Playlist: It's got my name on it– Sarah reeves. Enjoy reading!

Maya was in her chambers trying to fall asleep when a knock came on her door. She paused momentarily, staring at the door. When the knock came again, Maya stepped out of the bed. Placing a robe over her nightdress, she walked towards the door. Not bothering to ask who it was, she pulled it open.

Dexter was behind it. And he was dressed in his nightclothes. Maya's heart skipped a beat at the sight, her throat going dry. He glanced down at her, a corner of his lips quirked up.

"Hi. Can I come in?" He asked. Maya stepped out of the way immediately, gesturing inside.

" Of course." She replied. Dexter walked in, a small smile on his face. She immediately closed the door after him. Her chambers that felt so empty and dreary didn't feel that way anymore with him around. A fluttery feeling began at the base of her stomach.

"You didn't come to see me today." He said, glancing at her. Maya rubbed her arms, struggling for what to say. " I was trying to get used to sleeping with my chambers." She replied finally

Dexter crossed his arms, a glint in his eyes." Is it working?"

" No." Maya replied quickly, shaking her head. " It's awfully quiet in here. Empty too. I'm glad you're here." She quickly hurried to the bed, pulling Dexter along with her.

They both sat at the edge of the bed, with Maya scooting close to him. He pulled her close, his warmth encompassing her. Tilting her face upwards, he began speaking.

" How was your day?" He asked gently.

" Great. Everything went well." She replied, raising her hands and placing on his chest. " It was actually better than I thought it would be. I expected more resistance."

Dexter seemed pleased to hear that. " There were no disturbances?" He asked.

It was at the tip of Maya's tongue to tell him about Fleurie but she bit it back. Shaking her head, she pressed her lips into a thin smile. " It's nothing I can handle."

Dexter raised a brow and for a moment, she was scared he'd push further. But he only let out a sigh and nodded. "Okay, if you say so." He muttered, running a hand through her hair.

Maya sighed, drawing invisible lines on his chest. She didn't want to tell him not because she was scared of him but because she didn't want to bother him when she knows it's something she can handle herself.

" You've had dinner right?" He asked and she nodded. It was little and her stomach hurt while eating but she managed to. She's noticed Dexter doesn't like it when she doesn't eat.

"What about you?" She muttered against him.

" I had mine a while ago." He replied, his voice low. " Let's get some rest. I couldn't sleep either."

Pulling her closer to himself, they slipped under the covers. Maya immediately turned to him, settling into his embrace. It calmed her down more than anything. One strong arm went over her head, gently patting it. Maya let out a breath, slowly relaxing.

" Go to sleep." He murmured a while later. Her eyes were already drooping. She suddenly felt so tired.

She mumbled a reply, her eyes drifting close. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep.

.

.

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The next day when Maya woke, Dexter was nowhere to be seen. Maya quickly realised he might have begun his work. Feeling slightly better, she decided to begin hers as well. Her handmaids came to her chambers and began to prepare her bath. She slipped into the warm water and they washed her body. Other maids brought her dress for the day.

At her request, the rumors continued to fly. Already Maya could already begin to see their signs in of hostility at the people who barely knew her. Although it was something she was already used to, it still didn't fail to infuriate her. The only people who didn't treat her differently where her handmaids and Rosa. Actually, they were even worried for her. Maya tried to brush it off. She got dressed, had her breakfast and immediately went to her office.

Maya soon hit a brick wall. She was struggling with accounts. For someone who never had to manage huge amounts of money and people before, Maya found it daunting. She was still being taught by the royal accountant and found every step difficult. Every time she tried, she kept making mistakes. No volume of explanation helped and she was beginning to get frustrated.

This is something princesses should be able to do with ease, she thought to herself. It gnawed at her, making her even more irritable. It's made it impossible for her to ask for help even if she knew it would be freely given. She didn't want anyone to perceive her as weak.

Hours later, Maya groaned exhausted. She knew she should take a break but she couldn't bring herself to stand up from the chair.

She didn't also want to ask for help.

You have to stop. This isn't Gegoria anymore. Maya tried to tell herself. It didn't work much. Frustrated, Maya rested her head on the big table, stifling a groan. Her head had begun pounding.A knock came on the door, momentarily making her pause.

" Who is it?" Maya called out weakly but the door opened and Dexter walked in.

He was dressed in his ceremonial wears and although he looked terrifying to the average person, Maya was glad to see him. He took another step in, Immediately filling up the room, Maya stood to her feet. Rushing to meet him, all of her exhaustion and frustrating disappearing in an instant.

" You came to visit." She said once she was close enough, a smile on her face.

He brushed her hair off her face, gently arranged it. Maya revelled at the touch. " Indeed I did. How are you doing?"

