Duke Lucian started to stride across the room towards my direction. What do I do?! I thought to myself, in panic I lifted up my dress and started to walk away from him and into the crowd. But then, a man blocked my path and stood in front of me, "Greetings Princess! Welcome to Eron, I heard a lot of things about you." He bowed his head. Well, it is truly nice of him to be the first to strike a conversation, however I am in a bit of a hurry here. "Haha! Interesting. Then if you would excuse me…" I then walked past him leaving him flustered, and took a quick glance back at the duke to know how far he is. As I looked back, I saw the duke in the same situation as me, surrounded by countless noble ladies, squealing and chattering. Good now that his distracted it's time to escape! I thought to myself, as I headed towards the balcony to avoid him.
"Phew… Finally, some fresh air." Letting out a sigh as I stepped out to the balcony. "I completely forgot that I would be meeting those two here." I leaned on the railings as I looked up the starry sky to enjoy the night. I then took a deep breath to relax my mind and body from the noisy and bustling ballroom.
After a while, I decided to go back inside and finish the rest of the evening socializing and make connections among the nobles to search for information about Zel. As I was about to go inside my dress got caught on the climbing flowers tiny branches, I reached down to free my dress from it. However, the bracelet that I was wearing was caught in the branches and snapped out of my arm, falling down on one of the bushes.
"That's my sister's gift! Ugh. Why is everything not going my way today!" I shouted seethed with anger and frustration. Now how do I get it back? I looked around to see if there is anyone nearby. "Ok coast is clear." I whispered to myself, as I took off my shoes and leaped down the balcony. I quickly searched for the bracelet among the bushes, with my hair getting caught on the branches and collecting leaves. After a while of searching, I finally found the bracelet! It was hanging on the bush's branch. I grabbed it and then prepared myself to jump up the balcony. However, with this heavy dress I found out that climbing up was much harder than just jumping down. I decided to use another way––It took a longer time as I climbed sloppily up the vines, dragging my dress.
After I reached the balcony, I patted my dress to get rid of the dirt and brushed off all of the leaves and twigs from my hair. I turned around to get my shoes just to see them missing from the spot that I have left them. "What the––I'm sure I left it here" I mumbled to myself, patting the place that I have left my shoes. I then heard a voice coming from behind me. "Oh my… How can a lady leave her fancy shoes in a place like this? It looks quite expensive, isn't it?"
Its Raymond! Why is he here?! Wait did he see the whole thing?! "Well, uh… uhm… Greetings to the great sun of the kingdom, your Majesty." First, I greeted him gracefully with a curtsy. "Uh… How long have you been here?" And then I asked him a question in a very respectful manner. If he found out I could jump from this high up and land perfectly without any broken bones he would be suspicious. As well as hearing me shout about my sister's gift, as people know that the Kingdom of Flarite only has one princess.
"Hmm… Not that long––I only saw you climbing this balcony using the vines with great enthusiasm." He replied with a very sarcastic smile. Well, he didn't see everything, but he did see most of the embarrassing part. That is a relief. "Haha. Well, you see, I accidentally fell off the balcony…" I said to him as a type of excuse. "Falling off the balcony you say?" he looks at me at a suspicious manner. "Then how come your shoes are neatly placed in the side, seemingly on purpose." He asked. "W-well, I was sitting on the railings! Yes! I actually wanted to sit on the railings to enjoy the night breeze but I accidentally slipped and fell. Luckily there were overgrown bushes on the ground as well as my dress was thick enough to catch my fall. I then climbed up without calling for help because I didn't want the knights to see me in that situation. Haha…" I blabbered my way to escape this dilemma. "Is that so…" Please buy it, please buy it. "What a terrible night you must've had then." He answered, indifferent.
"Then could I perhaps get my shoes back now?" I asked politely. "Hmmm… It seems that I don't want to. But maybe a beautiful lady such as yourself can convince me." Moving closer towards me, while he lifts up my shoes in front of me as if telling me to choose. Oh shit. I know where this is going. I will not risk my dignity as a man for shoes! I slowly pushed his hand and backed away–––wait! Will turning him down like this spark his interest? No right? If it were me, it wouldn't, if a women left me her shoes, I would just laugh it off and move on. I mean who in their right mind would have an interest in women shoes in the first place! Agh! But I don't have any other choice right now. It's either leaving without the shoe or be with him throughout the night. Of course, I would pick the latter but that might also backfire.
