"Hmmm.." Princess Lola was pacing back and forth. "this all seams to simple to be the truth. To just find the letter in the guards pocket and then the bodies in the princes residence. Why would they make the judgment so fast and not have any further investigation? I understand that there were a lot of emotions floating around, but still, that can't be all there is to it. There seams to be some powerful people behind this. Hmmm... Alright Shali pull out all the stops. I need you to find out everything even if it compromises some of our agents. I am going to be a part of Ushgul royal family whether i like it or not, so i need to be prepared for anything and everything they will throw at me."
"Understood your highness." Said Shali, placing her right fist on her chest And lowering her head. "What would you like to do with prince Valentine now that you know he has a lover?"
Lola stoped and set on the bed with her had resting on her hand. "Im not quite sure. I can not be that angry as i have only known him for a day, but if he wishes to really be married to me, then he has a choice to make. Afterwards we will just have to see how he does."
"Wise decision my princess"
"I am expecting the results of the investigation to be ready as soon as possible. Do i make myself clear?" Said Lola with a stern look in her eyes. "You may take your leave now."
"Yes your highness." Said Shali and disappeared through a window as fast as she appeared.
Lola plummeted on the bad. Looking up at the painted sealing of a midnight sky above her, her mind wondered. It was understandable why prince Valentine was the way he was after all the misfortune that befell him. Still it was no excuse for his behavior. And there was still Acacia... Princess sighed. What was the use of mulling over the events of the past on this beautiful night. She wrapped herself in the fluffy cover and snuggled up in the warm bed. It was always shocking how fast she could go to sleep. Tonight was no exception. As soon as she closed her eyes, peace washed over her and carried her of to the land of magical dreams.
When the morning came sun ones again rose, shining with vigor, as if nothing ever fazed it. The ladies in waiting entered the room, puling the curtains apart with one quick swoop. The morning light hit the princess and made her eyes squint in frustration. She was many things, but none of them was a morning person. Ladys in waiting practically had to lift up and dress an unresponsive human body. They always brought a cup of coffee with them and forced it down Lolas trout. If anyone walked in on this morning routine, they would see that there was no sign of a dignified royal princess or respectful servants. Just a terrifying war zone. Today was no different. After coffee was forced down her throat Lola finally started to respond. Her eyes half opened as she observed how Shali held her up and Haer tried to pull up already half lifted dress. She groaned in frustration and dropped her head back. Haer ignored her and finished her task. Soon Lola was laying on the bed completely dressed with vail covering her head, finally coming to her senses. She blinked many times to completely wake herself up. At last she set up on the bed.
Kari knocked on the door and came in. "Your highness, prince Valentine has been waiting to have breakfast with you as is customary. It would be unwise to have him wait any longer."
Lola looked up at her. What a sly fox she was. Not ones did she mention anything about this custom and yet now she acted as if it was a common knowledge Every foreigner had to possess. How long had the prince waited for her? He would definitely blame this on Lola. Either way what could not be avoided was better to be met head on.
The doors of the extravagantly decorated dining room were open by two servants bowing their heads low. Prince Valentine had been sitting at the table for half an hour already with his paishens running thin. Lola walked in with her two handmaidens and bowed. "i greet your highness prince Valentine. Unfortunately I was informed of this custom only few minutes ago and was not able to come on time. Please except my sincere apology."
Prince Valentine frowned, but quickly regained his composure and walked up to greet Lola. "It is alright princess do not worry yourself over such trivial matters. Let us sit and enjoy the food prepared for us."
Lola took the outstretched hand and fallowed him to the table. What was going on with him, smiling and being all nice. It was impossible that he believed her words over Kari who was be responsible for informing her. Lola looked at the food that already had gone cold and spoke with a meek voice. "Thank you for understanding. I really had no idea about this, otherwise i would never have made you wait alone. I just hope we can still have a pleasant conversation and enjoy ourselves."
Prince Valentine was a little surprised by her words. He smiled pleasantly. "Do not worry. It really has not been thad long since my arrival."
looking at his handsome smiling face, Lola felt warmth spread somewhere deep inside her. What was it with this prince that everything he did affected her so deeply. She lowered her head in embarrassment. "Thank you your highness."
For the rest of the meal the conversation was pleasant and sweet, with dash of humor mixed in it. Lola was surprised that after yesterdays events prince Valentine still seemed so attractive and kindhearted to her. She wished this meal would could last forever.
"I really enjoyed our time together" said Lola. "Honestly if we do not have any more misunderstandings in the future i think we will get along just fine."
Prince Valentine looked as if he pitied her a little. "I understand how yesterday I may have seemed a tad disrespectful, leaving you like that without a chaperone. So I will forgive and not bring up the events of that day again, as you may have felt hurt by my actions. Still if we are to get along in the future you will have to show utmost respect towards Acacia. She is the kindest and sweetest being you have ever seen. Im sure you can get along with her if you try, but hurt her again and i will not stand idly by."
For the first time Lola felt grateful to be wearing a vail. That way Valentine could never see how hurt she was by his careless words. He did not trust or respect her, otherwise how could he ask of his fiancé to show "utmost respect" towards his mistress. This was to hard. She needed him to show his care and love before the wedding. Afterwards all of it would be meaningless.
The dining room was quite. Valentine felt a little bad for saying such hurtful words to this young girl, but he needed to protect Acacia. She was the only important being to him. Another woman by his side was hurting her deeply and that was not something he could condone.
"Princess Lola do not worry. I will treat you with respect and kindness as long as you behave. You understand im sure that this is only a political union. There is never love involved in such transactions. If you will know your place that i will make you the future queen of entire Dali. All i ask in return is that you show respect to Acacia. Starting by visiting her every day at her residence. I would not ask you to go out of your way like that, but her body is a little weak so she is unable to visit you herself."
"So you want to show everyone that your future wife gives her respect to your mistress everyday, is that right?"