10
The prince took me to the countryside, sometimes holding my hand, sometimes embracing me as we rode together, his gestures intimate. I played along, occasionally showing a shy expression.
It wasn’t entirely an act, because the prince was truly handsome.
He was tall with broad shoulders and long legs. His features weren’t purely Western but more like a mixed–race model, somewhat resembling my favorite actor Chris Hemsworth.
After a few days of pleasant interaction, the prince’s attitude towards me improved significantly.
He allowed me to wander freely around the palace, and those tightly lacked rooms–he had the maids open them and took me inside to explore.
The rooms were filled with various expensive antiques, paintings, and ornaments. I looked around for a while, then yawned, losing interest.
The prince put his arm around my waist.
“Cinderella, don’t you like these things?”
I shook my head.
“What’s there to see? It’s too stuffy staying in the palace. I prefer riding in the countryside.”
The prince patted my head.
“With the Chancellor gone, affairs are busy, so I can’t take you out often.
“You can wander around the palace yourself. All these rooms are open to you, except for the first one on the left.”
9:08 AM
<
ل
*
The prince seemed casual, but he was carefully observing my expression.
I smiled and took his hand, walking towards the exit.
“I’m not interested in playing in any of the rooms. Come on, let’s go for a stroll in the garden!”
We sat under the wisteria arbor for a short while before the prince hurriedly left. I lowered my head to drink tea when suddenly
a small stone hit me in the back.
I turned to look at the bushes behind me. The roses were blooming densely, and on the grass, a corner of a bright yellow skirt
was visible.
That was the color the queen often wore.
I put down my teacup casually: “I’m hungry. Can someone go to the kitchen and bring me a freshly made lemon cake? Oh, and a cup of coffee too. I don’t like red tea.”
After sending away the two maids, I tossed my spoon carelessly near the bushes, then walked over and crouched down, pretending to pick it up.
