Chapter 6: A Spark of Connection
Liana found herself lost in the depths of her sleep, blissfully unaware of the events that had transpired. However, her peaceful slumber was abruptly interrupted by a voice discussing food followed by a stern command for someone to leave the room. Panic flooded her mind as she realized it was the prince himself standing before her. Thoughts raced through her head, questioning his intentions and fearing the possibility of being alone with him.
"Relax," Alia interjected, attempting to alleviate Liana's worries. "He won't do anything. He's too sweet to engage in such acts. Besides, wouldn't it be a dream come true if he were to ravish you and claim you as his own?" Alia playfully teased before being silenced by Liana's stern request.
Silence enveloped the room for what seemed like an eternity until Liana felt his hand hovering close to her face. Startled, she instinctively caught his hand and questioned his actions.
"What are you doing?" she asked cautiously, holding onto his trembling hand.
His voice quivered as he nervously replied, "Hmm...nothing really. I just wanted to move your hair away from your face."
"Oh," Liana responded softly, releasing his hand as she sat up on the bed.
"I'm Adrian," he stated firmly yet betraying an underlying nervousness.
Bashfully, Liana replied, "I'm Liana."
Adrian chuckled slightly at their earlier introduction before continuing their conversation. As he spoke, Liana couldn't help but be captivated by his enchanting green eyes; they held a mesmerizing allure that could easily consume her entire evening if she allowed it.
Breaking free from her trance-like state upon hearing Adrian's words again, she realized that food had been brought for her by a maid.
"You don't need to go," Liana interjected quickly, not wanting him to leave her side.
"Alright then, I'll stay," Adrian responded with a smile. "Since I'm going to be showing you around, follow me."
Liana eagerly followed Adrian's lead as they navigated the palace. After a few minutes, they arrived at a breathtaking garden bursting with vibrant flowers.
"This is my favorite place in the entire palace," Adrian confided, breaking the silence that had enveloped them.
"It's beautiful," Liana added in awe.
Adrian shared his secret with her - this was where he came to think and escape from his rigorous training sessions. His words elicited laughter from Liana as she found solace in the fact that even a prince needed moments of peace and tranquility.
"Take a deep breath," Adrian suggested with a playful smile on his face.
Liana obliged and took in the fragrant aroma surrounding them. "I feel like I'm on top of the world," she exclaimed, gazing up at him with adoration. His striking appearance, with his black curly hair and hints of Latino features, only intensified her feelings further.
"You're so beautiful," Adrian uttered softly, causing Liana's cheeks to flush and butterflies to flutter uncontrollably within her stomach. Love seemed to blossom within her heart at that very moment.
"Thank you," she replied bashfully while tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Then, unable to contain herself any longer, she innocently blurted out, "You're handsome too." Inwardly cringing at her own lack of composure resembling that of an awkward high school teenager.
Adrian smiled warmly before reminding Liana about the importance of resting for tomorrow's big day - when he would publicly announce her as his mate during the alpha ritual. With a nod of understanding, Liana bid him goodnight as he offered his hand for support while walking her back to her room. The moment their hands touched, an electric spark coursed through her, sending shivers down her spine. In that instant, Liana yearned for his touch to consume every inch of her being.
"Goodnight," Adrian whispered softly as they reached her room. Their eyes locked, causing a mixture of shyness and anticipation to envelop the air between them. Liana replied with a respectful bow before entering her room.
Once alone, Liana couldn't contain the excitement bubbling within her. She screamed into her pillow, realizing that Adrian was about to declare her as his mate - a realization that both thrilled and terrified her simultaneously.
"But why do I have this nagging feeling that something bad is on the horizon?" she pondered aloud, seeking solace in Alia's company.