Just like they had feared and predicted, an unfamiliar carriage pulled up at the gate of the villa a few days. Maya was in Dexter's room, discussing with him with Nanny Naomi came with the news. Maya looked at her nanny, a surprised look on her face. Dexter mirrored the same expression.

Almost immediately, Maya got on her feet, her expression turning serious. " We expected this already, so there's nothing to be worried about." She turned to the windows, closing the curtains. Darkness settled into the room. " We don't know who that it is and we are also not expecting anyone. It would only make sense to hide Prince Dexter now."

" Yes, my Princess." Naomi answered.

Maya's hands dropped to her side as she sucked in a deep breath." Take him to the place we mentioned, no one will be able to find him there. I will welcome the guests myself." She announced.

Naomi's head snapped up. " No, my Princess..." She began saying...

Maya turned to her, her gaze filled with determination " I live alone with just one maid, Nanny. I can handle this. No need to play the spoilt brat. Come on now, the prince isn't in the full health yet. You need to help him. I'll be gone now."

Sparing Dexter one last glance, she straightened her posture and with steps that were just as regal, walked out of the room.

Naomi watched her go before hurrying to Dexter's side. He already was getting out of the bed but was having difficulty doing so. " Lean on me." Naomi offered and he immediately complied, groaning as he did. Staring at the door Maya just exited, his brows furrowed in worry.

" Will she be alright? My brother... He is not easy to handle." He said, almost hesitantly.

Naomi allowed herself to smile as they began walking out of the room. " Don't worry about her, your highness. She's a lot stronger than she looks." She replied.

Dexter stared at her, wondering if this was true.

Now we need to get you that safe place quickly, so I can go back to my princess side." She added and he nodded. Together, they walked down the hallways to one of the safest places in the villa.

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.

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As Maya walked to the door, her heart was pounding but she forced herself to calm down, her steps unhurried. She didn't want the fear and nervousness she was feeling spread to the other parts of her body. By the time she arrived, they were already knocking. ' they must be pissed by the late reply' Maya thought to herself, a smug smile on her face.

She finally arrived at the door and pushed the door open, peeking her head out. " I'm not expecting anyone, Who is it?" She asked, a frown on her face.

The one at the door paused, staring at the smaller lady, an incredulous look on his face. They've been knocking for minutes now and this is who answers?

" We are here to see the masters of this house." He announced. " His Majesty himself, Prince Darian is here."

Maya rolled her eyes, stepping out of the door. She pinned them all with a stare. " That would be me." She replied, her voice calm and collected. Everyone had shocked expression on their faces except Darian. The owner of the villa is a small girl?

She continued. " I am not expecting anyone, so may I ask why you all are here?"

Darian was the one that replied. " We apologize for interrupting afternoon, my Lady. But I was going on a tour of the borders and was told by the locals in the area that someone lived in this Villa. Intrigued, I came to see for myself." A sly smile appeared on his face. " Turns out they were right."

Maya should feel fear. They were several men outside her door, all large and with an intimidating aura. instead she lifted her chin higher, her eyes filled with fire. " So, I'm just an object of your amusement? Is that why you all came here?"

Her reply surprised Darian as much as it shocked the rest of the people with him. He didn't know if it ignorance fueling her, but she was different. His personal aide was about to speak but he motioned for him to stop, walking up to her he stared her down. She didn't back down, didn't even flinch.

" Like I said, we apologise. But we've been travelling for a while now, and we are quite exhausted. You're a Royal so you can be sure that I didn't make any trip here without telling your family back at the capital. Do you mind inviting us in?" He asked, his voice sweet. Too sweet.

Maya internally cringed but she knew she couldn't keep them holding any longer. She stared at him and at the rest of them. " You're the only one I'm letting." She said, glancing at him. " The rest can wait outside."

" Ridiculous!" Darian's Personal aide, shouted. " Who are you talk to us like that?!" He asked, his voice menacing.

" Jasper, wait outside. With the rest of you." Darian ordered, his voice icy. To Maya, he smiled. " Thank you."

" Yes, your highness." Jasper replied begrudgingly.

Maya opened the door wider, letting him in. She cast one withering look at all of them before closing the door behind her. She turned to Prince Damien who was busy the admiring the interior.

" Nice home, Although it feels rather lifeless." He said.

" Well, that would be because there isn't much use of them." Maya replied, trying to keep the distate from her voice. Prince Darian was so different from Dexter. Other than the similar jaw structure, they looked nothing alike. While Dexter had dark curly curly that she wanted to run her fingers through, his was a darker shade of blonde and straight. She wondered why looked so different and felt different as well.

