A/N: Hello all! Any grammatical errors are my own. I do try to proofread before posting, but I'm only human and may overlook some.

So, I'm getting this chapter out faster than anticipated, so hooray for that! This chapter had to go through some revisions until I was happy with it lol. I strive for perfection, or as close as I can get to it. One of my many flaws, unfortunately.

Thanks so much for the reviews, follows, and favorites guys! They truly mean so much to me and just encourages to keep writing/revising this story.

Anyways, please enjoy the third installment of DWOHT! Feedback is always appreciated! :)

P.S. This chapter takes place in the past, just fyi.

Next chapter will be posted: 03/22/24.

"There's a thin line between love and hate."
—Simone Elkeles

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.:Serenity:.

I wandered the Borderlands Library, not entirely sure what I was looking for but certain I'd recognize it when I found it. Outside, the sun was sinking lower as the day lengthened, signifying the hours I'd spent within the ancient library; I'd have to leave soon if I hoped to be back at the palace before nightfall, and if I didn't find what I was seeking soon, I'd be forced to return empty-handed.

The library was a labyrinth of shelves. I perused each carefully, using a ladder to reach the higher volumes, but like the lower shelves, the upper ones yielded no results.

The search would be so much easier if I had a better idea of what I was looking for. All Queen Astrid had hinted was that the information I sought could be found within this library's walls; something which would aid me in my search for the Relic of Abundance. Though the difficulty of the task was appropriate considering the power such an enchanted object might contain, it was frustrating nonetheless.

It was a centuries-old tradition in the Clariness royal family for the heir to embark on a quest for one of the mystical, magical relics said to be scattered across the nine kingdoms, relics which were often hidden and protected by enchantments and other obstacles. Thus the dedication needed to obtain such a relic was considered vital training grounds to receive the crown.

I'd spent years deliberating which relic to search for as part of my own daunting quest. The moment I'd heard whispers about the Relic of Abundance, I knew it was just the one to help my kingdom through its crippling drought, but it was proving rather tricky to find. I felt as if my kingdom's entire fate, as well as my worth as their future queen, rested on obtaining it. Yet, I felt no closer to locating it than I'd been when I first embarked on my quest a year ago.

I climbed up several more rungs and lifted my lantern to allow the flickering light to illuminate the worn leather spines. I was so engrossed in reading the faded titles that I didn't hear the footsteps approach from behind.

"Well, well, well, this is an unexpected surprise. Are you stalking me, Princess?"

I recognized that deep, smooth voice instantly. I gasped and nearly lost my footing on the ladder. I seized it to keep from falling off. Once I'd regained my balance, I peeked below to find Prince Endymion peering up at me, his blue eyes lined with…concern? But surely not.

"Forgive me, I didn't mean to startle you."

I couldn't answer, I could only stare in disbelief. Blast, the man was even more handsome than I remembered, which certainly didn't help matters. I'd been trying—and utterly failing—not to think of the prince since the ball in Mercia a month ago, and though I'd eventually concluded—rather begrudgingly—that perhaps the prince wasn't all that bad; it was one thing to believe that while surrounded by witnesses whose presence would prevent him from trying anything suspicious, and quite another now considering we were utterly alone.

But though I knew such a scenario should put me on my guard, I couldn't find it within me to be afraid, and that thought was somehow even more terrifying.

"Prince Endymion," I finally managed in a breathless voice.

He grinned and swept into a deep bow. "Princess Serenity."

Our polite greetings extended, we fell into an awkward silence, though by Prince Endymion's cheerful expression, he didn't seem to find it awkward at all, a fact which only increased my own discomfort.

It took me a long moment to find my voice, especially with the memory of the smile we'd exchanged across the ballroom threatening to warm my cheeks. "What are you doing here?" My tone came out sharper and more accusing than I intended.

His eyebrow rose. "Looking for a book. The Borderlands Library is open to all kingdoms."

