[Lucy's POV]
The end of spring was approaching. With the weather having been so nice, I've been taking full advantage of my new found privilege of going outside - though when I say outside, I mean the area that is still part of the property. Typically, after I eat breakfast, I would head to my study in the detached area through the pine forest behind the main property. There, I'd laze about read without moving from to a nice sunny spot next where I made a nest of sorts with cushy pillows. I cannot express how much these recent days have been like a dream.... However, as always, dreams have to come to an end.
One afternoon, I notice that the house has become quite busy. Each way I look, there is someone doing something of a tedious task. Even Celine seems to be worked up for some reason. When I asked her if someone is coming and she answers, "Yes, but I'm not too sure who. I do know, however, they are important since the Duke demanded that we prepare the eastern guest house for them. I don't ever recall him giving such orders."
To that, I think, 'I should probably prepare myself..'
At dinnertime, I spark the conversation. "The house has been quite lively lately."
The Duke, who I haven't seen in quite some time, sits at the head of the table and heaves a great sigh. "So you've noticed.. We're going to have an important visitor soon.."
With my poker face on I nonchalantly mutter, "Oh?"
Curious, Luca inquires, "I've rarely seen everyone going through such great lengths to please a guest... Who is it that will be coming?"
With a voice of fatigue, the Duke reveals, "Prince Arren will be coming."
Clatter.
Unintentionally, I dropped my fork.
Raised from his seat, Luca asks, "Are you okay?"
Pulling myself together, I noded "..Yea. I've just been feeling a bit tired after organizing my study's library today."
The Duke looked to me with a face is full of concern. "Don't push yourself too hard. If you need any help, be sure to ask someone."
"I will be sure to do so.."
After a bit of silence, Luca restarted the conversation. "Why is the Crown Prince coming here?"
"He's coming for.. various reasons..."
'How rare of the Duke to dodge the question..'
"..When will he be coming?"
With another great sigh, the Duke responded, "He'll be here within a few days.."
Thankfully, I had no more forks to drop.
"...however, I'm not too sure how long he will be staying. In any case, I know I don't have to say this, but I expect that the two of you to behave yourselves. Although the Prince is your age, he's royalty. Therefore, do your best to get along with that snot-nosed brat."
To the last part, Luca and I gave a hard-stare to the Duke who so casually continues to eat his dinner. 'He's not even taking is warning seriously. Duke sure is gutsy.'
~~~
[[I ran out of the residence as fast as I could. The ground outside was filled with dead leaves and dirt. Almost at the gate, I'm caught by him by, the boy with sand-colored hair and dark-blue eyes. Pushing me down to the dirty pavement he screamed, "I CAUGHT YOU!"]
[I land face first and my nose begins to bleed. I tried to wipe it, but he pinned my arms down. Seeing the red liquid, he became angry. "Everlyn! Who did this to you? Why are you hurt?!" His voice sounded concerned, but when I look at his face, it was smiling. He held both of my arms with one hand and then wiped my blood. "Who was it? Was it a servant? Which one? If you don't tell me, I'll punish them all."]
[I wasn't not sure why, but he let me go. As he walked back in, I hesitated for a bit. Right before me was the gate. If I left, I could run away. It's the perfect chance. But when I heard the agonizing screams and the sound of maniacal laughter, I couldn't leave. Turning away from freedom, I went back inside.]]
'Urgh...' When I woke up, it was a strange hour again. 'My head hurts.' I tossed and turned trying to go back to bed, but the dull headache pulsating in my skull made me stay up. Wit a sigh, I rolled over to the ever-filled water pitcher at my bedside. After I took a few sips, I placed the glass down and move to the fireplace that has been crackling since I've woken up as Lucy. Plopping on my chair, I lifted my feet to the fire to feeling toasty.
'It's going to be a matter of time until the Prince comes.. Have I been too lax with myself? Although I met a few of the Duke's noble-friends on 'Lucy's' birthday, it was quite unexpected.' It may be a bit conceited to think that something would happen by my meeting with the Prince, but I didn't.. in any case, I don't want to have anything to do with him. 'I need to make a plan.'
~~~~~
The days leading up to Prince Arren's arrival went by quickly and when the morning he was to come came, I laid weakly in bed with a fever. "Dear me, child! How did you get sick like this?" Holding her cool hand to my forehead, Celine frowns at my unsightly state. "What a pity that this happens on the day the Prince is to come, we just received notice that he'll be here shortly..."
Responding, I coughed, "Mm... I'm sorry."
