Secret Love

chapter 1

“Riaaa! What are you doing? Didn’t you say you were going to the palace? The carriage is waiting for you!” her mother called out from the hall.

Ria turned over lazily on her bed. “Yes, Mom! Just a minute, please!” she replied, quickly placing the unopened letter she’d received earlier into her drawer before hurrying out.

At the grand palace gates, Lucy—Ria’s closest friend and the princess of the Philistia Kingdom—stood waiting with her arms crossed, a pout on her lips.

“I really wanted you to come faster! It’s been ages since we met,” Lucy said, puffing her cheeks. “But you, Miss Ria, decided to arrive late!”

Ria laughed softly. “Sorry, Lucy! It’s just… I remembered something I’d forgotten.”

“Oh? And what was that?” Lucy asked curiously.

“Well…” Ria hesitated, her eyes glinting mischievously. “I’ll tell you later—I still haven’t decided.” She winked.

Lucy groaned. “You only know how to hush me, Ria!”

“Well, it works every time anyway,” Ria teased.

“Yes, yes. Come on now—it’s getting late,” Lucy said with mock impatience, grabbing Ria’s arm.

“Alright, let’s go,” Ria replied, following her friend inside.

Just then, a calm voice spoke behind them. “What are you two doing?”

Both girls jumped. Turning around, they saw a tall man with neatly combed blond hair, striking blue eyes, and a gentle yet sharp gaze—it was Melvin, Lucy’s brother, known for his quiet, almost fragile charm.

“Melvin!” Lucy exclaimed. “Can’t you stop doing that?”

“What am I doing?” he asked, smiling innocently.

“You always sneak up on us! It’s scary!” Lucy complained, frowning.

“Were you both talking bad about me behind my back?” Melvin asked playfully.

“No!” Ria and Lucy shouted in unison.

“Then why do you always look so startled when I appear?” he teased.

“Well, why shouldn’t we be surprised?” Lucy countered, crossing her arms.

Ria sighed and stepped between them. “Guys, don’t fight. Why am I here—to listen to you two bicker again?”

Lucy huffed. “I don’t want to argue with you, Melvin. Can’t you just go away?”

Melvin gave a dramatic bow. “Well, as you wish, my dear sister. I shall take my leave. But don’t forget to call me when your little talk is over. I missed Ria just as much as you did, so don’t keep her all to yourself.”

Ria chuckled softly. “The same old line, Melvin. I get it—I’ll come visit you later.”

After Melvin left, Lucy sighed. “Isn’t my brother weird? He always says such strange things and never gets tired of it.”

Ria laughed. “Yeah, that’s true.”

Just then, Lucy’s expression brightened. “Oh! By the way, Ria—I heard someone’s coming to the capital. Do you know who it is?”

Ria froze for a moment, her thoughts drifting.

“Ria? What’s wrong? Why are you dazed?” Lucy asked, concerned.

“It’s nothing,” Ria said quickly. “I was just thinking about something.”

“Anyway,” Lucy continued, “I heard someone was coming to the capital.”

“Yes,” Ria nodded. “It’s my cousin. My uncle and aunt are sending her here.”

“Why?” Lucy asked, tilting her head.

“Since she has her coming-of-age ceremony in the capital, she wanted to be acquainted with the people here,” Ria explained.

“Are you close to her? You’ve never talked about her with me,” Lucy said curiously.