Music box

Just as Scarlett had guessed, the prince had chosen a cruel way to quench his thirst for revenge. He wanted to instill knowledge in his victim through the most difficult readings, and the most complicated formulas, while giving her impossible tasks.

Jonathan at first thought Scarlett would defiantly play that she didn't understand the material… then pretty slowly realized that the girl was really unfit to accommodate these studies. As he refined the language of tests and readings, Scarlett also noticed that the sessions were becoming more and more successful.

They studied together 3 times a week and took part in knight training together for another 3 days. They didn't even notice, and barely 2 months later, spending time with each other became part of their daily lives.

Jonathan's personality became more and more pleasant as a result of the girl presence, and more and more people noticed the positive change.

Although there were still crashes after a year, there was clearly a great relationship between the two children.

When Scarlett turned 12, Jonathan also attended the birthday banquet.

The guests were all amazed, as the presence of the Crown Prince confirmed the fact that the Lockharts would continue to be the right hand of the imperial family.

"John!"

Scarlett ran to her friend in a pale pink ruffled dress, that lenght reached in the front to the knee and back to the floor.

"I already told you not to call me that."

Blushing, the boy said, who really liked the girl's direct style, but didn't want to admit it. As he looked through the beauty radiating from innocence, his ears flushed. He pressed a box into her hand.

"Happy Birthday!"

"Thanks!"

Scarlett took the gift with a smile and bright eyes, and Jonathan tried to pretend he didn't care about her opinion. He turned his head and looked stealthily at the girl only to see the reaction.

"Oh, that's beautiful! Thanks!"

It was a music box carved in detail. Scarlett hugged the boy

"Um ..."

Jonathan just cleared his throat in embarrassment, then by the time he got the chance to hug the flower-scented angel, Scarlett stepped back.

"What is this song? Beautiful."

"Well… this is the Moonlight princess' lullaby."

"I never thought you would love such tragically in love piece. Or did you just choose something from the shop window? "

"It wasn't… it was… my mother's favorite piano piece. Although I have no memories of her, the servants who knew her, said she always sat in the garden and played this song on the piano. "

"Oh, I see."

She blushed completely. She knew it was a very personal piece of information… and the fact that Jonathan shared this with her, was a sign that she was important to him.

"I see you haven't managed to get your shoes ragged yet."

The boy remarked, diverting the subject.

"No, I haven't had time for a single dance yet."

"Then … May I?"

Jonathan held out his hand.

"Ah… that's not a good idea…"

Scarlett smiled a little nervously as she poked her hair.

"I'm not a good dancer…"

"It's okay, I'm a great dancer, and it's a pleasure to discover another of your weaknesses anyway."

"Rude."

"Let's go."

He took her hand and led her to the parquet. The band just started playing the next song. As the boy in his white, gold-stitched suit pulled the beautiful red-haired celebrant to him, all eyes were fixed on them. For a moment it seemed as if angels were dancing as the decorative light shone on them.

Then the moment flickered and Scarlett took the first step on Jonathan's feet.

"Uh .."

The prince smiled with clenched teeth, trying to cover up the pain. Scarlett noticed this and was even more embarrassed, so she managed to take two more steps to her partner's feet.

"Are you doing it intentionally?"

He finally asked a little nervously.

"No, I'm really not!"

There were almost tears in her eyes. It was no accidental that her mother told her not to show off her knowledge of dancing and embroidery… The audience was also beginning to notice her missed steps. Then Jonathan pulled the girl even closer, who weighed on the prince's feet.

"But…"

She was about to object when…

"Don't worry, you're not that heavy."

Scarlett blushed completely. Her face was pretty much covered with hair, but Jonathan could still see it. For the remaining few minutes, they danced with Scarlett standing at the prince's feet all the way. Of course, that was just enough for the gossip-hungry audience.

When the dance was over, the two young noble headed for the terrace.

"Scarlett!"

Avery spoke after her.

"Oh, Avery!"

The blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty stood in front of them in a snow-white dress, with a blue ribbon in her hair and waist.

Her milky-white skin, red lips, fragile figure deservedly made her famous among the nobles… not to mention her abilities. Many considered her a great wife candidate.

"Your Majesty, I present my genius sister, Avery Mila Lockhart!"

"I'm honored to meet you, Your Majesty."

She bowed.

"Nice to meet you, Miss."

The prince did not pay much attention to the sister, although he immediately noticed the contrast between the two girls. Scarlett just radiated life, warmth… while Avery… reminded her much more of himself. Perfection, etiquette, knowledge… and loneliness.

Jonathan couldn't stay anymore, he had to leave for the palace soon after, so he said goodbye.

As he rested his head against the window in the carriage, he remembered her soft skin, the silkiness of her hair…, and the delicate scent. Scarlett had been part of his life for almost 2 years… but today was the first time he could embrace her tightly. He couldn't get rid of the desire to feel the scarlet beauty in his arms again.