Chapter 49:
Lucina
I'm furious about that Prince.
How dare he?
His words echo in my mind. I know Vale and Nikolai heard them too. I saw the way their bodies stiffened at his insinuations.
Marriage? Me?
I'd like to see them try.
I grab a lamp and hurl it against the wall. It shatters into tiny pieces.
The sound is oddly satisfying.
But it does little to quell my anger.
I take a deep breath, attempting to calm myself.
Fine. If that's how they want to play, I'll be ready for them.
*
I glance at the parchment.
Haroun is now officially my personal knight.
This means neither Luan nor Linus can lay claim to him.
Yes, Linus too. He showed up just a few hours after Luan.
The brothers are relentless.
Soon, Haroun walks in.
Dressed in his new uniform.
The rumors about a man in uniform are true.
The royal guard's outfit features a deep blue jacket with gold trimmings and epaulettes. A golden grey moon emblem adorns the chest—symbolizing the moon goddess. The high collar has a gold cross design. Gold buttons run down the front.
White trousers contrast with the blue jacket. Tucked into polished black boots.
A finely crafted sword hangs at his side.
The look is complete.
He looks so professional. So authoritative.
Only personal royal guards and commanders wear the full moon emblem. The rest of the guards and soldiers have a quarter moon. Their higher-ups have the half moon. The highest commanders and personal royal guards bear the full moon.
Seeing Haroun in his uniform fills me with pride and satisfaction.
And other desires.
I snicker to myself.
*
I walk toward my destination, weighed down by an extremely heavy dress.
I don't know how Stacy manages to dress me in this on her own. I'm glad—I don't want a bunch of maids.
The dress looks magnificent but weighs me down. I already long for my usual lighter gowns.
I thought red wouldn't be my color.
Turns out all colors are my color.
I hold onto Haroun's arm as we head toward the greenhouse.
I love that my small palace is tucked away from the main activities of the royal grounds. It offers me peace and solitude.
But I hate the distance during occasions like this.
Eventually, we arrive at the greenhouse.
It teems with noble ladies. Their faces are familiar, though I've forgotten most of their names. It's been years since I last saw them—back when they were teenagers. Now, they're in their twenties. Some are likely married.
Haroun helps me to my seat. His touch steadies me before he steps back to stand with the other guards.
Look at him. Being so professional.
The greenhouse is stunning.
Vibrant flowers. Lush greenery. The scent of blooming roses and exotic flowers fills the air, adding to the atmosphere of elegance.
The noble ladies are adorned in their finest dresses. Their laughter and conversations create a lively buzz.
I take my seat.
Curious eyes bore into me.
It's been a while since I attended such a gathering. I sense unspoken questions and speculations. It's been a month or so since I returned from my pilgrimage. I ignored their invitations.
I look up and steel my facial expression into the fake sweetness accustomed to noble women.
The other ladies stand and bow.
Only my dear sister Stella remains upright. Staring at me.
She still looks like a child. But I suppose it works for her innocent, childlike appeal.
Something I wouldn't know much about.
I motion for them to take their seats and make eye contact with Stella.
With her blonde hair and blue eyes, she might pass off as a royal like me or our two brothers if you squint a bit.
Or increase the brightness.
I laugh internally at my own terrible joke.
"Sister."
Stella's voice is soft but clear.
"Sister."
My tone is equally composed.
A maid pours me tea. I take a sip and remain silent.
The room falls into awkward silence. The tension is palpable.
Eventually, Stella starts a conversation. The buzz of chatter resumes, filling the air with a semblance of normalcy.
I watch Lady Starforge. Stella's number one lackey. Luan's fiancée.
Yet Luan's fiancée is also a foreign princess.
Interesting.
I guess polygamy is allowed if it's a man.
I sip my tea and observe the dynamics at play.
Lady Starforge is a master at navigating social hierarchies. Her every move is calculated to maintain her position. Her loyalty to Stella is unwavering.
She casts furtive glances at me. Perhaps assessing my intentions.
Stella continues to speak. Her voice is a gentle murmur that blends seamlessly with the ambient noise. She's adept at charming the room. Her innocent demeanor disarms even the most critical of eyes.
I marvel at her ability to maintain such an image.
It's a skill I've never quite mastered.
Honestly? I'd rather not.