Vacantly staring into the distance, the Princess rested her chin on her palm and sighed heavily.

  Her Majesty the Queen exchanged a knowing gnce with her husband, before carefully pcing the teacup on the saucer.

  — Darling — she said softly — I’m certain your new room will be ready very soon.

  — What? Oh… My new room, yes. That’s good.

  Queen Hester’s lips parted slightly, then closed again, as she weighed the words that lingered on the tip of her tongue.

  She covered Oriana’s hand with her own.

  — I can’t even begin to imagine how terrifying it must’ve been for you. It’s our fault, we should have known something like this could happen… — she paused, guilt welling in her heart.

  — It’s not your fault — Oriana hurried to comfort her mother — nobody could have known that someone would be brazen enough to try kidnapping me from my own bedroom. Besides… — she took a deep breath — Valeria intervened before they had a chance to do anything.

  — It is truly remarkable that the Commander was able to pick up the kidnapper’s trail even though she had to run back to get a horse from the stables — commented Gideon, who up till now was observing in silence. — It is a pity that the horse got spooked and ran away, though. And you were forced to ask a… farmer?

  — Merchant — corrected Oriana, recalling the details of the story she and Valeria agreed upon returning to the Pace.

  — Ah, yes, a merchant — continued Gideon — that you were forced to ask a merchant for a conveyance. It must’ve been so humiliating for you, Your Highness.

  — It wasn’t. The man was very polite. We were lucky he was passing by.

  — If that’s the case we should show our gratitude to him. Do you remember a member of which guild he was? Was it our guild in Lucetta or, perhaps, Mercatoria?

  Oriana hesitated. The story they came up with didn’t go into so much detail, and she couldn’t be certain if Valeria ever mentioned this piece of information to anyone.

  She opened her mouth, but before she could answer, her mother cut in.

  — I believe my daughter has had enough interrogation. There’s no need for her to keep reliving this nightmare. We can leave the information in local guilds that he can receive his reward if he’s interested.

  — Of course, Your Majesty. That is a wonderful idea — Gideon smiled awkwardly. — However, I just can’t help but notice that there are some things that don’t really add together. For instance, I ran into the stable boy the other day and he said that no horses went missing or even left the stable. How curious, considering the Commander cimed to have taken one to continue her pursuit…

  It was clear to everyone at the table what the King’s Adviser was insinuating. He didn’t believe Valeria’s expnation on how she managed to track the kidnapper all the way to the cabin and rescue the Princess. The story about how the horses got spooked during the fight, forcing them to travel back on a merchant’s wagon was, in his eyes, especially suspicious.

  Oriana wasn’t sure, however, if his suspicions were about Valeria potentially working with the abductors or because he sensed she was keeping a secret from everyone.

  The King shifted in his chair nervously and cleared his throat.

  — All Pace horses are trained to find their way back. The horse returned not long after Oriana and Valeria arrived. The stable boy probably didn’t mention it, because he was afraid he would be in trouble — Fvius assessed his Adviser with a gnce. — You do look quite intimidating, my friend.

  Gideon ughed, but the amusement didn’t reach his bck eyes.

  — That must be it then. Perhaps I should introduce some color to my wardrobe, so that the Pace staff can rex.The Queen immediately proceeded to change the subject and started chatting about the weather. Nevertheless, the mood by the table felt tense, all the doubt and unanswered questions hanging in the air.

  — I’ll go to the library — said Oriana, feeling the need to get away from Gideon’s watchful eye.

  — Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell? — the worry was written all over her mother’s face, driving the needle of guilt deeper into Oriana’s heart.

  — No, I’m fine — she reassured — I haven’t been there in a while, so I thought of using this opportunity to find something new to read.

  — We recently received a big shipment of Liung-Mun scriptures, I’m certain you… — a series of violent coughs shook King Fvius’ body.

  — Dad!

  Both Oriana and Queen Hester were by his side instantly.

  — I’ll call for a physician — Gideon got ready to leave.

  — There’s no need, Lord Gideon. I’ll take care of my husband — the Queen helped Fvius up and turned to Oriana — It’s nothing serious, don’t worry. Your father simply needs rest.

  — Is there anything I can do? — Oriana wanted to believe her mother’s words, however, the pale complexion and dark circles under his eyes made her stomach turn into a knot as bad feelings started creeping in.

  — There’s no need. I’m going to be alright. I just need to y down, that’s all — the King gave a faint smile, before the next surge of coughs.

  — Please, excuse us — the Queen carefully led her husband back to their chambers leaving Gideon and Oriana alone in the gardens.