Terrible. But she smiled at him. " I'm hanging in there."

" Come, I want to take you somewhere." He said.

Maya snapped her head up at him, surprised." N-now?" Didn't they just go out together a few days ago?

" Yes." He held her hand, his strong arms circling around her dainty ones. " Come along.." he added, pulling her along.

Maya followed him without complaint. As they walked the huge hallways, guards bowed on their sight. Dexter barely noticed them as they walked together. Maya glance at him and saw he had a weird expression. One she wasn't used to seeing on his face. He glanced down at her and his gaze softened.

They walked out of the palace, straight to the Royal stables. Maya glanced at him, confused." Why are we here?"

" There's something I want to show you. You haven't forgotten about out ride together, have you?"

Maya blanked, slowing down her in steps. She'd forgotten. " Sorry..." She muttered meekly, her cheeks coloring. " I forget things when I'm stressed." She quietly added, staring down at the ground.

He lifted her face up to look at him. His light grey eyes looked silver now and they didn't bare the slightest hint of anger. " You don't need to lower your head when you're around me, Maya. I never conditioned you to remember."

Maya nodded, he removed his hands from her chin. Maya looked away, her heart racing. They walked into the stable together. When the stable keeper saw them, he immediately rushed towards them, bowing his head. "Are you going on a ride, your majesty?'"

" Yes. Prepare my horse." He ordered.

" As you wish, Your majesty." He replied and rushed into the stable that was filled with hundreds of horses. They were all perfectly proportioned and looked stunning.

Maya was confused " Why don't you just pick one of these?" She asked, glancing at the rows of horses at the entrance.

" That's because I have a favorite. " The one I rode to Madonia with." Maya didn't seem to understand so he just held her hands, pulling her along. "Let me just show you instead." He said.

He led her past rows of several horses and brought her to one the stable keeper was already tending to. It pranced around the cot, neighing as if excited to see it's master.

It stood out and it was oddly familiar as well. Maya kept peering at it, wondering where she has seen it before.

" That's the horse you got for me." Dexter finally announced at the confused look on Maya's face. She gasped then, recognition dawning on her face.

" My, it's so big now!"

" It's name is chase. It's my favorite horse." He announced, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Maya grinned, her heart flipping in excitement. " But... Why are you showing me this?"

" We are going on a ride."

"Now? " Maya looked down at her dress. " But I'm not dressed for this."

" You look alright to me." He said to her.

Maya clamped her mouth shut, color staining her cheeks.

The stable keeper led the horse out, already saddled in. " The horse is ready Your Majesty." He said, handing Dexter the reins.

" Come on..." He urged. Maya followed him and he mounted her on the horse, joining her soon after.

" Hold on to me." Dexter muttered, handling the reins.

With a gentle kick, the horse started out of the stable. Maya leaned against Dexter, his huge frame surrounding her and feeling her with heat. They l

On his way out, he barked out orders to the nearby guard and sped up the pace. They galloped out of the palace.

Maya gripped onto Dexter, she'd never ridden a horse before so this experience was new to her.

The wind against her face, and the hot sun warming her skin, Maya's heart soon grew light and the foul mood she had earlier disappeared with the wind She soon squealed in happiness, a rush of excitement flowing through her veins.

With a focused look on his face, Dexter took her through a short trail at the woods before it cleared, bringing her to a huge lake.

A gasp escaped Maya's lips at the sight. It was a huge lake surrounded by trees and the huge mountains at the background. The water glistened in the sunlight, and tranquility of it soothed her. It was super clear too.

" Looks like something from a painting..." She mumbled reverently as she stared at the view. Dexter watched as got enthralled at the sight. Dexter slowed to a stop before dismounting. He helped her down and after tying the reins of the horse to a nearby tree, led Maya to the edge of the lake. Maya stood for a long time, staring at the view. It left her speechless.

" What do you think?" Dexter's voice came behind her. She glanced up at him before looking back at the lake " You sure know how to lift my mood." Maya replied. " It's amazing."

" It's even prettier in winter. The huge lake freezes over and so many come over to skate on the surface." He said her.

" But why did you bring me out here?'

" You looked exhausted. You're not used to having so much duties. It's my job to make sure it doesn't overwhelm you." He replied, brushing off the tendrils that had stuck to her face. Maya's throat closed up, emotions clouding her heart. She blinked back the tears that had clouded her eyes as she stared up at him. " Thank you." She whispered, her voice thick.

Dexter eyes grew soft and he wrapped his ahnads around her. Warmth spread to every part of her body and she smiled, her cheeks reddening. Dexter placed a kiss on her hair.

" Are we alone?" Maya asked after a while.

" Not really, but the guards are far behind." Dexter replied.

