Alessandra was surprised that he yet again kissed her-- He did want it as much as she did. He liked it as much as she did. Correct? No other reason he would actually kiss her if that was not the case. She ignored all the thoughts, all her overthinking, analyzing methods were forgotten as she closed her eyes and instantly her lips melted against his. Her hand slowly found their way against his chest, slowly feeling up till her hands intertwined behind his neck. She tugged him slightly to her height as she stepped closer to him.

The kiss that Adrian thought would only last a few seconds lasted longer than that. It wasn't just one kiss but several, each making the crown prince just want more. An hour later, both breathless and flushed, they finally stopped. The prince sent Alessandra back to her own room.

He laid on his bed wide awake, his thoughts on what had just transpired. He tried to make sense of everything. Wanting to kiss her so much, feeling annoyed by a smile she shared with Henry, feeling almost angry at how she had been so happy seeing Adam back in the castle, how his heart had beat so loudly in his chest. He shook his head. Why did he feel so possessive when obviously, she can't be anything more to him than a handmaiden.

His thoughts shifted to how willing she was in kissing him. Did she feel the same confusion that he felt? Or was it just the heat of the challenge she herself issued? Did she imagine him to be Adam while she kissed him?

All the confusing thoughts swirled around in Adrian's head until he finally fell asleep near dawn.

Alexandria had no time to think about any of their kisses, reasons behind them, or any other reasonable thinking. Instead, she focused on him, his lips, and his hands. When they had finally completely pulled back, she found herself still wanting more, but she stared at him, wondering what did he think about her-- about this. Instead any of the talks she wanted them to have, he sent her away because he needed rest. She was confused, but she simple nodded, bowed, and took her leave. The further she was from the room, the more regret and confusion grew in her. He didn't fancy her at all, did he? She felt the tears coming back to her as she shook away the thoughts. Maybe he just needed it out of his system-- Maybe he just was not used to anyone challenging him.

Tired emotionally and physically, Alessandra changed and climbed into her bed.

She came to the conclusion that she had been used, but something inside her didn't exactly believe that. Prince Adrian was not that kind of person. Despite her exhaustion, she was unable to sleep. She got out off the bed when it was almost time for breakfast, she took a shower, braided her wet hair, and attempted to look rested, although she was from it.

She made her way to Prince Adrian's room in confidence. Just pretend like nothing happened.

She knocked on his door before walking in. ''Prince Adrian you must wake up as to not make a bad impression on Princess Wang Hye Jin.'' She urged.

Hye Jin was sitting on Adrian's bed when Alessandra walked in. She gave the handmaiden an overly sweet smile that was meant to be mocking. "Oh, no need to worry your little head about that, my dear... What was your name? Aliana?" she gestured towards the bathroom. MY Adrian is already awake. I took the liberty to awaken him and drew his bath this morning. That is what a good wife should do, am I correct?" she made sure she enunciated and emphasized the word 'my.' She stood up and walked towards Alessandra. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Make no mistake. I will not lose to you. You may have bewitched him with your.." she looked at the blonde girl from head to foot. "...charms. And you may have his attention. But I will be his queen and as soon as we are wedded, I'm afraid your services will no longer be needed. His attention and his affection will no longer be yours," her voice dripped with venom.

Alessandra was surprised to find Hye Jin on Adrian's bed. She couldn't help but think if Adrian had called her to his room the night before. She blinked as Hye Jin elaborated why she was there and what she had done. Alessandra raised an eyebrow as Hye Jin so obviously made sure she emphasized the "my" For Adrian. She inwardly rolled her eyes as she stepped closer to her and whispered. Alessandra looked at the other woman, scanning her carefully. "Prince Adrian wouldn't tolerate you threatening any of his staff, Princess Hye Jin. I suggest you be careful." She said, in her usual tone that could be easily heard by Adrian.

"As for his attention and affection, I never did and never will have them. Don't worry. They're all yours." She said sweetly in a lower tone with a tight smile.

