The first thing that strikes her was his brilliant crimson eyes. She never had seen that type of redness in any other place. It felt like crystals injected with blood.
Her breath caught short. His hair is white, perfect, and long enough to brush against his shoulders. Even without a single strand falling out, the locks seemed as smooth and silky as silk.
Damien couldn't help but notice the princess's gaze fixated on his appearance. He flashed her a cheeky grin, his voice laced with a playful tone.
"As for why I'm here and how I know you, it's simple," he said, his crimson eyes sparkling mischievously. "I heard tales of your enchanting beauty, your adventurous spirit, and your knack for getting into delightful mischief. How could I resist the chance to witness it all firsthand?"
The princess's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, and she playfully nudged his arm with her free hand. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Damien. But you still haven't answered my question. How do you know me?"
Damien leaned in closer, his voice filled with a hint of conspiratorial charm. "Ah, my dear princess, I must confess that I am an amateur detective of sorts. It didn't take much to uncover the stories and legends that surround your name. The princess who charms birds, dances through moonlit gardens, and possesses a spirit as wild and untamed as the winds themselves."
The princess couldn't help but laugh, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Well, you certainly have done your research, Damien. But I assure you, not everything you've heard is true."
He shrugged playfully, his white hair falling gently against his shoulders. "Perhaps not everything, Your Grace, but there's always a hint of truth in legends, isn't there? And I'm here to discover the real you, beyond the tales and the royal facade."
Her curiosity peaked, the princess leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "And what is it that you hope to discover, Damien?"
He met her gaze, a playful glint in his eyes. "The true essence of the princess behind the crown, the one who dances with raven companions and lets her hair fall into charming disarray. The one who isn't afraid to play along with a mischievous stranger in a secluded garden."
The princess blushed, her heart fluttering at his words. "Well, you certainly have a way with words, Damien. But tell me, what does your raven here have to say about all this?"
They both turned their attention to the raven perched on the princess's hand. Aviora cawed and hopped closer to Damien, as if approving of their playful banter.
Damien chuckled and extended a finger toward Aviora, who nipped it gently. "It seems your companion has taken a liking to me. Perhaps she sees a kindred spirit in our lightheartedness. Or maybe she just appreciates a good flirtatious exchange." The princess said.
"Aviora," he said. "Her name is Aviora."
"What a wonderful name for a majestic creature like you," she caressed Aviora's head, patting it.
The bird seemed to like the attention as it was enjoying being praised and petted.
Perhaps the birdie was just simply seeking for new faces as she was bored with the old crooks and the pervert.
Perhaps she. might have seen her sincerity and purity of soul, something she can't find in her bond or his masters.
The princess pushed her hand inside her gown and produced a handful of nuts.
The birdie, who never savored something like that pecked the nuts faster than a vacuum cleaner.
It made him cringe. All the things he told her not to do, she has done it.
"That should be something wonderful if it makes her like that," he quickly said something to hide his embarrassment.
"Yes, I'm glad she likes it." the princess said jovially. Her golden hair sways when she giggles.
She was beautiful. There was no doubt about that
"These are special nuts from a tree that only grows inside the Royal Palace. So it's really exclusive," she emphasized the word only.
He was sure where this was going and he let her.
"You can visit the palace whenever you want. I mean I'm only there at night since I've academy but if you come I'll feed whole other easy treats you never have seen or tasted. Taste that'll last for a lifetime." She said.
"Feels like you're seducing my companion, princess," he laughed. "Are you going to steal her?"
"If she comes with me, yes, I'll steal her." The Princess replied daringly, with a playful smile.
"You know wherever she is, I'll be there too. So you see princess, if she visits you at night I'll be there too." He added, his voice all low and suave. His breath tickled her ear lobes.
The princess blushed deeply, feeling a little embarrassed. "N-no you can't. The invitation is only for Aviora."
"Ah, my delicate heart," he said. "You're breaking it."
Play were not common in this place if so she would've identified the Shakespear in him.
She giggled again, her sound so alluring and beautiful.
She again produced a handful of nuts and presented them to Aviora who deliciously savored them.
Taking the distraction, Damien, without any sound disappeared from there. He walked towards the woods. Since it was nightfall and very little light was produced from the magic lamp at the roadside, she wouldn't find him.
Aviora had seen it but she didn't stir at all. She just continued to eat the nuts but she understood what his leave means.
"Ah, where are my manners," she exclaimed. "I'm Aurelia, the princess of this kingdo-" Before she can continue, Aviora spread her midnight black feathers and took off into the air.
It all happened in a single moment.
"Rude, just like you." She turned to see the intruder but he was also gone.
She giggled. "But of course..."
She stood up and slowly walked away knowing the mysterious boy and his bond will surely seek her out.
....
A little afar, he watched her walking away. Her smile made him warm.
"Oh, wow I'm falling in love with everyone. Is this also written in the book? Am I really falling for them or is it just how Damien Von Zadkiel is designed?" He tsked just as Aviora softly landed on his shoulders.
He didn't talk about her bad behaviors, he just caressed her little head, and she nuzzled to his warmth.
"I'm tired. Let's go home, alright."
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