A/N: Any grammatical errors are my own. I do try to proofread thoroughly before posting, though :)

Hello, all! I hope this chapter finds you well. I've been stuck at home all day, sick, so I decided to proofread chapter two and go ahead and post it. Please keep in mind that I won't be updating this quickly moving forward—but I will definitely be trying to stick with a bi-weekly updating schedule. I have half of this story already outlined/written, so I'm fairly confident of being able to update on a regular basis!

Thanks so much for the review, favorite, and follows! I'm glad that some of you are enjoying it thus far!

Feedback is always appreciated, guys. Even though writing is a hobby of mine, I'm always looking for ways to improve my skills. Also, are the chapters too long...? If so, please tell me and I can try to split them. As a reader myself, I prefer longer chapters lol.

Until the next chapter,
Dev.

P.S. I should mention that this story does jump from present to past quite a bit. I will try to help remind you all of that so that there isn't any confusion.

"'Cross the room your silhouette
Starts to make its way to me
The playful conversation starts
Counter all your quick remarks
Like passing notes in secrecy..."
—"Enchanted" by Taylor Swift

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Two years ago...

.:Serenity:.

I stood on tiptoe, craning my neck in an attempt to see above the jostling crowd. Mina searched too, and with her taller height she had little difficulty scanning the thick throng, her cornflower blue eyes narrowed as she scrutinized each of the lavish guests.

"Do you see them?" I whispered.

"Not yet, but it's only a matter of time."

I released a shaky breath, doing my best not to betray my nerves in order to maintain the proper image expected of a princess—one who refused to be cowed by her enemies; a difficult feat considering all of the rumors I'd heard about the infamous kingdom of Elysion.

I hadn't wanted to attend the ball; I hated dancing. Still, the prospect of traveling to Nemeth, interacting with nobility, and receiving a break from my tedious pouring over volumes in search of information about the Relic of Abundance might have been exciting, save for the fact that they were here. While I strived for strength and poise in many aspects of my title, attending an event where my kingdom's greatest enemy promised to be in attendance felt like facing a furious dragon without even a sword with which to defend myself.

"Perhaps they didn't accept the invitation."

But my hope was weak. It'd be offensive for any kingdom to ignore such a grand event hosted by a fellow monarch and his queen—a royal who so happened to be a powerful enchantress. The King of Elysion was said to be as cunning as he was cruel and thus wouldn't ignore an opportunity to strengthen his kingdom's foreign relations, especially when he had three unmarried children with which to use to forge a beneficial alliance with any of the other kingdoms in attendance.

My kingdom wouldn't be one of them, not when there was already an alliance in the works for me. My stomach tightened to think of it.

My attention shifted from searching for the arrival of the enemy I'd never met to scanning the crowd for two others—my intended, Prince Daedric, so that I could avoid him, and the person I was most eager to see, our hostess, the Queen of Nemeth and an enchantress. Such a position brought knowledge about the legendary relics hidden throughout the nine kingdoms—knowledge I desperately needed.

Surely Queen Astrid would have some idea where the one I sought might be located, as well as information regarding the enchantments guarding it. But though she undoubtedly possessed the knowledge I required, the question remained whether or not she'd give it to me, considering I technically wasn't supposed to seek help in my search.

I needed all of the assistance I could find in order to succeed in my quest. Drought had crippled Clariness for an entire year, devastating our lands and people. I was desperate not only to help my people in any way that I could, but with the relic I could earn my place as their heir in order to serve them for years to come.

My heart lifted when I spotted Queen Astrid conversing nearby. I took a measured breath before making my way towards her, keeping my gaze fixated on the enchantress so as not to lose sight of her.

Quite suddenly I collided with someone with such force I stumbled, only spared falling by him seizing hold of my waist to steady me.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean—" Words failed me as my gaze met startling deep-blue eyes, watching me with concern…eyes which happened to be only one of many of this stranger's handsome features. All thoughts of seeking out Queen Astrid immediately fled.

