Xiaoven Royal Au

7 (rewritten)

v



When the butler left, I sat near the fountain and sighed. I couldn't stop myself from thinking about what the other princess  told me. I know it's better to focus on my goals for now, but I can't ignore it. If Xiao was bound to have real love for me... wouldn't I hurt him? That was the opposite of my goal... which is to make him happy--and make him feel like he's appreciated. But what can I do? I don't love him at all...

I stood up. There's no use in sitting in here and acting like my mind wasn't in chaos. I looked for Xiao even if I just finished talking to him. I searched the whole castle, slowly familiarizing with the environment. There was no sign of the prince. I even checked his room, and then, I smiled. The flowers I gave him was in a small pot beside his bed--despite it being crushed. He appreciates it, after all.

I opened a room, this, I wasn't so sure what it was.

"I don't know... we'll have to hide it for as long as we can. She'll find out soon, especially when she comes back. But... there will be a way for this to stop, somehow. And that envolves Alatus's relationship with Venti."



"How are you so sure of this, Beidou?"



"It's in the prophecy."

"And how long are you going to rely on that? How are you so sure you're not putting any of their lives in danger? Beidou, we've already tried. Not once, but twice. You know what Aether had to do to live. Yet nothing happened, nothing changed. It's best that we just save them from what can happen and stop this..."

"That's not a reason to give up and move on. Liyue does not deserve that... the prophecy didn't happen for no reason."

My forehead creased from confusion. What are they talking about, and why does it feel like I am heavily involved? Does this mean more responsibility for me?



What is the prophecy...



"I apologize, your highness. But the princesses requested that no should go in this room for the meantime."



"Ah! I was just looking for the prince."



"Prince Alatus was on patrol again since there has been reports of new camps of treasure hoarders around the castle. He might be investigating, too--but he might be back before dinner."



"Thank you." I had a silly idea in mind that might just help the prince out. I sneaked out of the castle, havving to climb the tall walls just to leave in a secret. Not that I was trying to escape, I just didn't want to go with anyone right now. I wasn't truly familiar with Liyue, but I was able to go to the castle to steal, so I know some ways.



Though, the excitement in me faded when I fell on the ground from a boar attack. Now that I think about it, what I'm doing was very dangerous. If only I had brought a weapon--but they didn't let me wield at least a sword, so that means that I'm not really allowed to, am I?



It was understandable. I'm still a stranger, after all. They might be afraid that I'll use those weapons in order to harm them. And, I'm a princess. And a princess focuses more on proper etiquette. But still, I am a man. I know how to fight. After all... I had to, so I could protect my family from him.

I was able to kill the boar but I just left it there--on normal days, I would've taken it home for us to eat. But there was no need for that anymore.



I can't be seen by anyone so I was playing really safely, which was quite fun. I really missed exploring the world.



"You've already been caught, stop resisting and cooperate. Where are the others hiding?" when I finally heard the familiar voice, I hid behind bushes and spied on them. There was Xiao, in front of a man who's held by the guards. He was... cool. I'm so jealous of him! Is he aware of how many girls he can pull just from doing that? Was he even aware of how awesome he was? I am so damn jealous! I want to be able to do that too!