𝐂𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐄 ＃ YOUR THRONE. [✓]

CHAPTER 09: RECKLESS

[TW: VERBAL ABUSE (?)
SKIP DEKIS' POV IF UNCOMFORTABLE
WITH SUCH TOPIC.]

I VISIBLY HALTED , my hand stopped from placing the berry in my mouth. "Is it confirmed?"

I questioned firstly, placing the berry back on the pristine platter. Eva nodded in affirmation. "Certainly, Your Highness. Lady Rocielle had said it herself,"

A bitter smile made it's way to my lips, eating the berry that was supposed to be sweet. Yet felt indifferent to me, "How does that concern me?"

Eva took a brief glance at me and examined my features, she felt like there was a need to tell me. Eva noticed the blooming feelings I had for the son of the Duke,

"If it perhaps upset you, Please accept my apologies Your Highness. I didn't mean to hurt her Highness with such news," Eva bowed her head, openly expressing her sincerity. "Lift your head, Eva. I do not mind, although that seemed to make my mood sour a bit."

"My apologies, Your Highness." Eva apologized, as I shook my head. I leaned against my cushioned-chair, diverting my gaze elsewhere.

I had only snapped out of my trance when I saw figures approaching us, I lifted my head to fix my posture.

The Crown Prince of the kingdom of Azareah were approaching us, it sparked my curiosity as to why. I noticed he was with someone to whom I assumed was a assistant of his,

"I greet Her Highness, the lovely star of the Vasilios empire." Octavius quipped, with a charming smile. His assistant visibly cringed behind him, nonetheless trying to mask it. "Your Highness, what brings you here?"

"I had came here to gain permission to use the training grounds." Octavius spoke, as he gave me a eye-closed smile. "Granted, Your Highness. Such minor matters doesn't need permission, and you are a esteemed guest."

"Who am I to decline?" I smiled, the atmosphere around me seemingly lightening up. "I thought you'd deny it but it doesn't seem like that—"

"If I may ask a question, Your Highness." Octavius started, I gestured for him to continue. "Pray tell, Does Her Highness do archery?"

I surveyed him for a moment, noticing the mischievous glint in his persian-blue orbs. 'How did he come to such a conclusion?'

The training grounds here are much smaller compared to the Main-palace, and lacks equipment for Knights to use.  The knights rarely train here too unless someone is fixing the training grounds; So I can't use that reason,

Although I don't nessecarily show my skills, but I don't deny that I do archery. My gaze darted towards Octavius, and gave him a nod.

Octavius's eyes gleamed in delight, as if looking excited. "Can Her Highness show her skills to us?" He asked, trying to mask the excitement within his tone.

"Ah, should I?" I muttered to myself lowly, Eva turning to take a glimpse at me. "If that's what you wish, then alright." I smiled, as I led them to the training grounds.

-

DEKIS ENTERED THE DUKE'S OFFICE, he had called him there today. Dekis started to ponder on the way, as he bumped into his younger sister. "Medi.."

Medea raised her head, arching a brow at her older brother. "You were called in by father right? You should go already, and don't waste your time." She coldly quipped, walking past Dekis.

The male can only furrow his eyebrows, lately he felt like everyone was questioning him with their cynical gazes. Dekis let out a bothered sigh, before nearing his so-called father's office.