The Prince
Vanna
...your Highness, Prince Asher.
The prince sheathed his sword and gave a sigh of relief.
Prince Asher
Good afternoon, miss. I apologise, I thought there was some intruder in the royal gardens.
Prince Asher
I suppose you're here for the dinner?
Prince Asher
Then what are you doing here instead of being with the other noble ladies and gentry, if any?
Vanna
My deepest apologies for my impertinence, but I was actually afraid my dress was a little too shabby.
Vanna
So I was here to adorn it with a flower.
Vanna
(It's best I apologise, even though I don't think I've done anything wrong. We're talking of the Royal Family, after all!)
Prince Asher
Oh, of course! No need to apologise!
Prince Asher
May I help you pick something out?
Vanna
Your Highness, it's alright, I...
The Prince looked displeased, but not at her. Vanna felt amused seeing him look so childish.
Vanna
(I suppose indulging him won't hurt for now!)
Vanna
...but of course, maybe his Highness might help me choose flowers, for it is your garden, after all.
Prince Asher
>smiles, brightening up<
Thank you! Now, step aside, miss. What do you suppose will match your dress?
Prince Asher
No, roses will be too much. How about...?
Prince Asher
These pink peonies? They match the simplicity of your dress, and yet will make you even prettier.
Vanna
Really? That would be nice.
Vanna struggles to attach the flowers to her dress top
Prince Asher
Hold on, let me help.
The prince gets close to her and starts fiddling with the flower on her chest.
Vanna
(Wait... he's too close!)
She feels her breath get stuck in her chest.
The prince leans away, satisfied.
Prince Asher
There, how does it-?
He immediately steps away, his face red with embarassment
Prince Asher
I'm sorry, how ungentlemanly of me. I hope you weren't uncomfortable?
Vanna
>clears her throat and turns away<
Not at all, it's fine. Thank you for helping me
Vanna
You have an eye for such details, your Highness.
Prince Asher
I am aware, thank you.
He looked pleased. He extended his hand.
Prince Asher
May I have the pleasure of knowing your name, miss?
Vanna
I'm afraid I'll have to be the Cinderella running from the ball here.
>laugh<
Prince Asher
>chuckle<
Oh please, do tell me. You're quite a fun person.
Vanna
I'm Vanna Harlow, your Highness.
Prince Asher
Miss Harlow? Daughter of the famed Count Harlow? I've been hearing his tales since long. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Harlow.
Vanna
Just Vanna please, your Highness, if you'd prefer.
Prince Asher
And if you'd prefer then, Vanna, please, just Asher.
Vanna
Oh! Are you sure? You're a prince.
Prince Asher
And? I still have a name, miss Vanna.
Vanna
Your wish is my command, Asher.
>smiles<
Prince Asher
Are you going back in, Vanna? Or would you like to have a stroll with me?
Vanna
if you insist so, your Highness, I definitely will.
The two began to walk around in the garden, talking about various things.
Prince Asher told Vanna about multiple people he had met, places he had seen and the things he had witnessed, capturing her attention.
Finally, the sky got dark, and Vanna heard the distant roll of carriages entering the palace.
Vanna
Now, I should get going, lest my mother leaves without me.
Prince Asher
Oh...it is rather late. What a shame. I rather liked this conversation.
Vanna bowed, conveying her greetings. But as she was walking away, Prince Asher held her back by the hand.
Prince Asher
Wait, please!
Vanna
Huh? What is the matter?
Prince Asher
We will be meeting again, won't we, Vanna?
Vanna
>smiles<
I wouldn't be surprised if we do...Asher.
The Prince smiles and lets her leave.
Prince Asher
(What a strange girl, she's so fearless- usually people cower at the sight of royalty)
Prince Asher
(She is really so different from everyone I've ever met...I hope we can get closer...)
Vanna looks for her mother.
As she turns a corner, she sees her standing with Karina, talking to a middle aged man.
She becomes rather suspicious, and hides behind the pillar to hear their conversation.
She recognises the voice of the man as that of Lord Bernard, who was mentioned in the novel as one of Mrs Harlow's acquaintances
Lord Bernard
Oh, no, no, the pleasure is all mine, Mrs Harlow!
Lord Bernard
I'll be happy to do it! Like any other normal, feeling man~
Mrs Harlow
>laugh<
of course, I must thank you as well, you know.
Vanna
(What are they talking about?)
Lord Bernard
Well, when can it be done?
Mrs Harlow
Anytime after next month, she's making her debut then. So you'll have no trouble.
Lord Bernard
That will be great! This is all perfect.
Mrs Harlow
Yes I know! After all, I was eager to have her off my hands as soon as possible.
Mrs Harlow
You'll find that Vanna will be the perfect wife for you!
Thank you for reading (人 •͈ᴗ•͈)
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