Chapter 2 - The Highest Wall in the World

A woman speaking in the background....

"Days turned into weeks, and yet, Princess Amy couldn't forget the memory of Orion's kind eyes and gentle smile. Each passing moment seemed to further strengthen the connection she felt with him, leaving her restless and longing to see him once more."

Rose watched her princess, a mix of concern and understanding on her face. The princess seemed more vibrant, her once burdensome royal facade giving way to a sense of genuineness and freedom. She walked up to her and noticed the concern on her face. "My Princess, is there anything you want? Or are you still thinking about him?" She asked with a worried expression on her face. She heaved a heavy sigh as she told Rose her feelings. Their conversation allowed Rose to be sure of how the Princess felt.

Amy spoke fondly of his unwavering spirit and genuine kindness. As their conversation was about to progress, it was suddenly interrupted with a knock on the door. "What is it this time?" Amy said as she jumped on her bed in a frustrated manner. Rose answered the door. As she opened it, there stood a royal soldier sent by the King. "Pardon my intrusion Your Highness but the King demands your presence" he said with a straight face and a shivered tone. "You may go" Rose said in a gentle tone as she closed the door. The soldier's footsteps recedes. "We shall continue our conversation when I return. I should see my father" the princess said in a frustrated manner as she dresses up. Rose asked if she needed to accompany her but Amy said she was probably asked to be seen alone. She tells Rose she will summon her once she's back. "Yes my Princess" She said as she replies in a respectful tone and bows in a graceful manner.

Meanwhile, at Orion's home; things were a little bit awkward. Chiron noticed the tension between orion and meredith after his encounter with the princess. He understood that there was more to meredith's sudden departure and orion's confusion. however, he also knew the importance of giving them the privacy to work things out between themselves. As Chiron was about to leave, he noticed his Nephew, lost in deep thoughts. There he was on the couch thinking about his job search. it had been weeks and he still never got one. Sensing his distress, he approached him with a warm smile.

"Hey, Orion. I couldn't help but notice that something seems to be bothering you. Is everything alright?" Chiron asked, his voice gentle and soothing.

Orion looked up, appreciating Chiron's concern. "Hey, Uncle, I'm sorry I didn't see you there. It's just...I've been trying so hard to find a job, but it's been weeks and I haven't had any luck. I'm starting to feel a bit disheartened and unsure about what to do next."

Without hesitation, Chiron sat beside him, offering his support. "I understand how frustrating that can be, Orion. Finding the right job can often feel like an endless journey. But remember, you are more than your applications. You have unique skills, talents, and experiences that make you valuable."

Orion nodded, a glimmer of hope rekindling in his eyes. "Thanks, Uncle. It's just hard not to get discouraged when rejection after rejection comes my way. I don't know if I have it in me to keep going."

Chiron placed his hand gently on Orion's shoulder, empathizing with his struggle. "I completely understand your frustration, Orion, but giving up is not the solution. You have a lot to offer the world, and finding the right opportunity takes time. You are resilient, talented, and dedicated, and I have faith that the right job will come your way."

Orion sighed, feeling a bit lighter as Chiron's words sank in. "You're right, Uncle. It's important to stay positive and continue working towards my goals. I just need to remind myself that this setback is temporary."

Chiron nodded, his eyes radiating warmth and encouragement. "Absolutely, Orion. Remember, setbacks are just stepping stones towards success. In the meantime, why not take some time to revisit your strengths? I'm sure you'll find the right job in no time. Remember, I'm always here if you need guidance."

Orion smiled, grateful for Chiron's unwavering support and guidance. "Thank you, Uncle. Your words mean a lot to me. I feel like I can face this challenge with renewed determination" he said.

"You're welcome my boy. I will always be here for you." Chiron replied with a warm smile on his face as he gave him a pat on the back. Orion smiled back as he saw him leave. Amy stood in the grand chamber of the palace, her heart racing as she awaited her audience with the king. She didn't have a clue as to why she had been summoned, unable to shake off the sense of unease that settled deep within her.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, the doors swung open, and King Richard entered the room, his regal presence commanding immediate attention. Amy curtsied respectfully, her eyes fixed on the polished marble floor. "Rise, Princess Amy," King Richard said with a warm smile. "I trust you are well?" Amy lifted her head, her voice soft but steady. "Yes, Your Majesty. I am in good health, thank you". The king's smile widened, though a hint of nervousness flickered in his eyes. "Excellent. Come, my dear. We have much to discuss."

