Royal Deception (GirlxGirl)

Chapter 18

Hawk / Hartley

I looked at my reflection in the faded and poorly maintained mirror, slightly distracted by its blackened corners.

Well, I seem to look... different. The clothes were not usually worn by servants or even Royal Guards. It's too fancy to be worn by someone like me which confused me on what my role is in this banquet.

I wanted to ask Lady Marigold but I didn't get the chance, because when she entered she just threw the bundle of clothes to my chest and then grunted "Wear this. Order by the Princess." and then left.

And now I'm looking at myself wearing the most lavish clothing I've ever had to wear.

As I fixed the collar of my clothing, a knock on my door sounded. I walked towards the door and slowly swung it open.

Princess Faith appeared in a completely different dress. And was as blue as her eyes. She looked so beautiful.

Her brows raised as she looked at me. After a few seconds of her blue eyes studying me, she cleared her throat, "Lady Marigold did well. You look like Royalty, Hartley," she said with a proud smile.

Something lurched in my stomach from the look she gave me. Just being close to her made me lose my balance.

I awkwardly stood there, "Princess, may I ask why am I wearing this? This is far from what is required of me to wear," I said.

She entered the room with ease and sat on my bed. I glanced up discretely hoping she doesn't see Robin perched above her on the tiny circular window.

"Well, I asked you to be my bodyguard in certain situations and this is one of those. You'll be my undercover bodyguard because I want you to stand beside me all night and not on the sidelines with the other bodyguards, hence the Royal garments." She crossed her legs as she finished.

I nodded slowly. Okay. It seems clear enough, but... "Not to be rude, Your Highness, but is there a reason why the bodyguards on the sidelines are not enough?"

Her blue eyes stayed on mine for a few seconds, "The Grand Hall is quite large and they don't see everything by standing at the far end walls." She sighed, "I had a bad experience before. It doesn't matter. I want you to stay by my side. I don't think anything bad will happen, I just want to feel safe." She blushed at admitting her vulnerability.

I studied her a little longer and felt like she didn't want to talk about it so I gave her a nod and then glanced at myself in the mirror again and kept the room in comfortable silence.

"Any more questions?" Princess Faith looked up at me from my bed, waiting for me.

"Shouldn't I be in a dress, Your Highness? I know bodyguards always wear trousers but I don't want to get too much attention by being the only woman in trousers," I asked.

I didn't really care what I wore, I've been traveling for a while and wore all types of clothing from different places and cultures. I didn't care about Garments. It's all just a piece of fabric to me, but this is Gona. They have rules and ideals.

Princess Faith's eyes landed on my well-tailored trousers, "I want you to be comfortable enough to move. And don't worry about the attention. This is the only banquet they tolerate diversity. All the kingdoms around the continent are invited so you won't be the only woman in trousers."

I nodded. That's good.

When she mentioned that all kingdoms in the continent are invited, I got curious if the Royals of Credia or Vitalis are coming. It would be nice to speak with the Dark Royal face-to-face, but I don't want to get my hopes up.