We ate in silence. Nobody spoke a word. I was expecting some sort of explanation but until the end of our dinner the prince did not utter a word to me. Disappointment ? It was an understatement. It was more to dejected as I knew for sure the prince did not truly treat me sincerely as I thought. Here I thought our relationship was getting better but I was wrong. And thankfully I did not put too much hopes on him in the first place.

As I was going to enter my carriage, a hand stopped me while grabbing my wrist. My body was turned and redirected to face that person completely.

"Trust. That's all I need from you." The prince talked to me and staring straight on my eyes. His blue eyes sparkle under the moonlight. I saw honesty in those ocean eyes and his tone was almost begging me to trust him.

I looked down and took a deep breath. Suddenly a finger was placed on my chin and the prince lifted my chin up.

It felt like eternity when we gazing at each other. I should blink my eyes but I couldn't, I was petrified under his gaze.

Slowly I closed my eyes and nodded once for him. When I opened my eyes all I could see was relief on his face.

Why? What's this feeling?

When I boarded the carriage, for the first time Clarissa talked when we were on carriage. She didn't spoke her mind easily with me. Usually she always sat silently beside or in front of me. But today was different.

"My Lady, communication is important in a relationship. Even when it's uncomfortable or uneasy, communicate. Don't let silence eat you up, my Lady". Clarissa spoke softly to me. I looked at her and muttered softly "I understand. Thank you" to her.

She smiled slightly to me and our journey back to home filled with silence.

*******

"Ava dear, did something's bothering you these days? You looked distracted." My father asked me when we were doing our work in his study room.

"Huh? Sorry father. I didn't hear you well. What's again?" I blankly stared at my father.

My father let out a sigh before stood up and dragged me along with him to the corner of the room. He made me sat on the couch while holding my hand and petted it.

"Did something happened between the prince and you? Your mother was greatly worried for you ever since you came back from the dinner with the prince."

I chuckled lightly.

"It's obvious on my face isn't it? Both you and mother can guess it from my expression."

"Do you want to talk about it? Want to let it out from you? I'm all ears for you."

All I could do was smile. I didn't know where to begin and how to tell my father about the stuffiness on my heart.

"I'm sorry father. I don't know how to tell you."

My father lightly stroked my head and lovingly smile at me.

"It's okay. Take how long you want. But remember we're all here for you. When you're ready, come find us."

I nodded at him and my father hugged me. It felt like he was encouraging me and comforting at the same time. After that, he urged me to take a break from any work for the rest of the day.

*******

Nowadays my days were occupied with going to college, attend classes, works and one more additional routine which was attending parties or events by nobles families. It was tough, I admit it. I never thought my schedule will be packed like this.

Oh and I started to take over some father's work in managing the dukedom and I will be collaborating with Lord Hart in some work. Today, I am on my way to his mansion for it.

"Welcome, my Lady. Lord Hart has been waiting for you at his study room. Let's me show your way." A head butler in his mid fifties greeted me and guided me to a study room. The interior design of the mansion filled with classic english style with abundant of ancient decorations with it. Well, it's the house of one of the prominent families in the kingdom, obviously the mansion is splendid.

Knock,knock....

"My Lord, Lady Ava has arrived."

"Come in."

After these two exchanging their words, the door opened and Lord Hart could be seen walking towards me and directed towards a wide table. His study room painted with grey and white interior that gave solemn and serious mood and the room only had the basic necessities you need in a study room. To be more precise, it was neat and comfortable space to do your work with.

"How have you been my Lady?"

"I'm doing good my Lord. I hope you are in good condition too."

"Certainly."

I am currently trying in adjusting myself to be as normal as I could as I always figured him as a villain. The fear made me feel uncomfortable and awkward.

"My Lord, forgive me to be this blunt but can we start with the project straight away? I don't have much time to spend." While I saying this to Lord Hart, I tried my best to display the urgency and apologetic face. I don't know if Lord Hart got my message but I gave my best.

"Of course my Lady. I understand you must have a lot on your plate. Let's move on. Shall we?".

*******

Notes: Thank you for all the comments and likes. I really enjoyed reading all of that. I'm thinking about writing a chapter of another POV especially the prince but I will update later when I have the time. However, all the things happened in Ava's life and people's actions towards her are open for all interpretations. You, my readers can interpret it as much as you like and I would love to read all your opinions. Thank you as always.

Disclaimer : I don't own all the pictures I used in my work. Credit to the owners.