"I beg your pardon," the man said with such sincerity one would think the collision had been his doing rather than the sole fault of my distraction. "Are you hurt?"

Mortification burned my cheeks and it took me a long moment to find my voice. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."

"It's quite alright." He released his hold with a friendly smile that was rather lopsided and thoroughly charming.

I managed a weak one in return before tentatively peeking at the surrounding crowd, afraid to see just how many had noticed the Crown Princess of Clariness nearly knock someone over, but those standing nearest were thankfully engaged in their own conversations and hadn't seemed to notice. I released a shaky breath of relief.

The man leaned closer and lowered his voice conspiratorially. "I don't think anyone noticed, except perhaps that potted plant." His eyes narrowed rather accusingly at the plant in question—a beautiful arrangement of blooming roses residing a short distance away.

I blinked at him, startled by the absurdity of his remark, especially the seriousness that accompanied his words, as if he was in earnest. Though his expression remained stoic, a teasing glint filled his eyes that compelled me to play along. "Then I'd best hope this particular plant isn't prone to gossip; I should hate for word to get out that I have a tendency to bowl guests over."

Now it was his turn to appear surprised, as if he hadn't expected me to join his mischief. "This is a first," he murmured, almost to himself, before his smile grew, as if he found my participation a fortuitous change in events.

His attention shifted—from the rigid politeness expected during proper interactions to one much more interested. "Roses are excellent confidants. I myself have much experience in imparting secrets to those growing in our garden, which I would never dare share with anyone else. The state secrets they could tell would surely embolden our enemies."

"I myself prefer conversing with the shrubbery; I find their character much more reliable."

"Appearances can be deceiving. I now know from personal experience that beautiful women cannot be trusted to keep me on my feet."

His smile was warm and, once again, I found myself returning it. I wondered whether his lightheartedness was to stave off any embarrassment I might otherwise find in this potentially awkward situation. "I genuinely apologize for running into you. I'm not normally so clumsy."

"It's a relief to know purposely knocking into dashing gentlemen isn't a regular pastime of yours. Though, it's also admittedly disappointing considering it sounds like an interesting hobby." His brows drew together thoughtfully, as if seriously considering the prospect. "I wonder how such a game would work: would higher-titled guests be worth more points, or negative ones considering colliding with them would undoubtedly cause offense to their rather inflated self-importance? Would bonus points be awarded if you managed to make it look like an accident?"

My forehead furrowed at this second unexpected turn in our conversation. Normally interactions with members of the court centered around safe—albeit boring—topics and the same expected pleasantries, resulting in tedious exchanges.

But this was nothing of the sort.

The man's gaze returned to mine, filled with a look that issued a challenge: would I continue to play along? I'd never been one to back down from any sort of challenge, even one as strange as this. I resolutely straightened my shoulders.

"I'm disappointed you're unfamiliar with a game that's quite popular amongst the elite. Allow me to enlighten you as to how this one is played: one must pick the most stuffy-looking noble in the room and collide with them in a way as to cause maximum embarrassment. As an expert at this particular game, I managed both."

His lips twitched. "And managed a bonus point by your insult hitting its mark."

My look was innocent. "But lost a half a point by my target recognizing it."

Rather than be offended he merely chuckled, a warm and rather pleasant sound. "You're only proving my earlier point that appearances can be rather deceiving. Upon first glance I mistook you for the embodiment of polite dignitary. Discovering you're nothing of the sort has been a delightful surprise, making me feel as if I'm the winner of this round in this game of ours. And here I expected to be bored stiff at this ball. I must thank you for saving me from such a dire fate."

"Just as you've spared me from a similar fate," I said. "I must thank you for volunteering as my unsuspecting victim as a means of entertaining me."

His grin widened, a smile that was truly charming. "Ingenious. I must come up with my own game." He tapped his lips as he surveyed me with a look that, for some reason, caused my cheeks to warm. "I'm beginning to wonder if we're actually playing the game I think we are, or if you're purposely misleading me: you want me to think you collided with me on purpose in order to dissuade me from what you're really after." His gaze flickered towards the nearby refreshment table. "My guess is you had your eyes on the strawberry tarts."

