Over the next few days, Dorian became a constant present. It wasn't intrusive but yet impossible to ignore.
He asked questions to Alina during the meals in front of everyone, began walking the main garden at the same hour she crossed it on her way to the sewing circle.
He gifted her another book. The book "Eastern Love Poetry Collection" came to Alina with a note:
The third poem reminded me of our conversation.
It wasn't an overt gesture. He didn't demand her attention….instead, he had made his presence feltnatural and inevitable.
Everyone in the castle noticed. The sewing circle was the first one to talk about it.
"The prince gave you a poetry book?" Marguerite asked.
"Yes," Alina replied. "It's an eastern verse meant for cultural exchange."
"Cultural exchange doesn't come with handwritten notes about what reminded him of you."
"The kitchen staff says he asked what you like to eat," Evelyn added. "He wanted a list."
