Chapter 202: Their New Home
{Third Person}
The journey from the royal palace to the Alpha Prince’s private estate took a little over an hour.
Several cars travelled in a neat convoy through the city, accompanied by a number of security vehicles that maintained a discreet but watchful distance.
Amara sat quietly inside one of the cars.
Sonia occupied the front passenger seat beside the driver, while Mrs. Woods sat beside Amara in the spacious back seat.
For most of the journey, Amara found herself gazing out of the window.
The towering palace walls had long disappeared behind them, replaced by broad tree-lined roads, elegant neighbourhoods, and modern buildings that gradually became less crowded the farther they drove.
Although she appeared calm on the outside, anticipation quietly filled her heart. This would be their new home. Not a palace or residence surrounded by endless political schemes and hidden dangers.
Mrs. Woods noticed Amara’s wandering gaze and smiled gently. "Nervous, My Lady?"
Amara turned toward her and smiled. "A little," she admitted.
Mrs. Woods chuckled softly. "I think it’s excitement more than nervousness."
Amara gave a small nod. Perhaps it was.
The convoy continued forward until the city gradually gave way to quieter surroundings. The roads became less busy, and tall trees lined both sides of the avenue.
A few minutes later, the lead vehicle slowed. Large wrought-iron gates slowly opened before them. The convoy entered the estate.
Almost instinctively, Amara leaned closer to the window. The moment her eyes settled on the property beyond, her breath caught.
The residence stood proudly in the centre of the vast estate. It was neither extravagantly grand nor intimidating like the royal palace. Instead, it possessed an elegant charm that immediately made it feel like a place someone could truly call home.
Its light-colored exterior reflected the afternoon sunlight beautifully. Large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked carefully landscaped gardens, while flowering vines climbed portions of the walls.
Wide lawns stretched around the residence, with stone walkways winding gracefully through the grounds.
Everything looked warm, peaceful and welcoming. The car continued toward the front entrance.
Amara remained speechless. For reasons she could not explain, the place felt strangely familiar. Then, a memory surfaced.
She remembered the day Alexander had unexpectedly asked her what kind of house she liked. She had answered honestly and spoken about wanting somewhere peaceful.
Her eyes slowly swept across the estate once again. The resemblance was uncanny. No... She quickly shook the thought away.
Surely, she was overthinking it. There were countless beautiful estates in the kingdom. It couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the conversation they had shared.
The cars gradually came to a stop before the entrance.
Almost immediately, security personnel stepped out of the surrounding vehicles while the household staff began unloading luggage from the trunks.
Sonia got out first before opening the rear door for Amara and Mrs. Woods.
As Amara got out, her eyes instinctively wandered across the estate once more. Even standing in the driveway, she could not stop looking around.
Every direction seemed to reveal something beautiful, and the excitement she had tried to suppress throughout the journey quietly found its way onto her face.
Nearby, Alexander had already stepped out of his own car, and he happened to catch the expression. Their eyes met.
Without a word, Amara naturally walked over to him.
Just then, Barron climbed out of another car, stretched lazily, and looked toward the magnificent residence with a grin. "Home sweet home."
Without waiting for anyone to respond, he turned and led the way into the house. Alexander and Amara followed behind him.
After stepping into the spacious foyer, Alexander turned to Amara. "You’re free to look around the house while the staff unpack our things."
Amara looked at him in surprise. "...Really?"
He gave a slight nod. "Mm."
It wasn’t difficult to see what was on her mind. From the moment she stepped onto the estate, her eyes had wandered from one corner to another.
She had been quietly taking everything in, and it was obvious she wanted to explore the place herself.
Since the servants would need time to organize the house, there was no reason for her to remain indoors waiting.
Alexander shifted his gaze toward Barron. "Show her around."
Barron, who had only made it a few more steps, stopped and turned around. "Me?"
"You know this place best."
Barron nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose I do." Then a mischievous smile spread across his face. He tilted his head slightly. "But aren’t you curious to see your own house as well?"
Alexander’s expression barely changed. "I’ve already seen the architectural plans."
Barron laughed. "Blueprints and reality are two very different things."
Alexander looked completely uninterested. "I have work to do."
Barron sighed dramatically. "You just arrived."
Before Alexander could dismiss him again, he noticed Amara quietly looking at him. She didn’t say anything, but there was a quiet hope in her eyes that he might join them.
He noticed it too; therefore, after a brief silence, he relented, turning to Barron. "...Very well."
Barron’s eyebrows lifted in surprise, then he chuckled. "I honestly didn’t expect that."
Alexander ignored the remark, but Barron’s grin only widened. "Come on, then." He rubbed his hands together.
"I will give both of you the grand tour."
Barron led them through the front entrance first. The interior of the house was just as elegant as the exterior.
Natural light poured in through the tall windows, filling the spacious foyer with warmth. The polished wooden floors gleamed beneath their feet, while some modern furnishings blended comfortably with classic architecture.
The house carried an atmosphere that was refined, comfortable, and lived in.
As they walked, Barron casually pointed out the different rooms. "The study is over there."
He gestured toward a pair of dark wooden doors. "The library is on the second floor. There’s also a private lounge, a gym, a home office, and more guest rooms than anyone could possibly need."
Alexander listened without much interest. After all, he had approved the estate before purchasing it. Amara, however, took in every detail with quiet fascination.
Soon, Barron led them through a set of glass doors at the rear of the house. The moment they stepped outside, Amara’s eyes widened. Before her stretched an expansive flower garden.
Countless flowers bloomed in carefully arranged beds, their colours blending beautifully beneath the afternoon sunlight. Elegant pathways curved gracefully through the gardens, while climbing roses covered decorative arches overhead.
Gentle breezes carried the sweet fragrance of fresh blossoms through the air.
Amara slowly turned where she stood. It was breathtaking. Then... her breathing caught. Her dream. She remembered it vividly.
Alexander had been chasing her through a garden.
She had laughed as she ran beneath rose-covered arches while warm sunlight filtered through the trees.
She slowly looked around again. The winding paths, the arches, even the open lawn beyond them. Everything looked exactly the same.
Her heartbeat quickened.