Princess Thief [✔]

27. Reid

"You acted like you're not interested but you actually are, Princess. I'm glad to see you trying. You don't have to worry. You have the highest chance," he replied with his presumptuous remarks.

I let his comment pass since I was truly curious about it. We ceased walking and were currently at the end of the hallway, facing a huge glass window that overlooked the maze where we first met.

"So is there anything I should know of? What makes it different from other kingdoms? I heard yours were the most unexpected," I probed.

"Unexpected? In a sense, I do assent with that, Princess. Every king had unique ideas that no one would think about. But I still could not tell you anything about that since explaining it to you would be divulging crucial information for this event."

I wanted to groan. Every time I became intrigued, no one answered me directly.

"I can give you a clue though since you're a favorite pick," he added.

"Never mind." I twirled in my heels and treaded my way to the empty corridor since I would not get anything from him.

I needed at least a clue to avoid it but there he was pushing his idea that I was likely to be chosen. There was no doubt it was just an opinion since a knight had no word to a king but it still made me nervous.

"It's the maxim of our kingdom. Each trial relates to it."

I tried to recall their crest. At the bottom of every royal crest had a banner that showed their maxim. Peace. Progress. Prosper. Those were the words but I could not think of anything.

"You're really in deep thought, your highness. I'm sure the king will be touched if he knew how dedicated you are."

He had that cheeky grin that I felt the need to defend myself or he would assume his outrageous ideas were true.

"Of course not. I am purely curious."

"Curiosity is always the beginning of interest, Princess. And interest can always lead to something else. Who knows? You might end up falling for a person because of your curiosity."

"Goddamnit! Stop putting words in my mouth," I fussed as his grin turned into a teasing one.

However, not a second after, his smile quickly disappeared as I heard footsteps.

A maidservant was treading towards us at a fast pace when I looked back. The woman curtsied when she reached us and almost stumbled on her feet.

"Greetings, your highness, Knight Reid. His majesty awaits at the Throne Room and requested your presence," she informed.

"I understand. We'll be right there," replied Reid.

He had the serious tone again that for a moment he reminded me of Xenon.

My eyes weren't deceiving me after all when I noticed his change. He was really different earlier. Where was the annoying guy a while ago?

"Please come with me, Princess. I shall accompany you to the Throne Room," he spoke with his voice rigid.

I was caught off-guard by the sudden change of atmosphere but I managed to say my agreement and made our way to the Throne Room.

"Hey, what happened to the mouth of yours? How come you're treating me like a lady now?" I could not help but ask when there were only the two of us again.

"What are you talking about Princess. Why won't I treat your highness as a lady?" He smiled, the kind of smile that looked empty and had no emotion. Something must be wrong with him.