Chapter 21- A secret passageway

Lord Alexander's POV:

I walked steadily through the hallway, my boots echoing off the stone floors. I caught a girl staring at me, but I ignored her. I was used to the attention, but it didn't mean I had to acknowledge it.

I reached the door and knocked once before entering. Nova looked up from his desk, a smile spreading across his face. I smiled back, but mine was a wicked smile. I knew he thought he was clever, but I was always one step ahead.

"Alex, how was your trip?" Nova asked, his tone dripping with false concern.

I felt a surge of annoyance. "It was good, Your Highness," I said sweetly, my voice laced with sarcasm. "Was that what you were expecting me to say? Oh please, we don't get along, so stop trying."

Nova's smile never wavered. "I'm not the one who barged into my office."

I chuckled and took a seat opposite him. "I heard you're handling the Nordania project. Congratulations, bro." My voice was heavy with sarcasm.

Nova rolled his eyes. "If you're here to rile me up, it's not working."

I grinned. "Oh, it might not be working now, but I'll find a sure way. Mark my words, Nova."

Nova sighed and picked up his phone, pressing something on the screen before dropping it in front of me. "How's Uncle Charles?"

I raised an eyebrow. "He's doing just fine. I wonder why he sent me here to this prison."

My eyes strayed to Nova's phone, and I was surprised to see a girl's picture as his home screen. I recognized her immediately, thanks to my sharp memory.

Nova was saying, "You can leave, you know," his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I ignored him and stood up, a smirk spreading across my face. "I think I just found a way."

Nova raised an eyebrow, but I just turned and left, knowing I had hit the jackpot.

By the next day, I had uncovered more information. Nova's infatuation with the girl in the picture was no secret. I had witnessed him gazing at her with a goofy grin on his face. I wasn't blind to the obvious.

My eyes scanned the west wing, and I spotted her descending the stairs. A smile graced her lips, and I positioned myself in her path. She halted abruptly, her eyes widening in surprise. A quick curtsy followed, her gaze cast downward.

I studied her. She was taller than I expected, with a lean physique and long, messy dark brown hair that cascaded down her back. Her dark eyes seemed timid, and her features were unremarkable - a round nose and heart-shaped lips. Nothing about her stood out, making me wonder what Nova saw in her.

"What's your favorite coffee type?" I asked.

Her eyes flickered up, confusion etched on her face.

"I asked you a question," I said, my patience wearing thin.

She stuttered, "H-hazel nut flavored brew with a hint of Vanilla."

Irritation crept up my spine. "Make it for me."

Her eyes widened. "What?"

I sighed, my tone laced with annoyance. "Do you want me to always repeat myself?"

She swallowed hard, her gaze dropping. Pathetic.

"Do you know my room?" I asked, already knowing the answer. She shook her head, and I provided the information. "Second floor of this wing, third room to your right."

She nodded hastily, curtsied again, and scurried off. I watched her retreat, a smirk spreading across my face. My plan was unfolding nicely.

When I got to my room, I sat down cross-legged on the bed, waiting for Valerie to arrive with my coffee. A knock at the door brought a grin to my face. "Come in."

Valerie entered, her eyes cast downward, carrying a tray with a steaming mug. She set it on the table in front of me, her hands shaking slightly. I took the mug, inhaling the aroma before taking a sip. The flavor was rich and sweet, a delight to my taste buds. It had been a while since I'd had coffee this good, but I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of knowing that.

I set the mug down, my tone nonchalant. "I don't take sugar." Valerie nodded, her eyes still cast downward. I continued, "But overall, you tried. Just limit the sugar next time."

She nodded again, her voice barely audible. "Yes, Lord Alex."

I sighed inwardly, wondering if she ever spoke above a whisper. "Go make two more cups, and don't add sugar at all."

Her response was immediate. "Yes, Lord Alex."

She turned to leave, and I watched her go, my eyes fixed on her retreating form. There was something about her that intrigued me, despite her timid nature.

Valerie returned quicker than expected, setting the two cups of coffee in front of me. I took a sip from one, the bitter flavor with a hint of vanilla perfect for my taste. I smirked, "Ah, much better. You should sit and have one too, you look like you could use a break."

Her round eyes almost bulged out of their sockets, and I rolled my eyes inwardly. This girl was really starting to annoy me.

"I definitely can't, Lord—" she began, but I interrupted, my tone firm.

"It's a demand, not a request. Sit. Now."

She swallowed hard, taking the cup hesitantly. Her eyes darted around the room, spotting the couch near the window. She took a step towards it, but I stopped her.

