Chapter 11: Destiny's Whisper

Kendalina and Aria did not sleep all night. They spent their time chatting, laughing, and sharing stories. Kendalina described Prince Adrian as handsome and charismatic, recalling his noble presence. She also mentioned that Prince Louis VI of Wode, who had recently married Princess Marina, had a younger sister named Princess Sophia.

Sophia was admired by everyone in Wode. She was considered the dream girl for all noblemen, her beauty unparalleled. From childhood, she had loved Adrian, but Adrian had never been interested in her. Why would he be? He was different from the other royals. He did not seek beauty, wealth, or power in a woman. He wanted compassion, simplicity, and kindness—qualities that Sophia did not possess.

Aria, trying to seem indifferent, shrugged and asked, "Mmm, is she really that beautiful?"

Kendalina smirked, sensing Aria's jealousy. "Are you jealous?"

"Of course not!" Aria denied, but her reddened cheeks betrayed her.

Kendalina giggled. "Oh, Aria, you are so transparent! I can see it in your eyes."

Aria huffed. "I'm just...curious. That's all."

Kendalina shook her head knowingly. "You have been the only person truly interested in him, even in your era. Your history project has become your reality. You dug so deep into it that you left everything behind to save him. And now, whether you admit it or not, you have started falling for him. And the more you search for him, the deeper you'll fall."

Aria was stunned. The truth struck her hard. She had been so involved in Adrian's life that she had no idea she was falling for him. Even worse, he had no idea. She had to stop. But how could she have stopped her heart? She realised it was too late.

Elsewhere, Adrian, unable to sleep stood on the roof of a small hut—the wise monk's shelter. He watched him restlessly pacing up there.

"What happened?" the monk asked.

Adrian sighed, rubbing his temples. "Who was she? Her eyes... I could only remember her eyes. How did she know it was me? And most importantly, how could she see me? I was wearing that invisible cape."

The monk smiled. "Is this why you are troubled? You shouldn't be. That woman is destined to find you, no matter what. If she saw you even with the cape, that means she has come."

Adrian frowned. "Come? Where has she come from?"

The monk simply walked away, leaving behind cryptic words. "You will know when the time is right."

Adrian watched him fade into the shadows, confused than before. He'd been hiding under the monk's protection for quite some time, but something changed tonight. He could feel it. He had no idea his fate was about to change.

Rogers and Peter took a casual walk the next morning. Peter, who had been close to the royal family since childhood, discussed Adrian's background. He mentioned Adrian's favourite places, horseback riding trails, and how he used to enjoy watching the sunrise from the eastern cliffs.

As they approached a nearby village, Peter became tired and stopped at a food stall. Rogers, on the other hand, wandered off into a secluded area surrounded by grazing horses and mules. He noticed a man wearing a hooded cape standing quietly.

Intrigued, Rogers approached him and struck up a casual conversation about horses.

"You know," Rogers said, "you speak like someone who truly understands horses. You must have trained them for years."

The man nodded but remained silent.

Rogers smirked. "Thanks, Adrian."

The man tensed.

Rogers continued, "Thanks for saving my sister last night. She'll find you soon and give you everything you truly deserve."

Adrian stayed frozen, his heart pounding. Before he could respond, Rogers walked away and returned to inform Aria.

Adrian tracked Rogers and Peter from a distance. He longed for to speak with Peter but knew he couldn't. When he saw Rogers talking to Aria, he came to a stop. He noticed her—no makeup, no fancy dress, nothing extravagant. Only simplicity and warmth. Just his style.

Aria suddenly sensed a presence. She turned and saw a figure hidden behind a bush. Without hesitation, she approached him.

Adrian remained still, watching her approach.

"What do you want?" he asked, his voice quiet yet firm.

She smiled. "You."

His heart raced. "That's impossible."

She stepped closer. Adrian didn't move. He couldn't.

Slowly, she reached up and removed his hood. For the first time, she saw him clearly—long dark hair, a light beard, sharp features inherited from his father, and his mother's gentle complexion.

"You are..." She couldn't finish.

Just then, Rogers signaled from a distance. Leisha bleated, alerting them that the king's troops were approaching.

Aria stepped away but not before whispering, "We'll meet again. Soon. I'll save you, I promise."

Adrian watched her disappear into the palace grounds.

When he returned to the monk's hut, he was filled with frustration and confusion. "What is happening to me?" he demanded.

The monk looked at him with wisdom-filled eyes. "Your future is being rewritten. What I tell you now, you may not believe, but you must listen."

Adrian nodded reluctantly.

It was time to learn the truth.

But one thing was certain: he could not stay here any longer. It was time to leave. Again.