Hye Jin scoffed at Alessandra. She couldn't decide which was more laughable. Her inability to see that the Crown Prince was smitten by her or her superior attitude towards her, the future queen of WhiteHaven. She was just about to shoot her a particularly mean retort when Adrian stepped out of the bathroom. He was wearing one of his formal wears but this time in blue. His cheeks were just as flushed as it had been the night before. He looked at Hye Jin and obviously avoided looking at Alessandra.

Hye Jin immediately turned towards Adrian and gave him a smile. He himself isn't aware of what it is he feels for this low life, she thought amusedly to herself. "Your handmaiden is simply wonderful, Adrian. I am glad you have her to take care of your health. Perhaps she will wait on me while you are away?" she suggested sweetly.

Adrian gave Alessandra a quick glance. "I am pleased that you find her to your liking," he replied. "If it pleases you, Princess, you may avail of her services while I am away," he agreed.

"Hye Jin," she gently corrected as she gave Alessandra a mean little smile.

"Hye Jin," Adrian repeated. "Well, if I may take my leave, ladies. I need to receive my father's orders before I set out," his smile was a little strained.

"How long will you be gone?" Hye Jin followed after Adrian.

"I believe only a month's time," Adrian permitted her to walk alongside him.

Hye Jin pouted. "And I was hoping we would be able to get to stay by each other's side this 6 months before our wedding. This is as I feared. And the reason why I suggested to be married at the earliest time possible," she said.

Adrian's smile was still strained. "I shall consider it. Let us speak about this more when I return," he replied.

Hye Jin stopped when they were at the throne room's door. "Have a safe journey, my future husband."

Adrian gave her a small polite bow before he stepped into the throne room.

Alessandra looked up as Adrian walked out of the bathroom. She was confused as to why he avoided looking at het. Had she done something wrong? Other than kissing him. She averted her eyes to the floor as he avoided looking at her. Her head snapped up at Hye Jin as she actually 'complimented' Alessandra, but what surprised her even more was that Adrian was leaving already. She blinked and shook her head. She must have forgotten that with the exhaustion. Alessandra stard at Adrian as he allowed Alessandra to actually serve Hye Jin. Wasn't he aware that the Princess hated her and that was the most unfortunate thing to do for Alessandra?!

Alessandra rolled her eyes as Hye Jin followed Adrian again; Alessandra kept her slow pace, following behind the royal couple. She bowed to Adrian before he walked into the throne room.

Alessandra stared at Hye Jin's back of her head. "In your service, Princess." She said, her tone dripping with sarcasm, but she had a sweet small smile on.

Hye Jin turned to look at Alessandra. She really didn't like Adrian's handmaiden and as soon as she became Queen, Alessandra would be the first she would throw out of the castle. She didn't care where she ended up or if her husband becomes angry at her. The sooner she was out of her sight, the better. For now, she will just have to bear her presence. "Bid your Prince goodbye. When he returns, we will be married and you will never be allowed to stand before him, beside him or even behind him," she glared at Alessandra before she turned and walked away.

Alessandra stared hard at Hye Jin as she spoke to her. She bit back her tongue as her eyes followed Hye Jin as she walked away. She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She wasn't scared of Hye Jin, but she wasn't sure how far that woman could go. It seemed like she would go to horrible extents if she was so bothered by just Alessandra's presence. Alessandra stared at the closed door of the throne room. She wasn't going to wait for Adrian; Things were already tense between the two, and it seemed like Adrian was even upset with her.

She took a deep bow to the door before mumbling a good bye and then turned to walk away. She swallowed the tears that threatened to fall. It was useless crying over the crown Prince; She was to leave him one day anyway.

Adrian didn't leave right after speaking to his father. Instead, he visited the stables. It was always the place he visited to calm his nerves. Henry followed closely behind him and watched as the Prince took the time to brush and groom the black stallion he preferred over the rest.

"Are you thinking of another attempt on your life, Adrian?" Henry had grown close to Adrian that the prince had allowed him to address him by name when they were alone.