While it was true, that fact didn't explain the coincidence of encountering the enemy prince in such a place when Elysion's royal library was the envy of the surrounding kingdoms. In comparison, this library was archaic—and usually abandoned, save for the withered scholars who frequented the shelves, who seemed as old as the ancient structure itself.

I scanned the rows from my elevated perch, searching for Mina amongst the shelves, but she remained at her post guarding the entrance, which meant she should have seen the prince enter. "How did you—?"

"I took advantage of the secret passageways to sneak past your guard, as well as my own guard. Malachite won't be too pleased with me upon my return."

There were secret passageways in and out of the library? Mina would not be happy to learn of that, not that I was planning on telling her.

"You did?"

His smile was wide and frustratingly endearing. "Passageways happen to be my specialty. After all, stealth is the requirement for all successful assassinations."

The ladder jostled as he climbed up behind me, his movements awkward due to the book he kept tucked beneath his arm. Fear stilled my pounding heart. "What are you doing?"

"Climbing." He ascended another step and I did too, nearly stumbling in my haste to reach the top, where I became trapped, leaving me nowhere else to escape unless I jumped.

He paused a rung just below me, so close I could not only feel his warmth but smell his piney cologne. He extended his hand. "May I offer my assistance?"

I didn't move as I scrutinized him, and then his hand. His cheerful grin faltered as he took in my expression.

"Please don't be frightened, Princess. I thought we'd established that I'm not going to hurt you."

That was assuming he could be trusted, a question whose answer I was still vacillating on. When I made no move to take his hand, he wriggled his fingers invitingly.

I lifted my chin. "I can climb down without your assistance, thank you very much."

He shrugged and dropped his hand. "If you insist."

I waited for him to descend, but he remained unmoving. "Would you mind getting out of my way?"

Amusement filled his gaze as it met mine. "I would, but unfortunately that would qualify as assistance, and I promised I'd offer nothing of the sort. It would be dishonorable for me to go against my word."

His grin was wicked yet annoyingly charming, causing my heart to give a strange flip that I determinedly ignored. I couldn't trust anything from the enemy, not even something as seemingly innocent as a smile. Yet, strangely, it was that very smile that made me want to trust him, a most dangerous thought.

With surprising difficulty, I managed to tear my gaze away in order to search for a way to climb down and thus escape this thoroughly confusing conversation, but he was very much in the way. Attempting to climb around him would not only force me in closer proximity than was wise, but could result in a rather painful fall should I lose my precarious footing.

I glared at Prince Endymion, but he only grinned and once more extended his hand. "You seem to be in a predicament, Princess. A charming prince appears to be teasing you for his own amusement. Might I offer my assistance so that you might escape?"

My lips twitched, aching to smile, but then he'd have the upper hand; something he'd already somehow gained, for in the course of this ridiculous conversation my pounding heart had settled as my worry that I'd meet an untimely death at his hand gradually faded. I had no reason to trust this prince, yet somehow I did, just enough to place my hand in his.

My skin tingled when we touched and his warm fingers enfolded mine. He slowly backed down the ladder, not releasing me until I'd found my footing on the floor below. The moment I was steady, I yanked my hand away.

"Thank you," I said begrudgingly.

He bowed. "Happy to be of assistance. Might I be of additional help?"

His expression was a bit too innocent, causing my previous suspicions to return in a rush. I narrowed my eyes. "Why?"

"Isn't it the duty of a gallant prince to assist a princess in need? After searching the library most of the day, you clearly haven't managed to find what you're looking for. I'm quite familiar with the books here and would be happy to lead you in the right—"

My startled gasp cut off the remainder of his words as his meaning settled over me. "How do you know how long I've been here? Have you been spying on me?"

"Of course not." For the first time in our exchange his expression faltered, leaving him looking rather sheepish and even offended. "I arrived shortly after you did and happened to see you a few times as I've conducted my own search."