"Well, princess?" Agh! Keeping my dignity as a man comes first before everything else. I'll just lay low for a while after this. With that I quickly turned him down, "Ahhh… well you see I have to retire early tonight since I have much to do tomorrow. Haha. You may keep the shoe as a memento or something…" However, Raymond quickly followed up another question, "What activity is it that you are in quite a hurry to retire for the night?" In panic, I replied anything that came to mind, "Oh yes! Activities like; shopping, dressing up, swords, training, a stroll, well you know–a lot of girly stuff your majesty." Giving him a wide smile, "I should get going now then! If you would excuse me, have a good night your majesty!"
After saying my farewells, I quickly turned around and rushed towards ballroom, looking for sir Windsor. I found him resting on the couch near the cocktails, I then walked towards him with wide steps, stopping in front of him. "Your highness, where have you been? You missed the first dance." he stated while looking at me, worried. "Commander, I wish to retire early tonight." I said to him, still catching my breath. "Pardon?" He replied, flustered as he has no clue on what is going on. I grabbed his hand and dragged him with me out of the ballroom, "Let's just go." We then went out the ballroom and into the palace's hallways and to the courtyard outside the castle where the carriages are located.
Sir Windsor and I then boarded the carriage then headed out towards the West palace. "I've been meaning to ask this your highness, why do you not have your––"
"Do not say a word." I replied with a menacing voice, glaring at him. Creating a heavy atmosphere inside the carriage. This silence then continued until we reached the west palace. Sir, Windsor then escorted me to my quarters. "Well then, good night your highness." He said his goodbyes as he bowed and left the room.
"Haaa…" I let out a sigh as I laid down my bed. It was a very tiring night, I didn't know that I would be dealing with those two tonight, I mean I would have met them later on but isn't this to fast? Have they caught on already… No, that's absurd, maybe it's all just a coincidence. Well, I hope so.
–––
Meanwhile, in the ballroom balcony, Lucian called, "Your Majesty! There you are. Your attendants have been looking for you."
His majesty uttered, "Ahhh… Duke Wynterton. Quite a lovely evening, isn't it?" "Yes." Lucian responded, "May I ask what is it your Majesty is holding?" Raymond then lifted his hand and waved the shoes that Caleb left. "You mean this? Well, just a souvenir left by a beautiful young lady." Lucian replied in sarcasm, "My quite a bizarre thing for a lady to do. I see that she is wanting for your attention." Raymond then shakes his head, "No, I don't think that's the case." Rather than attention––it is more like a lizard cutting its tail to run away. Her face looked more terrified than delighted with the thought of spending the night with me. He thought as he let out a chuckle.
"Well, I see that she already caught your interest. Poor lady…" Lucian breathed out a long sigh. Raymond then shifted the topic, "So, is there any progress about the spy?", creating a more serious atmosphere. "Well, I have found out that the fabric was from the shawl of the palace maids' uniforms. Since, the palace maids' uniform are different from other households it is no mistaking that it is from the palace. And have concluded that the spy is most likely a woman." Lucian replied. "Have you found anyone suspicious among them?" Raymond asked. "None, I have checked all of the servants, however none of them showed any suspicion. As well as, harboring any magical energy." Lucian then let out a sigh of frustration, scrunching his eyebrows. "I see." Raymond then put down the shoes on the railings. "Princess Ellaine of Flarite… Investigate her––I have a feeling that she's connected to this." He then started to Head back into the ballroom. "Understood your Majesty." Lucian nodded and prepared to leave until Raymond stopped his steps. "Ahh… right. Since you will be retiring for the night. Could you tell the butler to put those shoes in a box." He said as he looked back to Lucian with a smile. "Thank you, dear brother." As he went inside the ballroom.
Lucian left alone then picked up the shoes. "Haa… What will he do this time."
–––
"Good morning, your highness." Claire Greeted me with much joy in such early in the morning… Somethings up. "Well good morning to you too." I replied with a smile. I have to find out what it is. "My, your highness, I think you should wash up and change. The other noble ladies invited us for some tea at the garden this afternoon. Let us go for stroll!" Oh… I see she just wants a walk. Why'd she has to scare me like that with that big smile on her face. "Ok then." I replied, then headed to the bathroom to take a bath. Then after an hour passed, I am finishing getting ready as Claire is almost done with styling my hair, we then heard a knock on the door. "Princess, may I come in." I see it's the butler. "Yes, you may." I answered. What business does he have in quarters though?
