Raven's POV
The sun was bright that afternoon—too bright for my taste—but Mother mari had insisted we were running low on supplies.
So here I was, arms full of empty cloth bags, weaving through the market crowds and trying not to accidentally scare anyone with my resting murder-face.
I'd just stepped away from the fruit stall when someone slammed into me so hard that the bags nearly flew from my hands.
A soft gasp—then a body hitting the ground.
I blinked, looked down…
and froze for half a second.
Because the girl sitting on the cobblestone path, disguised in a plain cloak and hood, was the princess.
Of all the people in this city—no, this kingdom—I had to bump into her.
Great.
I immediately crouched and offered my hand.
"Sorry about that, princess " I said, keeping my voice polite. "Here."
She hesitated—eyes wide, startled, like a deer caught in sudden light. I could feel her confusion. I could also feel her magic: warm, gentle, soft like morning sunlight.
She took my hand at last, letting me lift her to her feet.
Then she whispered, surprised,
"…How did you know? Even with this disguise?"
I smiled a little.
"Even if you hide your face, Your Highness, you can't hide your energy. You feel… warm. Kind. Hard to mistake."
Her cheeks warmed at that," thanks" ,even if she tried to act composed.
Behind her, her maid stiffened. I pretended not to notice.
I cleared my throat. "And what are you doing in the city without guards?"
The princess said, without looking at me, " nothing I'm taking a walk ."and what about you.
I raised the bags in my hands.
"Running errands. Mother mari needed supplies."
"And… sweets for the kids ," I added honestly.
Her maid whispered—too loudly, for someone trying to be subtle:
"That's why we snuck out, Your Highness. To buy sweets and pastries ."
I heard it.
Both of them froze.
I bit the inside of my cheek to avoid laughing but failed miserably.
"…So the princess escaped the palace to buy candy," I murmured.
The princess sputtered, cheeks red. " No I—It's not—! That's not the only reason!"
"Of course."
It absolutely was.
We walked together toward the pastries shop, and the moment we stepped inside, her expression transformed—pure excitement, bright as a child's. She rushed from jar to jar, eyes sparkling at each new treat.
I hadn't seen someone look that happy in a long time.
She bought far too much.
And I bought enough for the kids at the orphanage.
When we left the shop, I was about to leave when she looked at me with a soft smile.
"Do you mind if we… walk with you for a bit?"
I shrugged.
"Not at all."
We wandered through the streets together, and she asked about my travels—her voice eager, almost hungry.
So I told her.
About the village hidden deep within the forest where people lived in houses carved from ancient trees.
About a city perched on the edge of a towering cliff, where the wind sang like a living thing.
About deserts that turned gold at sunrise, and towns built along rivers so clear you could see the sky in them.
The princess listened to every word like she was trying to memorize them.
It was… strange.
Warm.
Nice, even.
By the time we reached the orphanage gate, the kids were already outside playing. Mother mari sat in her old wooden chair, watching them with that calm smile of hers.
Ren and Lira were sparring clumsily with wooden swords—too loudly, too dramatically.
Before I could open the door , the children spotted me.
"Riven!!"
A tidal wave of small bodies hit me.
Arms around my waist, legs clinging to me, tiny hands tugging on my sleeves.
I laughed despite myself.
Behind me, I heard a soft breath—the princess watching from the path, her smile gentle, almost longing.
Mother mari approached us and glanced at the hooded princess and her maid.
"Oh my, Riven, you brought visitors?"
She didn't recognize them.
Good disguise after all.
"Please, come in for tea," she offered warmly.
But the maid leaned close to the princess and whispered urgently,
"Your Highness, we're late. If the king discovers you snuck out again, the punishment will be severe."
The princess stiffened.
She turned back to me with a reluctant smile.
"I'm sorry. I have duties to return to. But… thank you. Truly. I'd love to visit again."
"You're welcome anytime," I said simply.
She blinked, then smiled wider.
I offered, "Do you want me to escort you back? Just to be safe."
She shook her head kindly.
"No. You've helped enough. We'll be fine."
Then she left—hood drawn low, her maid at her side.
But just before they disappeared around the corner, I heard the princess whisper:
"She doesn't seem dangerous at all… She's actually very sweet."
And the princess murmured said almost too soft to hear:
"…Father was wrong about her."
I paused.
Then exhaled.
Morrivayne said with smirk
Sweet, huh?
If only they knew.