A smile tugged on the corners of my mouth at the absurdity of the suggestion. Determined not to be outdone, I nodded with mock solemnity. "You're correct, for rumor is that these particular tarts have magical powers, enchanted by our hostess herself."

His eyes glistened, clearly intrigued. "What sort of powers?"

"It's certain to be a surprise, which is why I'm so curious to find out."

"And I'm keeping you from your discovery. I suppose that makes me the villain."

"I suppose so." Though in reality he was far too charming to be any sort of villain.

He looked as if he wanted to say more, but before he could he caught sight of someone behind me. His expression changed in an instant—from good-natured to wary, such a contrast I was left startled.

"What is it?" I turned to see what had captured his attention, but the crowd was too thick to even wager a guess.

He sighed. "My father is summoning me. He likely wants a word—a conversation that won't nearly resemble the fun this one has been." His look became friendlier as he turned back to me. "Thankfully the night isn't over. I hope to speak with you again." He bowed, I curtsied, and he departed. I watched him until he was swallowed by the crowd and I could no longer see him.

I was still staring after him when Mina suddenly appeared at my side, having watched the entire interaction from a discreet distance. She frowned in the direction the man had disappeared. "Who was that?"

Too late I realized we hadn't been properly introduced. Disappointment filled my sigh. "I don't actually know." I hesitated a moment. "Can you find out?"

I expected her to obediently nod, as she often did, but instead her look became disapproving. "You're intended for Prince Daedric, Princess."

My cheeks warmed. "I know. I mean, I wasn't considering…of course I'm intended for Prince Daedric. It's not as if…I just want to know his name, Mina."

Her eyes narrowed. "I witnessed the entire interaction. I've never seen you look at anyone in such a way, almost…flirtatiously. It was inappropriate."

The heat swarming my cheeks deepened. Had I truly behaved in such a ridiculous fashion? "I simply enjoyed the interaction."

"Mm-hmm." She pursed her lips, clearly unconvinced. I scrambled for the words to explain.

"It was just…interesting."

"Interesting in what way?"

"We discussed which plants make the best confidants, the particular rules in the game of running into people, the properties of enchanted tarts…" My words faltered at her baffled look and I realized how absurd I'd made our conversation sound, though at the time I'd found it delightful. I sighed. "Nevermind."

She thankfully dropped the topic, but I couldn't dismiss it nearly as easily from my thoughts.

I wasn't entirely certain why I was so interested in knowing the identity of the man I'd just met, especially when Mina was correct in that it could never amount to anything. All I knew was that in our brief interaction I'd experienced a connection I'd never felt with anyone before, including Prince Daedric. And even if I would never have an opportunity to explore it, at least knowing the man's name could serve as a token I could always keep of a thoroughly pleasant interaction.

The encounter with the stranger had made me entirely forget I'd been seeking an audience with Queen Astrid until Mina gently reminded me of my purpose. I forced the unknown man firmly from my mind and resumed my search for her, but I'd no sooner spotted her than I was once more interrupted.

"Serenity."

I turned at my mother's approach. The warmth that normally shone in her silver eyes when she smiled had been eclipsed by wariness. The lightheartedness lingering from my conversation with the stranger faded as I remembered the presence of our enemy.

I tensed. "Are they—?" My wavering voice swallowed the remainder of my words as I followed her line of sight.

I'd never seen the Elysion royal family in person—The Enemy, as they'd been called my entire life. Yet I knew all about the kingdom's bloody history throughout the centuries-long feud, the dark rumors that surrounded them now, as well as the plans they'd likely implement against us in only a matter of time.

They stood only a short distance away—a king with cruel eyes, a beautiful yet haughty-faced princess, a younger prince with a stiff and bored expression, and an older prince with dark hair whose back faced me. My heart pounded in trepidation as my gaze lingered on him. His clothing, build, and hair color were rather familiar…

The king's eyes narrowed when he spotted us. He motioned in our direction and the older prince turned around with a curious air.