Adrian nodded. "It is likely. The people in WhiteHaven wants Adam on the throne. I believe my brother made use of the time he spent outside the palace to gather more supporters. I will not be surprised if we encounter another ambush," he said, his lips tightened.

"Prince Adam?" Henry looked thoughtful. "Yes, I believe he may have. Do you suppose he was behind the ambush?"

Adrian didn't answer but Henry had spent most of his time by the prince's side that he no longer needed words to understand what he was thinking. He nodded. "We will just need to be extra cautious."

After Alessandra walked away from the throne room, she had regretted walking away. She could never come in contact with him again; Did she really want to leave him with no final words? Mutual respect and good feelings? Even if he was upset, she couldn't just let him be. She wanted to leave him on good terms. More than that, she didn't even want to leave. She sighed and shook away that wish. Hye Jin wanted her gone, and as future Queen, her wish would become true with no hesitation.

Alessandra knew where Adrian would be after the throne room. It was the stables; He wouldn't leave without going there first. Alessandra rushed through the hallways and out of the castle. She just needed to see him one more time. One more time with hope for more. He would keep her around-- wouldn't he?

Alessandra walked into the stables, breathless with flushed cheeks from the effort. She was relieved to find Henry and Adrian there. She walked purposely toward Adrian. She huffed out a breath.

"Prince Adrian.. I--" She started out as she stared at him. She wanted to tell him that Hye Jin intended to send her away, that she didn't want to go, that she wanted to stay by his side even if she would forever be just a handmaiden, she wanted to know if he was upset. She wanted to know why he had kissed her. Instead of any of that, she flashed him a huge smile.

"I will be waiting for your return. Do your best." She said as she held her fist in the air. Her eyes filled with tears; Of fear, of sadness, of confusion, but instead, she preferred to stay silent.

The Crown Prince had no time for trivial handmaiden issues.

Henry excused himself as soon as Alessandra bursted into the stables. The two deserved to have a little bit of privacy. What was obvious to him was curiously imperceptible to the two.

Adrian turned towards Alessandra. The look on his face was obviously troubled. He seemed to have too many things in his mind that he forgot all about the awkwardness he felt because of the kisses he shared with Alessandra the night before. He looked at her and for a brief second, everything seemed so clear. She was important to him. And today, this moment, might be the last that he would see her. He stepped towards her and surprisingly pulled her into his arms. "Take care of yourself. I... will be back in a month. I'll try to come back in one piece," his voice was strangely calm and gentle. He held her for a few more seconds longer. And then the moment passed. He released her and was the confident crown prince again. He gave her a grin. "Came to see me off, after all, huh? I thought Hye Jin had gotten to you too much. Do not mind her."

Alessandra was surprised as he pulled her into his arms. She didn't hesitate to wrap her arms back around him. She didn't want to let go as he spoke so calmly to her-- Yet she felt the trouble he carried on his shoulder. She hoped she could help him, but she knew she couldn't with her limited knowledge and low position. Instead she held into him until he pulled back. It had only been a moment but to Alessandra it was a lot precious than just a moment.

She smiled, a more genuine smile as he grinned at her. "Can't let my favorite Prince go without a proper goodbye." She said with a little bow. At his words of Hye Jin and his reassurance to not mind her, she said nothing. The fear of Hye Jin's power still present.

Alessandra gave him another smile before starting to walk away. "I am sure you'll come back." She assured him as she looked over her shoulders before contining to walk away and out of the stables.

And after that, Adrian was gone. Henry accompanied him as well as several royal guards. Exactly like before. But unlike his promise, he didn't come back after a month. Or even after three months. There was no news, no message of what had become of him.

---

Adam looked at Hye Jin, a self assured look on his face. He had sent all the handmaidens away including Alessandra and now spoke freely to his would be sister-in-law. "Are you still so certain that Adrian will return?" he asked. "How long has it been? Two? Three months? I'm afraid he might have fallen to an ambush or the likes of what had happened before."

