Their journey led them to a vast, open expanse of verdant land, the grass lush and vibrant. They observed from a safe distance as several servers meticulously set up tables, adorned with resplendent, colourful coverings. Chairs were arranged around the tables, each graced with a plush cushion. Attractive treats of various kinds were arranged on the tables, intriguing Adara, Storm, Kenji, and Astrid. They nestled into the cover provided by the nearby trees and shrubs, gazing in wonder at the spectacle. 

Adara's curiosity was piqued as she squinted to get a better look. “What are those?” she asked.

“Those are known as cakes,” Reign informed them, his gaze firmly fixed on the elaborate setup before them.

“Cakes?” Storm echoed, his brows arching in surprise.

“Yes,” Phoenix confirmed, “It’s a sort of delicacy enjoyed by the affluent. They are said to be incredibly sweet, some even claiming they rival the taste of chocolate. It's even been told that they occasionally drape their cakes with melted chocolate!”

“Wow,” Kenji remarked, his eyes wide with wonder.

Astrid moistened her lips, adding, “That sounds delicious.”

Their watchful silence resumed as elegant men and women, clad in silk, gracefully approached the tables laden with cakes. The servers also poured tea before respectfully withdrawing. The affluent patrons clustered in jovial groups, their laughter ringing out without a care in the world, a privilege their wealth likely afforded them.

After a short while, Storm asked, “How does one become ‘rich’?”

Reign contemplated his query before responding, “It seems those who serve as the emperor's advisors or are at the top of their respective trades fall into that category. However, one needs to possess a significant wealth to be part of that group.”

“I see,” Storm murmured.

The distant sound of hooves clattering from their left interrupted their discussion. Phoenix's eyes lit up as she said, “Ah, today must be the day the emperor’s son goes horse-riding.”

“The emperor has a son?” Kenji asked, shifting his gaze in the direction of the sound.

“Yes,” Phoenix confirmed, “I believe he is a year younger than us. Let’s move.”

Their quiet manoeuvring led them to the opposite side of the area, far from the chatter of the affluent crowd. They tucked themselves behind a clutch of bushes, peering out to catch a glimpse of the royal spectacle. As expected, it was the emperor's son, majestically astride a stunning, black stallion.

“What a beauty,” Adara remarked in awe, “I've never seen its like.”

Phoenix sighed dreamily, “His Liege truly is.”

Adara gave Phoenix a sidelong look as she clarified, “I was referring to the horse.”

Storm chuckled quietly while Reign, Astrid, and Kenji stifled their laughter to avoid detection.

Phoenix huffed before responding, “Whatever. You can't deny, though. His Liege, Adonis, is destined to be quite a man.”

“He does look striking,” Astrid agreed, squinting into the distance.

The emperor's son, Adonis, began to approach their hiding spot. An uncanny sensation of being observed seemed to direct his attention towards them. The group held their breath, keeping as still as possible. They were well aware Adonis couldn't see them due to the shrubs and trees serving as their camouflage, yet they remained motionless.

Adara found herself entranced by the sight of Adonis' eyes, a unique shade of deep, ocean blue that was eerily familiar. A memory flashed in her mind: it was Adonis with whom she had locked eyes in the emperor's carriage!

Taking in his appearance fully now, she begrudgingly conceded that he indeed held the promise of maturing into an attractive man. His skin was naturally tanned, his nose slender and well-proportioned, his lips slightly plump. His dark brown hair was cropped short, adding to the allure of his mesmerising blue eyes. Adorned in his royal attire, seated upon his magnificent black stallion, he epitomised regality.

“My Liege!” a voice called out, diverting the group's attention to a servant hurrying towards Adonis. Out of breath, the servant managed to relay his message, “My Liege, you're expected back at the palace. Your next lesson begins soon.”

Adonis turned his attention to the servant, saying, “I'll be there in a few minutes.”

With a nod and a bow, the servant retreated. Adonis returned his gaze to the area that had initially drawn his attention but shook his head dismissively. With a loud cry of “Ya!” he galloped off towards the palace.

“Phew!” Astrid exhaled, straightening up, “That was a close call.”

“Too close,” Storm concurred.

Standing up, Reign suggested, “Let's move on. We definitely don't want to be caught here.”

© Crimson B