The breeze dance past them as they walk, providing a very satisfying chill to their skins, one hardened and ready for battle, another hiding a great wisdom of years serving the King.
A side glance, and Neil could see Princess Amelia, sleeping soundly. Didn't Amelia have classes she need to attend? if he's right.. it's supposed to be reading.
yes, he knows. because Eric loves his daughter so much that he would go as far as stealing Neil away just to brag to him about what Amelia does. Seriously, last time he kidnapped Neil from training cause apparently his daughter manage to coloured a butterfly 'perfectly'.
he can't deny, it was pretty. But definitely not perfect. Still, he was impressed. If it's him, the choice of colours will definitely won't be great.
Anyway, the main question here is, why Princess Amelia is here with them, sleeping ever so peacefully and definitely not doing her reading practice?
After spending a few seconds, contemplating either he should ask away or not, he decided to ignore it. Well, PRETEND to ignore it. His mind still doesn't let it go.
He sighed. Immediately after, a voice filled his eardrum. "You don't have to be shy and hide your curiosity, Mr. Lieutenant. We've both known each other since the late King kidnapped you to his chamber." He said, amused.
Neil's face burned with embarrassment. Had it's not because of his tan skin, The former secretary would have notice his blush, undoubtedly.
"Well, if you insist.. Why Lady Amelia isn't at her reading class?"
The other just smiled at the question pointed at him. "Lady Amelia caught me talking to the King and refused to let me go. She demanded me to stick with her for the whole day. "
Neil hummed, though he find the reply not answering his previous question. He waited, just in case the said secretary about to elaborate the statement.
He don't think so.
the well-respected man lead him to a chamber. Inside, fully trained maids are ready to size him up and design a custom dress.
"Lieutenant, please stand over here." the head maid instructed. Following it, Neil stand still, bemused. No one going to believe him if he told his mom and friends about this. Him getting prepared by skilled hands meant to make him the centre of attention.
How ironic. He was supposed to be a normal high schooler yet here he is. It feels weird at times but he have been doing this for years. Hell, it's been 12 fucking years.
12 years of him going back and forth, switching his position in the universe. The same amount of years he hid all the wounds that follows him back to reality. all kind of sickness and more that cling to him from one world to the other.
And he survived. Barely passing at times but he still live, with the secret well hidden.
Thinking back at it, he wonder if 'all secret are meant to be unfold' stuff is true. As far as he's concerned, it's definitely not applied in his life.
"Sir, We're done." the maid stated, bowing and stepping back without revealing their back. Neil stepped down from the altar. "Is there anything else that need to be done?" He asked.
"We need you to state your preferred fabrics type."
The first thing that come to his mind is Silk. the finest one.
But he don't want them to waste such money on clothes he probably will only wear once. So instead of silk, he choose one that he knows is enough.
"The usual fabric you use for my formal clothing." The maid nods and start to move away.
'We're finished, I guess.' Seeing that he have no more stuff to do there, Neil left the room with the assistant. "Is there anything else, Sir?" He asked.
"Ah yes. The King request your presence during his lunch." Neil sighed. 'If he were to brag about Lady Amelia again...' He silently grimaced. A second later, another question pop in his mind.
"Where's Princess Amelia?" Neil asked, realising the tiny royalty has disappeared from the guy's embrace.
"Aren't you sharp? I was waiting to see if you realise that. Do not worry Lieutenant, I asked a servant to send her back to her chamber for a much comfortable nap time." He answered, satisfied with Neil's quick observation.
"Well then, Please excuse me Sir. I would have to go back to my barrack and continue my duty." Neil said, bowing his head a little. The much respected man nod.
"Don't forget the lunch, Lieutenant. I hope you could be a good assistant to the King like me, if not better." Neil nod in acknowledgement before taking a step back and start moving towards the exit, aiming for his barrack.
And his kids that's probably suffering from their own mistakes.