I sucked in a sharp breath: it was the very man I'd just conversed with. This time it was our gazes that collided. His expression went from mild curiosity to pure shock in an instant.

For a long moment we simply stared at one another. I expected his friendly expression to vanish now that he knew who I was, but rather than glare at me with the required hatred, he only continued to look stunned. He glanced towards his father and the king nodded in response to his question, undoubtedly one confirming I was indeed the enemy princess.

The prince glanced back with a frown, not a harsh one but one almost disappointed. Noticing the emotion in his expression caused me to recognize the tightness pressing against my own chest. Of all the men in attendance, to think he was the enemy?

At least I now knew the identity of the mysterious man. I mentally searched the Elysion royal family tree—I knew every member of our enemy's family by name if not by sight: Crown Prince Endymion.

He stared a moment more before turning away, his back a wall now that he knew I was no longer worthy of his attention. Annoyance prickled, so different than the hatred I knew I was expected to feel, but at least it was a start to our traditional animosity.

"Remain on your guard, Serenity," my mother, Queen Selene, murmured. "And whatever you do, do not get too close."

Little did she realize I already had. I still couldn't believe I'd had an entire—and thoroughly strange—conversation with the enemy crown prince and I hadn't even realized it.

"Do you think they'd try anything here?" I asked shakily.

Mother frowned at the idea, her delicate features twisted. "It'd be foolish, but I wouldn't put anything past them. Just…keep Mina close."

Such an order was unnecessary; Mina had already plastered herself to my side, her hand hovering over the hilt of her sword and her eyes locked on the infamous royal family. I found my own gaze drawn to them. They were conversing with a group of nobles without any sign of their rumored hostility…until the King of Elysion's and Mother's gazes met. In an instant the king's entire manner darkened and cruelty filled his glare. A shiver rippled up my spine.

Enemy.

Crown Prince Endymion's forehead creased at his father's hardened look and he glanced towards me. I expected his manner to change as instantly as his father's had, but instead he looked merely curious. To my astonishment he gave me the briefest of smiles, so subtle part of me wondered whether I'd imagined it. Before I could even think how to respond he looked away again, leaving me frozen.

"I don't like him," Mina muttered. "Despite his supposed surprise at learning your identity, it's undoubtedly a carefully calculated act. That chance encounter between you couldn't possibly have been coincidence; he wanted to catch you off guard in order to study you without you knowing his true motives."

It sounded just like something the enemy would do, perfectly fitting all the conniving stories I'd heard about Elysion throughout the generations. And yet doubt niggled my mind, especially the more I thought back to our unexpected interaction. It'd seemed so…sincere. Was Prince Endymion truly such a good actor? The thought that it may have been only been a charade caused my heart to prickle with an emotion I couldn't explain.

I tried to put the enemy crown prince firmly from my mind in order to focus on the tasks at hand: mingling with the prestigious guests to strengthen Clariness's foreign relations and searching for an opportunity to converse with Queen Astrid for my royal quest.

I eventually spotted her standing with her husband, King Gladen, amidst a throng of nobles who would make it difficult to find a private word. Only the thought of my daunting quest and my fierce need to prove myself to my people urged me forward.

After only a few steps I became distracted by the prickling sensation of a heated gaze. Mina suddenly gripped my arm, her gaze locked to my right. I followed her line of sight to find Prince Endymion watching me, puzzlement rather than the expected malice furrowing his brow.

My breath caught. For a long moment we had a silent stare-down, one not tense and hostile but instead filled with the same connection I'd felt when we'd first conversed.

Confusion warred, and, frightened by this feeling, I forced myself to glare at him. His eyebrows lifted, but before he could respond—whether positively or, more likely, negatively—I firmly turned away.

Unfortunately, the distraction had caused me to once more lose sight of Queen Astrid. I bit my lip to keep back an unladylike groan. "That prince is doing this on purpose."

