It took Adrian an entire month to finally be able to completely recover. During this time, the King had sent Adam into the nearby towns to act as an envoy of good will for the royal family. It was supposed to be a task for the crown prince but both the king and queen had insisted that Adrian make a complete recovery before he took on any more tasks. Henry had been awarded a medal of valor for his bravery and his commendable actions in the field to protect the Prince's life. He still retained his former position as the crown prince's personal guard but he now assumed the role alone as Adrian refused to take another guard. "No one will ever be able to prove their loyalty to me as Henry have," had been Adrian's only comment on the matter.

Adrian spent his recovering days studying and training. He was almost always accompanied by Henry, both of them making speculative conclusions on the ambush they had been in whenever they had the chance. His guard had the same thought that maybe the attack had been made to specifically target Adrian.

Since Adam was always out of the castle, the rest of his time he spent with his mother and Alessandra.

"I believe Father will finally allow me to take on the tasks meant for me soon." he told Alessandra on a particularly lazy afternoon he had spent horseback riding with her.

It took Adrian several months to finally be able to completely recover. During this time, the King had sent Adam into the nearby towns to act as an envoy of good will for the royal family. It was supposed to be a task for the crown prince but both the king and queen had insisted that Adrian make a complete recovery before he took on any more tasks. Henry had been awarded a medal of valor for his bravery and his commendable actions in the field to protect the Prince's life. He still retained his former position as the crown prince's personal guard but he now assumed the role alone as Adrian refused to take another guard. "No one will ever be able to prove their loyalty to me as Henry have," had been Adrian's only comment on the matter.

Adrian spent his recovering days studying and training. He was almost always accompanied by Henry, both of them making speculative conclusions on the ambush they had been in whenever they had the chance. His guard had the same thought that maybe the attack had been made to specifically target Adrian.

Since Adam was always out of the castle, the rest of his time he spent with his mother and Alessandra.

"I believe Father will finally allow me to take on the tasks meant for me soon." he told Alessandra on a particularly lazy afternoon he had spent horseback riding with her.

Alessandra had spend the past month tending to Adrian and his every need. She rarely fell asleep in her room, most times she was found asleep on the chair across from Adrian's bed. Sometimes she would be on the sofa when she purposely meant to sleep. Other times, she was just watching Adrian, making sure he was okay, reading and educating herself even further but with no help. She found herself growing bored without Adam to converse with her as he usually did, but she, of course, didn't voice any of that.

Alessandra was on Snow Queen's back as usual as she kept up with Adrian. She smiled fondly at him. "I really hope so. You seem eager to get back. I just really hope you stay safe your majesty." She commented as she sighed softly at the memories of the past month. Alessandra had grown a little thinner and looked more tired than ever, but she still refused to leave Adrian's side if even for a night on a bed.

"My health has long been restored therefore I don't see any reason why I should be kept from fulfilling my tasks," he looked to the horizon. "I will do my best to avoid finding myself in situation where I would worry everyone...And speaking of which, you have adequately fulfilled your promise to stay by my side until I fully recover. You would do well to look after yourself a little more. I have sent something to your room that you might enjoy. Think of it as a token of my gratitude," he paused and then cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable of showing too much of his softer side. He dis mounted and led how own white steed to the water. "I believe you'll be pleased to hear that Adam will be returning to the castle late this afternoon. As I am no longer in need of any assistance, you may take the afternoon for yourself so that you may greet him when he returns."

Alessandra sighed again; She still couldn't believe he was completely fine. She wondered if in a way he was still wounded if just emotionally even at the idea that someone wanted him dead. She blinked at his sudden concern of her, heat rushed to her cheeks as she giggled slightly. "Eh-- Prince Adrian, you don't have to do such a thing. It is my duty and pleasure to have served you and helped you recover. I hope to continue to do so." She assured him as she also got off the horse and led her to the water.

At the mention of Adam's return, she smiled widely. She felt it sting only slightly that Adrian still associated her with assistance only, but she didn't speak about it. "Thank you, your majesty. There is indeed so much I need to tell Prince Adam about, but I am sure he would be too tired for that. So there is really no need for me to take the evening off. I would rather stay and make sure you're okay." She said as she wandered slightly if Adrian, like Adam, would one day consider Alessandra a friend and not the help.

The wide smile that appeared on Alessandra's face at the mention of Adam's name was not unnoticed by Adrian's eyes. He felt a little annoyed by it but he pushed the thoughts away. A thoughtful, far away look settled over his face as he turned his eyes towards the clear blue horizon. His thoughts were obviously on the events that had transpired a month ago by what he said next. "Would it not have been better for both Whitehaven and the people if I had not made it back alive then? Adam would do well to lead the people into a prosperous future. The people all believe it and they clamor for it. But since my father follows strict Havensworth tradition, he will not just cast me aside and let Adam inherit his throne," he said almost a little absent mindedly, as if he was just voicing out his thoughts rather than actually conversing with Alessandra.