Hye Jin raised an eyebrow. "You seem so sure. Are you responsible for his prolonged absence?" she asked. The moment she had met the younger prince, he sensed his ambitiousness. Even though he had acted the perfect younger brother and a good adviser, there was that glint of greed, that darkness he kept hidden behind his eyes. And day by day since Adrian failed to return, she saw his ambitions grow. She expected him to offer her something. And here it was.

Adam shrugged. "I am not my brother's steward," he replied. "I know not what happened to him. I suppose your guess is as good as mine. But..." he paused. "If he is truly lost , Father will have no choice but to name me his heir. And you'll do well to ally yourself to me if you want to be queen."

Hye Jin laughed and shook her head.

"Do not pretend to be what you are not. I see through you. I know of your ambitions. A second princess with no hope of being queen unless married to an heir to the throne."

Hye Jin stared at Adam and considered what he said. "And you are a prince that resorts to disposing off the rightful heir to the throne to further your own ambitions," she said.

Adam smiled.

After a long moment of pause, she finally spoke again. "How certain are you that he will not return?" she asked.

Adam smile turned into a larger grin.

After that day, Alessandra had never been the same. Alessandra was really optimistic about Adrian's return, but everything in the court had changed after he left. Her hopes of learning more and becoming more intellectual vanished after the first two weeks, she really tried to keep up with reading and the impossible tasks assigned to her by Hye Jin, but she had grown too exhausted to function on both and had to then put her reading on pause. She tried speaking to Prince Adam about it, but he, too, changed. He was not the same. He had avoided Alessandra most days, and other days when he came in contact with her, it was either in a very cold matter with little to no words, or a very harsh attitude. He had stopped spending time with her entirely and instead spent most of his time with Hye Jin. While Alessandra slaved away to finish Hye Jin's tasks, she still prayed with all her heart for Adrian's return, for it to be soon and for him to be safe. None of that came true. The first month passed-- Month and a week, month and two weeks, and still no news about the nation's Crown Prince. Alessandra had grown worried over Adrian. Had he already left? For good?

Adrian was not the only thing making her worried. Her mother had also gotten a lot worse, and her father had started borrowing again. Alessandra tried to send them the money she had earned, but she wasn't sure if they had gotten the money or not. No more letters were exchanged. Alessandra doubted Hye Jin had a hand in that, but nevertheless stayed silent. Alessandra's outgoing spirit and free tongue had toned down horribly as she grew more tired by the day. She had almost stopped eating as the third month of Adrian's disappearance. Her hair was falling out so bad that she had cut it short, something she had never done, her body was growing frail, but it didn't make much difference to anyone. Neither Adam or anyone else tried to keep Hye Jin off her back.

Alessandra had grown to suspect Adam's weird ways. Why had he changed? Why was he spending time with such a harsh woman? Why didn't he stand up for her like he did in front of his own brother?

Although Alessandra had stopped reading, stopped exploring, even stopped eating, she was found most free times in the stable. Then was the only proof that Alessandra was still functioning well. She had taken care of every and each horse herself, with the help of Rean of course. She was usually then talking let it be to Rean or the horses. Most times she talked of Adrian and her expecting him anytime soon. By the third month, she had grown completely silent. Grooming the horses was therapeutic to her, but it wasn't enough.

Alessandra heaved out a shaky breath as she finished sewing the dress Hye Jin had ordered. Alessandra tried telling her that it was not her specialization to do so, but Hye Jin wouldn't have it. She had ripped it apart each time Alessandra had presented it. The old Alessandra would have typically bit Hye Jin's head off, but instead, Alessandra would pick up the pieces and start all over again.

She rested her back on the back of the bed as she closed her eyes tiredly.

''God, if you would just please, please, return Adrian back to the castle. and please just help my family, I promise I will never ask for anything again. Please.'' She mumbled as the tears stung her eyes, but she never let them out. There was no need to cry over things that were lost causes.

