Aillenne left the palace, dazed.
She didn't even know what happened after the prince finished kissing her. She felt sticky as he marked her skin with his saliva. She thought it was gross, but at the same time she had a feeling that she can't exactly point out.
Her lips were red and swollen. Her hair is wet and her carefully detailed dress was creased but no one pointed that out. The crown prince servants were quiet, but anyone could guess what had happened. Good thing that her hickeys were painted in inconspicuous places making others thought that they only kissed and she was not played to that extent.
The people were quiet, which made Aillenne thought that no one noticed.
"If perhaps I'm old already, the prince might have done something more serious than kissing me."
Aillenne shivered at the thought.
I really need to escape from the empire. I'm not safe in this place.
Thinking back, she didn't have enough money for her to be able to escape. She only had funds for the travel but not for the main issue. She cannot be allowed to cross borders and the requirements need more money.
I need more money. Let's make money!
She strengthen her resolve and pushed back the afternoon events to the back of her mind.
***
The west.
When it was near sunset, Derrick visited her room.
"You told me that you'll meet me after you went back to the palace."
"I'm sorry Derrick, I had a lot of things in mind. I even thought that you won't remember about it, but I guess you did. Haha, I'm sorry, really."
"Psh. Of course I'll remember."
"Sorry."
"Forget about it. I'm just the only one who got excited over a sister's first promise."
She was astounded at his remark. Should I laugh or cry? Goodness! It seems like crows came flying in all colors in the sky!
Derrick looked around and scanned the simple room. He clicked his tongue in disapproval and compared his room in his head.
Why does father do this to Aillenne? It's not her fault to be born without any mana or something. Well, at least she was born a great beauty.
"What's this?"
"Ah... that's His Highness' gift. I don't even know what that is."
By the table, an average sized pink box was laid. Derrick remembered his gift and thought it was shabby than what the prince gifted.
I should've carefully thought on what I gave her that day. My money's rotting away in the safe but my sister looked shabby in the corner of this house. That's shortsighted of me.
When he scrutinized her, he saw the marks he's been looking for.
"Are you alright? Did His Highness do something to you? Did he bully you?"
Aillenne's ears turned red. Of course he did something to me! He even bullied my lips and tongue! That cheeky kid.
"No... it's nothing."
Aillenne answered a beat late.
Derrick tilted his head. He had no idea what exactly happened inside the greenhouse. The prince strictly ordered not to interfere with them. Derrick's servants didn't have a clue, but one thing they found is the Aillenne went out red, lips swollen, sweating and her wrist had bite marks. While Phillipsburg is smiling so bright as if he had his fill, which is the first time.
When he glanced at his sisters wrist, he confirmed the bite mark. He is angered by the prince's actions.
"Alright, I won't ask further. Are you going to get ready for the night now?"
"Yes... I'm going to bath and change now."
"Without any maids? What the hell are they doing?"
"Th-that's... I told them that I want to be alone this time."
He noticed Aillenne's unusual behavior and her red ears. Something did happen in the palace.
"Hmmm...would you like to sleep to my place? I want to sleep with Aillenne. Would you allow me?"
"But mother and father might be angry. I already have my room."
"Mother and father was not around, they went to the Freesa empire with Adele, didn't you know? Anyway, father already consent."
Oh... he's quite prepared. When did he get father's consent? But also why would he invite me for a sleepover? This will be my first time in both lives. I'm quite excited though.
"Okay... I'll go to your room after I finished preparing."
"I'll wait."
He kissed her head then left her room.
Aillenne sighed. The afternoon events did take a toll on her. Having her a big brother by her side lessened her worries.