Chapter Three
The prince huffed and puffed softly, continuing to hold the woman in his arms. "Good…" He muttered. He couldn't help but gaze at her a bit; the woman had milk colored skin, soft looking hazel eyes, and long locks of long blond hair in a high up ponytail. She was slim, yet had a full bust and slightly wide hips. She also wore a military styled Obelisk Blue uniform, but instead of trousers she wore a blue mini skirt as part of the female uniform.
Both the prince and woman blushed lightly before the prince helped her regain balance. The woman turned around and gave a bow. "I thank you, your majesty." She thanked before suddenly running off, without another word.
"Alexis! Are you okay? Wait up!" Called out her dear older brother Atticus, a handsome stud with brown hair and eyes. The brother began to follow his sister while the prince couldn't help wonder what an interesting event this turned out to be.
"Everyone, let us resume the party!" The king called out. The guests return to their usual routine like nothing happened, except Jaden who felt lost in thought.
"Boy, some accident huh." Jesse chuckled as he approached the prince. "We should probably get that spill cleaned up before someone else falls."
"Uh..yeah sure." Jaden replied. He then gave a smile and the two men hugged. "I can't believe it, it's good to see you!"
"Thank you, my prince." The blue haired knight replied.
"Jesse, Jesse. You know you can call me Jaden." He argued. Jesse could only chuckle at that response; he was glad Jaden hasn't changed much over these past years.
"I know I'm just messin' with you, Jaden." Replied Jesse. "So, from what I saw, I'm guessing you met the newest member of the Knights of Dragon."
Jaden's brown eyes widened like saucers. "W-wait, that's the newest knight?!" He asked.
"Your father never told you?" Jesse asked.
"I-I mean he did...I just never thought I'd meet her like this." The prince blushed.
The knight only chuckled, "She's from Cyber Mountains so she's a commoner...she's actually a farmer's daughter if I remember correctly…she's also very fond of dueling."
"She is?" Jaden asked. "That's amazing! Hey maybe she'll duel me someday."
Jesse then smirked "Speaking of duels...you know I've improved since my travels."
Jaden grinned. "Hm? You say so?"
"Say? I know so. We definitely must duel as soon as we can." Said Jesse, holding out a hand.
The brown haired prince nodded, giving him a firm handshake of affirmation. The handshake was not like king and servant but of two friendly rivals wanting to engage in a match; the prince dueled some worthy opponents but Jesse was on a whole different caliber than most.
Meanwhile in the king's study chamber, the young blonde woman who the prince encountered stared at the beautiful portraits of the royal family. Portraits which had Prince Jaden as a boy, the king, and the queen when she was alive.
"These paintings are just breathtaking..." the woman said mentally. "I wonder who did all of this.."
"Alexis, there you are!" Called a voice from behind. Alexis turned around and saw Atticus running towards her.
"Atticus!"
"Alexis, what happened back there? Why was the prince holding you?" He asked.
Alexis blushed lightly, feeling a tad embarrassed. "O-oh..well you see..I slipped on something at the ballroom and nearly tripped...but..he saved me from falling.." she explained.
Atticus chuckled. "Oh that's why. Well you were always clumsy."
"Look who's talking." She countered.
The elder brother then chuckled for a bit. "But anyways, we should head back to the party. It's not good to be away from the crowd. Besides, I don't know if we're supposed to be here."
"I'll be there in a few, I've never been in the castle...I've heard so many things that took place here; besides... I'm tired of Sir Chazz trying to "woo" me." Alexis replied. "..I can't help but feel you put him up to this."
Atticus playfully shrugged. "Not this time, my sister. You know the boy is head over heels for you. Anyways, I'll see you at the ballroom."
Alexis smiled and gave a nod. "Don't worry about me, alright." She replied before Atticus separated himself from the room.
Lady Alexis Rhodes, fellow Knight of the Dragon, was known for her beauty and Dragon riding skills, not to mention her kindness. Being fascinated by the kingdom's rich history, she took advantage of exploring the King's study while the guest were in the ballroom.
"I wonder...how many books does the royal family own…" she wondered, gazing at the the giant shelves.
"Well then...I see I found an explorer." A voice joked from behind which slightly startled the blonde woman. Alexis immediately turned around, her eyes widened at the sight of a very familiar, looking person..
"Your majesty…" Alexis whispered. The knight took a look at the prince; he wasn't sore on the eyes, in fact he was actually kinda cute. His smile was friendly and kind looking.
His face then turned serious. "You know my father doesn't like anyone in his study, not even his own family."
"Oh...then you shouldn't be here as well?" Alexis questioned.
