Chapter 4: Secret Evening Meetings

Continuation of the previous chapter.

After my lessons with lady Adela, it was almost evening. I was meeting with Zen. I was so happy. We hadn't met and talked for a while. It's always so good to see him.

I was to wait at one of the palace's floral room; the most beautiful room I have ever seen. It is so colorful. It has wide-opened curtains in front of large windows, different kinds of chairs. This is my third time entering that room.

It's not like Zen and my evening meetings are secret, but neither are they public.

After passing by some guards and maids, I entered the room. As Zen wasn't still around, I took it as an advantage and took a look at the flowers. Really beautiful they are. I heard footsteps approaching before I noticed it, Zen had already opened the door smiling.

"Zen! I didn't see you there. I was a bit shocked. You almost suffocated me." I said as I walked towards him.

"Are you sure my rapidness took your breath away. Then I'm wondering what this will do to you." Zen smirked proudly. I immediately guessed where this was going.

Zen pulled me for a kiss. Now I seriously realized how much I've missed him. To be honest, our kissing has improved these past years.

I'm running out of the air, but the kiss was also sweet, partying was kept as the last option. After minutes of Zen murdering me with his peerless kissing skills, we parted from the kiss. I breathe out.

"Was that breathtaking enough?" Zen asked proudly of what he had done to me. I didn't want to admit defeat, but it was crystal clear he had the victory. Besides that, I could feel my swollen lips.

"So, I will take your silence as a Yes?" He gave a mischievous smile. I crossed my arms and looked at other directions pretending I didn't hear him.

"Are you seriously mad at me? I was just kidding." He tried to defend himself. He suddenly pulled me closer to him and kissed my cheek. I suddenly started burning.

"Forgive me?" he asked as if he's a pretty angel. "Pretty please? My love?, My sweetheart? My whole world?" I hate that face and that voice, it's so... attractive.

Over these past years, Zen had added height, now our height gap has grown even more. His features have become incredibly sharper. His voice has become deeper; his laryngeal prominence appearing more. His glares are now sharper, very sharper just like his older brother's. He had a change of hairstyle. Truth be told, I like this hairstyle better, and it's also preferred by many. He also changed his casual princely outfits, into something bluer.

His sword broke two years ago so he got a new one, but this was heavier and sharper, at least that's what he says. And he has become more matured, His Majesty commented. And the most irritating part of his grown-up is his teasiness, it's not like I hate it or anything, but sometimes it gets on my nerves and he knows that. Zen has become somewhat manipulative, just like his brother, but in a good way.

I smiled at him and he eased up a bit. "You scared me, I thought you were firing up," Zen said looking relieved.

"Don't worry. I wasn't", I forgave him. He gave a grin. "Want to sit?" He asked as he glared at one of the couch. I nodded. After taking some steps, we sat down on a turquoise couch.

"So, how was your day?" I asked him.

"It was long, very long. I had to inspect some lords that were abusing their reputation. Well, I did succeed. After that needed Kiki's help in something."

"So, that is why Kiki was gone," I figured.

"I'm sorry if you needed her," Zen apologized

"No, no! I was just surprised she wasn't around when I woke up."

"And you?" Zen asked.

I sighed then said, "It was long. In the morning I had to meet with some Lords and some ladies that came to personally congratulate me on my engagement. After that, I had to see my wedding dress. I stayed with the seamstresses for a couple of hours. I was so tired I went to sleep, but luck wasn't on my side. I got scolded by Lady Adela"

"You overslept?" He asked and I nodded.

"Aww poor you, you don't have scratches on your back, do you?" he asked jokingly.

"Of course not." I chuckled. "And what's with you and those sweet words." I blushed and quickly looked away.

"I don't know. Maybe someone poured a love potion on me?" Zen wondered.

After minutes of talking, I remembered.

"Zen, did you bring your banner?" I asked. He nodded and took it out from one of his pockets.

"Thank you," I acknowledged.

The royal emblem of His Royal Highness the second Prince of Clarines, Zen Wistaria.

I needed this royal emblem because as his future bride, I need to have one of my own. So, I wanted to copy a bit from Zen's.

If I remember correctly, the Queen copied a bit of the King's coat of arms then added her own. She even lightens hers by adding a bit of her family house's coat of arms.

So in other words, everybody in the royal family has their own coat of arms.

"How are you feeling? You know, about the wedding?" Zen asked and I gave a stressful nervous sigh. He got the idea then nodded and gave me a kiss on the forehead.

"It's getting late", Zen noticed. "If I don't go Mitsuhide could barge in any moment from now", Zen sighed and smile as he looked at me.

We both got up from the couch and headed back. At the door, Zen pulled me to face him. We kept staring at each other. Then we hugged a tight one. After hugging, we kissed.

Zen escorted me to my room. Entering, he also departed.

The stars sure were shining brightly today. I headed straight to the bath. I was so tired after bathing I slept off.

Hope you enjoyed;)