The moment I woke up, I felt my body lying on someone's warm back with my hand around their neck as we bounce down the road with the cold wind greeting my face.
"I haven't seen you around, Fisher, how's the darkness treating you?"
It's Regin's voice. Why is he here?
"It's loving me more than the sunlight, actually. You should try hiding too, Regin,"
A low rough voice answered, making me open my eyes a little. Good thing my hair's almost covering my face or Regin will definitely see me.
It's already dark. The sunset-colored sky has turned into its marvelous dark blue sky decorated with the little lights and the full-lighted moon.
Then, if Regin is walking beside me, who's carrying me on his back?
I noticed that someone was walking with Regin, he's a tall well-built man with a black sleek hair. I guess he's a knight too since he wears the same uniform as Regin with that shiny armor.
"Your highness, you should let this useless knight of the Miss carry her. You still have work to do later," the man turned towards me... no, he turned and stared at the one who's carrying me.
"No, I'll carry her until we're near the mansion," Prince Forest replied as he hopped to adjust me on his back, "I'll have to skip this whole week meeting with her, and this is the only chance I can have to get near her."
I felt my chest tighten in nervousness, happiness, and sadness all the same time.
The Prince is giving me a piggy-back ride right this instance! It's a blessing that I cried hard enough earlier that sent me to sleep, now I'm close to him without anyone stopping us.
But, he just said that he won't be able to meet me for the whole week. He did say that he'll try to visit when he has spare time, but still.
"And the Delta King already sent us the agreement that we have to abide due to the Princess' kidnapping," the man with the low voice once again spoke.
"Fisher, can we talk about that later? Let's just enjoy the view for now," Prince Forest chuckled, and I felt his head turn upwards to see the sky.
I only noticed that we're walking down a mountainous trail, but we're now nearing the forest near the mansion.
Did they walk all the way from the top? It's a high far place! Aren't they tired yet? Especially the Prince who's carrying me right now.
I should go down since I'm already awake. I can't make him more tired, and he also has to work later.
I pretended as if I just woke up, I groaned and took a deep breath while blinking my eyes slowly.
I saw Regin staring at me with his right brow arched up in his forehead, "You're awake, you should walk now," he said as they all slow down.
The man with them, who they call Fisher, lowered his head when he glances over me and smiled, his slanted hazel eyes are stunning to look at.
"Good evening, Amy," The Prince greeted, "Did you sleep well?"
I wiped my eyes in case there's some dirt, but I wonder how long was I sleeping?
I was about to push myself down, but the Prince's arms tightened on supporting my legs. My hands were already holding his shoulders for support, but it seems like he doesn't even want me to go down.
"Your Highness, you've been carrying her for an hour now, she's been receiving enough royal treatment for a while," Regin darted his eyes at me as if I'm some kind of leecher. Well, I did enjoy the royal treatment he's saying. I rolled my eyes at him and smirked, making him much more irritated.
Regin once told me that I am nicer than any of their masters before, but I think he's getting too comfortable with me, and he's beginning to act as if I'm lower than him.
But I'd rather have someone like him who's entertaining to be with than some serious knight that only listens to whatever I say and do. I don't need a puppet, I want someone who can protect me and well, annoy me too.
"Then, I shall carry her if you don't want the Miss to walk," Regin took a step forward with his hands reaching for me.
I leaned away from him with a disgusted face, and to my surprise, the Prince took a step away from Regin with his eyes glaring over my knight.
Fisher, who's just standing and watching us three, let out a giggle, "We should get going now if only I can carry you all and run," he murmured as he walks before us.
"I can walk, you know," I whispered to the Prince, "Let me down."
He shook his head, "No, just stay there for a little longer," he said with his eyes focused on the road.
When silence covered our conversation, we can hear all sorts of sounds the forest makes.
The insects, the flap of the birds' wings, the wind dancing with the leaves, the sound of a river from afar, and their footsteps that crushes some soil.
And I just noticed that I can shuffle the Prince's hair while he carries me. I can play with that fluffy beautiful hair since he can't stop me, and he may let me down if I ruin his perfect hair.
I looked at Regin as my hand moves towards the Prince's head.
Will he point his sword towards me? What about Fisher? Is the Prince going to get angry?
