Die Arthia

B i l a n g LXI

I was dress up nicely as I travel to Fricisia Palace. I didn't know how I did it. I was preoccupied with my thoughts.

The palace's people did not interrogate me, they just let me in and told me that Levi is in his room still preparing to start the day.

What is he doing slacking?

I opened Levi's door harshly. The people inside the room looked at me. I stopped when I saw Lady Inos helping Levi with his equestrian.

Lady Inos is also wearing a equestrian.

"Lady Inos." I said her name still shock but I was able to gather my thoughts. "Good morning." I said and smile a little. I look at Levi who's just watching us.

"U-uh, m-morning lady Arthia." Lady Inos said blushing. I just smiled.

"I came here to talk to the prince but it seems like you had plans for the day." I said, I then look at Levi and smile a little. "I shall excuse my self since this can wait."

No Levi, I can't wait.

I vowed to excuse myself and about to leave when someone called my name.

"What is it Tia?" I looked at Levi.

"Let's talk after your date with Lady Inos your highness." I said then turn around.

I can't even ask myself what Lady Inos is doing here early in the morning since she is his fianceè, i'm more questionable than her.

I walk out of the room without hesitating. I was so proud walking down the hallway when Lady Clair showed infront of me. I smiled at her before she can catch that I was startled.

"Greeting your excellency." I even vowed my head.

"Yes, lady of house Laissè." She said without making any expression, her eyes is straight looking at mine as if she's trying to read it. I smiled and look at her jewelry to divert my attention.

"I have to go." I said after appreciating her necklace. "Please excuse me." I said then vowed.

I started to walk away without hearing her answer.

"Impudent brat." I heard her. Hindi ko na pinatuonan ng pansin ang sinabi nya at nagdiretso na sa kalesa na sinakyan ko kanina.

Bumalik ako sa Mansè ng Duke pagkatapos mag-shopping. I need to let out my frustrations.

It's already passed lunch when I went back.

The parlor place was nosy so before I went upstairs to my room I went there to check what's going on. I can here Cecilà's laugh from here.

My brow automatically shot up when I saw her laughing with Levi.

What is he doing here?

And what is she doing with Levi? Having sweets and laughing in the parlor, and it's just the two of them!

I clenched my jaw and watch them quietly. I saw a servant who saw me. I boredly look at her before shifting back my eyes to the two.

What are they doing? I thought she was the Duke's lady, why does she looks happy with Levi listening to her?

I felt something familiar inside my heart.

"Prince remember when you were young? You played with me before!" She said laughing. "The paper plane! I didn't know you were the first prince before and I was so happy to see a little kid with a red eyes!" She said. Her laughter filled the room.

"Plane?" Levi asked. I moved a little.

What is plane?

I move closer to hear what they are talking about, the servants keeps on looking at me but I did not give them any attention.

I was too focus to hear their conversation that I didn't noticed that they are already looking at me.

"Tia." I stood straight and raise my brow.

"Arthia!" I look at Cecilà and just nod.

"I'm tired, excuse me." I said. I can't feel my face heating up so I immediately walk upstairs.

What was I doing?

"Tia!" I heard Levi followed me. I did not stop and continue walking until I reached my door room. I stopped and look at Levi.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Where have you been?" He asked as his walk slowed. I opened my door room and went in, he followed me.

"I went shopping." I said and sat on my couch.

Where's Den? I want a tea.

"Why are looking for me?" I raised one of my brow before looking up at him.

"Who says I was?" I picked up a random book and open it.

"You came to my palace." He said.

I did not answer or look at him.

I don't know what to say. I thought I forgot why I came to Levi's place, but the truth is there's no reason.

Why did I went there in the first place?

"Why did you go there? You hated going to the palace." He said and slowly sit infront of me. I slightly leaned back, hiding my shock. Levi is sitting infront of me to level my gaze. His hand were palce at the sofa cornering me. "Is there something going on inside your head that's confusing you or making your frustrated?" His voice was hoarsed and soothing, he asked those words as if he knew me more tha my self.

No, it's just the old Arthia who longed for something like, don't fall.

"It's n-nothing Levi." I said. I can't recognize my voice, it's too soft and slow.

"My mother wanted me to ride horse with Lady Inos so that we'll get close." He said, his voice..there's something in his voice. It was hoarse and it's calming me. "Isn't that what you want Tia?" He asked, his right hand found my hand on the book. He played with my fingers, his eyes are focus to our hands.

"Y-yes." Namamaos na boses ko.

"You can tell me to back out, you know." He whispered. "I will." He stopped playing with my hand and look at my eyes, his fingers are still resting on mine. "Can you ask me to break that engagement with Lady Inos and stay with you instead?"

My heart sank, he probably cast a spell on me making my heart ache in every words he'll utter.

I pulled away my hand and look away.

"Do what you w-want." I said.

♡
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