The butler then opened the door and went inside towards me. Putting his hand on his chest he gracefully bowed and proceeded to greet me. "What is this about?" I asked. He answered with a smile on his face, "His Majesty has called for you."
He WHA–– "Oh my! We will be right there shortly." Claire quickly replied, putting up a smile. After hearing her reply the butler then bowed, "Then I shall inform his majesty." As he bid farewell and left.
"Your highness, what did you do?" She asked, knowing that I did something wrong. After Claires question I started to have a breakdown, "I don't know?! I may have talked to him last night. But it wasn't that big of a deal!" Began saying any type of excuse that came to mind. "Well, whatever it is became a reason for him to call for you. So, I suggest you get ready, here let me finish your hair." Picking up the brush and pins and styled my hair in a hurry. Seriously what does he want from me now?!
–––
A palace knight knocks on the King study's door, Raymond puts down the papers he was holding, it seems that he was signing paperwork. "What is it?" He asked. The knight informed him that, "Princess Ellaine has arrived at the guest room, your majesty." Raymond then took off his glasses, "Alright I'll be right over." As he stood up and made his way towards the guest room.
–––
In the guest room where Caleb is; What do I do?! Have I done anything that caused suspicion? I'm sure I haven't… I sat there for what felt like an hour anxious on what could be the reason why the king called for me. Seeping tea to ease my mind. Until one of the knights outside the door announced, "His majesty the sun of the Empire is here!" I then quickly stood up from my sit as I watched the doors open. I lowered my head and did a curtsy as I greeted him. "Greetings to your majesty." He then nodded his head and smiled, "Greetings to you too. Now take a sit." He gestured his hand as he sat down.
"Uhm… May I ask why you called for me your highness?" I asked him cautious of my words. "Well, I see that the princess is quite curious." He chuckled. Who wouldn't be curious in this kind of situation?! You're the one who called for me! Haa… I wish I could tell him that. "It seems that the princess has left something important last night so I came here to give it back to you." Raymond then gestured to his butler. Which then put a box on the table in front of us. "May the lady have the honors of opening it?" He asked me with a smile. I then opened the box and to my surprise––This guy is fucking crazy. Trying to keep a composed expression. "I-I see. My, I didn't think that his highness would give this back to me personally." Putting up a forced smile. "I am happy that the princess liked it." He replied still smiling at me with that irritable face.
"Haha. I am very much delighted thank you your majesty… Now if that is all I shall be taking my leave, Ill instruct my maid to bring these shoes in my quarters. So, if you won't mind, I will be taking my leave." I then curtsied and proceeded to escape from this whole situation. "Wait a minute princess." Raymond stopped me in the midst of my escape. "Would you care to join me for lunch?" He asked with that bright smile on his face. "Aha.ha.ha. I don't––."
"Hmm? What is it princess?" Raymond with that smiling expression of his, looking at me as if saying that I can't turn down this request. " T-that would be great. " Hesitantly, I replied. In the end, I couldn't refuse him.
–––
"I heard that the princess prefers vegetables over meat. So, I instructed the chefs to cook a lot of vegetable dishes." He said as he smiles at me. Awkwardly, I replied, "Haha… Thank you very much." Look at him smiling all bubbly, I could practically see the flowers around him, Lucky bastard. What's his problem though, why would he invite me for lunch if he only meant to return my shoes, Ha! It seems like his interes– "That is quite an interesting taste, princess… Since many nobles prefer luxurious meals, I could say that you are quite different from the others." Interesting and different in the same sentence? In my experience that's––No way! "No!" I screamed in panic. Surprised, Raymond paused looking at me with a bewildered expression. "I-I mean no, Hahaha. I actually prefer meat like all the other nobles!" Trying my best to get out of this right now. I swear whoever leaked out my food preferences should lose their job and die on the streets!
"Is that so? Well since you are a part of the royal family it is a very elegant taste. As expected for a princess." Keeping his composure, he quickly brushed off the topic. "Damn it." I muttered to myself. "What is it princes?"
"Nothing!" I quickly replied, changing the subject "Oh look! The foods here shall we eat!"
As we started eating Raymond added in a gentle––sad tone, "It is quite a shame that there are a lot of vegetable dishes, since I thought that the princess liked them."
"No, it is fine… It wasn't your fault your Majesty, even though I don't like them I would still eat them." I then replied in a polite manner.