Jaden chuckled. "You got me there...I like to come here sometimes to get away from everyone." He replied as he walked into the room. "You seem like a nice person, so make yourself comfortable."
Alexis blinked, this prince was surely laidback..she thought she would get into trouble for being in here. The blonde always had a slightly rebellious streak to her..at least that's what her family would say.
She took a good look at the prince one last time; he looked about her age and was quite handsome, especially up close. To think this young man would take a huge responsibility was crazy; he didn't seem like a typical, stuffy royal gent.
"So you are the newest Knight of Dragon." The prince recalled, extending a hand towards her.
Alexis nodded and shook hands with the prince, which she assumed was what he wanted instead of bowing. "Yes. Alexis Rhodes." She introduced.
"Good to meet you, Alexis, and congratulations for achieving your new position." he complimented. Jaden wasn't the best at complimenting strangers, but it sure got her to blush slightly.
"Adding fuel to the fire?" She joked.
Jaden could only chuckle lightly at her reply. "I think I like her already! She's pretty...witty!" He commented mentally.
"You don't like parties?" He asked her, since this was technically thrown in her honor after all.
Alexis shook her head. "I don't mind parties..I guess I just needed a break. I kinda prefer quieter areas"
"Ah.. I can understand. Honestly I'd rather be doing something else than to sit at that party." Said the prince.
"Hm? What kind of occupations do you have?" The knight asked.
The prince rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I-I'm sure you'd find it stupid...Er..alright, I'd rather be dueling."
Alexis gasped. "I love dueling!"
Jaden's eyes widened. "You do?" He asked. The blonde nodded which made him smile.
"I brought my deck as well." She replied, reaching in her pocket. "How about we have a little match ourselves?"
Jaden grinned as he brought out his deck as well. "Alright, I could use a good challenge." He replied. "Let's have a card game on the table like tradition; we shouldn't make too much noise or someone may hear."
Alexis nodded and then sat at the table. "Good idea, I'm sure this won't take long." She smirked.
Jaden chuckled at her words, joining her. "Cocky, aren't we?" He joked. "Alright, Alexis...let's Duel!
"You're on!"
After dueling for what seemed to be forever, Jaden trumiumply came out as the winner. However he definitely acknowledged Alexis as one of his top dueling rivals; her skills and Cyber Angels would definitely make quite the impression on him.
"Can't believe I won't be dueling for much longer soon…" Jaden smiled. "You got game." He complimented, extending his hand.
Alexis gave a smile and returned the handshake. "You too, but I'll definitely win next time." She replied.
"There will be a next time?!" He grinned. "...right?"
Alexis blushed. "W-Well, I mean only if you want to..it's just..I haven't dueled in so long. My brother is usually too busy and well...usually guys would rather flirt with me than duel. Not to mention, not a lot of girls are interested in dueling.."
"I bet they know you'd beat them in a heartbeat!" Jaden replied, making the woman giggle. "I'm serious." He chuckled lightly. "You know...I haven't met a lot of girls who enjoy dueling, I'm glad you like it."
Alexis smiled. "Well I'm glad I could get the chance to duel you, my prince."
"Call me Jaden." He corrected, which was only something he'd do if he considered that person to be a friend. "And we'll definitely do this again."
Alexis nodded. "Jaden...alright." She replied. "By the way, what did you mean you wouldn't be dueling for much longer?"
"Oh that...well..of course I won't get rid of dueling out of my life for good, but I won't have as much free time."
"What do you mean?"
Jaden rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Well..my father has been talking about..me gaining a wife and children someday to..make sure the family bloodline doesn't die." He explained. "He wanted me to meet the nobels' daughters at the party."
"I see.." Alexis spoke. "Have you met any that you fancied?"
Jaden shook his head. "I'm honestly not interested in any of them.." he replied, giving a small chuckle. "I'm sure my dad is annoyed by me. He spent so much after all."
"I bet it's tough being the prince, especially upholding this responsibility." Alexis sympathized.
Jaden chuckled absentmindedly. "It's a living. Anyways, I..actually would like to know more about you." He proposed.
"About me?" The blonde woman asked, Jaden nodded in response. "Well alright...what would you like to know?"
The prince smiled. "Anything you feel comfortable telling me." He replied. "Anything you share with me will never escape my lips."
Alexis wondered to herself, would it be a good idea to share her life story with the prince? She'd never thought he'd even care to acknowledge her, despite being known as one of the best knights in the kingdom. However she was sure the prince had other matters completely different from hers.
However becoming more acquainted with the prince allowed her to relax more. Perhaps it was the duel that helped her connect with him more on a deeper level. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.
"Well...I was born in the Cyber Mountains…"
To be continued…