The Royal Engagement

Chapter 17

Quick, shallow breaths pumped out shortly after being vacuumed back in. Her soft cheeks radiated a tender red of flush from her exercise. She ignored and pushed past the confused and concerned maids as she sped for the exit of the infirmary. They called out her dishevelled and unladylike composure; wild, unbrushed hair; the simplistic nightgown she wore for the infirmary. It was utter social suicide revealing herself this way.

But, it was not a priority on her mind to excuse and apologise for the indecent behaviour. Say what they will about her but, she wouldn't stop. Lest he catches her – which was much more frightening than the nasty whispers and rumours of common-folk.

Now that she realized the true reality of her position... The position she willingly, albeit ignorant and naively stepped into... She had come to see how everything was a mistake. She couldn't continue with this. She shouldn't be here. She wanted to go back to the Laphitian Kingdom where everything was her perfect world.

The assassinations; the inconspicuous exchange of information behind her back; the unpredictable and frightening people here were all too much for her. She thought after everything The Sirium Empire had put her home through, she would confidently expect and face the worst once she arrived, but she was terribly mistaken.

The Laphitian Kingdom was the only place for her. It was clear in her conscious that this was a huge blow of betrayal and shame for her reputation and devotion to her kingdom as its Princess, however, she'd have no use and no accomplishment if she were to be deemed hysteric by everything that had been happening. Surely then no one would allow her to marry Pyro. No one would believe the maniac Pyro truly was...

And, her current appearance and behaviour only rested the possibility of this happening. She looked like a lunatic. She needed to be dressed and groomed into proper attire if she is to retain what reputation she had left in the Sirium Empire.

But, her chambers were so far away. Surely, someone would stubble upon her unkept and embarrassing self by that time. Sweat washed down Amy's face. She was unsure as to whether it was the stress or the blazing heat of the Empire.

Whatever it be, she had to focus on ducking into safety and cover from any passer-by's eyes.

Hopefully there must be at least one vacant-

A walking figure that her panic caused her to miss, collided into her. The startle made her trip over onto the floor with a loud thump. Hurriedly, she attempted to cover her exposed skin with a prattle of apologies and flushed embarrassment - until she caught sight of the distinct icy blue eyes that stared dully down at her.

She had seen this person before, she was sure of it. Somewhere around the castle or shortly after she arrived...

The woman turned to face her more directly, extending a polite hand to assist her onto her feet. The blank expression indicated that she was not affected at the untidy appearance Amy wore before her. And, instead, chose to calmly formulate a solution to the problem.

"Princess, I believe it isn't wise to travel around the castle in that attire. Your reputation may face some damage if you do," she flatly said, pulling Amy back up. Amy stared warily at her coolness, afraid she may be restraining from her true opinion on her behaviour at the moment.

"Come, I shall escort you to my chambers to be dressed. We'd risk you being seen by others if we try to travel to your's instead." Amy responded with a stiff and short nod, trailing behind her as she led the way.

The urge to ask for her name flicked at Amy's conscious. However, she didn't want to seem discourteous or ignorant by doing so...

Gratefully, it was as if her mind was read, to which the woman suddenly opened with,