The truth is, I truly prefer vegetables over meat. As a soldier that always fought on wars––meat is a very important food to get energy from, but I have been more accustomed on eating vegetables, as it is the easiest and most common food supply when fighting through wars, just as surviving with boiled potatoes whenever food supply gets cut off since it is the easiest food to prepare and acquire. Vegetables are the food that I would always eat through tough times. As the many battles I fought and won, my body just grew attached to the taste.
But I would never tell him that. I quickly finished my meal stuffing my self of the delicious food and got the hell out of there. It was a truly traumatic experience; I recommend to never do it again. As I was walking on my way back to my quarters, a maid stopped me from my tracks. It seems that she is one of the servants of Princess Mira. She politely greeted me with a bow, "Good afternoon princess, the noble ladies are waiting for you in the garden." Confused I asked her, "What do you mean? Whose waiting for me? Why are they though?"
She then replied and reminded me of the tea party that I was supposed to attend to. After the meeting with the King, I was truly exhausted however, Claire reminded me this morning that I should at least show my face in this party. So, I followed her as she led the way towards the Gazebo with a lot of noble ladies sitting on the table, chatting with each other.
"I have brought princess Ellaine." The maid announced as she bowed and greeted the ladies. One then stood up, "My! It is such an honor to meet you princess." She said in a joyous manner as she covered her face with her fan. "My name is Mira Gwang of the kingdom of Jinro." Introducing herself with a graceful bow. I see the Kingdom of the East huh? The king of Jinro sent our Kingdom a request for an arrange marriage just a few days after I returned from the war, isn't that, right? Now it is quite a surprise that my potential wife is here among the ladies' part of the Queen selection. This is interesting.
I then let out a smile, "Nice meeting you too." Well, she is truly beautiful just as the painting. Being the princess of Jinro truly makes her suited for my position as the crown prince of Flarite.
"Please princess take a sit." She then gestured on the empty sit across the table, "My, thank you." I replied, as I sat down.
"Princess, I heard that you had a meal with his majesty a while ago, is that why your late for the party?" One of the noble ladies asked me as she sipped her tea. "Ahh… Yes, I am verry sorry for I am late." I politely replied to her. Haa… It's just a few hours ago and they already knew about it? Agh. I just want to get this over with.
"My! No need for apologies princess, we truly understand! Since it is his majesty." Another one replied. Then a lady with orange hair to my left asked me with sparkle in her eyes, "So? How was it?" A little confused, "Pardon?" I asked. Then a lady right beside her answered, "Oh you know! Taking with his majesty?" Not knowing what to reply I just said, "Good… I gue–" Until one of them cut me off with, "I knew it! His majesty truly is wonderful!" With that the ladies started chattering and praising his majesty.
Would you look at that, these ladies seem to be fawning over the king. Look at them, he could pick from these many women and yet he chose to have a meal with me! Somethings really wrong with his head. However, with the way he was acting earlier seemed strange. He was smiling and asking me a lot of things but it didn't seem like he cared. Is he hiding something?
"Well, just a meal with his majesty isn't that much to brag about… His majesty gifted me this ring last night. As we spent the night together." A lady with dark green hair bragged as she showed the ring that she was wearing. It looks like it was crafted with great skill and detail as well as the materials used for it is top quality. "My yes! It is truly wonderful! It seems that you are the one lady his majesty favors the most." One of the noble ladies agreed. And with that the chattering shifted about her and his majesty.
Looking at me with a smirk on her face, "However, it seems that princess Ellaine didn't have that good of an experience with his majesty as she was only served with vegetables in their or as I heard." I then nodded and replied, "Well that is true." It wasn't a good experience at all, being with his majesty was uncomfortable. With that one line the entire atmosphere shifted. As I looked at the ladies faces seemingly every single one of them shows that I am of no use to them anymore.
Then in a sad tone, "Ehhhh… is that so. I feel sorry for you princess." The lady in front of me said looking at me as she holds her laughter back. "Well, I guess his majesty felt sorry for you as you are not being taken that good care of with just one maid." One of them snickered in the background. Oh right, I forgot all about this. Before I left to Eron my sister taught me something I should never forget.
"Brother you should always remember this okay? The only reason why the women who treated you well and are happy to be with you is because you are a handsome man with power. It is either they fancy you, respect you, or simply you are higher than them. But now that you are a woman… All of the noble ladies are deadly flowers, when it comes to getting power and social status, they are ready bring each other down if given a chance."
To be continued…t