Chapter 37: A Royal Encounter

The next day, Philippe arrived at the palace, clutching a bouquet of Purplesbane flowers in his hands.

The grand doors of the palace opened. The butler, a stoic expression and immaculate uniform approached and bowed deeply.

"Good day, Lord Fairybug," the butler intoned with practiced grace.

Philippe nodded curtly. "Get me the Princess," he commanded, his voice brooking no delay.

"Certainly, my lord," the butler replied, retreating with the same measured steps he had used to approach.

Philippe was shown to a grand waiting room, He settled into an opulent armchair, adjusting his posture. As he waited, his eyes wandered, taking in the splendor of the room.

A sudden movement caught his attention. A young woman with flaming red hair and gleaming green eyes entered, her beauty so enchanting that Philippe was momentarily stunned. Her wings, a delicate blend of iridescent colors, shimmered as she moved.

Philippe's gaze was fixed on her, admiration quickly turning into something more primal.

"This is a real beauty," Philippe thought, his mind already plotting. He couldn't think of any female more beautiful than her, not even the princess he was waiting to see.

The young woman was engaged in conversation with another maid, her laughter a musical sound that filled the room. Philippe watched her closely, noting the grace in her movements and the effortless charm in her smile. He realized with a start that she was a maid, a fact that only fueled his desire. A wolfish smile spread across his face as he considered the possibilities. He would convince her to lie with him, he thought. After all, who could resist him?

Nadir turned to look at the stranger in the waiting room. His silver hair and purple eyes gave him an almost ethereal appearance, and he was so handsome that she couldn't take her eyes off him. From his expensive clothes to his confident demeanor, she assumed he was a lord. Feeling a sudden rush of shyness, she bowed quickly and left the room, her heart pounding in her chest.

Philippe's smile widened as he watched her go. "She likes me," he thought, pleased with himself.

The butler returned, interrupting his thoughts. "The princess will not see you today, my lord," he said.

Philippe stood, smoothing the front of his jacket, 'Who does she think she is?' he thought angrily but he schooled his expression to be calm.

Nadir walked up to the princess's chambers, her mind swirling with the events of the morning. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, before knocking softly on the wooden door. A soft voice from within bade her enter, and she stepped inside, closing the door quietly behind her.

Alita was seated by the window, the soft light casting a golden hue over her delicate features. Her long pink hair fell in waves around her shoulders, and her blue eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked up from the book she was reading.

"Nadir," Alita said, marking her place in the book and setting it aside. "The butler told me that Philippe is here. Did you see him?"

Nadir's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Philippe. "The male with the silver hair and purple eyes is Lord Philippe?" she gasped, unable to hide her surprise.

Alita raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued by Nadir's reaction. "I thought I told Chiefston to send him away," she said, her tone firm but puzzled. "Why are you acting like you haven't seen him before?"

Nadir blushed, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. "Because I haven't, Your Highness. Our paths hadn't crossed until today. My goodness! He is so handsome. My princess, you are one lucky female."

Alita smiled slightly, amused by Nadir's enthusiasm. "He is good-looking, I accept that. But he is not as handsome as you have described," she said, a hint of skepticism in her voice.

Nadir shook her head in disbelief. "I can't believe you are refusing to marry someone as handsome as Lord Fairybug," she exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.

Alita sighed, her expression turning serious. "He has managed to fool you too, Nadir. Handsome he may be, but there is more to a person than their looks. I shall go and send him out of here before he pollutes the entire palace with his arrogance."

Nadir's eyes widened in alarm. "I will go with you," she said dreamily, imagining another chance to see Philippe.

Alita shook her head firmly. "No, you are not. You will stay here and clear your head," she instructed, her voice brooking no argument. "I need you to remember your place and your duty. Do not be swayed by a pretty face."

Nadir reluctantly nodded, knowing better than to argue with the princess. "Yes, my princess," she said softly, her disappointment evident.

Alita rose from her seat, smoothing down her gown with practiced elegance. She gave Nadir one last, concerned look before leaving the room. Nadir watched her go, her heart heavy with a mix of admiration and regret.

After few moments, she decided to go to the waiting room to have a peep at the young lord.

Alita emerged from her chambers, determination set in her features. She marched with purpose to the waiting room. When she entered, she saw Philippe still there, lounging casually as if he owned the place.

"I thought I told you to leave," Alita said, her voice icy and unwavering.

Philippe rose to his feet, his charming smile firmly in place. "My love, I was waiting for you," he said smoothly, extending the bouquet of Purplesbane flowers towards her. "This is from my heart."

In truth, Philippe was lingering in the hopes of seeing Nadir again. His thoughts were not on Alita, despite his words. He had been captivated by the red-haired maid and her vibrant green eyes.

Alita pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling her patience wear thin. "You are getting on my nerves, Lord Philippe. I know you don't like me, and I don't like you either. To save ourselves the pain, let us avoid each other."

Philippe's expression turned wounded, though it was more for show than genuine emotion. "But I have grown to love my princess. Your presence alone brightens my heart."

To Alita, his words felt like mockery. She rolled her eyes and spoke with rising anger, "Why are you pretending? There is nobody here apart from the two of us. Drop the act."

Unbeknownst to Alita, Nadir was nearby, hidden just out of sight but watching the scene unfold. Her heart raced as she witnessed the tense exchange between the princess and Philippe.

"Just accept the flowers, my love, and I will leave," Philippe said, his tone still honeyed and insincere.

Alita snatched the flowers from his hand and, with a swift motion, dropped them to the floor. She ground her heel into the delicate petals, her eyes blazing with fury. "Now get out," she commanded.

At that moment, King Aric was passing by the waiting room. He heard his daughter's raised voice and noticed Nadir peering through the doorway. His curiosity piqued, he walked to the door and entered the room. Nadir curtsied before him, but he ignored her, his focus on the confrontation before him.

"What is going on here?" the king demanded, his eyes scanning the scene and taking in the crushed flowers at Alita's feet and Philippe's pained expression.

Alita sighed, feeling the weight of her father's gaze. Without offering an explanation, she turned and left the room, her anger and frustration evident in every step.

Philippe, sensing an opportunity, played his part to perfection. "I am willing to marry the princess, but the princess is treating me so badly," he said, his voice filled with feigned sorrow.

King Aric's face hardened, anger flickering in his eyes. To any observer, it appeared that Alita was bullying the noble lord but it was far from the truth.

"Nadir, what happened here?" the king asked, turning his attention to the maid.

Nadir hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "Your Majesty, there was a disagreement between the princess and Lord Philippe," she said carefully, avoiding eye contact.

The king looked at Philippe, his expression stern. "Is this true, Lord Philippe?"

Philippe nodded, maintaining his wounded demeanor. "Yes, Your Majesty. I came here with nothing but goodwill and affection for the princess. I only wish to win her heart, yet she rejects me so harshly."

King Aric sighed, his disappointment clear. "I have given Alita a free hand, now she had gone wild. I will make sure I cut her wings!"