Regin shook his head with his eyes slowly turning wide as my hand gets closer to the Prince.
Playing with his hair won't kill him, you know? They shouldn't make too much of a deal.
"I permit Amy to do whatever she wants, Regin, Fisher," the Prince said with an outstanding command, and I just noticed that both the knights are ready to wield their swords to me, "You don't need to be cautious if she's with me, " the Prince added.
I looked down on the ground and saw that the Prince can see our shadow from the moon's bright light. He can see my hand aiming for his hair. He can see my plan.
I felt my cheeks burn as I retract my hand, "Sorry," I murmured.
"No worries, Amy, do what you want to do. It's fine," The Prince turned his head back to try and see me, "I heard from Regin that you played with my hair before when I was sleeping in the library."
My eyes narrowed as I glare at Regin who pretends as if he didn't hear anything. I should be careful with him next time.
I didn't move or speak until we were near the mansion, where the Prince brought me down.
I felt embarrassed that all this time, he knew I played with his hair but he just acts as if he didn't know.
"Bring her in the mansion, Regin, we'll have to go back to the castle," Prince Forest said as he turns to me, "Good night, Amy." He whispered as he tucks my hair behind my ear.
I nodded, "Good night," I whispered with my eyes going up from his chest to his eyes.
I can't believe I told him that I love him... again.
How much will I keep on telling him my feelings when he doesn't even give a reply?
"Ehem!" Fisher cleared his throat with his fist on his mouth, "We have to go."
Regin bowed before the Prince as he walks back to the castle, while I just stare at his smile as he waves goodbye.
I had dinner the moment I entered the room, Lulu prepared the food a few minutes before we even arrived, while Granny was busy going through a magazine along with Lili and Lala while they sit on the couch.
"What are they doing?" I asked Lulu while wiping my mouth.
Regin also looked as if he doesn't know what's happening, which is also strange since he's always the one who gets the news first.
"They just announced that the Delta Kingdom will be throwing a ball for the success of the first trial," Lili answered with a bright smile. "We're choosing a gown for you, Miss!" Lala clapped her hand in excitement.
Regin creased his brow, "When did they announce that news?"
"Just a minute before you arrived," Lala answered with her eyes glued back on the magazine.
"They are still throwing a ball after what happened to their Princess?" I shook my head in disapproval.
This is not even a good time for the kingdom to enjoy, there are threats around, and any time danger may suddenly arise.
I can see that Regin thinks the same, his soft head-shaking says it all.
"Do I have to attend?" I asked.
"Yes," Granny answered, "Every bride candidate has to attend."
"Is this a part of the agreement they asked?" Regin asked with a sharp voice.
Granny nodded, then she stood up and went to me with the magazine wide open.
"What do you think of this dress?" She asked while pointing to a red victorian dress decorated with black laces.
It looks stunning, but I don't feel like choosing any dress for the ball. I mean, it's dangerous! We are all cramped up in one place, everyone, including the Prince and some other royalties, can be targetted and everyone will be involved.
"Can I pretend to be sick? When is this even going to happen?" I furrowed my brows as I look at Granny.
"Tomorrow night."
"That soon?!" I yelled from irritation, I can't believe that kingdom requested such a silly event as compensation for the harm done to their Princess.
It's really their fault that she's hurt. I can't say that what the ex-residecia said about the Princess was correct, but she did say herself that she's the reason why they're banished.
If I was an ex-residencia, I may also come after her after all she's done, but she's still a child, and... ugh, I hate having to think about other people's problem.
"Miss, the Prince will be there too, don't worry." Lulu softly smiled at me, she knows what my weakness is, and now she's using it to make me go to that stupid ball.
I shook my head and sighed, if he's coming, then I should too.
I know he wouldn't have time to talk or even dance with me, but it'll be worth it to see him in a great suit.
But, I am sensing something wrong with his ball. Why would they throw a ball for other kingdom's success after what happened to their Princess?
Just what is happening? Princess Tellusia's secret was already enough for me to be cautious around her, especially that she still decided to have tea with me.
I don't know if I am being paranoid right now, but after glancing over at Regin's troubled face, I know for sure, he's also wary about the events.