The journey back to the Rose Castle was somewhat awkward. Prince Andrew figured travelling using the carriage would attract too much attention after the events just now. Pupillam agreed, and they slowly walked back using the forest route. Pupillam stared at the man taking a few strides in front of her, a deep sigh passed her lips. She wonders exactly how much he knew about her.
When she first entered the castle and became the Queen's aide and met him after so long. Pupillam immediately drew the line. Most girls her age would have reacted differently, they'd try to cling to their memories - and insist he's still the person they got to know.
However Pupillam wasn't like that, she knew when to draw the line when she had to. Yes, he may still be the person she got to know before. But even if those traits remain, it does not change the fact that he's a Prince.
She recalled her first day in the castle quite well; he was the one who reacted to her first and she dismissed him. After drawing the line between them, Pupillam didn't expect for him to approach her. For the first few days there was nothing and Pupillam praised herself for making the correct decision. She remembered thinking how it was for the best, ignoring the heavy feeing weighing down in her heart.
So, when a message came one day saying the First Prince wanted to meet with her. All the walls Pupillam built broke, and she carelessly agreed to meet with him. When she thought back to it, that was her mistake. She should never have gone to see him.
"Are you incapable of walking any faster?"
Pupillam sighed, "As you know Prince, I was travelling for hours before I arrived here yesterday," she paused as she recalled how fast she travelled. It's no wonder she felt exhausted, "And I could not sleep well."
That's because she was thinking stupid things. But there is no need for him to know anymore than this. The two of them were never close enough to begin with, so him getting involved in her personal affairs felt strange to her.
"Do you take me as a fool?"
Huh?
Pupillam didn't get a chance to say anything when she saw the dangerous look in his eyes. Unconsciously, she felt herself backing away. Pupillam took a few steps backwards until she could no longer do so. The First Prince had cornered her against a tree.
His eyes as he looked at her contained such anger.
Pupillam didn't know what was wrong. Did she say something bad? She retraced the words she just said to him and frowned. She said nothing bad, so what's with this man's attitude now? The confusion on Pupillam's face grew, when Andrew suddenly cupped her cheek, she slapped his hand away.
"Do not get close to me."
"You really take me as a fool," Andrew trailed off, "Yes just like that night."
"Stop."
"You acted as though nothing happened and took me for a fool."
Pupillam shook her head, as she struggled under his sudden hold on her shoulders, "It was an act of impulse, I was naive and regretted my decision afterward."
"You regretted it?"
"Yes."
She had regrets, she should have ignored the letter. She should have told Queen Lyn. But instead Pupillam chose the naive route, she chose the path of a foolish young girl. Noticing the Prince not replying. Pupillam thought this conversation was over, but he suddenly turned to her. Noticing their close proximity, Pupillam looked away.
"I must praise you," Andrew said. She looked at him puzzled, and raised her eyebrows. Praise? "You really did take me for a fool. I simply believed you were indifferent despite what we did. I thought you did not care. But last night you proved so otherwise."
Last night? What did she do last night?
Andrew deeply sighed, "I suppose it's natural. Your tolerance for alcohol was always weak. That didn't change I see."
What is he talking about? Last night? When she came here? Did she not fall asleep immediately? Pupillam's thoughts broke off as a vivid scene appeared in her head? It was faint, but she remembered it.
She drank too much and then she hugged Prince Andrew and said, 'Don't go, don't leave me again. I missed you so much.' Her cheeks grew hot at the memory, how foolish. She let her guard down.
Now he knows, something she buried to the back of her mind. Now it's out in the open, Pupillam didn't know how to react. She nervously looked down at her feet.
"Pupillam, I am a married man."
"Yes."
"But, I did not marry her out of love."
Huh? Pupillam looked up then and stared at the expression on his face. The First Prince wore a serious look as he said these words to her. Pupillam didn't know what to think, what does he mean by those words? She heard from everybody how much Prince Andrew treasured Lady Gabrielle.
Lady Gabrielle is the only one he showered with genuine kindness. Pupillam too had seen it with her own eyes. As somebody who knew him, before she knew his Prince status. Pupillam could tell from watching their reactions, he does not put up a mask in front of this woman.
Before Pupillam could clarify his words. A frantic looking man appeared and rushed towards them, she noticed the uniform immediately. His wife's messenger?
"Prince Andrew please return. The ladies health--"
...
Amethyst Castle
The Amethyst Castle is located quite a distance from the Rose Castle, so it took much longer for them to walk there. After walking for around three hours they finally arrived.
A frail-looking woman greeted them at the gate, Pupillam could tell that it took everything just for her to stand up. The First Prince's Andrews' wife was one of the top beauties in the Mist Kingdom. Long flowing ginger colored hair that fell past her shoulders. Her complexion was not as fair as the Queen's but it was still lighter than most. But her pale skin now was a deadly shade of white.
Gabrielle called out, "Andrew, welcome back."
"My dear, what are you doing?"
"I came out to greet you."
Andrew shook his head and lifted the woman of the ground, despite how quickly he did it. Pupillam noticed how gently he had picked his wife up, "Gabrielle let us retire to your chambers. You must rest."
"Yes."
Pupillam stood there awkwardly, should she head back to the Rose palace herself? Her belongings are there and staying here would be awkward. Pupillam didn't know how much Lady knew, but surely she knows a little? Pupillam didn't want to take that chance.
"Pupillam, you shall stay here," Andrew called out. He was already walking towards the castle entrance. But Pupillam hears his words loud and clear.
"My belongings--"
"I shall send someone to fetch them, you must remain here until I say so."
Pupillam disliked how haughty he sounded about everything, but knew it would be futile to argue back. This man always wins and gets whatever he wants. A deep sigh passed her lips as she followed behind the couple.
Her thoughts drifted back to what happened before the messenger interrupted them. What did he mean by those words? Maybe he was referring to the start of their relationship? That must be it.
Judging from the interaction just now, there's no way the two are in a loveless marriage. How stupid thinking these things now. Perhaps the reason she could ignore him so long had nothing to do with her professionalism but because the Queen was beside her.