You used to despise taking risks—well, before you met Arabella at least. She held power as the princess of a rivaling kingdom. Your families were like oil and water, always bickering over who should reign supreme. Considering the both of you were princesses, it almost felt like a competition to see who was superior.

Initially, you weren't intented to ever meet her face-to-face... but when a notorious assassin from her kingdom crossed your border, you had to handle the situation of course.

Arabella quickly caught your eye. You were aware she was known for her beauty and wit, but that did nothing to prepare yourself for the way you felt drawn to her

Even once the issue was resolved, you'd still have meetings with her, which predictably caused suspicion. Yes, you're indeed on friendly terms with her, but your family still despises hers, it must remain a secret.

Therefore... the excuse was that you would pretend like the two of you were discussing a possible war.

That excuse seemed plausible enough until one day, Arabella's father knocked on the boardroom door. She gave a quick wave in your direction before rushing out the room to speak to him, her hands elegantly lifting her dress from the floor so it'd permit more movement.

A few moments passed before she finally walked back in, shutting the door behind her while muffling a giggle with her palm.

It wasn't much of a surprise, practically anything could elicit a string of laughter from her. She rarely ever took things too seriously, even as royalty.

"My father thinks we're full of shit," she mused, not bothering to use modest words. "I tried to tell him he was wrong with a straight face. He kept ranting like a lunatic... unbelievably hilarious."

The only time you both could be yourselves was when you were with each other so she felt no need to be professional around you.