Lily walked out of the bedroom to the surprised maids and Priscilla.
"Let's go," she Marian placed a shawl over her shoulders. It was chilly in Druchik, though better than the snowy capital.
As she headed to the dining room with her entourage, she looked around. The villa looked beautiful during the day, but it was majestic at night, with candlelight illuminating every corner. The path was lined with candles on each side, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Lily took a deep breath. She had never witnessed such extravagance her previous confined life. It felt like walking into a dream.
"Your highness, we've arrived," Marian called, pulling Lily from her thoughts.
Welcome, Princess," the butler said. "Let me lead. Please, follow me. As for the other ladies, please follow him," he added, gesturing to another servant.
Lily followed the butler, while Marian and Priscilla followed the other servant.
The butler opened the door, and Lily stepped into the dining hall, locking eyes with someone unexpected: her childhood friend Lucien Eldric, now the Archduke of Velmira and maternal cousin of the Emperor. She hadn't seen him since she was nine, and she wouldn't have recognised him if Liora hadn't told her. He had grown into a strikingly handsome man. The only familiar features were his blonde hair and piercing blue eyes.
"Good evening," Lily said with a slight bow.
Everyone at the table turned toward her. Her brother stood up to lead her to her seat, while Lucien rose and bowed.
"Good evening, Your Highness. I'm Lucien Eldric, Archduke of Velmira. Apologies that we didn't meet earlier," he said.
"Nice to meet you, Lucien. Please, have a seat," she replied, taking her seat with her Brother's help.
"Lily, you look different," her brother, Prince Evander, said, startling her with the name.
Liora jumped from her chair, whispering urgently. "They called you Lisbeth earlier. Of course, you're referred to as Lily. Respond! They're looking at you!"
"Yes, Brother. It's the hair," she said quickly. "Let's eat," she added, trying to redirect attention.
Prince Evander and Lucien began making small talk as the starters were served. Lily chimed in only occasionally, afraid giving herself away. The conversation turned to Velmira, and her brother praised how prosperous the empire had become.
"It looks really good," Lily said.
"I hope you like it, Princess. As the future Empress of this empire, it will be as much yours as it is ours," Lucien said.
Lily thanked him.
"I like him. He's very polite and stealing glances at you," Liora whispered. "Maybe he's trying to gauge your behaviour. And you are wolfing down that whole plate like a starved beast."
The truth of Liora's observation hit Lily, and a wave of heat rushed to her cheeks. She blushed, just as she heard Evander chuckling.
"Sorry. I haven't had much to eat today," she mumbled.
"It's okay. Please, eat your heart out," Lucien said, moving a plate closer. Her brother just ruffled her hair.
Maybe it was because of her pale skin, but Lily blushed easily, even down her neck. Liora's laughter made it worse.
She glared at her ghostly companion.
"What are you looking at?" Evander asked, noticing her distraction.
"Nothing, Brother," Lily said quickly, placing her napkin on the table. "Can we go for a walk?"
"Sorry, Lily, I need to check on the guards. We leave again tomorrow," he said.
"It's okay, Prince Evander. Let me take the Princess for a walk," Lucien offered. "Meanwhile, we'll get to know each other."
"Thank you," Evander said, patting Lucien's back. "I leave her in your care."
He turned to Lily. "Good night, dearest Lily," he said, kissing her hand.
Here we go again, Lily thought, cheeks heating up once more. Evander chuckled and left them.
"Let's go, Princess," Lucien said, offering his hand.
Lily adjusted her shawl, took his hand, and exited the dining hall. Liora drifted after them.
"This is the library," Lucien said. "The Emperor and the noble families usually come to Druchik for summer vacation, so all the imperial villas serve the same functions as the palace."
He continued leading her around, introducing each building.
"The Emperor has two siblings: a brother, who is the High Chancellor, and a sister. I'm his maternal cousin, making me the Archduke of Velmira, as I mentioned."
Lily nodded. She knew more about the royal family now, but she had to play the part of Princess Lisbeth, not Lilianne. She asked a few polite questions.
"You're much different from what I'd heard," Lucien remarked.
" I hope it's for the better," Lily replied, suppressing a yawn.
Lucien laughed, his eyes crinkling. "Yes, of course, all good. The Princess heard about sounds nothing like your."
"Let me escort you to your chambers so you can rest. We're still travelling tomorrow."
"Many thanks," Lily said.
After a short walk, they arrived at her bedroom gate, where Marian and Priscilla stood waiting.
Lucien bowed. "Good night, Your Highness."
Lily returned a small bow. "Good night, Archduke."
Marian took Lily's hand and led her into her bedroom.