With a bright smile, Edmund strolled toward the narrow path leading into the garden.
The knight, catching the direction of the crown prince's gaze, looked uneasy.
"Your Highness, we should return—"
"Sshhh… Sir Ethan, there's a reason you're my favourite knight." Edmund threw him a sly wink, leaving the knight no choice but to nod silently and bow his head.
Without another word, the crown prince quickened his steps, not wanting to lose sight of what had caught his attention.
"There you are," he said as he reached the heart of the garden. "It's such an honour to meet a war princess like you, Princess Trisha."
Trisha froze, startled. The purple butterfly she had been trying to catch fluttered away at the sound of his voice, slipping from her grasp. Her face fell in frustration, annoyed by the interruption.
She turned and shot a piercing glare at the uninvited man before her.
The crown prince watched the butterfly drift off, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
