(After the previous chapter)
The innocent mask of the Princess fell off and she smirked, smug like a cat.
I continued with half a smile and said, "The Hyacinth flower's powder itself is colorless, and adding a pinch of it in the tea, doesn't add any scent or color, but it will be enough to make someone sick for days. But as your highness ordered me to drink it, I had to.
She was really surprised at my knowledge and asked, "How did you know? And what's with the salt?"
I explained it then, "When your highness gave me the tea, my instinct made me check for poisons and I noticed slight oddness of the tea and by asking for the salt, I also got the silver spoon, with it I confirmed the poison and adding the pinch of the salt helped to partly detoxify the poison, the rest of it will be done by the potion I secretly added when your highness wasn't noticing, which I keep inside of my sleeve." By the time I finished explaining the look on her highness's face was priceless. Her eyes were wide and she looked at me with awe, her mouth slightly open. Yeah, I finally impressed her. She recovered and said, "You are not bad! I didn't know the detoxifying trick. And I wasn't trying to kill you or anything, just wanted to see if you were worthy of your rank and you proved your usefulness."
Arrogant royalties! She didn't even praise me, just said wasn't completely useless or apologized! Well, as expected from them! I thanked her anyway. And in my mind, I was like, well actually I thought you tried to kill me! Ah, good to know that wasn't the case!
A big worry down!
She said, "I can see why my brother kept you, he has good judgemental sense." Still proud of themselves! As if my talent has anything to her brother! Such arrogance! And now she tells me! Where was this knowledge before almost trying to kill me??!!
Crazy royals!
She also told me to visit her often and tell her about poisons and how to detoxify them. Her eyes were sparkling with excitement and her natural smile was much beautiful than that fake sweet smile she gave me before!
Anyways that pressure of having her suspecting me and keeping eye on me seems to get down! Which was great! I can finally sleep now without having to keep one eye open! Just saying haha!
When she finally permitted me to leave, I was more than happy to do so. When I stepped out it was already late and quiet outside. I walked slowly, not because I was tired (which I certainly was) but because I wanted to enjoy the peaceful moment alone with the moon and nature. I didn't even dare make the smallest noise while walking, afraid it will disturb the sleeping nature. I didn't feel like returning to my chamber, to that same cell-like little space where I know I have to stay for many days till I can leave this place for good.
I felt oddly awake and very alert of my surroundings, like when I go on my job of spying on someone! Maybe because it was nighttime with starry sky and the moon and no one around. I kept walking till I reached that place in the garden I used to sit and think while looking at the lake. I realized, even without thinking of it, I subconsciously came here, I guess I got attached to it! But soon, I heard a tune, someone was playing flute around here! Who could be around here at this time?! I silently tiptoed toward the sound. There at the bank of the lake, someone dressed in white sitting under the silvery moonlight, playing the flute!
When I went closer, I noticed another person sitting beside him. They somehow looked very familiar! Who could they be...?! Oh, wait! I recognized them as the clouds moved away and a piece of moonlight shone on their face. They were the crown Prince and beside him was Master Kang Ji Han! I quickly hid behind a tree at a safe distance from where they won't be able to sense my presence and I could also hear them.
When the music ended, Master Han gave a throaty chuckle and said, "You are as good at it as always, your highness."
The prince snorted, "Stop trying to flatter me, we both know you were always better at it than me. And stop calling me 'your highness' when no one is around, if you do, I'll make sure your salary goes down!"
Han laughed out heartily and raised both of his palms in surrender and mockingly said, "Is that an order from the great general or the future king?"
The prince laughed and mock punched Han on his shoulder and said, "Both, you smartass!"
Han raised one of his eyebrows and asked, "Then, can I call by that name?" He winked at the prince who looked horrified and quickly said, "No, no, never!!!"
Han laughingly said, "You already ordered me to call you casually, Skinny Young!"
Prince Shen groaned, "Ugh! if any other living soul hears this name, your head won't be attached with your nick anymore, mark my words!"
Then both started laughing and shoving each other.
I was listening to them with great amazement! They are very close, closer than I imagined! And seeing them laughing carelessly was a first! I could swear I never even saw them smile, let alone laugh like this and I'm sure no one else did either!
I thought about not pushing my luck farther, so, I retreated slowly into the woods and merged into it.
I went to my quarter but instead of going to sleep, I stayed on the balcony for a long time before finally going to bed.
That night I slept peacefully and had a strange but beautiful dream. There was the mysterious crown prince, who was warmly smiling at me in the silver moonlight!
I guess staying up late disoriented my mind and gave me strange dreams!