Not Giving Into Fate

46- The Autumn Festival

A few weeks had passed and new habits were formed. Whenever I would go into the Academy, I would train with Adrian at the Driscol estate in the afternoon. It was horrible, it truly was. I hated the physical aspects of training, but we also went over spells that would help me in a quick moment. I preferred those times over running laps.

Adrian and I had gotten closer as friends throughout our training. He would tell me how he enjoyed teaching, what the students were up to and funny moments that occurred when he tried to remain professional in class. He told me how he started going to the castle, sitting in on meetings and how his father is doing. His father is getting sicker with old age, but the royal physicians are keeping a close eye on him and hopefully he should recover. I don't tell him the truth that at the end of the next year his father will pass.

Adrian tells me he is happy right now, happy that he's being taken seriously as a Prince. He confided that it is still a struggle to fight against the stereotypes from his banishment, and when we rest after the session, he whispers his doubts of becoming a king or if he would even be a good one. Somedays it hits him harder than usual and I comfort him whenever I can. Somedays he's gallivanting around and telling me he's ready to be a King. In both settings, I tell him he will be the best king for our country.

After our training sessions, I meet with Sir Pine and we talk about his curse. There's a room near the training yard in which Sir Pine and I go to. It holds some weapons, but it's private and we don't get disturbed. I tell him that I'm pleased with the lack of growth and try to make him swear to not take on any more missions which he tells me he cannot do. Sir Pine and I have grown closer in those moments, we share intimate looks and soft touches that leave me breathless and wondering if I should pursue more. I never do, making a mental promise to myself to not make a mistake. If I were to listen to my heart that is longing for Sir Pine, then my actions can be held against me and I will not be able to escape my engagement with the Prince. I have to be logical. I have to remember to keep a distance between us.

After my training sessions, I return home and the news that my fiancé was entertained by the bastard had reached my ears. It happened enough for me to act with anger, but I truthfully didn't care. In the past they fell for each other in a twisted type of love, and I know this life will be the same. My only concern is pretending to be angry.

Griselda the maid has been doing her job better. She has earned the bastard's trust and often is present when Ivan is here. She tells me there is a flirtatious atmosphere but they have not yet crossed that boundary. My guard, Sir Elliot, has been reporting to me that whenever she goes into her training or is walking around, she is often seen flirting with every and any guard that she can. She is deemed admirable for her pretty face and figure, but many know not to fall for her because of the Duke. My maid Ana has told me that the bastard has befriended many of the workers of the estate and many like her. I asked her if they like her more than me. She tells me that the people of the estate respect me and pity the girl and that's why they like her.

I nod. A few plans have since been growing in my mind, trying to find a way for the people of the house to go against her. However, that is not my current mission. On the days where I don't go to the Academy, I am working as the Duchess and sometimes I have to sit in on the bastard's lessons to ensure that she is ready to enter society during the Autumn festival.

All the efforts have paid off in the end. The Solon family plus her are attending the Autumn festival. We are all wearing the same shade of dark blue, the mens jackets are similar and my dress matches theirs. I told the seamstress to make sure the bastard is not wearing the same color as us, so she's stuck in a pale blue color that is easy to skim over. She wasn't happy but there was nothing else for her to wear. My father didn't care and Elric snorted when she expressed her anger.