─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
"How bothersome. It seems like I have no other choice." Xavier mumbled to himself while leaning back in his chair.
He looked up at the ceiling mural and closed his eyes.
.
.
.
It was finally dawn, the day the emperor and his knights began their journey to war. Xavier quietly sneaked into the emerald palace after a night of pondering and lack of sleep.
Marina, sleeping soundly next to the Princess- opened her eyes at the sound of the balcony door opening.
Her eyes grew wide from shock, and as she was about to open her mouth to let out a scream, a mysterious figure with a black hooded cape covered her mouth at an inhuman speed.
"Let out a scream, and I will throw you out of this balcony. Do you understand?" The hooded figure whispered as he covered her mouth.
Marina nodded slowly as she trembled in fear. She then saw emerald eyes as the moonlight shined off of them.
"Your...Majesty?" Marina questioned in a whisper as the hooded figure released his hand off her mouth.
Xavier faced Marina in a carefree manner.
"But… Your Majesty, this is the third floor… How did you...? The entrance to the emerald palace is always open for the royal family…You could have used the entrance..." Marina questioned in confusion.
"Do not worry yourself with careless thoughts. I came to check… on the child before my departure. I need you to step out for a bit. In five minutes, you may come in." Xavier commanded as he removed his hooded cape and placed it on the bed.
Marina nodded slowly and got up from the bed. She quickly placed on her night robe and stepped out of the room.
Xavier waited until the door closed completely. He turned on the candle on the nightstand and sat next to the sleeping Princess.
The angelic, baby-faced child laid peacefully on her side. He began to reach out for the top of her head. Hesitating and trembling, he pulled his arm back to him and let a soft sigh.
He bit the bottom of his lip and gave a stern nod of reassurance to himself. He once again reached out for the sleeping child's head. As he succeeded, he leaned in and gave her forehead a gentle kiss.
"Wake up soon… I will be back as soon as I can." He whispered into her ear. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a letter, and placed it under her pillow.
As he distanced himself back into a sitting position, he heard the covers rustle.
"Daddy? Is that you?" a child's voice questioned from behind.
While in shock, he quickly turned - facing the child on the bed.
The Princess rubbed her eyes and sat up while looking at Xavier.
"Daddy, what are you doing here?"
Sweat began to form on his forehead out of nerves and anxiety.
He quickly grabbed his hooded cape and ran out to the balcony door and out of sight.
The princess slowly laid back down.
Marina quietly opened the door and leaned in.
"Nanny Marina? Is that you?" Questioned the Princess.
"THE PRINCESS IS AWAKE!!!" Marina yelled with joy.
Startled, the child sat up from her bed in confusion and shock.
"Yes, I am awake… why wouldn't I be?" The princess responded in confusion.
A handful of maids and butlers swarmed into the room in their nightgowns and candles.
"Did you say the princess is awake?!"
"Oh my! Bless the Giovidonian gods! The princess is awake!"
"Our angel is awake! The Princess is finally awake!"
"Lower your voices! Do you plan on waking up the whole empire?!"
A bunch of voices said all at once.
What is going on? Is this going to be a new routine? Will I be given a mini party every time I wake up? That is just stupid.
"Princess, do you remember the accident? You fell into the lake and nearly drowned! Luckily, his majesty was able to rescue you! His majesty saved your life, Princess!" Marina explained as she sat next to me.
The maids and butlers nodded while Marina continued to explain.
That's weird. I remember playing in the lake. But the water was at most knee-high. How did I drown?
I looked out the balcony door and noticed it being open.
A soft glow from the sun slowly made its appearance as it slowly peaked over the horizon.
"So, daddy was here. But why? Why did he leave so quickly after I called out for him?" I mumbled.
Marina gently grabbed me by the shoulders and smiled.
"His majesty came in to say his goodbyes to you, Princess. Since he came to visit you a bit before dawn, he must have been in a rush. Do not fret; he will come back soon." Marina explained.
My mouth opened in disbelief.
He left. If it is true that I was recovering from an accident, then why did he still choose to go when his only daughter was in critical condition? What a joke. What good does it do if he came to visit me while I was asleep if he was going to run away like a coward after waking up? In a rush?! MY FOOT!
I could feel my face get hot.
No… I better not cry. That bastard does not deserve my tears. This is good! He may get killed in the war! I will live a great life! My uncle will be the next successor, and I will be loved and cared for by everyone! Who cares if he is gone. GOOD RIDDANCE! Let's look at the bright side; death may be a good thing! Have fun at war, jerk-face! You will not be missed!
"Let's get you breakfast, Princess. Poor thing, has not had an ounce of food in so long. you famished. You are already too thin. We need to fatten you up. I will have the chef prepare you a hearty stew and desserts!" Marina stated as he adjusted my pillows.
"Oh, what is this?" Marina questioned as she picked up a letter underneath the pillow.
"My… this has the imperial seal! It's… from his majesty… to you, Princess." Marina said in shock as she looked at me.