Alessandra furrowed her eyebrows at his talk, mistaking it for a conversation. She blinked a few times before turning to face Adrian with crossed arms and a raised eyebrow. "Prince Adrian, I am disappointed you think that way. It had just been an unfortunate event that stopped you from continuing your path of gaining the people's acceptance. I am sure the moment you go back to your tasks and connect more with your people, they would be waiting for your reign more than anything else. You have been blessed to not have died on that event-- take advantage of that. Don't-- Don't dwell on it." She firmly said as she shook her head.

Adrian blinked at Alessandra as she scolded him. He didn't realize he spoke his thoughts out loud and he raised an eyebrow back at his handmaiden. "I had no idea you thought me fit to be king, he said. He had long gotten used to being scolded every once in a while by Alessandra. At first it had annoyed him that someone in her rank would dare to scold a prince, the crown prince at that. But as he spent more time with her, he learned that it was at these outbursts that he hears her honest thoughts. He shook his head. "Not all people think the way you do." A cheeky grin spread across his face. "Oh, and of course, I know that I was blessed to have another chance at life. I am thankful for it, do not think otherwise. If I had died then, I would have missed being scolded by you. That would be most disappointing."

Alessandra sighed and shook her head. "Of course I see you fit to be king." She mumbled as she inwardly rolled her eyes, knowing she had never really made it known that she saw a future king in him. Alessandra had usually stopped scolding Adrian or speaking out her mind, but at certain times, she really couldn't stop herself. It was not scolding for her sake but rather his sake and no one else's almost all the time. At his next comment she blushed and rolled her eyes jokingly. "You know-- Five years from now, if I am lucky enough and get married, or even if I am just let go so a younger, smarter handmaiden could serve you, you will remember times like this. And someone like this who dared to be honest with you." She said, and she hoped he would really understand and believe that was true.

In a way, Adrian was surprised at how much closer he had gotten to Alessandra. When she had arrived, he had been so against the idea of having her follow him around that he had been purposefully mean towards her to drive her away and make her beg the Queen to assign her somewhere else. But her persistence and her patience at dealing with him was commendable. She had endured all his snide remarks. Once in a while he caught her rolling her eyes at him but it had surprisingly amused him instead of angering him like he expected. Because of it, he had time and again goaded her to elicit an amusing response. In the end, he had to admit that her constant presence beside him offered him comfort and entertainment. Something he would never admit publicly.

"Five years from now, you will most probably still be stuck beside me as I am not planning on letting you go," he said and then cleared his throat when he realized he had just spoken out his honest thoughts. "Of course if you desire freedom from the castle, I would consider it, he hurriedly added as he walked towards his horse. He hoisted himself up into the saddle effortlessly. "I believe it is time to return to the castle. I would like to speak with the king about the tasks I would resume responsibility for."

As I am not planning to let you go. The sentence kept repeating in her head multiple times as she blinked, trying to make sense of it. Had he really said so? Alessandra stared at Adrian, dumbfounded as her cheeks flushed a deep color of red. He really did say it; Had she been more used to him, she would have giggled at his attempt to cover up that he had really admitted that he wouldn't let Alessandra go. Alessandra knew it probably meant her service, but in a way, she still felt special.

Alessandra nodded silently as she also got on her horse with less ease than Adrian, but she had gotten a lot better. "I wish you the best of luck, Prince Adrian." She commented before they rode away.

The castle was bustling with activity when Adrian and Alessandra rode in. The servants all took time to bow to Adrian as he walked past them but it was obvious that they were all frantic as they hurried about. Thinking that Adam was back and that he would report directly to the King, Adrian went straight to the throne room. But Adam was not there. Instead, he saw a woman with long black hair wearing a red hang bok standing in front of both the King and Queen, handmaidens and guards flanking her.

Queen Anne's face lit up at the sight of Adrian, "There you are, Prince Adrian. Come closer and meet Princess Hye Jin of Gyeongsang."

Realization washed over Adrian's face as he realized that this was probably the Princess he had been arranged to marry. He had originally expected that his father would strike up an alliance with either Bareahard or Connelly but the king apparently had greater, more ambitious plans. This Princess came from a long way away. And from what Adrian remembers from his studies, her kingdom was one of the most powerful in the world.

The King looked towards Adrian. "Come forward, Adrian," he commanded.

Adrian obeyed and walked forward. As he stood next to the King's throne, his father looked to the herald and nodded his head in silent command. The herald bowed his head. "May I present Princess Wang Hye Jin of Gyeongsang, the second princess of the House of Wang. Princess, let me present to you Prince Adrian Havensworth, crown prince of Whitehaven."