"Seat beside me."

Her eyes widened, and she looked like she'd rather be anywhere else. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her reluctance.

"Come on, we're sharing a cup of coffee. It's not like I'm going to bite... unless you want me to." I added with a smirk, trying to get a rise out of her.

She hesitated, then walked to the bed and sat at the far edge from me, her eyes cast downward. I wondered what was wrong with her. Any girl would jump at the chance to sit close to me, to have my attention, but she seemed to be doing the opposite. Was she pretending to be uninterested, or did she truly care for Nova that much? The thought annoyed me, and I took another sip of my coffee, my eyes fixed on her.

I watched as she took a sip of the coffee, her expression changing in an instant. Her face scrunched up in distaste, and I couldn't help but smirk. She couldn't handle bitter things, it seemed.

I grabbed the TV remote and turned on the large screen, putting on a horror movie. I laughed internally, thinking this would be fun. She looked at the screen, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pursed.

On the screen, a group of friends were exploring a haunted house, their flashlights casting eerie shadows on the wall. They were laughing and joking, but the atmosphere was tense, the sense of foreboding palpable.

She jumped as a sudden loud bang echoed through the speakers, and I turned to her, grinning, "You're so jumpy."

But as I turned back, I saw something that made my heart skip a beat. A figure was lurking in the shadows, it's eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. I tried not to show the fear I was feeling.

As the movie reached its climax, I let out a loud yelp and jumped towards her, my heart racing. She looked at me in surprise,  but her eyes was shining with amusement.

I sat back down, this time beside her, and she didn't shift away. Her eyes remained fixed on the screen, her face illuminated by the flickering light.

As I looked back at the TV, my eyes widened, and without thinking, I hugged her tightly. She froze in my arms, her body stiff, but she didn't push me away. She looked so small and delicate in my broad arms. Her scent filled my senses- a floral aroma which was both calming and enticing.

I immediately let go of her, clearing my throat. "Ah, sorry about that," I muttered, turning off the TV. The room was awkward, the tension palpable. I could feel the weight of my mistake hanging in the air, like a challenge waiting to be addressed. I turned to her, my tone dismissive. "You can leave now."

She nodded, and quickly gathered the cups. Her movements were hurried, as if she couldn't get out of there fast enough. I watched her go, feeling a pang of... something. Regret? Guilt? I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

_________

The king was saying to Velma, "I hear Caspian doesn't want to leave the Palace anymore. I'm surprised you haven't worn him out yet!" Velma playfully rolled her eyes, and Caspian chuckled, shaking his head.

I tuned them out and focused on my dinner, savoring the tender roast beef and roasted vegetables. It was a welcome change from the usual bland fare back at home. I chuckled to myself, remembering the events of the day.

Nova noticed and leaned in, his voice low and mocking. "Have you finally lost it, Alex? You're actually enjoying yourself in this prison?"

I grinned fully at him, my eyes sparkling with amusement. "I might have lost it, Nova. But at least I'm having fun."

Nova raised a ginger eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell."

I continued sipping my drink, enjoying the taste. "I had a lovely coffee date today."

Nova's expression turned skeptical. "That's good for you, Alex. I really pity the innocent girl though."

I set my drink down, my smile growing wider. "Don't worry she liked it as much as I did, Nova. I bet you've never had a nice coffee date with brownie before."

Nova looked confused, his brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

I smiled, taking a bite of my food. "I meant that I'm not sure you've had a coffee date with Valerie before."

Nova's eyes flashed with surprise, then anger. He growled under his breath, "How do you know Valerie?"

I smiled, triumphant. "We're well acquainted, Nova. We even drank her favorite coffee together today."

Nova's face turned red with rage, his hand tightening on his fork. "I'll kill you, bastard."

I smiled, my teeth gleaming in the light. "I'm shaking in my boots, Nova."

Nova stood up, his chair scraping against the floor and addressed everyone. "Please excuse me. I have something to attend to."

He stormed out of the dining hall, leaving us all in stunned silence. I grinned, returning to my food. I had finally gotten under Nova's skin, and I wouldn't stop here.

★★★

Valerie's POV:

I had just finished preparing my bath and was about to strip out of my clothes when I heard a knock at the door. I wondered who it could be, as I wasn't expecting any visitors. I hesitated for a moment, then made my way to the door. When I opened it, my eyes widened in surprise.

"Your Highness?" I stammered, taken aback by Prince Nova's sudden appearance.