  — You must be worried about your father, Your Highness — said Gideon once they entered the Pace.

  He insisted on escorting Oriana to the library, much to the Princess’ dissatisfaction. She always found her father’s adviser’s presence overbearing. Almost as if he could see right through her.

  — Is he going to be alright?

  — I hope so — he paused, his brow furrowing slightly as he considered his next words — However… there’s no denying that His Majesty’s health has been declining in recent months. The trouble at the border has been weighing down on him and I’m sure you’re aware of the issues with the treasury?

  — I am. Valeria told me about it — Oriana recalled the conversation they had after attending her father’s meeting with the Archon.

  — Interesting… — Gideon didn’t hide his surprise hearing that a mere guard would understand the intricacies of kingdom’s finances. — Well, then you must understand how dangerous it would be if the nobles were to rebel against the Golden Pace, Your Highness.

  — Rebel? Why would they rebel?

  — While your father still enjoys the support of most houses, there are those who are starting to perceive him as a weak ruler, unfit for the throne. They would much rather see someone else take the Sun Crown.

  The Princess couldn’t believe the things she was hearing.

  — Weak?! That’s absurd! With how much my father sacrificed for the kingdom, how could anyone dare to call him unfit for the throne. There’s nobody else more befitting it than him — she could feel anger surging through her veins.

  — I agree. Unfortunately, not everyone sees things the way we do. They believe the trouble we’re dealing with is the result of the Pace’s extravagant spending and focusing too much on the charity instead of doing everything necessary to secure the border with Ands.

  — Then how do we convince them?

  A sly smile flickered on Gideon’s face. He finally got an answer he was waiting for.

  He quickly regained composure and took the time to find the right words.

  — For now there’s an agreement between houses that it’s Aelius’ best interest to continue the dynasty. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say how long will this sentiment st. The time doesn’t work in our favor, I’m afraid — he sighed. His eyes trailed off to the view outside the window.

  From there Lucetta looked almost like a painting with its abaster walls and bright red rooftops against the clear blue sky.

  — We received a message from Prince Emil. — Gideon said turning his attention back to the Princess. — He sends his deepest apologies that he can’t be with you during this dreadful time. Unfortunately, the fastest he can arrive at the Pace is right before the Dawning ball.

  — Oh… — Oriana didn’t know what to say.

  So many things happened in recent days. Her feelings for Valeria, the kidnapping, learning the truth about who she really is.

  She was ashamed to admit it, but during all that chaos, the thought of Emil didn’t cross her mind even once. It wouldn’t be that far off to say that she completely forgot about him…

  — The Prince asked me to look after you during his absence. — Gideon continued — He’s very worried about you, Your Highness.

  — That’s very kind of him — Oriana gave him a forced smile.

  — It is, isn’t it? Prince Emil has been speaking very highly of you since the moment he arrived at the Pace. It would seem that you left a great impression on him.

  — So did he — the Princess forced out a white lie.

  — Did he now? — Gideon raised his eyebrows — Then, I’m sure that knowing that there’s someone looking after you, Your Highness, someone who can not only protect you, but also share the weight of the crown with you will give your father the long overdue peace of mind.

  — I have someone to look after me and keep me safe… — Oriana protested.

  — The Commander is indeed an incredible woman and she already proved many times that there’s no one more suited to take responsibility for the safety of Royal family than her — he started, carefully choosing his next words — That being said, we must remember that the Commander is her own person too. Being an attractive and renowned woman, how long will it be before she wants to start her own family? We can’t expect her to sacrifice her future to serve in the Golden Pace.

  — I… She said she has no pns to leave…

  — We can’t pn for everything, Your Highness… — he sighed. — We all would prefer to live in a fantasy where the heart always has the st word. Life, however, is far more brutal than that. The desires of the heart hardly ever align with what’s the right thing to do — he stopped in front of the Princess and looked her in the eyes. — Even if you don’t have feelings for Prince Emil now, Your Highness, I’m sure that given time you’ll learn to love him. For true love isn’t loud and groundbreaking. It’s the peacefulness, the quiet, the mundane. The burdens shared together and the simple moments. Love is a choice and a sacrifice we make every day.

  Oriana didn’t answer and Gideon didn’t appear to expect an answer anyway.

  He bowed respectfully and headed back to take care of his duties, leaving Oriana by the entrance to the library.

  The Princess felt the turmoil in her heart growing even stronger after listening to everything Gideon had said.

  DannyTheDaikon