She learned the art of the blade from the man named Andrew.
She fell in love with him without knowing his identity.
Even now she could remember their first meeting so clearly like it just happened the other day.
Pupillam woke up breathing heavily. She pressed her hand on her forehead, eyes widened. Tears fell from her eyes down to her cheek. She shivered, the room felt cold. As it should, it's almost winter. A deep sigh escaped her lips. What useless thing is she thinking about now? She supposes she isn't over it as she thought. It's not like Pupillam ever expected anything to come out of her silly and naive crush. When he disappeared that day sure, she felt hollow but after meeting him in the palace two months later. Pupillam finally understood, why even though they were so close to each other, why there was a distance.
The Andrew she got to know was a Prince, not only that The First Prince to the Mist Kingdom and the heir to the throne. Pupillam recalled precisely how she felt that day, shocked, amazed and at the same time relieved. She felt relieved, ah at least this person didn't disappear. At least she can still see him again.
Queen - well Princess Lyn at the time noticed something strange. Pupillam was the type who always wore her heart on her sleeve, so whenever she got too attached or emotional, it would always show on her face. Only the Queen knows what happened between her and Prince Andrew. Pupillam expected her to scorn her, even with the girl's lack of knowledge regarding the world.
But she didn't scorn her at all; instead, she expressed her concern on the matter and helped her out. Later on, Lan heard of the issue and then Ashley. Slowly, people, she knew found out, but that didn't matter. Nobody said a word to the others. Instead of keeping all these feelings bottled up inside, she was able to release it.
Pupillam looked over at the clock and took a deep breath; she has to get up. Nothing will start if she just remains here lost in thought like this.
...
Pupilliam gradually drifted off and started to dream of the past.
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Year 40XX
Pupillam's eyes constricted when taking in the natural scenery of the palace. She felt herself become nervous in a matter of seconds, both her parents were busy so the one accompanying her was one of her parent's acquaintances — someone with a position in the royal army. Pupillam stood in the meeting area completely frozen; she didn't move an inch. While the palace looked interesting to her, she was too nervous to look.
"Pupillam, this is the lady you shall serve. The Second Princess Of The Mist Kingdom Lyn," Sergeant Maria informed her.
'Oh, that's right Maria isn't aware that she was introduced to the Princess a month ago.'
The introduction to be the Princess official aide happened a month ago. But, she had to undergo a series of lessons and tests to make sure she was fit for the role. So, Pupilliam hadn't seen the Princess in a month.
The little girl shyly poked her head out, and Pupillam's eyes went wide. How is it possible for somebody to become even prettier than before? Princess Lyn has porcelain white skin and those large beautiful eyes. She truly looks like a fairy.
Maria stepped on her foot noticing her gawking and Pupillam snapped out of it.
"Go on Pupillam! Introduce yourself," Maria said.
Pupillam stared absently at the princess, and bows, "I'm Pupillam… I belong to the Cons household," Pupillam had yet to finish her sentence when the Princess grabbed hold of her hands and stared into her eyes. Up close Pupillam could tell how much of a natural beauty the Princess was.
She already heard little bits and pieces from Maria, about this girl living an isolated lifestyle. But seeing her up close it's hard to believe that the Royal family wouldn't utilize this gem.
It surprised her when she saw the girl's gaze mixed with concern.
"General, can the two of us leave and play?"
The General seemed surprised, "Are you sure? Just a few minutes ago.."
"I want to."
Pupillam saw the General smile before giving his approval. She allowed the girl to drag her over to the garden. She watched the Princess awkwardly for a few minutes.
"What did you want?"
She knew her tone was a bit rude, but Pupillam wanted to be straightforward with the girl.
"I noticed, you seemed sad about something. Ah, don't worry I won't pester you regarding the details. I understand that there are things people don't want to talk about. But if you do decide to talk about it, I'll be here to listen." Lyn said.
"Are you not going to ask me a strange question about magic?" Pupilliam recalled how their first meeting went.
Lyn laughs. "Not today, today let's get to know each other a bit more. Is that okay with you?"
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The first person to notice her loneliness, the loneliness she hid deep in her heart was the innocent young girl. Later when Pupillam got to know her, she understood why the Princess knew. This person holds an even bigger burden on those small and frail shoulders.
"Did you not want to go into town? Why are you distracted?" Andrew suddenly asked.
Her thoughts broke off when she heard Prince Andrew address her. After an awkward breakfast, Pupillam wanted to leave for the town without him noticing. She even planned her escape route. But unfortunately, when she got to the other side of the wall, she discovered the first Prince waiting for her.
A deep sigh passed her lips. "It is nothing."
Andrew nodded, "I inquired about the person Lyn asked you to meet with. That person is busy in the theater today with a performance."
"Theater?" Pupillam murmured.
"I already arranged a meeting, and they said they would meet with you after the performance," Andrew trailed off, "What do you want to do? Go to the theater now?"
Pupillam thought for a moment and shook her head. The main reason for her refusing is a personal one. Back then he would often take her to the theater once they finished practicing, "I wish to inspect the town while I'm here, so the meeting can wait.
"I understand."
This man is a person of little words, just like herself. The carriage journey here was utterly awkward. Let alone walk around town with him, but Andrew showed no trace of leaving. She just has to bear with it. Before Pupillam could say anything else, she spotted a familiar person in the middle of the crowd. Pupillam blinked once and then twice.
Huh?
....
"Goodness me, I didn't think you'd be so careless."
Pupillam scolded herself mentally, what on earth was she doing? After landing flat on her face in the middle of town and making quite the spectacle of herself, the person she was chasing had vanished.
"Did you see somebody that important to you?"
She almost gagged at the thought, important? Pupillam sighed and explained, "If you're up to date with the news in the main city Prince, then you should know that the rebel factions are acting up," Pupilliam trailed off as the Prince put some ointment in her leg. The sensation left from the ointment stung a little, and she bit her lip, "Elder Nicholas, just now I saw him."
Andrew paused."Are you certain?"
Pupillam nodded.
A deep sigh passed the man's lips. "Let me take a wild guess. Is Elder Nicholas supporting Albert's son to become King?"
"Yes, why do you," Pupillam was surprised. She thought after what happened with the former Queen Lethia; First Prince Andrew stopped involving himself in the Mist Kingdom internal matters. But it turns out that's not the case here.
During Queen Orthez reign, Prince Andrew was known as the 'shadow King.' who secretly did work in the shadows to ensure the Kingdom is running smoothly. Could it be, he is still doing the same now?
"Because even though she's grown up now. There are some things she cannot handle alone." Andrew said quietly.
Pupillam's eyes widened as she immediately realized what he said. So the reason why the Queen has not dealt with anything like this before is because the First Prince has taken action before the Queen realized? It seems her theory just now was correct. Prince Andrew is still acting as the shadow King. But, this time he is doing this not to help fulfil the absence left behind his father. He is doing this to protect his little sister.