.

Ava was behold by the face of the prince. He was incredibly attractive.

His chocolate brown eyes glistened under the moonlight. His nude lips that was plastered with a soft smile.

He did a little bow... His left leg folded behind his right leg. His left arm behind him and right smr in front.

"Pleasure to meet you, Princess Ava. I am Prince Jay of Kingdom Connect." The prince smiled as he raised his head.

He chuckled at her disbelieved reaction.

"I- I- I did not expect this," she was bewildered.

She didn't understand why she's suddenly feeling this way.

It only took her seconds to calm down but this time, it took her a minute.

"Are you alright?" Jay asked, she nodded her head instantly. Her hand slightly pushed Jay say from her.

"I will be going now. If ever you return to the ball, tell my brothers I'm exhausted," Ava quickly walked away.

She couldn't believe herself. Why was she suddenly feeling that way? She couldn't understand.

Whatever it is, she wished that she wouldn't feel it once more soon.