"About your identity?", Edel released her wrist. The lady just realized he's been holding her. "Your Highness. My apologies that it is something I cannot discuss with you. You may chop off my head if you want to", she said with a serious tone. "Neit...
"Your Highness, I am hoping you would consider talking to Lady Kirstein in your study place and not your chambers. The knights are watching and also the servants", Avneil went closer to whisper. Edel turned around and saw Raziela's troubled expression. "I will be responsible for my action", the Crown Prince stopped in front of his room. "Learn to hold your horses. I believe your sister saw you ripping a woman's dress before", he sighed. Edel flushed and gave him a slight push. "We will talk in my room for privacy", he looked at Raziela to explain the reason why they had to talk inside his room.
Crown Prince's Room
Edel closed the curtains and sat on his chair. There is a table in the middle of the room. "I don't want to impose, Your Highness. By this time, my father might be looking for me. Sir Cayden just arrived and it will be rude for me not to welcome him", Raziela stood in front of the door. "Take a seat, Lady Kirstein. You are here as my guest and not someone who is to guard the door", the Crown Prince pointed at the couch.
Raziela saw a pot of tea. "Shall I pour you some tea, Your Highness?", she asked. "Lady Raziela, you are here as my guest", Edel repeated. "Your Highness, you are someone who has yet to choose a candidate for the next Empress. If my presence would bring an uproar, I beg to leave the room. I will not forgive myself for the shame I would cause", the lady bowed her head. Edel stood from the chair and marched towards Raziela. He pinned the lady on the door and looked straight into her eyes. "You are my guest. Which part of it don't you understand? Take a seat", he said with a slightly annoyed tone. The fact that the lady is so concerned about his image makes him feel irritated as he never gave thought to why the lady of the house would sacrifice her dignity to protect that which he loves the most.
Edel led her to the couch and sat with her. "You were so much bothered a while ago and I understood why you responded to my question", the Crown Prince was referring to Raziela seemingly agreeing to be wedded to him. "I would be asking the same question, Your Highness. It had been clear to me that my presence is repulsive to you. I called off the engagement party and put you in a situation where you have to look for another candidate to be the next empress", Raziela had her head bowed.
"You're not from the North and yet you carry yourself low this time", Edel noticed how low she bowed her head. "My apologies, Your Highness. I have trained to be on my best behavior in front of the Royal Family to gain approval but here I am, unworthy to be in your presence", the lady gulped and braced her arm. "What is it? What help do you want from me, Lady Kirstein?", Edel lifted her chin and saw a pair of teary eyes.
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Edel immediately hugged the lady.
If getting married to the Crown Prince is my best option to stay with my brother and father, would it be fair for him?
I told him that he was to marry someone he chose and loved.
"Your Highness, do you think you can love me?", she burrowed her face on his arm. "You're someone who is not difficult to love, Lady Kirstein. If you're asking if you are lovable, I will not hesitate to say yes", Edel answered. "Then, will you choose me?", Raziela closed her eyes. There was a moment of silence. Edel gently pushed him and it broke Raziela's heart. She knew it. She's the one who broke the engagement and she is asking to take back her decision.
"Whether you are in your disguise or Lady Kirstein, you don't fail to surprise me. If only you knew how relieved I was to know that the knight I had always been with was you. Because during that time, I admit that I was falling for-", the door opened and interrupted the two. "Get away from the Crown Prince, dear sister", Gaius made his way in. The knights were trying to stop him but there were thrown on the ground.
"Time to go home, Raziela", the man said with a stern voice. "I am still having a conversation with the lady, Sir Kirstein", Edel stood. "My apologies, Your Highness. I want to make sure my sister knows how to listen to the next head of the house. I don't want to repeat what I just said", Gaius said with a cold tone. Raziela gulped and stood slowly walking towards her brother. "Raleigh is waiting for you outside. Let me just give my greetings to His Highness", Gaius closed the door behind him as soon as the lady went out.
"You left your post for many months and now you're here. Have you decided to work in the palace?", Edel felt intimidated by the man's aura. He's taller than him but with the same physique. Gaius forced a smile. "Your Highness. You should forget whatever feelings you have left for my sister. This will be the last time you will see her", the man gave a bow. Edel's feet moved and soon his hand was grabbing Gaius' shoulder who was about to exit the room. "Your sister came to me asking for help. You're far stronger than me and I admit that. It's just that there might be something that I can also do for her", the Crowned Prince furrowed his brow. "You're right, Your Highness. I am stronger than you so how do you think you can help her? What are you better than me? Power? I can have it if I want to", Gaius grabbed the Crowned Prince's hand and gently dropped it.
Carriage
Raziela tried to peek into her brother's face and saw how serious he was. "I didn't mean to barge into the Crown Prince's chamber. I apologize if it caused our family's integrity. I will make sure to make amends", the lady said with a soft voice. The window slid open and someone's hand drew the curtain. "We're almost out of the capital's gate, Gaius. I advise you to reconsider", Raleigh said with a concerned voice. "My sister survived the most unforgiving winter in the North, what else would she be cowering with", the man opened the door all of a sudden and threw her sister. The door from another carriage beside them also had the door opened.
The white-haired lady tumbled on the ground but the door was already closing. She was able to lip-read what his brother said before being separated. Her heart pounded and she was able to stand but strong hands grabbed her to take her seat on the couch. Her eyes widened and was horrified to see such a familiar face.
"We'll be traveling for days so let's try not to kill each other", Glen gave a smile.
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