Despite the absurdity of the suggestion, Mina solemnly nodded. "Undoubtedly."

She helped me scan the crowds. As we searched, I found myself edging further away from her, towards a group of nobility where I thought I'd caught a glimpse of Queen Astrid's violet gown. The crowds parted just enough for me to glimpse her face. I hurried over, in my excitement not paying attention to where I was going…

…and careened into a firm body. Once again I was only spared an embarrassing fall by a surprisingly gentle hold steadying me.

"So, the game continues. How many points is a second collision worth?"

My breath caught. That voice… I lifted my gaze to meet the same startling eyes as before, but this time I forced myself not to notice his vivid gaze, yet despite that firm promise, for an awkward moment I simply gaped at Crown Prince Endymion, my kingdom's enemy and the very man I'd been trying to avoid. "You!"

He immediately released me and took a hasty step back, as if only just realizing how closely we stood. "Yes, me."

I struggled to find my voice, but unfortunately it was nowhere to be found. I could only stare at him in a less than dignified manner. Despite knowing it was my duty to hate him, he seemed even more handsome than he had before.

I gave my head an annoyed shake. He's being handsome on purpose, just to annoy me. I knew the thought was ridiculous, but it made some sort of sense with how jumbled he was making my mind.

Why did the enemy have to be so attractive? The dutiful task of hating him would be decidedly easier if his boyish lopsided grin wasn't so charming, or his eyes weren't such a vibrant color, or his hair wasn't tousled in such an appealing way, or his jaw so fine…

I glared at him again in an attempt to stave off any further observations, which only caused his grin to widen—not a mocking smile but one that seemed surprisingly good-natured. "Ah, so Clariness makes the first move. Father always warned me you would, but I must say I didn't expect the attack to be quite like this."

I wanted to speak, but most of my words got trapped in my throat, save one. "Attack?"

"Indeed. The Crown Princess of Clariness has nearly knocked me over…twice, I might add. I must commend you for your daring in staging such a plot with countless witnesses—and to think I actually believed you when you claimed it was all a game. A word of suggestion for your next attempt: perhaps running into me at the top of a winding staircase would improve your chances of actually doing me in."

I was too stunned to even speak, his friendly smile effectively disarming me by causing me to forget every line I'd carefully rehearsed in preparation for meeting our kingdom's enemy. It was such a nice smile, not at all hostile, but warm, almost teasing; all of which gave him the upper hand, something I would not stand for.

I lifted my chin. "I assure you, should I knock you off, it would be in a much more sophisticated way than pushing you down the stairs. Doing it that way would make it look like an accident. Clariness likes to take credit for all of its achievements, especially assassinations."

Rather than be intimidated like he was supposed to, his grin only widened, making him appear even more handsome, a charm he'd undoubtedly mastered in order to better lure his prey before going in for the kill. But just as suddenly as his smile had appeared, it vanished with a weary sigh.

"You're distracting me from my purpose. I'd resolved to say something much more intimidating in this interaction—or, at least rude, maybe even sinister. Anything would do, and yet, here I am, doing nothing of the sort."

"It's not too late to get in a jab," I said. "After all, this interaction isn't over."

He straightened with a resolve like he meant to do exactly that, only the words didn't seem to come. After a moment when he still said nothing, he finally released a whooshing breath. "This is so…trivial."

My eyebrows lifted. "Excuse me?"

"This." He motioned between us. "We got along just fine—more than fine—before knowing who one another is. Why should that change now for the sake of tradition?"

I had no answer, for he'd just voiced the unspoken thoughts hovering at the back of my mind—the sense I was playing a part, giving lines someone else had scripted for me centuries before rather than my own.

"Did you know?" The question tumbled free before I could properly analyze it. "When we first met, did you know?"

He sighed. "No, I didn't, and I'd wager you didn't either, considering you're now treating me much more coldly than before. And, because I'm so generous, I will answer a question you didn't think to ask: would it have affected our interaction if I had known? Also no." He winced. "Father would be furious to hear such a thing, but it's the truth."

