The Encounter.

204 7 0
                                        

The next morning, Chiquita awoke to the sounds of the bustling castle. She had spent a restless night, her mind racing with thoughts of her predicament and the mysterious princess she had met. The room she was staying in was lavishly decorated, a stark contrast to her modern, minimalist home. As she dressed, her thoughts turned to how she might find a way back to her own time.

A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. A maid entered, carrying a tray with breakfast. "Good morrow, Lady Chiquita," the maid said with a polite bow. "The princess has requested your presence for the day’s activities."

"Thank you," Chiquita replied, trying to sound as composed as possible. The prospect of spending more time with Ahyeon both thrilled and unsettled her.

After a simple breakfast, Chiquita was led through the opulent halls of the castle to a large, sunlit room where Ahyeon awaited her. The princess was dressed in elegant attire, her presence commanding attention. Chiquita couldn’t help but admire her, feeling her heart race at the sight.

"Lady Chiquita," Ahyeon greeted her with a nod, her eyes lingering on Chiquita. "I trust you slept well?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Chiquita said, trying to maintain her composure. "Thank you for your hospitality."

Ahyeon motioned for Chiquita to join her at a large table where maps and documents were spread out. "We have much to discuss. I would like to know more about your world and how this... time machine of yours functions."

Chiquita sat down, her mind shifting to the technical details of her invention. "Well, it's quite complex. The machine operates by generating a temporal field that allows for travel through different eras. The core principle is based on..."

As Chiquita explained, Ahyeon listened intently, her curiosity apparent. Despite her initial reserve, Ahyeon’s interest in Chiquita was growing. The princess found herself drawn to Chiquita’s passionate explanation and the way she spoke with such earnestness.

During their discussion, a group of young ladies entered the room, their eyes widening at the sight of Chiquita. They were intrigued by the strange visitor and couldn’t help but admire her unusual attire and striking appearance.

"Who is this fascinating woman?" one of the ladies whispered to another, clearly impressed by Chiquita’s looks.

Ahyeon’s demeanor changed instantly. She stiffened and her gaze turned icy as she watched the ladies fawn over Chiquita. A flicker of jealousy crossed her face, though she tried to mask it.

"Your Highness," one of the ladies said, addressing Ahyeon with a curtsy. "We were curious about the newcomer. She is quite... different."

Ahyeon forced a smile, though her tone was frosty. "Indeed, she is. Lady Chiquita is my guest, and I request that you respect her privacy."

The ladies quickly excused themselves, casting curious glances back at Chiquita. As they left, Ahyeon’s expression softened slightly, but there was an unmistakable possessiveness in her eyes.

Chiquita, oblivious to the full extent of Ahyeon’s feelings, was too absorbed in her explanation to notice the princess’s discomfort. She continued describing the intricacies of her time machine, her enthusiasm evident.

When the room was finally empty, Ahyeon sighed softly and approached Chiquita. "Forgive me for the intrusion. My people are curious, but I prefer to keep my guests from unnecessary scrutiny."

Chiquita looked up, noticing the princess’s unusual intensity. "It’s alright. I understand."

As the days went by, Chiquita spent more time with Ahyeon, helping with various tasks and learning about the intricacies of life in the 1600s. Their interactions became more frequent and intimate, with Ahyeon showing an increasingly possessive and attentive side. Chiquita, in turn, found herself falling deeper for Ahyeon, captivated by her strength, beauty, and the vulnerability she rarely showed to others.

One afternoon, as they walked through the castle gardens, Chiquita caught Ahyeon glancing at her with a mixture of admiration and something else—an unspoken longing. The princess’s demeanor had shifted from distant to intensely focused whenever Chiquita was near.

"Lady Chiquita," Ahyeon said, breaking the silence, "you seem quite at ease with our world. Does it not trouble you, being so far from home?"

Chiquita looked at Ahyeon, her heart fluttering. "At first, it was overwhelming. But being here, with you... it’s strange, but I feel a sense of belonging. I’ve grown to care for you deeply."

Ahyeon stopped walking and turned to face Chiquita, her expression softening. "Care for me? How curious."

Chiquita nodded, feeling vulnerable. "Yes. I... I find myself drawn to you, more than I ever expected."

Ahyeon’s eyes searched Chiquita’s face, her own feelings mirrored in her gaze. "And I, too, find myself... attached to you. Though I must remain guarded, it is difficult to ignore what I feel."

The air between them crackled with unspoken emotions. Ahyeon reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from Chiquita’s face. "You are unlike anyone I have ever met."

Chiquita’s breath caught in her throat as she looked up at Ahyeon. The princess’s touch was gentle, and her eyes were filled with a mixture of affection and desire. Chiquita felt a surge of emotions, realizing how deeply she had fallen for Ahyeon.

As they continued their walk, the connection between them grew stronger. Chiquita was completely smitten, her feelings for Ahyeon overwhelming her every thought. Meanwhile, Ahyeon struggled with her own emotions, torn between her duty and her growing attachment to Chiquita.

The princess’s possessiveness only deepened as she saw others noticing Chiquita. Her jealousy was palpable, though she tried to hide it behind a façade of royal composure. Yet, when Chiquita was near, Ahyeon’s eyes followed her with a protective intensity.

As the chapter closed, Chiquita and Ahyeon were left standing on the precipice of their burgeoning feelings, each struggling to reconcile their emotions with the realities of their worlds. The stage was set for a love that defied time and societal expectations, and neither could deny the pull they felt towards each other.

---

Insta:whynot_831 i follow back.
Follow, vote, comment for more stories and dm me any ideas

~Time-Traveler's Dilemma~  ~~Chiyeon~~ ~Book 6~Where stories live. Discover now