"Lady Syn." Prince Renaud's face was stern, giving away no hint of the smile and light in his eyes from that night.
Was it because he was here on business?
"Isa!" Lord Ubo called out. The doors creaked open and the head maid walked in. "Please pack up Lady Syn's things. She's leaving tonight."
"Yes My Lord."
I quickly glanced at Lord Ubo in both shock and curiosity as to where I am leaving to.
"I hope I didn't catch you by surprise, my lady." Prince Renaud said. "I've already prepared everything for the wedding tomorrow."
"T-tomorrow? Why so soon?"
"Soon?" He furrowed his eyebrows and sat back down in the chair. "We've postponed the wedding for over a month now, my lady. I also see that you are well, so we should wed as soon as possible. That way I can take care of you, if need be."
I wasn't ready. I still needed more training, but – this could be my only chance to find out what happened.
"The Crown Prince personally traveled here to pick up his betrothed." Lady Dee said with a smile, as if she were the proudest mother in the world.
If I didn't know any better, I'd say she was about to swoon, hell – she'd looked as if she wanted to marry the prince herself.
"You could've just sent a letter, Your Royal Highness. There was no need to travel all the way here." I took a seat at the table speaking pleasantly and politely, surprised at the genteel of the words and grace that came out of me as though some horrid ghost of a lady had possessed me momentarily.
"Why send a letter, when I want to personally ensure the lady's safest travel to the Royal Kingdom?"
Royal Kingdom.
Those words – those two simple words that had been haunting my dreams and wake at every moment.
Even if I find out it's the Crown Prince, or even the King himself who had done this, I will surely kill them with my own hands and feel no remorse. No matter the cost, I have decided on my path, even if it cost me my own life.
"I am truly honored, Your highness." I smile, trying to hide the spite that surely came out behind it – and yet I wanted him to know that I am on to whatever secrets the kingdom was coveting.
Though with how civil my words came out, I just continued to surprise myself more and more. All this nagging and determination must've really worked.
I wonder what Syn would say if she were to see me right now.
***
Chests and boxes got packed into the carriages, surrounded by an army of Royal Knights.
Just exactly how much stuff did Lady Syn own?
There were two carts full of items, I'm sure I wouldn't use any of it, but Lady Dee insisted I needed everything possible.
Lady Dee and Lord Ubo stood by the castle gates. I just watched as Lady Dee's lips quivered with tears pouring down her bony cheeks. Lord Ubo just stared at me with the proud eyes of a doting father, trying not to show the tears behind those glassy eyes.
"You will still see me at the wedding tomorrow, mother."
Mother – what an odd word that sent an odd tingling sensation through me.
"I know." Her voice trembled, and croaked to the point where just those two simple words barely made it out past a gasp of air.
"If you ever need anything, you know where to find us." Lord Ubo rolled his shoulders back and lifted his chin into the air, making himself look tall and proud.
"Thank you father." I looked around at all the people gathered by the gates. The maids and servants lined neatly behind them.
Sir Aeron and Sir Nigelle were dressed in full armor and stood gracefully by the other knights as though they were wishing me well as I head off to war. They were the ones I was the closest with. If anything, they were the ones I will miss the most and yet, they didn't dare glance my way, making a strange sense of longing ache in my chest.
"Are you ready, my lady?" Prince Renaud said gently, holding out a hand to me.
I detested the idea of marriage, but –
Best behavior, best behavior.
I sighed and took his hand. He led me inside the carriage and entered behind me, closing the door.
The things you do for friends.
I looked out the window at Sir Aeron and the knights, but when I found him amongst the sea of people, he only kept his eyes on the ground and never once looked my way. I could see the distance growing between us, that longing grew and I felt so damned alone.
The ride was awkwardly quiet, but I didn't mind it. I much rather enjoy the peace and quiet, just listening to the sound of the rolling carriage, and the clopping of the horse hooves. Although, I did wonder why Prince Talk-a-lot wasn't so talkative. It's not like it was a bad thing for me, I very much enjoyed the distance between us – I just couldn't help but wonder, this didn't seem like the same prince I had met that night.
Compared to the cheery talkative prince, this one almost seemed cold and aloof.
He only stared out the window and didn't utter a single word. Even his eyes, those dark crimson eyes seemed so lost as he too had a longing that drew his soul somewhere else.
Was this really the same person from that night? Or is he a different person too? Just like how I was in a different body.
"Are you alright my lady?" He finally muttered. His eyes still never moved from the window.
"Yes, I'm fine, Your Royal Highness."
"No need to be so formal. We will soon be husband and wife, so please, Renaud is just fine."
My mouth opened, about to say a snide remark, instead, I swallowed it down.
-"A lady never drops formalities." Lady Dee would say.
"It's your title, Your Highness. I would never dare to address you without it."
"Do as you wish." His voice was bland, no hint of the humor the joy that radiated from him before. This truly wasn't the same man from that night. Maybe that night was just a front he had to put on in front of everyone else, and this coldness is the real him.