With a gesture, the king led Amy to a comfortable seating area in the corner of the chamber, away from prying eyes and ears. She sat down, her hands trembling slightly. She knew something important was about to be revealed. "Princess Amy," King Richard began, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "I recently hosted a royal dinner with the intention of announcing your engagement to Prince Erik of the neighboring Kingdom of Loryndell." Amy's eyes widened, her mind unable to process the information at first. Engaged? To a prince she had never met? She blinked, searching for the right words as her thoughts raced.

"Your Majesty, I... I had no idea," she stammered, her voice filled with surprise. "May I ask why this has been arranged without my knowledge or consent?" King Richard sighed, his face filled with a mixture of regret and determination. "Princess, the alliance between our kingdoms is of utmost importance. It will solidify our unity and strengthen our realms against any future threats. I know this comes as a surprise, and I apologize for not discussing it with you beforehand. But I assure you, Prince Erik is a good man with a noble heart."

Amy took a deep breath, her mind beginning to settle as she absorbed the king's explanation. She knew the importance of political alliances, but to be thrust into an engagement without her consent felt overwhelming. "I understand the need for unity, Your Majesty," Amy replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But may I request some time to get to know Prince Erik before making a final decision? It would ease my apprehension and allow me to ensure that this union is in the best interest of both our kingdoms."

King Richard nodded in understanding, a glimmer of relief in his eyes. "Of course, Princess Amy. Your happiness and well-being are of paramount importance to me. I will arrange for you and Prince Erik to have a meeting, so you can get to know each other better before any decisions are made." Amy smiled gratefully, her heart feeling lighter with the king's understanding and support. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your kindness means the world to me." The king reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Amy's, his expression filled with warmth. "You are my only daughter, Princess Amy. I only want the best for you so see to it that I am not dissapointed."

Frightened by the king's words, Amy felt a wave of sadness and fear wash over her. She had initially been apprehensive about the sudden news, but with the king's words, she felt like she had hit a barrier she could not overcome. She was still sorting out her feelings about Orion and an engagement was thrown at her. As she left the chamber, Amy couldn't help but feel so sad. She knew that this unexpected turn of events could shape the trajectory of her life. She needed to see Rose.

Amy made her way through the grand hallway of the palace, her mind tangled with emotions and thoughts. As she reached Rose's quarters, she could hear the soft melodies of a lute, a skillful musician playing tunes that often brought comfort to her troubled heart. Amy knocked gently on the door, her voice filled with a mixture of trepidation and hope.

"Rose, it's Amy. May I come in?"

The music abruptly stopped, and the door swung open to reveal Rose, her kind eyes filled with concern as she took in Amy's disheveled appearance. Without a word, Rose opened her arms, and Amy moved forward, seeking solace in her friend's comforting embrace.

"Tell me, my dear Princess, what has happened?" Rose asked, her voice gentle but firm.

Amy pulled away slightly, her eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling. "I've just spoken with my father... He wants to arrange an engagement for me, with a prince from another kingdom. I don't know what to do, Rose. It all feels so overwhelming."

Rose held Amy's hands tightly, a supportive smile playing on her lips. "I understand your feelings, my Princess. But remember, you have the power to make decisions that will shape your own destiny. What does your heart tell you? Do you believe this engagement is something you can come to accept?"

Amy took a deep breath, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. She knew the importance of alliances and the role she had to play as a princess but her heart was confused as she had another in her mind. She needed to realize what she actually felt towards Orion but all hope seems to be lost. "I don't know what to do. I feel so conflicted and confused." She said with a sad expression on her face as she sat on Rose's bed. "Princess Amy," Rose said softly with a concerned look. She sat beside Amy as she embraced her and and assures her that everything is going to be fine.

A few hours later....

Chiron had returned from work but saw the house was quiet. Orion was on the couch all day still in deep thoughts and Meredith was nowhere to be seen. "I'm home" He said as he entered and closed the door behind him pulling off his boots and hanging his coat. Orion gave no response.

