The Realm of Roses

14.

"Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love." ―Rainer Maria Rilke
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Sakura was still staring at the fading hooded figure, as Gilbert nudged his brother in the side, whispering how strange this entire meeting between them seemed.

"If you say so, brother," Ludwig replied, observing the petite huntress with narrowed eyes. He still distrusted her – not only due to her capability of fighting, but their master's general behaviour towards her.

"I think he likes her," Gilbert spoke to himself, "Who would have thought the grumpy Prince would prefer such a kind of woman."

The youngest brother only lifted a brow, "Gilbert, you seem to like similar women?"

Gilbert froze, knowing exactly who Ludwig was talking about, with the exception that Eliza did express her feelings and hate towards him out loud.

"What happened to him?"

Both of the siblings turned their head towards Sakura.

"Something we cannot tell you," Ludwig quickly chided, finding it rather unusual for the huntress to ask such a question. Despite their guests' and their master's new agreement, Ludwig did not trust any of them.

"Don't you think we at least deserve to know what happened? We have made an alliance and therefore need any information that could help us." Eliza stood at the doorframe, a deep frown gracing her face. She had heard Sakura's question and intended to receive an answer from the Beilschmidt brothers. It was not only curiosity that forced her to form such words, but the mere fact that they did not know anything about the enchanted Prince – except for his use of magic, the years of his disappearance and his need to take shelter away from people that wanted him dead.

"That is not for us to decide," The youngest of the brothers spoke sternly, clearly becoming angrier the more they were questioning them.

"You would not expect me to ask the Prince myself? Do you know what consequences I will face because of this adventure?" Eliza's voice rose. "I probably lost my occupation as a barmaid, my friends will think I disappeared and my landlord won't be happy to notice that I haven't paid the rent."

It was pure frustration that laced in her voice and the other present were rather shocked by her outburst – due to the fact that she was uttering private things.

"I understand, but still I cannot inform you of the Master's curse."

Eliza pursed her lips. "So that rumour is true. Who cursed him? The ones that want to kill him?"

"Miss!" Ludwig was scowling, giving Eliza a warning look. She was testing his nerves and had caused enough trouble in his eyes – considering how much control she had over his older brother. 'That love stricken fool,' Ludwig thought to himself.

Unfortunately, the man's patience was not the only thing on the verge of falling apart – his brother gilbert seemed to be taken by the brunette's words.

"Gilbert, it is for the best we go," the blonde spoke harshly, "If you really want to know, I suggest you ask him yourself."

As Ludwig noticed that Gilbert was still standing on the same spot as before, the youngest of the brothers decided to pull him away from the barmaid.

"We really need to –"

"I want to have a private word with Miss Eliza."

Every present shot the white-haired man an astonished look.