Chapter 3 : A troubled heart

As the day wore on at Glenwood Academy, Lady Evangeline Montrose couldn't shake the nagging worry that had settled in the pit of her stomach. Prince Alexande Sterling had been unusually late returning to the academy after his visit to the palace, and she couldn't help but fear that something had gone amiss.

When Prince Alexandefinally arrived, his usual jovial demeanor seemed subdued, his brow furrowed with concern. Sensing his unease, Evangeline approached him cautiously, her heart pounding with apprehension.

"Your highness , is everything alright?" she asked softly, her voice laced with concern.

Prince Alexander met her gaze, his dark brown eyes clouded with uncertainty. "I'm fine, Evie," he replied, his tone reassuring. "Just a busy day at the palace, that's all."

Evangeline frowned, sensing that there was more to the story than Prince Alexander was letting on. "Are you sure?"

Before Prince Alexander could respond, their friends Henry, Sophia, and Charlotte entered the dormitory, their cheerful voices breaking the tense atmosphere.

"Hey, guys!" Henry greeted with a grin, his eyes bright with excitement. "What's going on?"

Evangeline glanced at Prince Alexander, silently urging him to confide in their friends. "Prince Alexandehad a long day at the palace," she explained, her voice soft. "I think he could use some company."

Sophia and Charlotte exchanged concerned glances before turning their attention to Prince Alexander, their expressions filled with empathy.

"Your Highness," Sophia began respectfully, "is there anything we can do to help?"

Prince Alexander sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly with relief at the offer of support from his friends. "Thank you, Sophia," he replied gratefully. "I appreciate it."

As they settled into the dormitory, Evangeline and their friends surrounded Prince Alexander with warmth and understanding, offering words of comfort and encouragement. Slowly but surely, the tension that had weighed heavily upon him began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and solidarity.

"Thank you, everyone," Prince Alexander said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'm lucky to have such wonderful friends."

Evangeline smiled, her heart swelling with affection for the group gathered around her. "We're here for you, Prince Alexander," she replied softly. "Always."

And so, as the evening sun dipped below the horizon, Prince Alexander and Evangeline found solace in the presence of their friends, their bonds of friendship growing stronger with each passing moment. In the face of uncertainty and adversity, they knew that they could rely on each other for support and strength, united by a bond that transcended the trials of royalty.

The next day dawned bright and clear over Glenwood Academy, and Lady Evangeline Montrose was determined to lift the spirits of her dear friend, Prince Alexander Sterling. Alongside their friends Henry, Charlotte, and Sophia, she had devised a plan to whisk Prince Alexander away from the worries of palace life for a day of relaxation and fun.

"Good morning, everyone," Evangeline greeted with a smile as they gathered in the courtyard. "Are we all ready for our picnic?"

Prince Alexander's eyes brightened at the prospect, his spirits lifting at the thought of spending the day with his friends. "Absolutely," he replied eagerly, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Henry grinned, his enthusiasm contagious. "I've packed enough food to feed a small army," he joked, holding up a basket overflowing with delicious treats.

Charlotte and Sophia laughed, their laughter mingling with the sounds of birdsong and laughter as they set off towards the Montrose Dukedom. Along the way, they chatted and joked, their worries and cares melting away in the warmth of each other's company.

As they arrived at their destination, a picturesque clearing nestled among the rolling hills of the Montrose Dukedom, Evangeline spread out a blanket and began unpacking the picnic feast. Prince Alexander and the others helped, their laughter filling the air as they passed around sandwiches, fruit, and sweet treats.

"Thank you for doing this, Evie," Prince Alexander said, his voice soft with gratitude as he settled onto the blanket beside her.

Evangeline smiled, her heart warmed by the sight of her friends enjoying themselves. "Anything for you, your highness ," she replied, her gaze meeting his with unwavering affection.

As they ate and laughed together, the worries of palace life faded into the background, replaced by the simple joy of friendship and companionship. Henry told funny stories, Sophia shared tales of her adventures, and Charlotte regaled them with amusing anecdotes from her childhood.

For Prince Alexander, it was a welcome respite from the pressures of royalty, a chance to relax and unwind in the company of those he held dear. As he watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the tranquil landscape, he felt a sense of peace settle over him, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would always have the support and love of his friends by his side.

And so, as the day drew to and they packed up their picnic, Prince Alexander and his friends returned to Glenwood Academy with hearts full of joy and memories to last a lifetime. In the midst of uncertainty and turmoil, they had found solace in the simple pleasures of friendship and the beauty of the Montrose Dukedom, united in their determination to face whatever the future held together.

As the group settled into their picnic in the picturesque Montrose Dukedom, Prince Alexander Sterling found his gaze drawn time and time again to Lady Evangeline Montrose. Despite the laughter and chatter of their friends, he couldn't help but notice the way her silver eyes sparkled with joy and her laughter rang out like music in the air.

Evangeline, too, found herself stealing glances at Prince Alexander when she thought he wasn't looking. His brown hair caught the sunlight in a halo of golden warmth, and his dark brown eyes held a depth of emotion that stirred something deep within her.

Their stolen glances did not go unnoticed by their friends, however, and Henry couldn't resist teasing them. "Looks like the two people can't keep their eyes off each other," he joked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Prince Alexander felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment, but he couldn't deny the truth in Henry's words. "Oh, shush, Henry," he replied, trying to play it off with a grin.

Evangeline's cheeks colored pink as well, but she laughed along with the others, grateful for the distraction. "Let's focus on enjoying the picnic, shall we?" she suggested, hoping to steer the conversation away from her and Prince Alexander.

The afternoon passed in a blur of laughter and conversation as they ate, played games, and basked in the warmth of the sun. Evangeline couldn't shake the feeling of Prince Alexander's gaze on her, and she found herself growing increasingly flustered each time she caught him looking.

"Are you alright, Evie?" Sophia asked, noticing her friend's flushed cheeks.

Evangeline nodded, trying to hide her embarrassment. "I'm fine, just feeling a bit warm," she replied, hoping to brush off any concerns.

As the day drew to a close and they began to pack up their picnic, Evangeline stole one last glance at Alexander, her heart fluttering in her chest. To her surprise, she found him looking back at her, his gaze soft and full of affection.

"Thank you for today, your highness " she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Prince Alexander smiled, his eyes lighting up with warmth. "No, thank you, Evangeline," he replied, his voice equally tender. "For everything."

And as they made their way back to Glenwood Academy, hand in hand with their friends, Evangeline couldn't help but feel a sense of hope blooming in her heart. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, she knew that as long as she had Prince Alexander by her side, they could face whatever challenges the future held, together.

...****************...

...... to be continued ......

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