"You've been here for most of the day?" I didn't like the thought of my enemy lurking in the shadows while I'd been entirely unaware of his presence.

He nodded. "I have, and as a result it's been a rather unproductive day. You've been quite distracting. I wanted to speak with you sooner, but given the situation between our kingdoms, I didn't think that wise."

I frowned. "Yet you're speaking with me now."

He shrugged. "I got tired of resisting."

My heartbeat flared to life, not from fear, but from an emotion I had no name for. Whatever it was, it finally loosened my tongue, compelling me to go against all sense and confide in him. "I'm searching for information concerning the mystical relics. Have you heard of them?"

He lifted an eyebrow before showing me the cover of the book tucked beneath his arm: Relics: A History. With an excited gasp I reached for it, and to my surprise, he relinquished it without resistance. I flipped it open and eagerly skimmed the contents.

"This may not be what you're looking for," he said. "It's mostly a history of the relics rather than the specific details you're likely seeking. But I wonder whether it might prove useful if knowing each relic's origin might provide clues as to its whereabouts, making it easier to find."

His words tugged me reluctantly away from the book. I glanced up in surprise. "You're also searching for a mystical relic?"

"It's a royal tradition in Elysion. Before the heir can ascend the throne, they must go on a quest to find one of these ancient relics as a symbolic way to prove their worth to their future subjects."

For a moment I was speechless. The searching of relics was an honored, ancient tradition of Clariness, one carefully followed by generations of rulers. I'd never expected our tradition to also be his. Such a similarity was the last thing I'd expected our two kingdoms to share, especially when the feud had led me to believe our kingdoms were comprised of nothing but differences.

"Elysion isn't the only kingdom with such a tradition." I was reluctant to admit the similarity.

He blinked, seeming first surprised, then intrigued. "Interesting…"

His look was rather intense and made me flustered. I hastily returned to perusing the book, pausing in the table of contents where, written in curly black letters, were the words: The Relic of Abundance.

Excitement overcame me, leaving me giddy. "I found it!"

"Found what?" Prince Endymion leaned over my shoulder, but I was already frantically flipping pages, pausing only when I reached the chapter.

"This is it," I murmured, for a moment forgetting he was the last person I should be confiding in but too excited to keep this discovery to myself. "This is what I've been searching for!"

I felt as if the burden I'd been carrying this past year ever since embarking on my quest had finally been lifted. It would be much easier to look for the relic when I finally had some information that might nudge me in the right direction to begin my actual search.

Prince Endymion watched as I traced the chapter heading. "The Relic of Abundance." His words were slow, almost a question.

"I've only heard rumors about it until now," I said. "It's a relic that seemed too perfect for Clariness's needs to be real, but this confirms it exists." I pressed the book against my chest with a relieved sigh.

He bit his lip. "Is this a bad time to tell you that I'm also searching for the Relic of Abundance?"

My heart sank. "You are?" If we were competing for the same relic, it was a race I'd undoubtedly lose.

He studied my horrified expression with a look like he was deliberating something, before he smiled. "I'm only teasing."

"You are?" I managed. "Really?"

His expression softened further. "Really."

I felt my shoulders relax. "I'm so relieved. If you'd also been looking for it…" I took a steadying breath in an attempt to calm the anxious knots that had tightened my stomach. "Which one are you searching for instead?"

He hesitated. "I'm not sure yet. That's why I needed that book."

"You could have just told me that rather than given me a heart attack at the thought of having to compete with you for the Relic of Abundance. Are you always so…," I paused, searching for a word appropriate for my disgruntled feelings.

He tilted his head. "Charming?"

"I was going to say aggravating."

"Aggravatingly charming does have a certain ring to it."

My lips were twitching again, but I resisted smiling, for that would only confirm that he was being charming, and the last thing I wanted was to stroke his ego. Yet the fact of the matter was that he was charming, making the expectation to hate this prince thoroughly unappealing.

