She walked down the makeshift aisle, her hands at her side, her face covered in dried blood and dirt, her clothes torn and dirty, her hair in disarray. The salty, coppery taste in her mouth reminded her of the abuse she has endured earlier this morning and her jaws ached from where she had been hit. But there was a glow in her eyes and she held her head high, her steps regal... Just like the princess she was expected to be.The air was filled with smoke and roaring blaze of fire rang in her ears, reminding her of the destruction that had befallen her kingdom this morning, her body shaking, she tried to appear calm and collected while her heart pounded in her chest.People stared at her as she walked down the aisle, gasps and murmurs filled the air. While some watched her with awe, others did with hatred and disgust. She couldn't care less. They weren't her concern. Instead her eyes were settled on the exquisitely dressed man at the end of the aisle, a gentle smile on his face. Dexter

( Five years before.) Maya stood in front of her dressing mirror, comb in hand as she arranged her hair, a small smile plastered on her face while humming a tune to herself. The sun was high in the sky and she could hear the birds singing on the trees, tree branches swaying in the gentle breeze. A perfect day to go on a walk and pick herbs, her favorite thing to do. Braiding her hair neatly behind her head, she let a few tendrils run free. Fixing a bow on it, she let out a sigh of satisfaction, pleased with herself. A knock came on the door it creaked open, with a middle age woman peeking her head in. Her eyes found Maya and her face lit up in a smile. " I see you're getting ready for your walk, my princess." She said as she walked in. Maya turned to her, her smile growing wider. "You should have called on me, I would have helped you get ready." She said as she helped to brush off the wrinkles that has appeared on her dress. "I'm no longer a child, Nanny Naomi. I'm

Back at the palace and the entire kingdom, the news going round was about the death of the prince of Madonia. It went like this, ' The prince couldn't arrive to the palace because he was involved in a ghastly carriage accident. Everyone, including the prince died.' it left everyone in a state a mourning for loosing a royalty so close to their borders. But in the villa where Maya and her nanny lived, they were pretty oblivious about what was going on. Instead, they were busy trying to treat their injured stranger so he recover his full strength. Maya and Nanny Naomi took turns feeding him, applying balms to his wounds and changing his bandages. His breathing was a lot steadier now and he looked more relaxed than when he first arrived. They also cleaned out the room he stayed in as it had been unused for years, opening the windows during the day so fresh air could come in and closing it at night. During those days, Maya had enough time to admire his looks and physique. She

Stranger, this unfamiliar woman called him. She was different from the one he saw yesterday. Or was that an angel? He didn't know, his brain was too foggy for him to think. "Where am I?" He asked but his voice came out as a croak. Looking around, he tried to figure it out himself. "Safe. " The lady responded. He glanced at her, a brow raised. He tried to sit up but his inactive and sore muscles protested, causing him to groan. " Easy, you're not that strong to be moving around." The woman said but he paid her no heed. Eventually he managed to get himself to the position he liked. He stared at his body. He'd been treated. Thoroughly. Someone had saved his life and provided him treatment. He glanced the older woman. " Did you save my life?" He asked, his expression changed. Slowly, the woman shook her head. " I didn't but I can introduce you to the person who did. She's been waiting for you to wake up." Naomi replied, unable to hide the glint in h

"What do you mean, he'll be coming to Gegoria?" She dropped the brush she was holding,walking closer to Naomi, her eyes filled with worry and fear. " Why do you think he is coming Nanny? Do you think he'll come here?" " I have no idea, my Princess. But according to the rumors I heard he just wants to visit the last place his brother set foot, to pay his respects." Naomi replied, her voice much calmer but filled with worry as well. Maya scoffed, rolling her eyes. " We both know it's just more than visiting, Nanny. " Naomi shuddered, her thoughts the same. " We need to tell Dexter. " Maya announced, walking back to the dressing mirror, sitting back down." Naomi took it as her cue and began helping Maya with her hair and unbuttoned pins. By the time she was through, Maya looked like the Royal she was expected to be. She took in a deep breath and when she glanced at herself in the mirror again, there was the usual princess look back on her face. Pursed lips, rais