As I parted the curtains to try and make out what the men were saying, my heart started to race. I was aware that I was taking a big risk just by eavesdropping, but I couldn't help it. I was curious and wanted to know what they were planning.And then, my heart jumped when one of the men mentioned something about the Prince. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. They were talking about killing him! My mind was racing, I couldn't believe that there were people in the palace who wanted to harm the Prince.I listened intently as they began to plot their plan. They seemed to be talking about how they would carry out the killing during the upcoming ball when the Prince would choose his final bride. I was shocked. How could anyone even think about killing someone so important and loved?"We need to act quickly," one of the men spoke up. "The Prince is getting closer to finding his bride, and we cannot let that happen.""Yes, but we must be careful," another man added. "We cannot afford to m

I couldn't believe what had just happened. Mark, my guard, had pulled me aside and asked me to be careful about the way I smiled at men. I had never felt so embarrassed in my life. I knew that I had a tendency to be friendly and outgoing, but I had no idea that it could be interpreted as flirting. I couldn't help but feel self-conscious as I made my way back into the soirée.As I walked through the crowd, I noticed that several men were looking at me. I tried to ignore them and focus on the conversation I was having with one of the other guests, but it was difficult. Every time I glanced in their direction, I saw their eyes on me. It was unsettling, to say the least.And then it happened. Another man, tall and well-dressed, approached me. I smiled politely, trying to be friendly but not too friendly. He introduced himself and began to make small talk. I could feel my cheeks burning as I struggled to maintain my composure.But before the conversation could go any further, Mark appeared

As I walked into the changing room, I was relieved to be out of the public eye. The other competitors were already there, some stretching, others sipping water. I could feel their eyes on me as I entered the room, and I tried to ignore their stares.Two girls caught my attention as I walked in - Meredith and Raina. Meredith was quiet and seemed lost in her own thoughts, while Raina was loud and brash, constantly talking and making snide remarks.Raina was the first to speak. "Well, look who won," she sneered. "The little pin-legged princess."I ignored her comment and instead smiled at Meredith, trying to make conversation. "It was a tough race," I said. "You did well."Meredith nodded, but Raina interrupted. "Oh, please," she scoffed. "We all know who the real winner is. If it weren't for luck, you wouldn't have stood a chance."I gritted my teeth, trying to stay calm. I knew that Raina was just jealous of my victory, but her words still stung. "I trained just as hard as everyone els

PRINCE AMAREUX'S POV.As I sat in my office, I couldn't help but think about Arayah. There was something different about her that I couldn't quite put my finger on. It wasn't just her beauty, though that was undeniable. It was something deeper, something in the way she carried herself, in the way she spoke.I had been impressed with her knowledge and intelligence during our conversation, but it was more than that. There was a fire in her that I found intriguing, a determination that was rare to see in someone so young.There was something about her that felt familiar, almost as if I had met her before. It was a strange feeling, one that I couldn't quite place.As I sat there lost in thought, my advisor interrupted my reverie. He brought me some documents that required my attention, but I couldn't focus. All I could think about was Arayah and our conversation the night before.I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something special about her. I decided then and there that I wante

ARAYAH'S POV.After the competition, the Prince announces that the next day would be a rest day, much to our relief. I spend the day with my two friends, Nia and Tessa, in our room. We sit on the floor, surrounded by cushions, as we discuss the events of the past few days."I can't believe you won, Arayah!" Nia exclaims. "You were so good in the woods, it was like you knew where the Prince was all along."Tessa nods in agreement. "Yeah, it was amazing. You're definitely going to win this competition."I smile, grateful for their support. "Thanks, guys. I hope so, but there are still a lot of challenges ahead."We continue talking, sharing our dreams and aspirations. Nia talks about how she wants to become a healer, using her magic to help those in need. Tessa expresses her desire to become a great warrior, like her father, and protect the Pack from their enemies.As for me, I'm not sure what my future holds. All I know is that I want to make a difference, to help my people in any way