I sincerely doubted that, and yet he seemed so sincere, just as he had throughout our first interaction. A warning pressed urgently against my mind at the thought, a reminder for me to recognize his carefully measured tactics for what they were now that I knew his identity; I wouldn't fall for whatever game he was playing. I'd heard enough about the enemy to know that under no circumstance were they to be trusted.

Desperate for an escape from this thoroughly puzzling interaction, I craned my neck to once more search the ballroom for Queen Astrid, and finally spotted her standing not too far away with King Gladen, finally providing me the opportunity to speak with her.

Prince Endymion noticed my drifting attention and glanced over to see what had captured my notice. "Am I keeping you from something?"

"Points for the prince being astute."

I ached to leave this conversation before I lost yet another opportunity to converse with Queen Astrid, but knew doing so prematurely would be considered rude. I wasn't entirely sure how much politeness the enemy prince warranted, but enemy or not, I still wanted to leave a good impression on him. An aggravating realization.

"I see. And what need does Clariness have for an enchantress?" His tone was casual, but I detected his curiosity.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Nice try, Prince Endymion, but considering you're not a pot of roses or a shrub, I will not be confiding my reasons to you that easily."

I stilled as the teasing quip passed my lips just as naturally as it had before I'd known who he was; almost as if nothing had changed, despite our true identities being revealed. But how could that be?

He blinked in clear surprise before his expression softened into another easy grin. "Fair enough. I recognize my cue and shall leave you to your business in peace. Good evening, Princess Serenity." He bowed and walked away, leaving me once more staring after him.

I didn't gawk for long before I gathered my senses and finally met with Queen Astrid, who received me and my questions graciously. The conversation proved beneficial, providing me with some welcome guidance in my quest after the directionless sense I'd experienced earlier this evening, leaving me feeling light and optimistic.

Humming to myself, I wandered to the refreshment table to indulge in a few sweets in celebration. I'd just selected a rather delicious spread when I sensed someone come up behind me. "We meet again, Princess."

I gasped and jostled the table as I spun around to once again come face-to-face with Prince Endymion. His eyes widened. "My apologies, I didn't mean to startle you…again. I hoped words would be a better means of getting your attention than running into you, as effective as that strategy has proven twice this evening."

I couldn't answer. I could only stare, my heart pounding wildly in fear and an almost tingly warmth that came from his proximity. "Are you following me?"

In a ballroom this size, the odds that we'd encounter one another so frequently…I could think of no other explanation than that each interaction had been carefully planned.

He chuckled. "If that were the case then I'm not doing a very good job at stealth, but to be safe, don't fall for any attempts for me to lure you away from the safety of the ballroom, just in case I'm more devious than I give myself credit for." He winked.

I could only gape in response. It was amazing how this man could take a seemingly innocent gesture such as a wink and twist it into something so…confusing. I studied him through narrowed eyes, taking in his apparent ease, so different than the hostility that was meant to define the relationships between our kingdoms.

But this wasn't hostile. It was…well, I still wasn't entirely sure what it was. I felt I'd been molded to follow certain expectations only to encounter this prince and have everything unfold in a way entirely different than I expected. It was unnerving.

His expression remained rigid but his eyes were smiling, which only deepened my unease. "Why are you really here?" I tried to appear confident, but instead I only sounded defeated.

His brow furrowed. "I'm not entirely sure. I saw another opportunity to converse and couldn't resist taking it."

"As if our first two weren't torturous enough." But they hadn't been. That was the problem.

Prince Endymion reached around me to pick up a pastry. He watched me with a thoughtful air as he chewed, almost as if he was trying to sort me out just as much as I was attempting to do with him, even though unlike him, I wasn't behaving as the most aggravating puzzle.

He finished his pastry and reached around me for an éclair, a nearness that caused me to startle. "You're a bit jumpy."

