95 Chapter 4 (1/2)

The glittering snowflakes fell soundlessly, enveloping everything in a peaceful coldness while the honking of cars in the busy street and the rushing of impatient people in suit and formal clothes going to the office broke the calm the winter season brings.

In contrast, the park Lilybella and Daniel were strolling retained its serenity with the dense naked trees and foliage that lined the pathway blocked most of the chaotic world outside. The park was nothing like those in advertis.e.m.e.nts or movies on screens where there was a basketball court, tennis court, rollerblading tracks, and skateboard basins. It was a simple acre land of nothing but pristine trees, well-groomed bushes, and flowers, neatly cut and maintained gra.s.s, lakes, and ponds that have fishes swimming underneath its layers of frozen water. And the benches that were waiting for any exhausted pa.s.serby to take a good rest. It was more like a private garden than a public park, and Everland wanted to maintain it that way.

Lilybella took in the scenery. Her breath rose in visible puffs while her hands pulled her woolen hat, covering her reddened ears before arranging her scarf to protect her lips from the freezing air. She gently rubbed her glove covered hands together, heating her numb fingers. The only sounds echoing around them were the crisp crunching sounds of snow underneath their winter boots.

She peered at the man beside her.

He was younger looking than she expected. She knew Prince Daniel's appearance way before, but this was actually a first that she got to look at him in person and up close.

He was tall. Way taller than her that she didn't even reach his shoulders. He got that perfectly combed hair, clean and elegant. And his eyes were the brightest and clearest sky she had ever seen.

She quickly averted her eyes, afraid he might notice she was staring too much. Heat spread across her cheeks. She was still in a state of disbelief. She thought she was dreaming. Couldn't believe that the Prince of Everland was now her fiancé! A person she could only stare at a distance. A person she secretly admired and dreamed, was now standing beside her –– side by side!

”Miss Waltz.”

Her breathing hitched when she heard her name from his mouth, and her head snapped in his direction. Her throat dried all too sudden when her face reflected on his bright blue eyes. She could only nod like an idiot and croaked out, ”Y-yes, my Prince?”

His brows twitched. Must be he didn't like it that she called him 'my Prince?' Should she call him Daniel? First name basis?!

Her thoughts scrambled when she heard his voice.

”Did you hear what I said?”

She blinked and smiled while tilting her head. ”Yes?”

”. . .”

Daniel restrained rolling his eyes towards the sky. He was beginning to entertain the idea of leaving her and go back to the palace. He would rather face the many troubles in court than be together with the ditzy woman.

”I said, do you have a place you wanted to go?” He maintained his courteous behavior even though all he wanted was to act discourteously towards her. For some reason, he didn't want to be a Prince in front of her. He only wanted to be a rogue so she would cancel their engagement. Like a light bulb appearing over his head, he thought . . . he thought it was not entirely a bad idea!

Lilybella beamed and answered, ”Lilybella would like to walk around the park if that is alright, my Pri––err . . . your Highness?”

She changed her words when his brows were about to knit together. She wanted to ask what would be appropriate to call him. Now that they were engaged, should there be some pet names or at least a first name basis? But it would be discourteous without his permission, right?

But before she could voice out her concerns, he was already walking ahead, not stopping for her. She scurried to catch him and realized he was walking in a hurry, wide and heavy steps.

”Alright. After this, I want to go back to the palace. I have many things I have to do.”

She pursed her lips, yet her smile remained unchanged. ”Un! Thank you very much, your Highness!”

”. . .”

”. . .”