My maids were almost finished helping me fit into my dress when someone knocked. Before any of them could say anything I ordered them to open the door.

"Your door is terribly loud, Aelyn. You ought to get it fixed." As Alyssa entered the room, she realized we were not alone.

"And why would I do that? The door is perfectly fine."

"I think me being annoyed by it suffices as a reason." Her eyes spotted Dylan's favorite book; he had given it to me a few days ago. I shot her a warning glance and she remained quiet.

I dismissed my maids, and they quickly walked out of the room.

"Have I ever mentioned how annoying you are when you pretend in front of the maids and the court."

She laughed at the question, "yes you have, several times," her eyes went back to Dylan's book, "Are you actually reading it?"

"Of course I am! What do you think Dylan and I do every morning in the library?" Alyssa's eyebrows shot up and a smirk appeared in her face, "actually never mind, I don't even want to know."

"Look it's not my business, but if you ever need to discreetly consume some kayvea I know where to find it."

"Alyssa, I don't need pregnancy prevention herbs!" She raised her hands and took a couple of steps back.

"Okay, okay. There's no need to raise your voice," she winked at me, "but when you do need it, you know we're to find me."

"Whatever you say," I made my way to the door, "Let's go, the boys must be waiting for us."

"Let them wait, being this beautiful takes time." We both laughed and headed to the dining room.

Alyssa projected a confident and unbothered exterior, but I could see her hands slightly shaking. Before I opened the door, I grabbed her hand and squeezed it lightly.

"Remember, say the word and we are out." She gave me a thankful smile and opened the door.

The dining hall was huge. At the front of the room, there was a big marble table on top of a pedestal reserved for the royal family and their most powerful guests. The majority of the room was filled with smaller wooden tables reserved for the rest of the court. There was a piano and several other instruments in the closest corner to the royal's table. An enormous tapestry, exhibiting the Whitehill's coat of arms, hanged directly on top of King Deron's designated seat. I noticed the golden grille on top of the tapestry. To its sides hanged the portraits of the first Whitehill's monarchs.

Noise filled my ears as my eyes looked for Dylan. Nobles and ladies were scattered through the room eating, hundred of servants moved relentlessly pleasing everyone's needs, pouring wine, bringing food, getting rid of the empty plates...

I followed Alyssa to the front of the room. As we walked, heads turned. Alyssa and I kept our heads held high and didn't bother to look at them.

As we approached the table, I looked Dylan in the eyes, his mouth was slightly open, which made me smile. Alyssa and I sat next to each other.

Dylan stood up. "Allow me to introduce you, Princess Aelyn."

Before he could continue I spoke, "it's not necessary, I already had the pleasure of meeting Ryder and Duke Blackmort. It was quite a charming encounter."

For the first time since our entrance, Kasper's gaze left Alyssa and focused on me. Dylan and Alyssa's eyes widened and tried to get my attention, but I ignored them.

"I see you have finally decided to dress like a proper princess and wear a dress. I apologize for not recognizing you in boy's clothing, Your Highness." Kasper reluctantly said my title. The bitterness in his voice was palpable.

"Are ladies only expected to wear dresses?" I retorted.

"In the Highlands they are." I was opening my mouth ready to respond, but Ryder was faster.

"You look lovely, either way," he gave a warning look to Kasper, "our traditions are different and we must respect that."

"Ryder, tell me about your trip, how were the camps?" I paid attention to Kasper as Alyssa spoke. When she did, Kasper leaned forward, his full attention in her, like she was the only thing he could see.

Ryder kept quiet for a moment while he looked at me. "They are fine, a bit tense. Ever since the rebel attacks increased everyone is on edge," he cleared his throat and smiled o Alyssa, "but the newbies are easily scared. Nothing too worrying."

As plates full of lamb, fruits and salads arrived the conversation kept going. The table dynamic was intriguing. Ryder was the leader. He kept the conversation going and when a topic was obsolete he immediately introduced a new one. Dylan and I were very talkative too, usually keeping a conversation with Ryder. Alyssa, on the other hand, only made the occasional comment, while Kasper kept rather quiet during the whole lunch, his eyes always on Alyssa.

I was listening to Dylan when someone kicked me in the leg.

Immediately I spoke up. "Well boys, it's been a marvelous lunch but I'm afraid if I kept eating I won't be able to get out of this dress," I glanced at Alyssa, "I'm sure Alyssa agrees with me."

Without waiting for a response, I stood up, seconds later Alyssa followed my lead. I gave a quick glance back; Dylan following us with Ryder by his side while Kasper was a few steps behind. I could see the confusion in Dylan's face, his brows furrowed and his pursed lips.

As we left the dining room Alyssa thanked me, "Thanks for getting me out of there. I just, I don't know. I couldn't stand one more second of him looking as if he was an abandoned puppy and I was the nasty person that did it."

Just as Alyssa finished talking, the main castle door opened. I froze. A tall armored boy stepped in, his signature blue cape hanged in his shoulders. His short brown hair was messy because of the travel, but he was smiling. I had missed that smile.

A sincere smile crept into my face, I threw manners out of the window as I ran into his arms, he caught me and we held each other for what felt like ages.

"I got your message," he whispered, "I've missed you."

"You are lucky I love you, I can't believe you didn't send a messanger to notify me of your arrival!" He laughed at my annoyance.

"What can I say, I know how much you love surprises," Austin cleared his throat and that snapped me back to the real world. I closed my eyes and sighed, resting my head on his shoulder.

"We just made a scene, didn't we?" He nodded, "and everyone is watching us aren't they?"

