Alicia McMillian

CHAPTER 8

After the Prince finished to conduct a certain business with a client in his office, Asher Carsten immediately appeared out of thin air, whom Adriene suspected that he used one of the secret passageways.

Asher came to deliver some certain papers for the Prince. And as Adriene scans the papers, he stopped midway, seeming to be distracted about something. Unkowingly, he asked Asher about Alicia.

"Asher, what do you think of her?" the Prince said with a cool gleam of his eyes.

Speechless, Asher remembered the lady's reaction during his visit to the McMillian household.

Almost every servant in there was afraid to look at him and even talking behind his back because he was a mage and considered to be dangerous but... the lady was different. She never minded him for who he is, she wasn't afraid to talk to him either and what's surprising is that, even though she knew what other people think of him, that didn't stop her from treating him like a human being.

"... She's a strange woman."

Shocked by that answer, Adriene is convinced that perhaps Asher like her considering he's only been getting along by a handful of people. Does Asher like her? He's usually the type to criticize.. He said she was strange..

As the Prince went to his desk, he was thinking that perhaps this might not be bad if the two would get along.

"Watch over her." Adriene said to Asher as if it was an absolute command.

Asher just nod and bowed to the Prince before he left his office. And as for Adriene, he deliberately went off with his work right away making sure to finish these early and so that he could see his little kitten as soon as possible.

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Alicia

Two days has passed and I was thankful that the Prince was so busy that he couldn't come to what he called 'our' room to sleep in with me. Imagine my relief when Tobias said that the Prince won't join me for 2 consecutive nights!

That means I have the room only for myself.. But I knew that  when the time comes, I have to deal with the devil himself. (Prince Adriene)

I was so busy with the bridal lessons until today where I was to be evaluated about the results of my bridal lessons here in the Prince's mansion. From tea etiquette, to dancing to embroidery and other things.

Of course at first, I panicked because I was faced with the lessons on things I never even attempted...

But luckily, Alicia was born as a daughter of a Duke and from a wealthy household at that. She has been a lady who taught both in culture and etiquette and so my body just moved on its own. Although every muscle within me is aching because really, there was so much to do that I only have a little time to rest.

The two people evaluating me are practically outstanded by my performances.

"As expected from someone who was chosen by Duke Horenvolt himself." I just smiled awkwardly at that. Which is great now that it has been dealt with.

Etiquette is one thing but what I'm looking forward to is the education that will be tested on me. The kingdom of Altheous has this awful heirarchy in which only a handful of people should be given the education they needed. The royals' education is different from the nobles, that same as from the nobles to commoners.

As the man handed me out the questionnaire. I sighed somehow I've expected more than this kind of question because I mean do they take me for a fool?

2x=4. What is x?

Seriously? They must have thought that I wasn't really that educated in basic academia. Oh well, luckily this question was a piece of cake compared to an entrance exam. I scribbled my answers right away and as soon as I was done, I left the evaluators be and immediately went to our room to get some sleep.

But when I entered the room, I noticed through the windows that it was already autumn.

I can't help but stare at it.. It was not so long ago that I came into this world. And lately, I was used to sir Asher watching over me that I don't mind him anymore.

And even though I was worried about running into the Prince and more likely having him  here with me in this room... he was busy and nowhere to be found.

I opened the windows feeling the fresh air on my skin and took a deep breath as I closed my eyes.

The gust of wind was a bit stronger just now, making me even more sleepy. I didn't mind the rays of the sun that was reflecting on my face when I somehow feel a shadow creeped up on me.

When I opened my eyes, I saw the Prince... gently caressing my hair for some unknown reason.

I was startled given by his action and stepped away from him. Covering my chest in which where my heart is beating fast again. I find it annoying.

"Wha--What were you doing?"

He glanced on me and showing me a leaf as he smiled. I failed to notice that maybe that strong gust just now was probably the reason it got stuck on my hair and that maybe he was trying to remove it.

"You know if you need jewels, I can get you whatever you want. So don't attach anything to your hair." I deliberately touched my hair and check if there's any leaf yet left. Tsk. How can he be so slick with every word and handsome in everything he does.

" What brings you here suddenly?" I asked  as he leaned near the window with a bouquet of flowers. He handed it out to me. Flowers?... What for?

I was about to reach it when he flopped it. I took a deep breath to contain my annoyance and anger with this guy! Ugh. I just have to bear with it then. I faked a smile and... "It's been a while Prince Adriene."

He gave me a small smile. "I've recieved quite a few compliments about what a magnificent fiancé you are." Why was he being so nice all of a sudden?

"You don't have to push yourself." I flinched. Excuse me? "You don't have to be perfect, you know. As long as you do your duties, it will be fine." Now that I think about it.. Maybe I was trying too hard all this time.. But for what? For this guy!? Ah damn it!

I need to think of a reason right away! I was such an idiot.

"I was....just studying to learn more about myself. This has nothing to do with you Adriene." I said, hoping that I would actually look convincing. "Since I'm not allowed to leave this mansion, I have nothing else to do to pass the time."

He just crossed his arms and raises his  eyebrow with a playful smirk on his face. "Looks like I stand corrected."

Thank God. "Yes, that's right." I was delighted that he actually believed it.

"Anyway, as it so happens that I have to attend a dance tonight. Let's go together." he asked.

"Huh? Uh sure." Well it's fine since I actually have nothing else to do.

"And during that time, I'll announce our wedding."

"What?! Why would you suddenly--" he cut me off with a serious tone.

"It can't be postponed any longer...because our wedding ceremony is next week."

"What?" I think my reaction is whether, I was surprised or that just threw me off unexpectedly. Either way, I can't tell which.

To be continued.