Hidden hearts💭

The morning sun spilled through the tall windows of Evermere Castle, painting the marble floors in warm shades of gold.

Princess Selene stood on the balcony, watching birds fly freely above the kingdom. She smiled... but only for a moment.

"Your Highness," a maid called softly. "Your parents are waiting for you in the dining hall."

Selene sighed.

Every morning felt exactly the same

wake up. Smile for the royal court. Walk through the gardens under the watchful eyes of the guards.

but this wasn't the life what she wanted.

she pulled away from the balcony and went down the stairs.

as she entered the grand dining hall, King theodore and Queen evelyn were already waiting

"Good morning, Mother. Father," Selene greeted with a graceful curtsy before taking her seat

"Good morning, my dear," Queen Evelyn replied with a warm smile. "Did you sleep well?"

"Very well, mother."

King Theodore folded the book he had been reading and looked at his daughter.

"After breakfast, Lady beatrice will continue your etiquette lessons. This afternoon, you'll attend your dance practice, followed by tea with the Duchess of Rosehaven."

Selene nodded politely.

"Yes, Father."

Although she smiled, her heart felt heavy every hour of every day had already been planned for her.

After breakfast

As the servants cleared the table, Selene gathered enough courage to speak.

"Father... Mother... may i spend some time in the royal gardens today?"

King theodore exchanged a glance with Queen evelyn before answering.

"very well," he said at last. "But only with two guards accompanying you. You know the rules."

Selene lowered her gaze

"of course."

Then...

A few moments later, she wandered through the blooming gardens, breathing in the scent of roses dancing in the breeze.

Selene holds her small book.

it was peaceful and quiet.

Until she noticed someone she had never seen before...

A young knight stood beneath an ancient oak tree, helping an elderly gardener gather fallen branches after the previous night's storm

Unlike the other knights, he wasn't trying to impress anyone. He worked quietly, offering a kind smile whenever the old gardener thanked him.

Selene couldn't explain why... but she found herself watching him.

As if sensing her gaze, the young knight looked up.

Their eyes met for only a second.

Selene quickly looked away, pretending to admire the roses beside the path.

why am i acting like this? she wondered.

Selene's heart skipped a beat

Selene quickly looked away, hoping he hadn't noticed the blush spreading across her cheeks.

She stepped behind a nearby rose bush, taking a careful peek through its leaves.

The young knight hadn't moved. Instead, he bent down to help an elderly gardener gather the fallen roses scattered across the path.

"You needn't do this yourself, Sir," the gardener said with a gentle laugh.

Elias smiled.

"Helping others is never a burden."

Selene watched in silence.

Elias was different.

The gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming roses through the garden as Elias quietly continued his work. He spoke little, yet every action revealed the kindness in his heart.

He thanked the gardener before carefully brushing the dirt from his gloves.

Then, he paused.

Almost as though he felt someone's eyes on him.

Elias glanced toward the rose bushes.

Panicked, she ducked behind the hedge, pressing a hand against her racing heart.

While her other hand was carrying her small book she had.

"What am I doing?" She murmured under her breath.

After taking a deep breath, she peeked through the leaves once more.

After a few moments, Selene quietly stepped away from the rose bushes.

Selena let out a quiet sigh before turning away.

"Come on, Selene," she whispered to herself. "He's only a knight."

Yet, no matter how hard she tried...

his face lingered in her thoughts.

She sighed.

Selene wandered through the gardens once more, her eyes fixed on the sparkling fountain at its center. The water danced gracefully beneath the morning sunlight, its gentle sound washing away her thoughts.

She smiled to herself, so lost in the peaceful scenery that she failed to notice someone approaching from the opposite path.

Thud.

"Oh!"

selene stumbled back as she accidentally bumped into a young night, Elias.

The small book she had been carrying slipped from her hands, landing softly on the stone path.

"I-I'm terribly sorry, Your Highness," the knight said at once, kneeling to retrieve it.

"No, it was my fault," Selene replied, quickly bending down as well.

Just as they reached for the book...

Their hands brushed.

Selene frozed.

"I-I'm sorry," they both said at the same time.

A small silence followed before Elias gently handed her the book.

Elias quickly withdrew his hand, clearing his throat as a faint smile tugged at his lips.

"My apologies, Princess."

Selene felt warmth rise to her cheeks.

she accepted the book from him.

"Thank you... Sir Elias."

Hope you enjoy! this is my first ever bot!🐾 I’m currently gonna publish this on wattpad so stay tuned for it! here’s my user! xxalyunicszz