" So, it's just us here?" Maya asked, her eyes glinting with mischief. Dexter nodded. " That means I can do whatever I want."

" Yes—what are you?..." Before he could get to finish his sentence, Maya had slipped from his hold, scooping water from the lake and splashed on his face. It landed on his chest, a few splattering on his face. She giggled, grabbing her stomach.

Dexter's eyes widened in surprise the water dripped from his fsce. " Stop, I can't go back with wet clothes."

But Maya just kept throwing him water and laughing. Soon enough, the arms of her clothes were soaked and stopped, doubling over as she kept laughing. She glanced up at him with teary eyes. " It's been so long since I made fun of someone. And you're the only person I can do that to here."

Dexter watched her, a warm feeling tugging at his heart. She'd looked so stressed when he came to see her and he wanted to liven her mood. So far it was working. A smile split his lips "Now, for the next stage. This outing won't be complete if we don't have a picnic.

That was when we Maya noticed the medium sized pouch attached to the horse. Dexter removed it from the horse.

He brought a mat, laying on the ground underneath a tree and placed the meals on top of it. Then urged her to sit, passing her a sandwich. Maya collected it from him, muttering her thanks." She unwrapped it and took a bite, the delectable flavor filling her mouth.

They ate in a comfortable silence, the soft sounds from the forest filling in. Maya could almost forget that a ton of work waited for her back at the palace. Soon they were through ad they just sat, gazing at the lake.

" There's something on your mind." Dexter said, finally breaking the silence. Maya glanced at him, ready to wave it off but his look has gone serious he was watching her intensely. Maya nodded, unable to lie.

" What is it? Is someone bothering you?"

Maya stared at the floor in front of her, not saying anything for a while. She knows she won't able to hide it from him. He was the king after all, he would have already found out already. But for whatever reason, she didn't want to hide behind Dexter, though he saved her life and brought her here. She glanced at him, hoping she looked as sincere as she was feeling.

" I want to tell you, but I can't. Not because I think you can't handle it, but..." She trailed off, letting out a breath. When she began speaking, her voice had come back stronger. " I want to see how I can handle it first. If it gets out of hand, I'll be sure to tell you."

For a moment, Maya feared he won't listen to her. He didn't have to anyway. But she still hoped. A hand reached up and teased her nose. " I won't force you to tell me. But, remember this. You are more powerful now than you ever were. You don't need to pull your punches. Do whatever you want."

Maya smiled. " Because I have you?" She asked, tilting her face. Detet shrugged.

" Well, yes. But not only because of that. It's because there's nothing holding you back. And, you've always been powerful with or without me."

Emotions welled inside Maya at his words and she flung herself to him, hugging him tightly. He caught her, wrapping his strong arms around her. The tears she'd been trying so hard to keep finally flowed out of her eyes. She hurriedly cleaned it off. " Thanks!" She said, grinning down at him.

" That's great. But it could be better." he muttered before reaching up to kiss her. It surprised Maya at first but she soon closed her eyes, kissing him back. He tasted sweet, but surprisingly male. She could have stayed in his arms forever

They broke off much later, out of breath. Maya burrowed into his embrace, her heart light. She already knew it won't be easy but there was no way she would be giving up now. She wished they could stay like this forever.

" We should head back." Dexter finally said after a while. Maya squirmed, reluctant to leave this haven. But she had to. He pulled her up to her feet and after cleaning up the place, helped her back to the horse. They rode back to the palace, this time much more slower.

Once they got to the stable they dismounted and the stable keeper immediately came to collect the horse. Dexter walked her back to her office.

" Thanks for the outing. I really enjoyed it. We should do more of that." She said, grinning up at him.

" We would be doing more of it." He muttered. his eyes glowing. Once again, Maya stood transfixed. His eyes never fails to leave her spellbound. A small peck on her forehead and Dexter walked away. Maya watched him leave. This huge man who is always so sweet to her but cold to everyone else. How did she manage to find someone who treats her like she was the most important thing?

She was about to walk to her office when she froze, feeling someone piercing gaze at her back. She swiveled around to see Fleurie at the far corner of the hallways, glaring at her. She was visibly boiling. Is she angry because she went out with Dexter? This girl has some serious issues.

She saw her approach her and waited her out. "You really are callous!" Fleurie barked at her once she was close enough. Maya rolled her eyes at her insults. She should seriously get more creative.

" If you think spreading a rumor about me is going to make me run around like a headless chicken, you're sorely mistaken. Frankly, you're just wasting your time because I will not giving you the attention you so desperately need."

Maya took in a deep breath, her gaze turning serious." That being said, I would like to send a note of warning to you. You better stop now that I'm still being nice. Because when I finally get tired of your petty moves, I will be getting rid of you myself. Remember that."

With that, Maya walked past her.