Alessandra got off her bed and headed toward the balcony where she guessed Hye Jin would be at the time having her evening tea. Alessandra walked in with the black, supposedly simple, dress for at least the tenth time, hoping that this time Hye Jin wouldn't find any minor flaw. She had made sure there were no extra threads, no hair, no fold was on the dress. She made sure the measurements were right at least three times before sewing it all together.

Alessandra gently set the dress in front of Hye Jin with no words as her dull blue eyes scanned the princess for any form of content.

One more thing, God, please. Take away this snake.

The days dragged on. Three months turned to five then to seven. The King had sent out his men to find Adrian or at least bring news of what had become of him. But no matter how many times he sent out men, all of them came back empty handed. The trail always ended at Davenshire, the southern most tip of WhiteHaven. It was the last place that Adrian was sighted. No one could say what happened to the Prince. It was as if he had just disappeared.

It was at a grim dinner that the King finally announced that he would name Adam his heir. And Hye Jin would be married to him. The Queen had silently sobbed and Adam looked stricken. Hye Jin remained silent.

"You see? Everything went as planned. I get to sit on the throne and you get to be queen," Adam told Hye Jin when they were finally alone. "When should we hold the wedding ceremony?" he asked, a dark glint in his eyes.

Hye Jin noticed the glint and it scared her of what this prince could do. But marrying him would ensure her of being queen. That was the only thing that mattered. As long as she had power, she didn't mind if her husband was a raving lunatic. She gave him a charming smile. "Whenever you wish, My King," she answered, her words earning her an approving smile.

---

Another month passed by. It didn't seem like Adrian would be returning at all. Hye Jin became too busy with preparations for her wedding that she left Alessandra alone most times. Adam had become so cold to Alessandra that they no longer talked at all. The few times they did, he treated her the way Adrian treated her when she first came to the castle. The other handmaiden were treated just as bad. But the people that came to the palace for an audience with him and the king, he always treated very politely. It was as if he was two different people.

Soon, the day came when the King would formally announce Adam as his heir. Nobles and leaders were all gathered in the great hall. Adam stood regally in a white formal uniform, flanked by Hye Jin who wore a light blue dress. The Queen looked regal despite the dark circles around her eyes. The King looked just as tired.

But before the King could say anything, a tall, thin stranger stepped out from the crowd. "I believe I am still the heir, am I not, Father?" he announced.

All eyes turned on the strange man. He wore peasant clothes and looked as though he hadn't had a bath for days. His unkempt hair reached down to his shoulder and his chin had several days worth of stubble. But no matter how different he looked, he was still who he was. Adrian Havensworth.

The Queen was the first to react. Her eyes widened and she lifted a hand to her mouth in both shock and happiness. "Adrian?" her voice trembled with uncertainty but nevertheless, she rushed forward. She held him at arm's length and studied his face before she enveloped him in a hug. "It is you."

A frown crossed Adam's face but it was replaced by a relieved smile before anyone could see. Hye Jin looked horrified.

The King, himself, approached Adrian and enveloped him in a hug. Relief and happiness was apparent in his gray eyes. When he had finished with their reunion, he lifted his head to the gathered nobles. "Today brings us good news. Crown Prince Adrian has come home and is the rightful heir to the throne," he announced and the hall erupted with applause.

Alessandra had grown weaker and more apathetic as the days went on. Even after the King had officially informed Adam that he was to be the heir for the throne and that Hye Jin was to be his queen, no reaction was brought out of Alessandra. She was a little grateful as Hye Jin got distracted and left her to be. Although she was almost always then free, she did nothing but sit there, help around the castle, and sometimes groom the horses. She had officially lost it after more than a half year of misuse, stress, and worry. She had stopped wondering and sketching out what could have happened to Adrian and why he had not returned. The assurance of Adrian's disappearance and her mother's death, which she received one stormy evening, brought her to the edge.

