The gilded silence of the living room stretched into hours. I remained alone with my thoughts until a soft creak of the door announced a visitor. It was Louis, his face illuminated by the flickering candlelight. He informed me that everyone had arrived at the estate, including Cail, Aalis, and Ame. I thanked him and asked him to bring Cail to me immediately.
Louis left, and a few moments later, Cail entered. He stood before me, his youthful face weary from the night's events.
"First, I'm sorry to make you come here to meet me so late at night," I began, gesturing for him to step closer. "But, I want you to do something for me..."
"What is that, your highness?"
"Surely, this big estate has a granary or some stock of foods; can you find it out, and how many do we have in here? After that, ratio it to the village..."
Cail nodded, his analytical mind already at work. "Of course, your highness... I will gather the necessary information about the estate's granary and its food stock... Once I have the numbers, I will calculate the ratio and ensure it is distributed to the village accordingly."
I thanked Cail for his willingness to help and assured him that his efforts would greatly benefit our people. He bowed and left. Shortly after, Louis returned to my side.
"Your highness, It's already late," he suggested gently. "Maybe it's time for your highness to take a rest..."
"Yes, you are right," I replied. I stood up from the velvet couch, my joints stiff. I turned my head to the right and saw a giant window overlooking the grounds. Curious, I walked to the glass. Even in the moonlight, the backyard garden was vast and meticulously kept.
"Can you believe it? This estate is my responsibility now," I mused, my voice barely a whisper.
"Well, from the beginning, this estate is your responsibility, your highness.."
I looked at him, the weight of the crown prince's bargain pressing on me. "May I ask you something, Louis?"
"What is that, your highness?"
"Do you think my action about joining my dear brother Crown Prince is the right one?"
"Well, your highness, it is not for me to say what is right or wrong for you," Louis replied, his gaze steady. "However, I believe that following your heart is a noble decision."
"Thank you, Louis. Your words bring me comfort and reassurance, even though you are not a noble.." I replied with a grateful smile.
Louis smiled back. "Anytime and anywhere your highness needs me, I shall be with you..."
"May you lead me to my room? I am still not familiar with this estate.."
"Of course, your highness..."
My room was on the second floor, and the moment I stepped inside, I felt a strange sense of déjà vu. It was almost exactly the same as my room in the palace. Perhaps because this estate was built for the royal family—for my mother—they had mirrored the palace architecture perfectly. The only noticeable difference was the view from the window; instead of the bustling city streets of the capital, I overlooked the sprawling, serene gardens.
I took a rest in the comfortable bed, the fine silk sheets a luxury I hadn't felt in weeks. As I closed my eyes, I couldn't help but wonder how different my life would be if I had grown up in this serene countryside instead of the chaotic palace.
The next morning, I woke to the sound of birds chirping and a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. Stepping out onto the balcony, I was greeted by the breathtaking sight of colourful flowers blooming in every corner of the garden. It was a stark contrast to the noise of my previous life, and certainly to the cramped quarters of the inn.
A knock sounded at the door, and Aalis and Ame entered. They carried a bowl of water, fresh towels, and jars of soaps and scents. I retreated from the balcony as they began their work, washing my body and trimming my hair with scented oils. When they finished, they held up a dress—a fine, elaborate thing.
"Right now, your highness is living on this estate; it will be better if you start to wear a dress," Aalis suggested.
I looked at the silk and lace and immediately refused. I told them to bring the clothes they had bought: the simple, plain white shirt and the brown trousers. They persisted, telling me I should wear the dress now that I was in a manor.
"I will wear the dress if there is an occasion where I need to wear a dress," I insisted, "but for now, please just give me the usual clothes..."
Reluctantly, they helped me into my practical attire. Once ready, they informed me that breakfast was served in the dining room. I asked them to lead the way. As we walked through the halls, I caught glimpses of several estate servants. I made a mental note to find out who the chamberlain was.
As we entered the dining room, the aroma of fresh bread and coffee filled the air. But there was a sight that stopped me in my tracks. My elder brother was already seated at the head of the long table. Our eyes met.
"My dear sister, yesterday, I thought you wore those plain clothes because you lived in the inn," he drawled, eyeing my trousers. "But right now, you live here, and still you wear those clothes..."
I hadn't expected him to still be here. "My dear brother... I don't know that you are still in here... I thought you had left for your travels..."
"I have assigned some of my personnel to do the job... So I'm free, and keep staying in here..."
"What will happen to your duchy if the duke is here, leisurely enjoying his time?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "It seems like someone needs to take charge and ensure everything runs smoothly."
"Relax, my dear sister... Your brother is a capable one." He pointed to his head. "Everything is under control; there is already a man who oversees it..."
"Well, if you say that, your little sister will not worry about you... It seems you will have breakfast with me."
"That's why I am waiting for you..."
I took a seat opposite him. The servants immediately appeared, serving the meal in a practiced, silent ballet. We ate without conversation, the clinking of silver against china the only sound in the room.
When we finished, I turned to him. "Does my brother know who is the chamberlain on this estate?"
He looked at me as if I were slow, his eyes flicking to Aalis and Ame standing nearby. "Is the chamberlain still missing? Where he is the laird of the estate..."
"Ah yes, I forgot about that..." I muttered. I glanced at the two girls, but they showed no emotion. I should have remembered—their father was the one I was looking for.
Just as we were about to rise, a servant burst into the room, his face pale and his breathing uncontrollable.
"What's wrong?" I asked, standing up.
The servant gasped for air. "In front of the estate.... There... Is.... a lady... with a giant wolf... in front of the gate..."
Connor's face lit up with immediate interest. "It must be your pet, right, dear sister??"
"Tell them to open the gate!" I commanded the servant. "Let this lady with the wolf come in front of the estate!"
He nodded and vanished. I looked at Connor. "Does my brother want to see my pet?"
"Of course..."
We walked toward the main entrance. As we stepped outside, I saw Geri trotting up the drive with Alva perched on her back. Louis joined us a moment later. My brother was visibly shocked as Geri came to a halt. Alva slid off Geri's back and walked straight to me.
"Everything is in my magic space…" she said, her voice sounding tired but satisfied.
While Alva and I spoke, my brother began to circle Geri. As he approached, Geri instinctively backed away, her hackles slightly raised. She kept a wary distance as he tried to get closer.
I approached them. "What are you trying to do?"
"As you can see, I want to get close with that animal..." Connor replied, his eyes wide with fascination.
I waved Geri over. She came to me slowly, and I stroked her head.
Who is he? His scent is like you?? Geri's voice echoed in my mind via telepathy.
He is my big brother, Connor; he is the Crown Prince of this kingdom... I projected back. You may get close with him...
Geri looked intrigued and cautiously approached Connor, sniffing him curiously. He raised his hands and slowly started to stroke her fur. His expression shifted into one of pure enjoyment.
"My dear sister, I will grant you two carriages of gold if you give this animal to me..."
"I am so sorry, dear brother, I refuse..."
"What gender is this animal?" Connor asked, still mesmerized.
"I believe female..."
"Hmmmmm... How about I bring you a strong and healthy wolf to crossbreed with her..."
The moment the words left his mouth, Geri snarled softly and immediately backed away, putting significant distance between them.