"No need to worry, My Lady. The Prince will be here for quite some time. I am certain that you will have the chance of meeting him after you get better."
"Mm."
The gentle woman pulled the fluffy pink sheets up to my nose then takes her leave. I waited a few moments after the door clicks. Then, I grudgingly rolled myself out of bed to begin exercising. 'Since Lucy's body is so weak, I just have to do my best to be sick for a few days until the Prince leaves.' After I thoroughly exhausted myself, I returned to bed fall asleep.
Though my eyes remain closed, I could feel the presence of someone watching me. The door opened and I heard the low whisper of the Duke. "How is she?"
"She still sleeping. The doctor just left to make another potion for her fever..."
'Oh... It's Luca.'
"She was doing so well lately. It was probably a mistake to allow her to go outside so much."
"I don't think so... I think confining her was a mistake... After she became better, even if she doesn't say it, I could tell that she only stayed indoors because she doesn't want to worry us. Ever since her restrictions have loosened, it has been rare for her to be in her room anymore... Did you know that I've never once seen her play with any of those dolls over there since she woke up a year ago? I mean.. I know she couldn't play with them too much before, but even so, it made me wonder, 'What did she do all day?' If I had a life where all I could do was stare out my window... I don't know.."
As I listened to Luca's observation of me, my mouth tasted sour. 'I shouldn't have done this.. I shouldn't have made them worried.'
"You're right.. You're a good brother, Luca. I'm proud to have such a good son."
A few minutes pass and the Duke left the room. Regretting my self-induced sickness, I opened my eyes and turn my head to Luca.
The light from the window casted a shadow across his face. "How are you feeling?"
"..I'm okay."
He showed his best smile, but his sadness fell through. "You just missed father..."
"Oh.."
"How are you feeling?"
"You just asked that.."
"Oh.."
I turned my head in shame. 'I can't believe I thought this was okay..'
I sat up even though my body feels faint. Luca tried to stop me, but I do it anyways. "How was your day?" I ask.
"It was.. a bit underwhelming. The Prince arrived earlier and Father told me to escort him to his room, so I did..."
I narrow my eyes. "Did something happen?"
"No... It's just that the Prince is a bit.. scary."
From my memories, the Prince was described to have a 'cold personality' after his parents' assassination. And to my knowledge, it will be that way until he meets, Michelle.. who the Queen sets him up with...
"Why do you say that?"
With furrowed brow, Luca puts a finger to his temple. "Mm.. It's his way of speaking or rather.. or the lack of speaking? When I tried asking him what brought him to the North, he just shot a glare. And it wasn't just a 'don't talk to me' glare.. it was one where I could feel the air around me actually freeze. I was supposed to show him around after he rested a bit, but when I went to his room, he told me to not bother him."
Looking like a disappointed puppy, Luca was obviously dejected by the cold reception.
"He probably had a tough time in his journey here, Luca. Don't think too much about it."
"..Yea. You're probably right. He did look-" While opening his eyes to their full extent, Luca whips his head back to me. "Lucy.. You're brother... He's very handsome, right?"
Confusedly, I said, "Oh. Um. Yes? But-"
"Your brother is the most handsome, right?"
With the full intention to tease, I responded, "No."
As he slumped over with with shock, I continued on, "Rather than handsome, you are very.. pretty." It's true. If Luca were to grow out his hair and say he was my sister, no one would be able to doubt him. He truly is pretty. His silver eyes that are large like a deer's. His cheeks that are childishly plump and look like they are being asked to be pinched, especially when he pouts. His skin that is slightly pale only make his full lips that seem like he ate a bowl of cherries even redder. All of his features were pretty. Even his body that was bigger than mine seemed girly. If it weren't for his clothing and mannerisms, I'm very sure, he'd have men falling for him.
Absurdly, the pretty boy accepts my 'compliment.' "I'll take it." Grabbing both my hands, Luca firmly orders, "As my sister, you should not, and I repeat do NOT, fall for any guy prettier than your brother."
'Oh. How interesting.'
"So.. as long as he is not prettier than you, I can fall in love with them?"
"Yes."
Holding in my laughter, I said, "So, even if it's a random guy on the street, as long as he is not above you, I can like him?"
Beginning to understand my point Luca began to shake in fear, "Wait. No! That's not what I meant. I meant that.. You're sick, right? Since this place gets busy around summertime, even if you get better, it'd be bad if the sickness were to spread. Right? SO, be sure to cover your face when interacting... no, whenever you leave your room, okay?"
Smiling inside and out, I reply with, "I understand."