Naroaika

Chapter 21

Al's injuries were worse than the ones he had when he fought at Azalea. It was weird enough that his body could keep up with all those injuries.

With his super-fast recovery, he was soon out of the emergency room. I ran to him as he appeared through the door.

"Al!"

"Still leaving out the titles are we?" He replied.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"I guess I'll have to get used to it." He said smiling. The way he spoke made me feel like he never did lose his memories. "How's your wound?" He asked.

"My injuries are nothing as compared to yours." I said.

"Mind if we interrupt your quality time?" Juliette said who was standing there the entire time with Mr. Keilan.

I totally forgot that they were there too!

"W-what are you saying, Princess! Lord Al and I were just talking."

"So, you're adding the titles now?" Al said.

'Did he had to notice that now?!' I glanced over to Al and raised my eyebrow.

"How are your wounds, Al?"

I was thankful to Mr. Keilan for asking that. I didn't want to get caught up in that conversation again.

"I was asked to rest up for a few days." Al replied.

"I'm sorry our trip ended up putting both of you in danger." Juliette said.

I shook my head and told her that it was not her fault and she didn't have to apologize nor must she feel guilty for anything.

"We can always plan another trip can't we?" I said smiling.

"But I was told by brother that there would be a beautiful flower that grows only once in years, blooming at Lavanda and I wanted to watch it with all of you." Juliette said sadly.

"The crown prince said that?" I asked as I glanced at Al.

"Yes." Juliette replied.

It must have all been set up from the start. I looked at Al and he seemed to have been thinking the same thing. I couldn't tell Juliette about it though.

We stayed the night at Lavanda and returned home the next morning with the escort that was sent from the palace.

As I returned home, my parents and the entire household were in tears seeing my injury. It took me some time to settle them down and told them that it was the work of the outlaws which made father as well as Zed furious but soon settled down after I told them that they were all killed. Of course, leaving out that the Prince was the one behind it.

The long journey from Lavanda and the lack of sleep the previous night made me extremely exhausted. I flopped on my bed and touched my face that was bandaged.

'What in the world is Kai thinking?'

I couldn't even report about it since I had no proof.

•     •     •

At the House of Ascian, Al had a talk with Keilan about Kai's connection with the attack of the outlaws.

"We can't report it yet since we have no proof to show at the court." Keilan said.

Al nodded. "He probably wanted me dead there. But the fact that he wounded Lady Jerinah is unforgivable."

Mr. Keilan smiled as Al said that but said nothing of it.