Darian had the same pattern of thoughts as he stared at her. There was something fierce about her simple look. Was it the way she stared at him? Or the way she spoke? Her stance? He couldn't figure it out. Royalties and people of noble blood were taught to be refined in all the things they do and while the embodied some of these qualities, she also seemed rough. Like a fresh piece of diamond waiting to be carved. Must be the commoners blood running through her, he thought to himself.

They were interrupted by the arrival of Nanny Naomi, who's hands were dripping with water that she hurriedly cleaned with her clothes. Maya guessed she must have made a quick stop at the kitchen to give an impression that she was hard at work. She glanced at the two people standing and immediately bowed.

" Good morning, your majesty." She greeted.

Darian didn't reply but Maya spoke up, introducing Darian to her. She bowed again, addressing him respectfully.

" You live alone with just one maid. Rather strange." He mumbled. Maya forced a smile, clenching her teeth.

" Please, forgive our tardiness I didn't receive any message from my father that you were coming to this area. If I did, I would have prepared to welcome you. Please, have a seat." She gestured to the chair.

" I didn't particularly tell him I was coming here." He replied.

He glanced at the chair and sat down. " But you have heard the news." He said, watching as she sat down.

" What news?"

" My brother's death. Just outside your your borders." He replied quietly. Maya's eyes widened in remembrance.

" My Nanny told me about it. I'm sorry for your loss. It must be difficult for you and family, loosing someone that way. My condolences." She replied. He looked crestfallen, a shadow crossing his face. She almost felt pity.

A knock came on the door and Maya requested for the person behind to come in. Naom came in with the cookies and a kettle filled with tea just as she had requested. They fell silent, waiting for her to serve them. Once through, Naomi bowed once more and walked out of the room.

" The accident happened very close to this borders and while he was announced dead, we aren't sure if that's what really happened."

" Why is that?" Maya asked, her confusion apparent.

" We're yet to find his body." He said, his eyes watching her. Something about his pitiful and hurt expression made her uncomfortable.

" If you haven't found his body, why did you announce his death? You should have called for a search instead." She suggested, confused.

" That's because he was attacked. There were evidences in the scene. I do not understand why anyone would want to attack my brother."

Maya flushed like she heard something she isn't supposed to. " I do not think you should be telling me this."

Darian continued like she never spoke, staring out the window." My guess is that he ran here to hide from his attackers and they are still out there looking for him. I want to find him before they do. Bring him back safe. His mother has been devastated since she heard the news." He added, sounding grieved.

Maya was tempted to tell him Dexter was alive. She really wanted to. Perhaps he also was looking for him. Wanted him safe. But a feeling nagged her gut. She couldn't trust this man.

After what seemed like a long time, she finally sighed, clutching her tea cup tightly. " Your highness, while I would love to help you in a search for your brother, I'm afraid I've been cut off from society and the only news I get are the ones my Nanny tells me. I'm afraid, there isn't much I can do. I haven't heard anything lately" she said " If this helps, you can ask the villagers. Perhaps they might have found a stranger nearby."

Darian watched her, hoping to catch a slip up. Just before he arrived here, he'd made sure the knights combed every nook and cranny. They had found nothing. He'd used everything at his disposal, if his brother was still alive, he would have arrived at this Villa first. And here she was telling him, she hadn't seen anything.

" It's a really small village, surely you must have heard a thing or two.

" Just because I live here, it doesn't mean I'm charge of what goes on here. I'm sorry but I can't help you further, like I said, you can ask the villagers."

She offered again.

" Go ahead." She said quickly. taking a sip from her tea. " You are welcome to search for as long as you want, just make sure you have permission from my family first. Like you said earlier, no one really knows you're here. Hopefully you'll be able to find him."

The fact that she was really unbothered by all of this made him believe she didn't know anything. He wanted to press further but didn't think it would be necessary. It was a long journey back to the capital.

Darian stood to his feet, Maya followed suit. " Thanks for having me on such notice."

Maya bowed slightly, " it was my pleasure. I hope you find your brother soon." She said, a placid smile on her face.

" Thanks." Darian replied rather dryly. She walked him out of the mansion, her nanny close behind her. She stood there until they exited her house one after the other.

Once they were out of her sight, her smile faded and a frown replaced it. She didn't like this man.

" You did a great job, my princess." Nanny Naomi whispered behind her. " I don't think he's suspicious of us.."

" We can't be too sure." Maya replied, still staring at the road. " We might have to hide for a few more days. I don't want to take any chances."

" I understand, my Princess. I will report it to him." Naomi said.

" I'll do it myself." Maya said, cutting her short.

Naomi's eyes widened in surprise but she hid it well. " Yes, my princess."

Maya clenched her fists, her lips pressed into a thin line. With one final look at the road, she turned around and walked into the house, with her Nanny behind her.

She hoped this would be the last time she ever met with him.

I hope it is too...

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