"Hack, hack." – There's smoke everywhere and I can barely see a single thing at all, but the little cry is close ahead. Approximately the place where the little boy with flowers stood.
"Hello? Is anybody there?" – I called out towards the little cry then suddenly he answered back crying.
"H-help, h-help m-me I-I'm stuck!" – I and the others hurried towards the cry. And what awaited us was a shocking sight. The little boy's legs were buried by rocks. It seemed like the building where the little boy stood for shelter collapse. I scooch down to get the rocks off him.
"Don't worry little one. We'll get you out of there." – I calmly try to tranquil him. I turned around towards Sir Ron to help me get the rocks off when suddenly I heard footsteps approaching us from behind. I hurriedly dug out the rocks and finally got the little boy's legs out. Sir Ron rushed over and scoped the little boy in his strong arms. I sprang up on my feet and turn towards the footsteps.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Why isn't it the Lady Vivienne Hernandez of The Shire? A pleasure to meet you my lady." – Looks like the black mask person approaching us came along with some boys. I stood in front of my campions to shield them from danger.
"Who are you and how do you know me?" – Nanny and Sir Ron started protesting.
"Milady, you be careful. I think it's safe to hide behind Sir Ron just in case you'll get hurt." – Nanny whispered behind me along with Sir Ron.
"Vivi- milady, I think it is safer to hide behind me in case you'll get hurt!" – He sounded anxious. Hearing people worry about me just burns me to the core.
"Shut up the both of you and what good would he do? He's holding a kid who's injured. You just can't neglect an injured patient to protect a noble lady." – I said angrily cause hearing them worry about me just reminds me of how my parents used to be like. I was going to instruct them to hurry and run when the leader of the black mask group decided to talk.
"Oh, so does that mean milady can handle herself very well? I don't think so." – I can already feel the person's smirk from within his mask and that just annoys me. I walked up towards him and I can hear Nanny gulp behind me.
"Why yes. I think I can handle myself well, mister. Hurry up, what's the big deal? I don't have all day you know." – I stopped just five inches from him and stare at him with boredom waiting. And I think that made him angry.
"Hehe, let's see what a little weak girl like you would do." – He dashed towards me with something shiny and then I realize what it was a knife. I can hear both Sir Ron and Nanny crying out my name.
"Vivienne move!" – My defence mode turned on and instantly I doped his aim to the left. I grab his arm and strike him with my elbow blowing him on the back putting a big impact on his head which made him fall to his feet.
"T-that, t-that can't be! You're weak! You're supposed to be weak!" – I smirked at that statement before bending down to his level and whispered.
"You know. I'm quite happy you dropped by; you know why? I haven't stretched my back in ages. Why don't you and your minions get lose from my sight or else." – I held out the knife he was holding and made an 'I will kill you' motion with the knife which of course made him scared.
"Yes, yes, yes! I'll live. I'll live right away." – He backed away and some of his men grabbed both his arms and dashed away through the foggy smoke. I stood there smiling and then sang and dance a hooray song that maybe nobody in this world even knows exist.
"Hooray, hooray! It's a holiday!" – I didn't realize I was embarrassing myself in front of a royal guard I met, and my Nanny expects the little boy who has already dosed off sleeping. They started laughing. I stopped instantly and I can already feel my face burning. I dramatically turned away and shouted.
"What's so funny, huh? Stop laughing the both of you." – They instantly try to stop laughing but they just couldn't. The sight of them laughing in happiness made my heart warm.
"Fine, laugh all you want for today, but next time don't." – I started walking towards the fog when Nanny stopped me with her hand on my shoulder. I turned away confused.
"What is it, Nanny?" – I confusedly asked her. She pointed towards a carriage that stood empty beside the road. I smile and headed towards it.
*************************
Finally, I can breathe some fresh air. We are now heading home along with the little boy who looks about 12 who's sleeping on my lap. Nanny has been protesting about letting the little boy sleep on the floor until we get home, but I insist on letting him sleep on my lap cause he needs his blood to flow evenly.
"We're almost there. I can see your house already milady." – Sir Ron is the person riding the carriage. I was going to ride the carriage home, but he insists to ride the carriage home, so I let him.
"Ah…." – I look down immediately. Oh, he's waking up. I smiled waiting for him to open his eyes. When his eyes blurt open, he screamed.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" – I almost thought I'll lose my ears that very moment.