A dangerous thought, one I couldn't possibly entertain. Duty demanded it.

The best course would be to leave before my resolve faltered any further. "Now that I have what I came for, I'd best be on my way; it's a several-hour journey back to Clariness and the hour is growing late. Good day, Prince Endymion."

I turned to leave, only for him to unexpectedly follow.

"Not so fast, Princess. I believe you still have my book, and the fact that you're trying to slip away with it only confirms the rumor that the feud between our kingdoms began when Clariness stole from Elysion."

Indignation swelled my chest. "Despite the accusations Elysion has laid at our feet for centuries, Clariness would never resort to stealing."

His eyebrows lifted. "And yet…" He motioned to the book curled in my arms. I stilled and lowered my gaze to it.

"Is this the only copy?"

His look was apologetic. "I'm afraid so."

My shoulders slumped. For a rebellious moment I was tempted to keep it anyway, but that would only make me appear guilty of what our kingdom had been accused of by his own for centuries. I reluctantly handed it to him with a sigh.

He tucked it under his arm. "Apparently it isn't books that capture enemy princesses. Congratulations on not falling into temptation, though that means my plans to stage an elaborate kidnapping scheme in order to get it back will come to naught. It's likely for the best, for it would have only escalated our already tense foreign relations."

I rolled my eyes, but once again found my lips aching to smile, just as the mischievous things often seemed inclined to do in his presence. "Aggravatingly charming indeed," I muttered.

"Beg pardon? Could you say that a bit louder?"

By his smirk, he'd clearly heard the words I would have much preferred to keep to myself. I closed my eyes with a groan. "This entire encounter is a disaster." Why did each one with the enemy prince never go the way I expected them to?

"I disagree. It appears to be going very well, just like our previous ones. They've all been…unexpected, and I'm finding the unexpected is exactly what I prefer."

"It's also dangerous," I said. "I feel as if I'm playing a game where you're luring me into a carefully laid trap, just as the tradition between our kingdoms dictates. I have every right to be wary, considering who your father is."

His friendliness vanished in an instant. "I am not my father." I blinked at his hardened expression, watching as he struggled to regain control over his emotions. "Haven't we already established that a tradition of animosity just for the sake of it isn't one worth following? This isn't a game to me." He sounded so…tired, and appeared so earnest that I found myself wanting to believe him.

"If it's not a game, then what is it?"

"I want to get to know you better, to explore this connection I feel with you, one that began before we learned that what we feel is forbidden."

So he felt it, too? My heart pounded at the thought, and even though I was beginning to believe he truly wouldn't hurt me, I suddenly felt more frightened than I ever had.

He must have seen this emotion in my eyes. "You believe this is another trap?"

"I have no reason not to." Even as my instinct was to trust him, a paradox.

"Then perhaps I need to give you a reason to trust me." Purpose filled his eyes as he stepped closer, and for a horrified moment I feared he was going to try and steal a kiss, a thought that was far more appealing than it ought to be.

I forced myself to step away until my back pressed against the shelves. "What are you doing?"

He held out the book of relics. I stared at it, making no move to take it.

"But, you found it first."

"True, but I realize it'll be far more useful as a gesture of peace. I hope you appreciate the risk I'm rendering in giving it to you, considering this hefty tome would prove an effective weapon to assassinate me."

I rolled my eyes but once again lost the battle to suppress a smile. The fact that we could tease about attempted assassination only confirmed I no longer took the thought of him hurting me seriously.

"Even if we weren't on neutral land, I doubt I'd be able to harm you, Princess."

My heart lurched. With every word things were only becoming more and more dangerous.

He held out the book to me, prodding me with his gaze to accept it, but my fingers had no sooner grazed the worn leather cover than he held it out of reach. I glared at him. "Is this another game?"

He chuckled. "Not a game, but there is a cost for my generosity."

Of course there was. "What is it?" I asked stiffly.