"Yes," he raised his head, "you should probably introduce me to your friends."

When I looked back, I almost cursed. Every single person in the main hall was watching us, ladies and maids already whispering, I couldn't decipher Alyssa's expression, but Dylan's was a whole different story, he was an open book. His jaw was clenched, his fists curled up and he stood straight, trying to look taller and more intimidating.

I grabbed Austin's arm, and we both walked towards them.

Before Dylan could say anything Austin bowed, "My name is Austin Silverhall, Princess Aelyn Thornwell of Kaerndall's right hand. It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

"What business brings you to the Ice Peak's castle." Dylan's tone was as cold as ice, his eyes lingered on Austin and I's linked arms.

"My princess summoned my presence. It didn't feel right to have the heir of Kaerndall here without her right hand, Your Highness."

"Well I'm sure you and your princess have a lot to talk about, I would hate to intrude. Anyways, I have somewhere else to be." With that he marched down the hallway, Ryder and Kasper right behind him. The rest of the palace pretended to go back to their work.

"Aelyn, may I speak to you in private?" Alyssa's usual playful tone was replaced by a serious one. I nodded and when walked towards the gardens. Austin trailed behind us, leaving a respectful distance.

"I cannot believe you just did that, Aelyn." Alyssa raised her voice, her brows furrowed.

"I didn't do anything!"

"Don't you dare play dumb with me Aelyn, don't you dare insult me like that. You know what you did. You kiss Dylan and then knight in a shining armor over here", she pointed to Austin, "appears out of nowhere with his dashing smile just a few hours later!"

"I didn't know he was going to arrive today. I didn't mean to hurt Dylan."

"Well that doesn't matter now, does it? Was Dylan just a distraction until Austin arrived?" I stopped walking immediately, my jaw tensed.

"I would never do that to Dylan," my fist clenched, "I've told you that there's nothing between Austin and me, not now, not ever."

"The rumors beg to differ."

"That's because they are rumors, Alyssa. Rumors also say you are an arrogant and self centered bitch that doesn't care about anything besides herself, dresses and jewels. And guess what; you are not like that."

"You see Aelyn. You can put a mask on, fake being this or that. But you cannot fake the way you two look at each other, and the way you smile when you are in each other's presence. Your words may lie, but your eyes and mouth don't."

"Alyssa, I swear on my honor that it's not like that, it never will." I softened my tone, being aggressive wouldn't take me anywhere.

"I believe you, for now. But I'm not the one you should be convincing." She gently squeezed my arm and made her way back to the castle.

"Why didn't you tell me you were arriving today?" I accused Austin.

He shrugged, "the messenger must have gotten lost."

"Please we both know that did not happen. I cannot believe you didn't send one."

"Aelyn we both know you are taking out your anger and frustration out on me. Why don't you tell me why you are so bothered that they got angry at you, and why do you care so much about their opinions? They are the enemy."

"I just wish they didn't have to be."

He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, and we walked slowly towards a bench.

"Because of Dylan?" I looked up, he was smiling and I couldn't help mirroring him.

"He's one of the reasons." I admitted.

"Aelyn, I will always support you no matter what, I might not always approve of your actions but, I will always back you up. With that said, you know I need to tell you that you are playing a very dangerous game." He grabbed my hand.

"I know. I have it under control."

"Until you don't. Rebels are starting to become bolder in Kaerndall and in The Highlands. A war may be inevitable. We need to know their army's secrets and weaknesses. Thats why you came here, Aelyn, don't forget it. Besides, What if he betrays you? What if he's just manipulating you? What if you are just one more girl he gets to bed?" His smile disappeared and instead a small pout reigned his features.

"Aelyn, love can be wonderful, but it's also the easiest way to destroy someone." He squeezed my hand.

"I know, but I want to do this. I think he's worth it. Maybe if we are together, our countries might be at peace once and for all."

"If war erupts, he won't ally with you, none of them will. They are loyal to him," he closed his eyes and sighed, "I hate doing this, I hate that I need to say this things, but Aelyn, you cannot forget your mission, our mission. We are here to destroy them."

"I know you have to say this, but you won't change my mind. Maybe we don't have to destroy them, maybe we just have to destroy their system. I can get them to trust me; they won't harm me. If I can get Dylan on my side, Alyssa will follow him." Austin's famous smirk appeared.

"So that's her name. It's quite charming." I playfully hit the side of his arm.

"Don't you dare, I won't let her become one more of your conquests." He raised his free hand innocently.

"But seriously, this is very risky, we are talking about changing our entire plan, Aelyn. It could go wrong very easily," I nodded, "but if someone can pull this off, it's us."

I leaned into his arms and held him tight.

"Thank you, I can't believe how lucky I am to have you, and you are right. I will not endanger my people. If the new plan doesn't work out, then, we go back to the original one. We destroy them in battle, using our knowledge of their armies as leverage." I stood up and signaled him to follow me.

"Now as much as I love hugging you, you need to bathe and prepare for the audience with King Deron. You seriously stink," he put his arms around me, trying to rub the smell on me, I couldn't help but laugh. "But first, there's something I need to show you."

Author's note

What are your thoughts on Austin's character?
What did you think of Dylan's and Aelyn's kiss?
What do you think of Kasper?
What did you think of Dylan's and Alyssa's reaction to Aelyn's and Austin's friendship?
What are your general thoughts on the chapter ?

IF YOU LIKED THE CHAPTER DON'T FORGET TO:

-VOTE
-COMMENT
-SHARE IT