When Helias Casteveron walked towards her, Captain Elaine slightly bowed.
"You're the niece of Duke Esagas and the cousin of General Cayden Avary," Helias Casteveron pointed out as he walked closer. "King Arias care for you and... even the Princess apologize to you. All these prove that you're not an ordinary Captain."
King Arias cared for her? How did he know that?!
"I don't really care about being an ordinary Captain or not," Elaine Vernimiere said to the Eslore Crown Prince. "Carrying out my job is my only concern."
"I can predict that much," Helias Casteveron promptly said.
Once again, Elaine saw that familiar mirth in his eyes, making her feel confused like always.
"I think you're really a hunter at some point, Your Highness," she frankly pointed out. "It seems as if I'm your prey."
Her honesty earned her a hearty chuckle from the Crown Prince. "I thought that since you realize who I am, you've become a scaredy-cat. But you prove me wrong, Captain. You're still daring."
"I'm not sure." The Captain's gaze briefly swept the floor before she looked at the Crown Prince again and continued, "Maybe because you've gotten too used to people who shower you with lies. I doubt that you have someone who dares to be truly honest with you."
With two fingers across his lips, Helias Casteveron observed the unique woman standing before him. "In that case, I dare to say that King Arias Astaze is extremely lucky to have you by his side." He put down his hand and his lips curved into a little smile when he added, "Will you be willing to give a thought if I ask for your allegiance? I will surely treat you well."
As Elaine narrowed her eyes, a smile crept across her face. "My father was also the Captain of Araven Royal Guards while my grandfather was an official who was known for his unrivaled loyalty towards the kingdom and the throne. I think this is enough for an answer."
Helias Casteveron gently nodded several times as if he understood. Then once again, he flashed a smile. "I was only trying out my luck." He briefly looked at the far front before he turned his attention back to Elaine. "I shouldn't take up too much of your time. You must be busy."
With that, Elaine Vernimiere nodded and slightly bowed before she walked away. She wasn't even aware of how the Crown Prince watched her until she was out of his sight and all the time, his expression was unreadable.
* * *
Eslore
It was almost afternoon when Princess Vivien was done with her activity. And right now, the Princess was inside a carriage with her maid, Jocea.
Nicolin was on the right, riding a horse, and apart from him, two other men escorted the Princess. The two might be around the same age as Nicolin and though they didn't belong to the Royal Guards, Princess Vivien knew their faces as they always followed Nicolin around. Just like Nicolin, she knew that they directly served her father.
"I thought that it will just be the woodblock," Princess Vivien grumpily said to her maid. "His two henchmen are also here. It will be difficult to lose them."
"Your Highness, why don't you just stay put for today? Your father put in quite an effort to restrain you and if something happens, he will be so angry," Jocea said to the Princess despite not having much hope.
"If not today, then I will have to wait for weeks again," Vivien Casteveron argued. She briefly glanced at the outdoor through the window of the carriage and her expression became determined than ever. "We should lose them no matter what."
Despite feeling more than worried, Jocea maintained her silence as she knew that the Princess won't listen to her no matter what. Her problematic nature equaled her stubbornness!
Vivien Casteveron let a few seconds pass before she knocked on the wall of the carriage. Just as she expected, Nicolin heard this and he quickly told the coachman to halt the carriage.
"What's the matter, Your Highness?" Nicolin asked once he rode his horse closer towards the Princess's carriage.
Pointing at the stalls which were set up almost on every side of the market streets, Vivien Casteveron said, "I want to buy some hairpins there."
Nicolin glanced around and noticed how almost every stall was selling hairpins.
"I just need to go there and pick a few. Did Father say that I'm not even allowed to make a quick stop?" Vivien quickly said when she noticed the reluctance on Nicolin's face.
"His Majesty told me to escort you back to the palace right away," was Nicolin's response and it made the Princess frown.
"Come on! I only need a minute or two. I won't be allowed to leave the palace for weeks again and this is my only chance to buy one," Vivien Casteveron said, observing every expression on Nicolin's face.
"I'll go and buy it for you -"
"How will you know my taste?" Vivien quickly interjected. "You know what, the time you just spent in hesitation is more than enough time to buy the hairpins. You are only wasting time. Just let me go and buy it. I'll be quick."
Nicolin still didn't respond and it almost made the hope of the Princess fade. However, he nodded at one of the two men after what felt like hours.
Seeing the gesture, one of the two men got off his horse and opened the door of the carriage. With a gleeful face, Vivien Casteveron hurriedly hopped off the carriage and ran to one of the stalls with Jocea trailing behind.
With a nod from Nicolin, the two men walked closer to the Princess so that they could keep an eye on her from a close distance. Still gluing to his place which was near the carriage, the King's right-hand man had his watchful gaze focused on the Princess who seemed to be enjoying herself.
At the sight of the cheerful Princess who was all smiles while looking around the hairpins, there was a shadow of a smile on the face of the man who was coined as a lifeless puppet. However, he soon turned away to observe their surroundings, which was a habit for someone like him, but...
When he turned back to the direction of the Princess, the latter was nowhere to be seen.....