He stood before me, dressed in a simple yet elegant black tunic and pants, his hair slightly disheveled. His eyes seemed to bore into mine, and his jaw was set in a firm line. He wore a black leather jacket over his shoulders, which added to his intimidating aura. I had never seen him look so... angry.

"May I come in?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.

I stepped aside, allowing him to enter. As he closed the door behind him, I felt a surge of self-consciousness. My room was tidy, but it was still a humble servant's quarters. The bed was made, and my few belongings were organized on the small dresser. This oddly reminded me of the time he came to my house.

"Why are you here, Your–" I began to ask, but he interrupted me, his hands grasping my shoulders.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" he asked, his eyes searching mine. His grip was firm, but not hurtful.

I was taken aback by his concern. "I'm not hurt, Your Highness. What do you mean by 'did he hurt you'?" I asked, my confusion evident.

He sighed in relief, releasing his grip on my shoulders. He rubbed his hands over his brows, his eyes closed momentarily. "Alex... stay away from him, and don't listen to anything he says. Most of it are lies," he said.

I was confused now. My mind drifted to when I had coffee with Lord Alex earlier that day, and how nervous I had been. I didn't want to repeat that experience.

"Okay," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Prince Nova breathed out, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good."

I hesitated, curiosity getting the better of me. "But why aren't you guys in good terms?"

He shrugged, his expression turning somber. "We used to be, but it suddenly changed."

I frowned, my mind racing with questions. "But why?"

He shook his head, his eyes clouding over. "Even I don't know."

Just then, a knock at the door interrupted us. I froze, my heart racing like a wild animal. Prince Nova's eyes met mine, and I whispered urgently, "Please hide!"

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded and slipped into my small closet. I knew he would be cramped, but we didn't have an option.

The knock came again, louder this time. I took a deep breath and opened the door to find my next-door neighbor, Saintly, standing there in her pajamas.

"Val, sorry to disturb you, but do you have a deodorant?" she asked. "Mine just finished, and I desperately need some."

I smiled shakily, trying to hide my anxiety. "Yeah, sure... let me get it for you." I rushed to my dresser and retrieved my spare deodorant, trying to keep my hands from shaking.

As I turned to hand it to her, I was startled to find Saintly already in the room, standing right next to me. I let out a small yelp, surprised by her sudden proximity. "Oh, Saintly, you scared me!" I tried to laugh it off, but my voice was trembling.

Saintly smiled sweetly, oblivious to my distress. "Sorry about that, Val. I'm so sorry to ask again, but can you help me with an handkerchief? I seem to have misplaced mine," she asked, her eyes scanning my room.

My panic spiked as she reached for the wardrobe door. "I'm not sure I have an handkerchief at all," I said hastily, trying to stop her.

Saintly looked disappointed but didn't give up. "Are you sure? I could swear I saw one in your wardrobe yesterday..."

I started pushing her away, ignoring her protests. "I'm sure Julie will have a spare. Goodnight, Saintly!"

I managed to usher her out the door, shutting it firmly behind her just as she was about to say something else. I leaned against the door, my heart still racing. That was close!

I turned to see Prince Nova sulking, his eyes fixed on the floor. "Why do we have to hide?" he asked, his voice laced with frustration.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "If Saintly had seen you here, things wouldn't have been easy," I said, stating the obvious.

He looked up at me, his eyes sparkling with defiance. "And what's wrong with her seeing me?"

I stared at him as if he had just grown an extra head. "You know exactly what I mean," I said, exasperated.

But he just shook his head, his determination evident. "I don't want to hide us any longer."

My eyes widened in shock. "Us?"

He nodded, his jaw set. "You are the only one I want, Valerie."

My eyes shifted from him to the floor, a sigh escaping my lips. I tried to ease the tension with a smile. "It's getting late, Prince Nova."

He smiled back, knowing I was changing the subject. "You're right, it's late."

We walked to my door, and I remembered something. "Wait, how did you get here?"

He grinned mischievously. "I'll show you."

I looked confused but followed him anyway. He led me to a door in the same hallway, covered by a large tapestry with intricate gold threading. I had never noticed it before.

My mouth opened in disbelief. "I never noticed this door."

He chuckled. "That's the point. It's a secret passage."

I shook my head, amazed. "Goodnight, Prince Nova."

He just looked at me, then a grin broke out on his face. "Goodnight, Valerie. I'll definitely see you tomorrow... in my room."

My eyes widened, but before I could react, he turned and opened the door, disappearing into the darkness. The door closed behind him, leaving me standing there in shock and a little annoyance.