I stood before the mirror by the dresser, buttoning the last button of my white linen shirt.

Though my clothes are still those of a commoner, they are better than the bloodied clothes I had last night. Luckily, the clothes I am wearing now are not tight either. The shirt fits my broad shoulders and tall frame. The brown pants fit my long legs. Even though the clothes I am wearing right now are simple, my physical appearance can’t be overlooked either. 

My reflection stared back at me. My black, wavy hair fell messily on my forehead, framing my face made sharper by age and knight training. I needed a well-deserved shower after all of this. 

I had dark bags under my brown eyes, contrasting with my sun-kissed tan, from exhaustion and fatigue due to my injuries. Thick dark eyebrows rested above my eyes. A sharp nose and defined jaw that always drew more attention than I cared for. 

I felt relief wash over me at having survived this whole ordeal and at being able to return to the castle soon. 

As a crown prince, I have always been a target of danger. Especially the ones that my uncle throws at me. Those assassins must have been his doing. I need to report this to Jake and figure out who those assassins were and whether it was actually my uncle who’s after this. 

My gaze drifted toward the door. Beyond it waited two women who saved my life, and I am forever indebted to them. Even though those two women hold mysteries, somehow Elara’s presence feels familiar yet unknown. 

I pushed that thought aside. I need to get back to the castle and discover its secret. 

It was time for me to leave. I gently opened the bedroom door and stepped into what looked like a small sitting room. There the older woman was sitting on the couch across the fireplace, knitting what seemed to be a blue blanket. 

Elara was wiping the dark wooden coffee table where her grandmother was seated. Elara wore a simple white blouse with long, billowing sleeves, the cuffs gathered neatly at her wrists. A delicate and simple ruffle framed the neckline of her blouse, peeking out beneath the fitted black bodice fastened with a row of small buttons. The bodice hugged her waist before giving way to a long, dark brown skirt that fell in soft, gathered folds around her legs. Her warm brown hair was loosely braided behind her, with a few soft strands falling around her round face. 

I stood there for a few minutes, wondering what to say, until the grandmother noticed me. “Oh! You look so handsome. Just like a prince.” She smiled at me.

A prince… Well, I am actually the crown prince at that. Not sure if I blew my disguise or if this is a simple compliment from older ladies. 

I felt my cheeks warm up at the compliment, and I nodded my head in thanks as a response. Without them, I would’ve died.

Should I send them a gift once I get back to the castle?

“Do you need any help getting back to the village?” Elara asked. 

I couldn’t get a good look at her face since last night, but now I can only stare in awe at her. Her face was soft and delicate, her features gentle enough to make her look like a porcelain doll. Her green eyes were bright and expressive, framed by her long lashes. A small nose sat above naturally plump lips. Not a single piece of makeup on her. This is her raw beauty.

“I am good. If I follow that path that you showed me, I can safely get to the village.” I politely declined the offer.

“That’s okay; I insist on at least guiding you back to the village partway. I needed to get some food there anyway.” She insisted. 

“Oh yeah! That is a good idea, Elara. Can you also make sure to get more potatoes, though? I think we are running out.” Her grandmother said.

“Sure! I might get beef for dinner as well. I also need to sell some herbs.” Elara gathered the herbs into her small leather pouch and tied it around her waist. 

She looked at me again and gently smiled. “Come on, we don’t want to delay your trip back home.”