“Mind if I take this seat?” A familiar voice rang from next to her. She looked up to see the gardener smiling down at her.

“Richard! Of course, take a seat.” She returned the smile. “Did you do the flower arrangements for this? They look splendid. You really outdid yourself.” She continued eating her food.

“I did. Thank you for the compliment. How are you holding up? With this news.” He sat back with a grunt, looking over at the young lady.

Solara sighed. “I am doing what I can… It is not like there is much I can do…” She took another bite, suddenly not feeling hungry anymore. She hated the idea of her prince being taken away by some woman she has never met. But it was his duty as the only heir…

Richard hummed in response. “I am sorry you have to deal with this… I would help you if I could…”

“I know… And I thank you for that.” She suddenly heard her name and looked in the direction it had come from. There came Michael and two other people she did not recognize. “Ah, there’s Michael. I will catch up with you later Richard. Enjoy the party.” The old man nodded as she got up to meet the group.

As she made it to the other three, she recognized the aura of the male next to who she assumed was Marie. Although he had changed his features, she knew it was the intruder from before.

“Solara, meet Marie and… I am sorry, I have forgotten your name.” He gave the man an apologetic smile.

The man smiled back. “No worries. My name is Cosmo. It is a pleasure to meet you, Solara.” He bowed.

Solara hated the fact that he was there. So he was the one who wanted to meet with her again? He did say that he knew her, or at least of her. “The pleasure is all mine.” She curtsied to the princess. “I have heard so much of you, Princess Marie.”

A light pink tint crossed her cheeks. “I am glad to hear that. I have heard much of you as well, Solara. I am glad I got the chance to meet you.” She smiled.

She seemed very nice. She didn’t give off any malicious vibe of any sort. It was a little disappointing to her. “I am too. You seem like a very nice woman. I am glad Michael found such a beautiful fiance.” The words burned as they came from her throat. It hurt to see him with another woman. She wished that here was no competition. If only she was born royalty…

“Solara,” Cosmo spoke up, “do you have a moment? I would like to speak with you privately.”

She turned to the man, weary to speak with him. But if he had any intention to harm her, he would have done so in the cell. She looked up at her prince and the princess. “Do you two mind?”

Michael shook his head. “Of course not. We must go meet with my father. I will see you later.”

Solara smiled. “I will see you later. Cosmo, let us go speak in the garden.”