Or perhaps Lady Syn was right, what if he really does have a bad temper?
I brush it off. This is only temporary. I will find Lady Syn as soon as I can, and find a way to get all this back to normal. Then I can go back to being me and Lady Syn can deal with the Prince.
I chuckle to myself.
It's just like Lady Syn, making me do all the hard work and then she just sweeps in to reap the rewards. I'm getting my ass kicked – literally – to make this body stronger and build stamina for her. I can't wait to get my body back. Then she won't have an excuse not to train as I did all the work for her.
"Is something funny?" Prince Renaud was now staring at me, but his face still held no expressions.
"Hem-hem –" I wipe the smile off my face. "I'm just so excited I can't wait." He turned his head back to the window as though I were just another annoying thing he had to put up with.
I grumble under my breath. I really hope I can solve this issue soon. I don't know how much longer I can stand this lady thing, let alone be in this brooding man's presence.
"Open the gate! The Crown Prince has returned!" The gates rose with loud clanking of the gears, and we entered the streets of the Royal Kingdom with erupted cheers.
"I heard Lady Syn is as beautiful as the sunset."
"I heard her beauty is beyond that of a goddess."
"Oh, I wish I could be as beautiful as her.
"She's so lucky, she's marrying the Crown Prince!"
Chatters erupted throughout the streets. I gazed at all the people lined on the streets through this thin cloth used for a curtain. Not that I could see them clearly, but just the amount of people that lined up was immeasurable.
The carriage finally came to a halt and the carriage door opened. Prince Renaud stepped out and held a hand out to assist me.
"Please take all Lady Syn's items to the marriage chamber. I will escort her to her room."
"Yes, Your Royal Highness." The porter instructed the others and they started unloading chests and boxes off the carts.
"After the wedding tomorrow we will move to our marriage chamber. Tonight, you will stay here." He opened a door to an enormous room. "I know it's a little small, but it's only for tonight."
Small? This is bigger than twice the room I have at Sewell Castle.
"I will be in the room down the hall if you need anything."
"Thank you, Your Royal Highness." I curtsied as he closed the door on his way out. I sat on the bed and pondered what I could do.
If I wander the castle right now, would that be too unladylike?
A knock came at the door.
"Come in."
"My lady." A maid stepped in and bowed politely. "My name is Ysabel. I will be your personal maid. Is there anything I can do for you at the moment, my lady?"
"Would it be alright to ask for a tour?"
"Of course my lady, but would you not rather rest?"
"I've sat for too long in the carriage. I would like to stretch my legs."
"As you wish my lady."
She led me around and talked about the history of the castle and brought me to study rooms, and ballrooms, but I just nodded along, trying my best to seem interested. They were not what I wanted to see.
Then just was I wished to see something more interesting, the sound of clashing swords drew my attention outside, and before I knew it my feet were already taking me there like a siren's song drawing me near.
"My lady!" Ysabel only slowed her pace when she finally caught up to me. "That is where the Royal Knights train. We shouldn't disturb them-"
"I won't disturb them. I simply just want to observe." My heart was pounding with excitement actually. I find training the most enjoyable.
The long dark hall led to an outdoor arena that was tremendously beautiful, as I stood on the veranda lined with spectating seats. The sea of silver armored knights that were paired up below, moved like a storm as they kicked up dust in their bouts and thunderous roars.
The instructor waltzed around, observing each of the knights skilled movements with his hands behind his back. Some of the knights had spears, some with swords, spiked ball chains and many more. Along the wall were all different types of weapons and shields lined up neatly.
I continued to observe them when my eyes landed on a knight moving swiftly, fighting with daggers.
"Ysable? Who is that knight with the daggers?"
"That is Second Prince Raulyn, my lady." So, the jerk behind the hood is the second prince. I'm sure he planned to kill the crown prince and take the throne for himself. Maybe he wanted to take out Lady Syn too since she was betrothed to him.
Although, since it was my body that disappeared, was it me he was after? Perhaps he figured out I was the one eavesdropping and wanted to get rid of me before I could ruin his plans.
The thought hit me hard. It was my fault that the whole situation occurred. Had it not been for me, maybe everything would still be normal. I stood there and studied the second prince's skills. It definitely looked like he had the skills, same type of weapon used and motive to be the culprit.
Suspect number one: Second Prince Raulyn.
I'm still suspicious of all the knights, but right now, he's number one.
"Alright!" The instructor yelled. "That's enough for today. If you have a post, go. I will see you all bright and early tomorrow at the valley for defensive tactics!" They dispersed like ants in the rain.
"Let's continue with the tour Ysable." I eyed the second prince before exiting.
The throne room was beautifully lined with chairs and an altar stood by the throne. Only have I seen places like this in romance books. It almost seemed like a scene from a fairy tale. Even my heart fluttered a bit by its magnificence, but the other part of me pushed it aside as fairy tales are not real.
"This is it for the tour my lady. It's late, you should get some rest. You have a long day tomorrow."
Ah yes – a long day indeed.
The ghastly wedding I must attend will be the death of me.