"Orion, where's Meredith? And were you here all day?" He asked in a concerned manner. Orion replied in a sad tone with a worried look on his face as he sat up. "I haven't seen her all day. She must be in her room. I think my presence is making things difficult for her. She barely comes downstairs anymore except when she's heading out and she doesn't really speak to me anymore. I have a lot on my mind and doing this is just making things worse. I am worried about her" He said.

Chiron heaved a heavy sigh as he heads towards her room. "I'll handle this" He said. He decided that it was time to step in, hoping to facilitate a resolution. knocking gently on the door to meredith's room, he called out softly, "meredith, may i come in?" meredith's voice sounded distant and pained as she replied, "yes, Father. please, come in."

Chiron stepped inside the room, finding meredith sitting on her bed, her face buried in her hands. taking a seat beside her, Chiron placed a gentle hand on meredith's back. "i can see that something is bothering you, meredith. would you like to talk about it?" meredith let out a deep sigh. "it's orion. i... i have feelings for him, Father. strong feelings. and seeing him so excited about meeting the princess made me realize how much i care for him. but i can't bring myself to tell him. what if he doesn't feel the same way? what if it ruins our friendship?"

Chiron listened with utmost empathy, understanding the delicate nature of the situation as he heaved a heavy sigh. "meredith, I have seen you fall in love with him ever since you were old enough to know what love is. It's understandable to feel that way and expressing your feelings can be scary, but it's also necessary for growth. keeping them bottled up might only cause more pain. It pains my heart to see you this way. Have you considered talking to orion about how you feel?"

Meredith wiped away a tear and looked at Chiron, her eyes filled with vulnerability. "i guess i'm just afraid of losing him, Father. Our friendship means everything to me, and i don't want to jeopardize it."

Chiron nodded. "i completely understand, Meredith. but sometimes, taking a leap of faith is necessary. You won't know how he truly feels unless you give him the opportunity to respond. and if he truly cares for you, even if he doesn't feel the same way romantically, he'll appreciate your honesty and cherish your friendship." He wiped off her tears as he embraced her. "My beautiful daughter, any man would be so lucky and honoured to have someone like you by his side." He tries to encourage her with a warm smile on his face. Meredith's face brightened up a little bit as she thanked Chiron and appreciates his support. She smiled at him.

A few minutes later, she walked downstairs to talk to him but he was nowhere to be found. She figured he would be in his room. Meredith took a deep breath, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had braved her fears and decided to have an open conversation with Orion about her feelings for him. As she walked towards his room, a smile played on her lips, her mind filled with hope for a romantic future.

Just as she reached his door, ready to knock, a loud knock knock echoed through the hallway, interrupting her stride. Meredith's heart sank, the timing couldn't have been worse. She hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to ignore the knock and proceed with her plan, but her kind nature kicked in.

Opening the door, she found a woman standing there with a worried expression. It was Antoinette, her work friend from the palace. She had always shown immense support and guidance and Meredith couldn't turn her away. "Antoinette, what's wrong?" Meredith asked with concern in her voice. Antoinette took a deep breath, glancing at the closed door behind Meredith. "I'm sorry for interrupting, Meredith, but the King has issued a Royal Order. I was sent to find you. We urgently need your help with some preparations for the upcoming Royal Dinner. It's a matter of great importance."

Sighing deeply, Meredith understood the weight of the situation. Chiron had always trusted her with crucial tasks, and she couldn't shirk her responsibilities. "Of course, Antoinette. Duty calls, as always. I'll be right there. Thank you for letting me know." As Meredith closed the door, disappointment washed over her. She knew that the interrupted moment with Orion could be a missed opportunity, but she also believed in fate's timing. Perhaps this interruption was meant to teach her patience and perseverance. With a heavy heart, Meredith hurriedly made her way to the palace, pushing her own desires aside for the time being. Deep down, she hoped that when the time was right, she would have another chance to open up to Orion and share her feelings with him.

Little did she know, fate had its own plans in store for her, and the interruption that had temporarily derailed her confession would lead to unexpected revelations and a deeper connection with the person she cherished.

Meanwhile, Orion was conflicted about where he could work and also a way to sort his feelings about the Princess. He decided to talk to his Uncle once more.

The wheels of Fate was already in motion as he would finally meet himself in a place he did not expect.