As the herald finished his intriduction, the Princess smiled prettily and gave Adrian a graceful curtsy. "I am pleased to meet you, Prince Adrian," she said in a heavy accent.

The surprise that had been on Adrian's face a few seconds ago was replaced by a confident smile. He stepped forward, smoothly took the Princess' hand and kissed the back of it. "It is an honor to meet you, Princess Hye Jin," Adrian's voice sounded as confident as he carried himself. "I can imagine the weariness from the long journey you have undertaken to get to Whitehaven," he looked to his father.

King Thomas nodded in approval as the Queen began speaking again. "I had the servants prepare your room to make you as comfortable as possible, Princess Hye Jin. I hope it is to your liking."

Hye Jin gave the Queen and King another curtsy. "I am sure that it will be, Your Majesty." He turned towards Adrian, a shy smile on her face. "If you will allow me, Prince Adrian. I would like to freshen up. And then perhaps have you show me around after?"

"Of course," Adrian smiled back politely.

The queen's handmaiden bowed low to Hye Jin before leading her, her handmaiden and her guards to the room prepared for her. As soon as the princess had left the throne room, King Thomas addressed his son. "I am aware that you have expected an alliance with Bareahard or Connelly, Adrian. But an alliance with Gyeongsang will be more fruitful as they have the same interest as Whitehaven. Princess Hye Jin might not be the crown princess but the House of Wang would still pledge allegiance to us through your marriage. The King of Gyeongsang have already chosen a date for your wedding. It shall be in six months time hence you have until then to familiarize yourself with each other."

Alessandra was surprised that Prince Adam had returned so early; He wasn't expected until the evening or so she thought. She couldn't contain her excitement as she smiled widely at the idea. She had read more into many of the political issues and historical issues, improving greatly, and she couldn't wait to share her newly found knowledge and opinion with Adam, who was basically the only person who cared enough to enlighten Alessandra. She glanced at Prince Adrian as they made their ways through the castle hallways, heading to the Throne room. Not once had she given her opinion or voiced her thoughts-- Politically-- around Adrian, knowing that he wouldn't appreciate it. She found herself craving slightly the interest Adam gave her but from Adrian. She felt her cheeks heat up slightly-- Such a silly thought.

She followed closely behind Adrian into the Throne room. She was surprised to find a very-- breath catching Princess standing there in front of the King and Queen. Her chest tightened as her thoughts got confirmed. It was Adrian's arranged wife. Alessandra suddenly felt self conscious in her horse riding attire and hair in a high ponytail. She gulped slightly as the Princess addressed Adrian with so much femininity and shyness that it made Alessandra inwardly roll her eyes. He took her hand and kissed the back of it. She found the realization hit her; Was that Adrian's type of woman? Alessandra was no where as feminine, shy, or polite. Her chest tightened even more as she stared at Adrian. His expression did not change much, but something told her that he may actually like such a respectable lady-- Of royal blood, beautiful, and a perfect representation of feminine.

If I was to marry someone like you, a commoner.. The words from a few months ago popped up in her head. She shook her head: She was just serving Adrian, and he only appreciated her and saw her as that. Only.

For an unknown reason, it made her heart hurt.

Alessandra bowed slightly to the Princess as she took her leave with her handmaiden and guards. She listened closely to the King. Only six months. She thought as she felt disappointment settle in her. She looked back at Adrian.

''Congratulations your majesty. This is such a great step, a beautiful lady too.'' She beamed as they took their leave: Despite her sense of disappointment and somewhat underlying anger, she did genuinely feel happy for Adrian.

"I understand. Then, I shall take my leave and make myself presentable to the Princess so that I may show her around Whitehaven," Adrian gave his parents a respectful bow. The King nodded in approval while his mother beamed at him, proud of how refined he was in how he presented himself to the princess and how graciously he accepted the wishes of his father. Adrian turned away and exited the throne room. He glanced at Alessandra as she followed him as he made his way back to his own room. He didn't say anything. Somehow, hearing Alessandra congratulate him made him feel disappointed.

A part of him expected her to be sad that he was getting married, angry even, after the outburst she had made a few months ago about love and arranged marriages. He shook his head. I can't expect anything like that from you, can I? If I was Adam, I'm sure you would have a lot to say about the marriage, he thought, silently conversing with her in his mind. "Thank you for your thoughts," was all he said to her.