"Forgive me for failing to study the proper protocol for how to be elegantly frightened in the presence of my enemy."

He frowned. "I suppose, technically, that's what we are. I've spent my entire life learning about your kingdom." He finished his éclair and wiped his fingers on his handkerchief, still watching me thoughtfully. "As I said before, it all seems rather pointless, doesn't it? Why spend so much effort on something as unproductive as hate? Whatever the cause of our feud, it occurred several centuries ago. It seems a bit foolish to harbor blame towards a kingdom not even responsible for the crimes of their ancestors. You and I got along just fine until learning we were expected not to."

If he meant to unsettle me, he was doing a thoroughly good job of it. While not as hardened and cold as his father, Prince Endymion's subtle tactics were nonetheless effective.

I took another step back, this time being careful not to jostle the table. "We shouldn't be conversing."

"Shouldn't we?" His brow lifted, almost in challenge. "It would be rude to ignore one another when we happen to be in the same vicinity." He picked up a plate and extended it towards me. "Would you like one?"

I lowered my eyes to the plate of strawberry tarts, the very dessert we'd bantered about earlier. Before I could respond, he leaned closer, as if to impart a great secret.

"These are supposedly magical, or so someone rather suspicious told me."

My lips twitched, aching to smile, an impulse it took a surprising amount of willpower to resist. "What is the nature of their enchantment—to cause one's judgement to falter?"

"No, they contain a calming spell that will help you stop being so suspicious." He waved the plate beneath my nose. "I promise they're not poisonous; that would admittedly be easy, but unoriginal. If I were ever to perform an assassination, I'd come up with something much more clever."

"So you are planning on killing me?"

He shrugged. "Are you planning on killing me?"

The truth hit me full force as I met his serious gaze. Despite the expectations surrounding us, I doubted I could actually go so far as to do that. "No."

"Neither am I." In that moment something transpired between us. Not trust—that would be foolish—and yet somehow I was no longer afraid.

Before I could even begin to sort out this dangerous emotion, my faithful guard suddenly appeared at my side. "Princess Serenity!" She immediately yanked me behind her. I glimpsed a glare sharper than the sword her fingers twitched above as she stood firmly in front of me like a protective shield.

Prince Endymion didn't appear ruffled, he simply took a bite of a strawberry tart. "Good news: these don't appear to be poisonous."

Mina's brows drew together and I bit my lip to keep my smile at bay. I ached to end our exchange with a witty comeback of my own, but Mina was already leading me forcibly away. I felt a strange sense of loss at the thought that this might be my final interaction with the Elysion crown prince. I knew I should feel relief, but instead I only felt regret.

I couldn't resist a stolen glance back, but Prince Endymion was already gone. I scanned the surrounding crowds, but he was nowhere to be seen. Despite my best efforts, disappointment seeped over me.

"What were you doing?" Mina hissed the moment she'd tugged me into a secluded corner next to a shrub that made me inadvertently think of the prince, despite my better judgement.

"Nothing." I felt an unexpected wave of guilt at the words, as if I'd just told a lie. It's not a lie, I tried to reassure myself. For there truly was nothing about your interaction with that…that…prince.

"I just—he just found me, unexpectedly—"

"Not unexpectedly," she corrected stiffly. "Calculatingly." She was likely right. The thought caused my heart to unexpectedly twinge, which only made everything all the more confusing.

I resolved to put the prince firmly from my mind and rebuild my defenses so that the next time I encountered him—if there was a next time—I would treat him how I was expected to in my role as the future Queen of Clariness. With him as the future King of Elysion, it was his place to treat me indifferently as well. Our destinies had been set long ago; any other course would be a betrayal of our kingdoms.

We didn't interact for the remainder of the ball, but before my family's departure we caught one another's gazes across the gilded room. For a moment we simply stared at one another before, to my surprise, he smiled. And though I knew I shouldn't, I found myself returning it.

Little did I realize that this was only the beginning of an unexpected journey with the enemy prince who was already far different than I could have ever imagined.

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