redamancy | enhypen

𝐭𝐰𝐨

chapter two

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hayan's room was brimming with people today.

the princess's room was huge to say the least, adorned with valuable paintings and decorated with special care by the queen herself, afterall, it was for her precious daughter. hayan herself didn't even have a say in it.

the maids were walking around the room preparing the luggage hayan would be taking with her on her journey. she didn't plan on bringing much aside from her daily necessities but seeing her maids working so diligently, concerned for their princess, she couldn't tell them that.

"her highness should definitely bring this dress", said one of them.

"no, she must bring this instead, it'll suit her more", another maid perked up.

"what do you mean? it's definitely the purple dress that'll suit her best", a third one joined in and soon it turned into an argument.

they started a small bickering, hayan and mina glanced at each other, hayan sent eye signals to mina, 'stop them somehow.'

but mina shook her head, 'it's not something i can resolve.'

hayan mentally sighed at mina and left with no choice, spoke up.

"girls, i appreciate all the help but i think you've put enough in my luggage."

hearing hayan speak, they quieted down and they took a good look at the luggage. overflowing with dresses, it wouldn't even close at this rate.

"her highness does look good in every colour, so we can put any dress, i guess", one of them sheepishly scratched her head.

all of them simultaneously cleared their throats.

"your highness, we apologise. we just want your journey to be as comfortable as possible", one of the senior maids spoke up.

"she's right, your highness. we won't even be there to accompany you."

one of them even sniffled,"who will get you ready every morning, who will do your hair?"

hayan was close to her maids, not as close as she was to mina but close enough that they'd speak comfortably around her. so, it wasn't a surprise to hayan when they showed their emotions and concern openly to her.

the sniffling girl was engulfed in a hug by hayan in an instant.

"you know i'll be able to take care of myself. plus mina would be with me 24/7, don't worry. i'll be fine."

she hugged the rest of them as well, and it turned into a group hug, "you're all excused now, go rest for today."

they all left after bidding her a good evening.

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the day for hayan's departure arrived. the palace was chaotic to say the least.

the king summoned riki and mina who will be accompanying hayan on her journey.

initially, hayan's parents made a list of attendees and knights to assign them as assistants on her trip. but hayan refused saying she wanted to visit the kingdoms under a low profile.

according to her, it'd put her out of the public's eye, thus, there won't be unnecessary attention on her.

if people knew that the heir of sapphirus was out and about, roaming the streets, that too, in another kingdom, there are lots that could happen to hayan. it'd risk her safety, most of all.

the reason hayan insisted on this visit was not only because she wanted to get away from the palace, she knew that she would inherit the throne sooner or later and rule her own kingdom one day. so, she wanted to understand how the common people live.

moreover, she could learn more about the people's lifestyle if she happened to experience it first-hand and even understand their grievances. thus, helping her in becoming a great leader.

with reluctance, her parents agreed to her and she thought to herself.

maybe i do have some convincing skills? who knew they'd agree?

"you must stay by the princess' side at all times and most importantly, risk your life to protect her, if the situation demands it", the king ordered riki and mina.

"always make sure that she is comfortable", the queen added.

"we shall be obliged to obey your commands, your majesties", both of them spoke in unison and bowed in courtesy to the rulers.

"father, mother, i shall take my leave now, i'm grateful for your concern", hayan bowed as well.

they walked her out till the back gates of the palace as hayan will be leaving through the said gate to avoid suspicions from their citizens. no one shall know of the princess' journey, aside from the rulers and their close attendees.

the queen engulfed her daughter in a warm and tight embrace,"you must stay safe, my child."

"i will, mother. rest your worries", hayan hugged her back with just as much energy.

mina's hands were held by the queen,"return safely with the hayan and riki."

the king went on to pat riki on his shoulder, "i'm entrusting the safety of my daughter to you, her trusted knight."

riki bowed to the king,"i shall not let you down, your majesty."

hayan then set off on her journey with her two trusted friends.

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written on 18th-19th may 2023