Alessandra was confused at the lack of reaction. Her one and only purpose of surpassing her real feelings of disappointment and hurt was to show him that she was indeed there to support him in whatever his choice was. That she was to be by his side whatever the situation was, whatever problems ever arose, but instead, she felt like may be he started feeling annoyed by her presence again. She sighed softly as her eyes shone with tears as she stared at the back of his head. ''I will hurry to run your bath for you.'' She mumbled before giving him a short bow and then walking away, in quick steps to his room. She was only slightly ahead of him, but she made use of the slight difference to fill up warm water for his shower, the soap, towel, and all other necessities. She stepped out of the bathroom just as he stepped into his bedroom. She gave him another short bow. ''If you'll excuse me, your majesty. I need to be on my best behavior as well in the presence of such an important guest.'' She excused herself, but her tone held an underlying tone of mock and sarcasm as she avoided his eyes.

The feeling of disappointment and pain growing further in her being. She cursed herself for it-- Were these feelings arising because she was used to being the only female around the crown Prince for the past few months? She mentally nodded at the reason she came up with. It must be the change that was scaring her.

Adrian caught the tone of mock and sarcasm in Alessandra's voice. He honestly didn't know what it was that had offended her this time. He didn't even say anything condescending or rude. He had not said anything of the sort ever since he woke up from his poisoned sleep. Perhaps it was being stuck with him for several months. Tending to his needs must have made her of him. I'm sure her mood would pick up once Adam returns, he thought.

Tight lipped, he nodded as she excused herself. There was really nothing he can do about her mood. For now, he would have to focus his attention to his would be bride.

Alessandra's disappointment that the marriage was going to be carried out so soon along with Adrian's approval of it made her overall a little lifeless than how she usually was. She had intended to refresh and be on her best behavior for Adrian's sake, but the feeling of dislike to the whole idea made her dislike the Princess she was yet to know anything for. She scolded herself for such ill feelings as she refreshed and slipped on one of her many dress now. This one was of delicate lace that hugged her body beautifully and reached her ankles; It was black which made the lace details a little harder to catch, but overall, complimented her figure greatly. As its shoulder straps hung off her shoulders. She had not bothered to wash her hair as she knew it wouldn't dry for a really long time, instead she had let it down and held back the sides that held back her entire mop of hair on her back, showcasing more of the dress's complimenting cut.

Due to her rushed refreshment and dressing up, she had so clumsily missed Adrian's gift.

She had on black flats that were gentle on her feet, knowing she may be running around for the rest of the day to offer comfort and the right environment for Adrian and his future wife. The thought made her a little sick, but she shook the feeling off as one of hunger. She had gotten ready in record time, knowing Adrian took a little more time than that. She walked to his quarts and gently knocked the door. ''Prince Adrian? May I come in?'' She asked.

Adrian had just finished putting on one of his formal attires when Alessandra knocked on his door. He was not particularly fond of wearing formal attires but the situation called for it. "You may enter," he called out, expecting more sarcasm from the girl. When she entered the room, he looked at her and was surprised that she had actually dressed up. He gave her an appreciative once over before he caught himself and averted his eyes. He walked over to the table by the window and took the two books that were on it.

"Here. I had originally planned on having them delivered to your room. But obviously, they have nott been delivered yet. These are tokens of gratitude for tending to me while I was ill." He handed her a brown leather diary with a metal clasp to seal it. "It is an empty journal where you can record your thoughts in," he explained before handing her a thicker leather bound book. "This one is a book that has all the folklore, legends and myths of WhiteHaven. You are fond of reading and I hope that you will find this book entertaining." He clasped his hands behind his back after handing Alessandra the gifts he had prepared for her.

Alessandra walked in, noticing him checking her out. Her cheeks reddened slightly as she allowed herself to appreciate his attire as well. She liked the formal attire on Adrian more than she should. She stepped closer to him as he turned to the window and picked up two books. She blinked as she looked up at him, waiting for an explanation.

Her eyes filled with tears as he handed her the first book. She felt the leather with a fond smile, her cheeks heating up significantly. She looked back at him as he handed her the second book. She giggled slightly, out of words. She blinked the tears back as she put the books aside. "Thank you." She said as she gave him a deep bow. She hesitated before throwing her arms around his core tightly. "Thank you so so much. My spelling is still a little poor, but I really promise I will work my best with it." She mumbled, keeping her arms around him. She still hadn't realized her action of hugging him.

Adrian's eyes widened as Alessandra threw her arms around him. A snide remark about touching him popped into his head but strangely, he didn't voice it out. Instead, he reached up and patted her head a little awkwardly. The hug was inappropriate but he found it nevertheless nice. He stood there for a few minutes letting her hug him. "I have no doubt about it. Your reading skills have greatly improved..." he paused. "...so Adam has told me. You are free to use the library to your heart's content," he said and then cleared his throat. "Now, if you don't mind releasing me..." he started, unsure of how to get her off him.

"Prince Adrian?" came Amelie's voice from outside his room. It was followed by a soft knock. "Princess Hye Jin is ready and is waiting for you in the sitting room," she called out.