𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 (𝙔𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚!𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙭𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧)

Chapter Eleven: Bon Voyage

The last thing I remembered before I fell into a deep slumber was Nikolas humming me a song. At that very moment, I felt oddly warm inside. Something about that night was special, yet I didn't know how to approach that sentiment.

When I arose from the bed, I was met with an empty chamber instead. A knock on the door was heard as I let them in, three maids came into view with one holding a luxurious dress in front of me. "Good morning, my lady. Shall we get you dressed for the day?" asked one of the maids with her soft tone.

I got so used to my mother's yells and lectures that I missed it. She was like my wake up call, telling me how to do this and that. But now that she wasn't here to give me a morning lecture, it was somehow disappointing.

"Where's Nikolas?" I asked while I got dressed in front of the mirror. "He's preparing to take his leave at the palace, my lady." one answered, the reply striking me with a woeful expression. "Did he...did he leave yet?" I asked with a raised brow, biting back a cry in hopes of an expected answer of no.

"Not yet, my lady." the maid shook her head as I sought out solace from her response. I looked down at my hands and smiled to myself, finding those words a comfort and a relief. Though, it was weird. Am I actually starting to take a liking to the prince? Probably so.

When they finished getting me vanity ready, I rushed out of the room in a bolt. My heels clicked in every step I took from the elongated hallways, though I stumbled a few strides from how high my shoes are at some point. It wasn't something I was used to.

While I walked my way to the main building of the palace, the things that happened last night came across my mind. I buried my hands to my face, feeling flustered from yesterday.

I looked back up and with wide eyes as I bumped into a large figure. I stumbled to my heels and was ready to hit the floor. Strong and firm gloved hands caught my arm and pulled me up, making me stagger towards his chest.

I looked up and was met with two pairs of cold eyes darting down at me like daggers. It was Aleksander. "Your...your royal highness!" I pushed him away and bowed my head low, "I'm very sorry for bumping into you!" I bit down on my upper lip in embarrassment.

I glanced back up and he sighed, "Please refrain from burying your face on your hands, lady (y/n). We wouldn't want an accident, wouldn't we?" he raised a brow with his narrow gaze. I nod my head with understanding, "Yes, your royal highness. My apologies." I said with my eyes looking down on the ground, "Good. Please be careful next time, lady (y/n)." Aleksander said while he walked away in a haste.

I turned around to look at him, his eyes glued on his pocket watch once more. When I glanced outside of the window, I saw Nikolas beside the carriage. I hurried my way to the front door of the palace entrance with my own two feet, wishing to see him before he sailed off.

What is this feeling?

"Nikolas!" I yelled his name with a frown. He turned around before getting on the carriage with his mouth agape, "(Y/n)?" he said my name with a puzzled look. I stopped in front of him as he walked towards me and stood there with his eyes gaze down to me.

"I...I just wanted to see you off..." I mumbled. Nikolas cupped both of my cheek, "Then I'll be off, my dearest (y/n)," he chuckled and turned around, ready to take his depart.

I pulled on his sleeve, making him turn to me with wide eyes. "Is there something wrong, my dearest?" he asked with concern hinting on his tone. "I...well..." I stuttered and let go of his sleeve, my heart aching. "Have a save journey..." I said and took a step back.

He laughed and pulled me towards him as I hit his chest with his hands caressing my cheek, he leaned forward while my heart began to palpitate with every inch. As if my body had a mind of their own, I began to lean towards him as our lips pressed.

He leaned more forward, snaking his hand around my waist to lean in more of a passionate kiss. When we broke free, a blush on his cheek was noticeable. I didn't expect it, yet it felt right. A goodbye kiss.

"I'll find you the most beautiful treasure at sea, my dearest (y/n)," he said as he stroke his hand to my hair and pressing it against his nose while he looked at me, "Seeing you with a frown isn't what I want, (y/n). I'll be back as soon as I can, so cheer up, alright?" he said.

I nod my head slowly and sighed, gripping on his sleeve tightly. Nikolas kissed my forehead and gazed down at me, "That's my girl!" he cast a smile and pulled my hand away from his sleeve. Nikolas turned around with a hand waving goodbye.

I put my clenched knuckles to my heart and waved my left hand goodbye, "Bon voyage." I said in a whisper.