"I want to share a meal with you."

I gaped at him. "You want to share a meal with me?" Doing so would require us to leave the library, which would alert Mina. She'd never allow me to go anywhere with the enemy. Not that I was tempted; I wasn't. I firmly ignored the part of me where my denial felt like a lie. "My guard would never allow me to go anywhere with you."

"I said nothing about leaving." He offered his arm but I made no motion to take it, not even when he wriggled it encouragingly. He frowned. "Do you still not trust me?"

I really shouldn't. It'd be foolish, and yet I searched his eyes, so wide and earnest, as my mind scrambled to sort out the puzzle before me. I wasn't sure what was happening between us, only that I desperately wanted it to be real. I didn't want this prince with his friendly manner and charming smiles to be using me. I searched his expression, absent any pretense. Did I dare take a risk?

I didn't recall making the decision to accept his arm, only that I did. My skin tingled with the proximity, even through the fabric of my gown. He led me to a secluded alcove where he shrugged off his fine velvet cloak and spread it across the floor like a picnic blanket.

I shakily settled beside him, my posture stiff. He carefully unwrapped a bundle he retrieved from a corner of the alcove and held it out to me. I blinked at the offering. Nestled in his handkerchief were strawberry tarts. I stared a disbelieving moment before lifting my questioning gaze.

He chuckled. "I swear this is coincidence. Ever since the ball I seem to have developed a partiality to them." He took a large bite. "Not poisonous. Hopefully you're not too disappointed."

I didn't fight my smile as I reached for one and took a bite, one tart, crusty, and sweet. "This is not what I thought you had in mind when you invited me to share a meal with you. You're just full of surprises."

"I do my best."

We ate in silence, during which I tried to remain on my guard, but the longer we sat together, the more he wriggled his way past my defenses, leaving me more and more at ease.

He broke the comfortable silence first. "May I ask you something?"

Apprehension filled my nod even as I braced myself for the comfortable moment I was just easing into to be ruined.

"I find myself increasingly interested in why sharing strawberry tarts with you is supposedly forbidden." He tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. "Rumor has it your kingdom stole something from mine hundreds of years ago."

For a horrified moment I wondered if all his friendliness up until this point had simply been to gain my trust so he could later extract the information he needed. But rather than being filled with the distrust I expected, his expression remained open, curious.

It took me a moment to respond. "Rumor has it your kingdom attacked ours without cause."

"So I've heard." He took another bite of tart and chewed thoughtfully, his gaze riveted to mine. "I wonder which version of events is the truth: Elysion's, Clariness's…or perhaps neither is, and we hate one another for no reason at all."

"If an object was truly stolen I'm unaware of it. Do you have any idea what we supposedly stole?"

He shrugged. "I'm not sure." He studied me thoughtfully, attention that caused my cheeks to warm, before suddenly his serious expression faltered and he offered a teasing grin. "Maybe it was a book." He nudged the book towards me with his fingers. "Your reward for fulfilling your end of our bargain, Serenity."

My eyebrows rose as I accepted it. "Serenity? Not Princess Serenity?"

"I'm afraid Princess Serenity is a stranger to me, as is Prince Endymion. Otherwise what we're doing now would be considered forbidden." He wrinkled his nose at the thought.

I stroked the cover of Relics: A History before peering up at him. "If Clariness did take something from Elysion, and I ever find it, I promise to return it when I ascend the throne."

He searched my expression. "And I promise not to invade Clariness without cause, even one as noble as retrieving that book should you fail to return it."

I finally lost the constant battle raging within me and smiled.

Talk of kingdoms, feuds, and rumors faded, replaced by a warm conversation where we discussed nothing in particular, yet within which I somehow felt as if we'd discussed everything. With each word an understanding passed between us, and it would be much later before I recognized just what journey I'd unknowingly embarked on with the prince that, upon parting ways, I realized I didn't hate at all.

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