In Time And Memories

Chapter Eight

For the last few days, I've only been reading, studying, and sometimes staring outside of my window to watch the snow fall on the ground.

I'm completely isolated in my room with Rina. Ever since the day I was locked in here, I have never stepped foot outside. Only Rina was allowed to come and go since she has to attend to me.

And these past few days, I'm oblivious to the news outside and the things that have happened.

Time flew past like a wind. After a month of being detained, I can finally go out. There was still a bitter feeling when I went out of my room to go to the training grounds.

The maids and knights greeted me just like they used to whenever they see me before- as if the incident didn't happen. My mouth gaped when I looked up in the sky and reach my hand at the falling snowflake.

I don't like snow.

"My Lady, are you alright?" Rina asked me with concern. I turned to her- to show my smile and nodded.

I'm alright. Maybe.

I started to train with my sword again and did my usual routine. There are no knights around us unlike before but that's fine to me.

After some quite time of training, my body started to ache so I decided to take a break first.

"My Lady!" Someone called me during my rest. I turned my head to see who it is- Nathalia, one of the maids. She's waving an envelope while running towards my spot.

"What is it?"

"It's a letter from Lord Yzel," Nathalia answered and she handed me the letter. My forehead creased.

This is strange. My older brother, Yzel, was not used to sending me letters whenever he was away. I opened the letter but it only made me confused more.

The power of Malaia is what I've been looking for.

Those words are the only content of the letter. Words that don't have any context. Who's Malaia? What's with his or her power?

"Welcome back, My Lady!"

There's a commotion coming from the main entrance of the mansion. A carriage has just arrived and Celestia came out of it.

I don't feel anything at the sight of her. I just don't... Want to complicate things more and I'm tired. Dealing with her is enough to tire me.

"I heard that Lady Celestia has been visiting the palace in your stead, My Lady," Rina informed me.

That's the most ridiculous thing I've heard today that I just want to laugh. My hand clenched while holding my sword.

Can I have a rest from dealing with them?

I've had enough of these things that I just want to escape this place. Wasn't it enough the way they made me feel a month ago? She dare to visit the palace in my stead?!

"Tell them to ready a carriage. I'm going to visit the palace," I commanded. Rina bowed to me before leaving me on the training ground.

-

We arrived at the palace in no time. It's been a while since I visited and I hope that Prince Pierre has been doing well.

While entering the prince's palace, some maids are murmuring around. "I heard that the crown prince is back." My feet suddenly stopped moving when I heard them.

"It's been a while now, I think?"

"Well, his coming-of-age ceremony is in next month."

"I wonder if the nobles will come to his ceremony."

Some maids continued with their chatters. But hearing that the crown prince is back, I know that the nobles will cause an uproar again. I started to walk again towards the prince's sitting room.

"Your highness, Lady Azelaine has arrived," his head butler announced.

My worries melted away at the sight of him. A smile immediately formed on my lips and I run towards him. He is also smiling at me then greeted me with an embrace.

"I missed you so much." I buried my head on his chest as I tighten my arms around him. His hand went to my hair and caressed it. It feels so nice that it's comforting me- Like he always does every time we meet each other.

His lips touched my forehead. "How are you, My Lady? I heard that you've been busy," he said.

My eyes blinked. Maybe I should be glad that he's not aware of what happened in the mansion and the real reason why I couldn't visit him for such a long time. I don't know what should I tell him if ever the news arrived at him.

I smiled. "I'm sorry if I couldn't visit you, my prince." He nodded and fixed my hair.

"It's alright. Besides, I enjoyed your sister's company."

So it's true that Celestia has been visiting the palace and meeting the prince while I was detained. I never felt so betrayed like this before.

I don't hate Celestia- Before these things happened between us. She was making me annoyed or irritated but now's a bit different from that. And now, I think the word hate is a bit underrated.

She has been staying lowkey ever since she came into the duchy but why is she suddenly interfering with my business?

Since and when did Celestia meet the prince for the first time? Was it the banquet? My eyes went to the prince and stared at him. I'm aware that there are many girls got swooned by the prince's gentleness and striking visual.

And that made me realize, does Celestia likes the prince too?

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