Reagan stared at Ashelia in disbelief for a moment before he let out a pained sigh. ‘So she doesn't want to marry me…’ He thought. ‘I expected as much but this reaction is a bit…’

  “Shelly…” He called softly before his thoughts could wander, clasping her hand gently. “Come with me, alright? You need to change your clothes first.”

  Ashelia paused, fully realizing the mess she had made. She nodded.

  The instant he got her consent, Reagan helped her up and walked her all the way to his Palace. The servants they passed on the way could only wonder what happened.

  The moment they stepped into the second Prince's residence and began climbing the stairs, Ashelia could already guess where Reagan was taking her.

  “Shall I send in a maid to assist you?” Reagan asked the moment they were in front of the large wooden doors of his mother's room.

  Ashelia shook her head. “I'll be fine…” she croaked. “But please tell a maid to bring me water.”

  “Alright.” Reagan responded, pulling open the door for her. Ashelia walked in, without so much as a glance back at him before the door closed behind her.

  When she heard the door click, she crouched and covered her tear streaked face with both hands.

  ‘What have I done? My emotions keep getting the better of me…’ She sighed. ‘I should have responded to him gracefully, yet I…’

  True, Ashelia didn't like the fact that Reagan wanted her to marry him but she had overreacted. Rather than the Prince's confession making their friendship uncomfortable, she might have single handedly punctured a hole in it herself.

  ‘I'll have to make this right somehow…’ She thought to herself as she straightened and headed towards the wardrobe. ‘Yes... I'll just think of his proposal as a business deal.

  After all, he did say their marriage would help him accomplish his goal… whatever it was… which meant even if he had feelings for her, somewhere at the back of his mind, she was no more than a means to an end.

  It didn't matter if this conclusion was the truth or not, she was just going to take it as that.

  She quietly ruffled through the clothes and picked the smallest out of them, stripped off her stained ones and quickly put on the one she'd selected.

  Just as Ashelia finished up, a knock sounded from behind the door. She gently swung it open and received the glass of water that was handed to her.

  “Thank you.” She said and took a large gulp. “...Tell the Prince that I would like to see him.”

  The maid bowed and left. Few minutes later, another knock came at the door.

  “Come in.” Ashelia called softly, her back to the window as she watched Reagan walk in.

  He opened his mouth to speak but she was faster. “I'm sorry.”

  Reagan paused, then relaxed his posture. “Shelly…”

  "Getting married to you does not seem the least bit deplorable to me, Reagan," she added, her voice leveled. "Your request… took me by surprise. I apologise for my behaviour.”

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  "I see," the prince mused. "I expected your reaction to an extent, honestly. You've never been good at containing your emotions, Shelly."

  Ashelia gave him a faint smile. On second thought, she couldn't imagine accepting his ridiculous proposal. They were friends, for goodness sake!

  She had to make things clear.

  She sighed and stared at him expectantly. “Do you think friends can remain friends even after getting married for the sake of a deal, Reagan?”

  Reagan's eyes widened. His lips pursed before he dissolved into a sad smile. ‘She's rejecting my proposal…’

  “Of course they can, as long as they don't let any unnecessary emotions get in the way.” He responded.

  ‘So he still wants to carry on with it… despite how he feels…’

  ‘Bear in mind that I cannot reciprocate, Reagan.’ Ashelia nodded. “Then I suppose things might work out just fine.”

  Reagan laughed, a small, self deprecating laugh. Drawing her attention to him. "So… what do you say?" he asked quietly.

  Ashelia stared at him wide eyed, then she turned away, biting down on her lip. "I... I don't know," she told him. "It's too sudden… let me think about it."

  Reagan clenched his fists by his sides. “I know what I'm demanding is ridiculous and you feel like you have nothing to gain from it.” He started, his gaze softening. “But I promise, Ashelia, that if you agree to be my wife for just one year, I'll give you anything you desire... anything."

  Ashelia's eyes bore into him doubtfully. "You say that like you're in a position to give me what I want..."

  Reagan smiled, a little too confidently. "You'd be surprised by what I'm capable of."

  Ashelia studied him for a moment. Reagan had never lied to her… but right now, she couldn't help but feel a little doubtful...

  She closed her eyes and let out a breath. "Give me a month to decide.” She said finally, “Hopefully I'll give you an answer by then.”

  Reagan nodded. "Take as long as you need," he told her with a smile. "Still, I truly hope you return to me with a positive answer."

  Ashelia heaved a long sigh and rested the back of her head on the tree. In the end, she had returned to him with a positive answer… not just in a way either of them were expecting.

  That was already a year ago…

  She reached for her pet's fur, but the canine swiftly got to its feet, surprising her.

  The wolf stood about four feet tall with lovely fur, a mixture of gray and black, and its eyes were a brilliant blue, like sapphires.

  Ashelia had only ever seen eyes as blue once.

  The canine nuzzled its owner's hair urgently, and Ashelia instantly understood what it wanted.

  "Meryl… you're hungry already?" She asked in disbelief. "But it isn't even noon yet. There won't be any food for you now."

  Meryl's wolfish ears drooped and she gave her owner the saddest, most adorable look she could muster.

  Ashelia laughed and rolled her eyes fondly. "Alright, alright. Shall we go hunting then?" she asked, ruffling Meryl's fur. "We can find you food there, since there wouldn't be any in the kitchen."

  Meryl's eyes lit up instantly, and she panted in excitement, nudging her owner to stand quickly.

  "Yes, yes," Ashelia giggled. "I'm standing. Can't you be a little patient?"

  She slowly got to her feet, dusted herself off, and picked up her bow. She hung her quiver over her shoulder, moved her book to the side and patted the hard back gently.

  “I'll be back for this one later.”

  Then she and Meryl left the orchard and headed towards the back of the castle.