As the eighth month since Adrian's disappearance and two months since her mother had passed, Alessandra started trying to go back to reading again. She hoped that maybe then everything would feel like normal again. Her hair had grown back, her weight was slightly restored, but she still didn't look like Alessandra only a year and a while ago. She read of the current political views with Adrian's disappearance, she wrote down everything she could recall since his disappearance. It wasn't going to bring him back, but it kept her mind busy. The thinking, analyzing, and investigating brought back a bit of her soul, but yet she was still void. At the time, she had grown to accept the disappearance of Adrian and the death of her mother.

The dreaded day for Alessandra had arrived; Announcing to the nation that Adam was then the official and rightful heir to the throne and that Hye Jin was his queen. Although she was fully aware that Adrian was not to return, that her mother was dead, that she was then absolutely alone, the day of the official announcement got to her; disregarding her emotional state, Alessandra got on her best dress, had her hair neat and pulled back with the best smile she could pull for the grand day with all the nobles and great leaders of the nation.

She was standing in the corner beside Amelie as the King silenced the hall for his announcement.

That was he interrupted by a strange man.

Alessandra stared at the strange man who sounded a lot like Adrian, who even held similarities with Adrian. Alessandra's eyes widened as she stared at the man from afar. She was surprised. Could it be true?

No.

She walked closer to where the royals were as the hall erupted in laughter, applause, and happy chattering. The closer she got to the man, the more he resembled the Prince she had missed so much. The Queen was talking to her older son, as Alessandra came to stand by her side. She continued to blankly stare at Adrian as her eyes filled with tears. She gulped slightly and blinked away the tears before giving Adrian a bow.

''You came back.'' She announced as she straightened again. She looked at the Queen and back to Adrian, looking for the assurance she needed that she was not seeing things.

Adrian turned his attention to Alessandra and gave her that familiar smile. He had lost a lot of weight but his eyes were warmer than when he had left. "Took me a while but I did promise to return. I apologize for the distress I must have put everyone through," he said as he looked from Alessandra to his mother.

"So, I see that your long absence has taught you how to be humble. I believe this is the first time I have heard you apologize," the queen held his son's hand tightly and patted it gently.

An amused look settled over Adrian's face. "Come now, Mother. You have heard me apologize before." he responded.

The Queen laughed. "Oh, how I've missed you, my son. Come come. I shall have the servants prepare a proper meal for you," she said and then turned to Alessandra. "Prepare the Prince's bath and lay out new clothes for him," she ordered.

"And so your plan worked perfectly," Hye Jin whispered to Adam. She didn't wait for him to respond as she walked forward and gave Adrian a polite curtsy. "You have returned, My Prince," she greeted.

Adrian turned his attention to Hye Jin. "I congratulate you on your upcoming wedding, Princess. I believe I am just in time to be of attendance," he said and then turned his gaze towards his younger brother. A look passed between the two princes before the crown prince turned and walked away.

Hye Jin looked annoyed but smiled as the Queen passed by.

Alessandra continued staring at Adrian in disbelief. It really was him--Yet kinder and warmer. It was strange, but it was the good strange. She silently continued staring at him as the Queen and he spoke. He was a changed man, but how? Why? Where was Henry? Alessandra snapped out of it as the Queen ordered her to draw a bath for him and some proper clothes. She bowed before walking away. She walked to his room, a room she had not walked to for more than half a year. She breathed in deeply before she opened the door and walked in. The room was clean and fresh like he had just left it that morning. Alessandra was functioning on autopilot as she walked into the bathroom, drew the bath for him, and put out fresh change for him.

She stared at the room that used to be so familiar, but now, being in it made her uncomfortable.

Was he really back? She wondered as she waited for him. She needed to speak to him, no matter how rude it was to delay his bath and meal even further.

Adrian walked into the room a few minutes after Alessandra finished drawing his bath. He chuckled. "No, I am not an apparition or a ghost or any of that sort. Yes, I have truly returned. Yes, Henry has safely returned with me along with the men we were with. And... what happened is a very long story," he said as though he could read what was going through Alessandra's mind. "I would give you a hug. But I'm afraid I'm not in the best form to give it. I think I may smell of chickens," he chuckled and then headed towards the bathroom.