Ava's eyes scanned the dimly lit corridors of the palace, her heart racing with anticipation. She had a lead on the missing locket, and she was determined to follow it up. As she turned a corner, she stumbled upon a mysterious figure leaning against the wall, his eyes fixed intently on hers.
The stranger was tall, with piercing blue eyes and chiseled features that seemed to be carved from stone. His dark hair was tousled, as if he had been running his hands through it, and his smile was enigmatic, sending a shiver down Ava's spine.
"Can I help you, Your Highness?" he asked, his voice low and smooth, like honey on a winter's night.
Ava's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. Who was this stranger, and what was he doing in the palace? "I'm looking for someone," she said, her voice firm. "A footman named James. Do you know him?"
The stranger's eyes sparkled with amusement, and he pushed off from the wall, his movements fluid and confident. "I know James," he said. "But I think you're looking for me, Your Highness."
Ava's eyes widened as the stranger stepped closer, his eyes locked on hers. "I'm Ethan," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I think I can help you find what you're looking for."
Ava's heart was racing, her mind spinning with possibilities. Who was Ethan, and what did he want? She felt a surge of trepidation, but something about Ethan's words resonated with her. He seemed to know something, and she was willing to listen.
"Tell me more," she said, her voice firm, as she gestured for him to follow her to a nearby sitting room.
Ethan's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, and he followed her, his movements easy and relaxed. As they walked, Ava caught a glimpse of the Christmas decorations, the twinkling lights and festive garlands a stark contrast to the tension building inside her.As they sat down, Ethan leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "I know where the locket is," he said, his voice low and urgent. "But I need your help to get it back."
Ava's eyes widened, her heart racing with excitement. She was getting close, she could feel it. And Ethan was the key.
"Tell me more," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as the scent of pine and cinnamon wafted through the air, transporting her to a world of magic and wonder.
Ethan's eyes seemed to gleam with amusement, and he leaned back in his chair, his movements lazy and confident. "I think we should discuss this somewhere more private," he said, his voice low and husky. "Somewhere we won't be overheard."
Ava's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. She didn't know if she could trust Ethan, but she was willing to take a chance. She nodded, and Ethan stood up, his movements fluid and easy.
As they walked through the palace, Ava caught glimpses of the Christmas preparations, the staff scurrying about, decorating the tree and preparing the festive feast. She felt a pang of sadness, remembering the Christmases of her childhood, when the palace was filled with laughter and joy.
But she pushed the memories aside, focusing on the present. She was on a mission, and she was determined to see it through.
Ethan led her to a small, secluded garden, the air thick with the scent of snow and pine. The moon was full, casting a silver glow over the garden, and Ava felt a sense of peace wash over her.
"This is where we can talk," Ethan said, his voice low and urgent. "No one will overhear us here."
Ava nodded, her eyes locked on his. "Tell me more," she said, her voice firm.Ethan's eyes seemed to gleam with amusement, and he leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know who took the locket," he said. "And I know why."
Ava's eyes widened, her heart racing with excitement. She was getting close, she could feel it. And Ethan was the key.