"Hey, hey, hey. Calm down." – I was going to pat his forehead to calm him down, but he slapped my hand which hit the smack open. I looked at the floor. Now I know why the boy was scared. My mask looks like it when on war. I can tell that Nanny was angry because of the little boy's rude behaviour. She was about to punish him, but I stop her.
"Nanny, it's alright. I'm fine." – I put down my clack which shocked Nanny.
"Milady, you are not wearing your mask! What if... what if! – "– I cut her off by waving my hand a signal it's alright. I turned towards the kid in the corner of the carriage sit and smiled politely.
"Hey, calm down. I'm not going to hurt you. Your injured that's why you're in my carriage. I'm taking you to my home so I can treat your wounds. Will that be okay with you?" – I asked while lifting my brows in question. He seems taken back but came back to his senses and nod his head. I smiled at his reaction before beckoning him to come close to me.
"Come sit here." – I patted the seat beside me. Nanny looked at me blankly. I just smile at the boy. He slowly moved towards me and sat looking down. I smiled and pat his head.
"Milady, we've arrived." – Sir Ron shouted from the outside. I immediately grab my mask and put it back on. Sir Ron opened the carriage door and peeked inside.
"I heard a scream. Are you okay? Oh, your awake." – He looked towards where I and the little boy are sitting. I instantaneously answered him that we're fine. He looked relieved for a moment. I stood up and headed towards the door with the little boy. Sir Ron held out his hand to help me out of the carriage. At first, I didn't want his help but then I remembered I have to have some manners. I took his hand and he guided me down.
"Are you going to come in?" – I looked at him for an answer. But then I notice some dirt on his cheek without realizing what I'm doing I reach towards his cheek and wiped it off. He blushed and pulled back and headed towards the carriage.
"I have to head back to the palace and report to him that you can't make it. And you were almost attacked by a murder." – He jumped to on the carriage. I sighed for a moment.
"I see. It was fun today. Thanks for accompanying me both with Nanny today, Sir Ron." – I courtesy to show my gratefulness along with Nanny. But then he suddenly asked a question.
"Hmm, Lady Vivienne where did you learn how to fight like that?" – I just smiled and dramatically said.
"Hm! Of course, I'm the president. Finally, my martial arts skills came in handy." – I clench my fist and held it up with victory smiling.
"President? Martial arts? What are you talking about Lady Vivienne?" – I pulled my hand down fast before turning in his direction. He looked confused at what I was calling about, but I just smiled.
"I guess, I'll see you sometime. And also tell the emperor I'm going to need some rest from today onwards. And let's pause the engagement. I'm not ready for an engagement." – I turned around and headed towards the gate.
"Yes, I'll inform his majesty of what you've said. Farewell Lady Vivienne. May we meet again, soon. Yah!" – I heard the carriage running down the road and in front of me assembled my father's servant, Ella looking cold as ever along with 6 other servants.
"Welcome home, milady. We've been awaiting your return." – She looked behind me and frowned.
"Milady, why is a dirty boy clutching onto your dress? And what on earth happened to you?" – She started towards the boy, but I hold up a hand to stop her.
"He's my guest so he can come in. And this." – I pointed to my dirty dress. – "Is none of your business."
I hold the little boy's hand and motion Nanny to come along. I headed inside the mansion and all the servants heard turned towards my way. I can already hear them gossiping about my appearance and about the little boy who has been clinging onto me ever since we entered the mansion. I didn't care less so we headed towards my room which 4 servants have been waiting in shock at my appearance. I rolled my eyes and demand them to prepare the bath straight away.
"Why are you still standing here for? Can't you see your lady is dirty and she needs a bath?" – I sarcastically said to them. The moment they hear my command they start running but one of them was a little too slow.
"You!" – I pointed towards her and she froze in place as if her whole life has come to an end. But I smiled.
"Prepare a bath for the little boy in the guestroom next to mine. And once he's done, send him over to my room so I can treat his wounds. Go on. I'll just be in this room, okay?" – I bend down to his level and calmly tell him like I always did with my little brother back at home that he'll be alright, and I'll be nearby. The little boy stared at me for a moment before nodding his head and letting go of my hand. I turn towards the little servant.
"You better take care of him. Or else." – I did an 'I will kill you' motion with my hand towards her and she hurriedly nodded her head before carefully leading the little boy to the next room. I sigh before entering my room.