"Please inform the Emperor that we are grateful for his consideration." The king's voice was gentle.
"We will be waiting for the good news." The Queen continued as she looked at Princess Eleanor with a smile on her face, "I hope Princess Eleanor will not disappoint."
Princess Eleanor stood in front of the carriage as she looked at the Castle as if she did not hear what the Queen was saying. Her focus was only on one thing and that was the palace she used to call home.
Princess Eleanor knew if her family was still alive they would at least, have tears in their eyes. Her mother would hug her and her father and brother would run their hands on her head.
But now Princess Eleanor stood there with a dropping gaze as she saw the dull response of the people. "I will not disappoint." Although she smiled as she looked back at the King and the Queen her gaze had sharpened.
"Take care, my child." The Queen moved forward the love that dripped from her voice was lacking in her gaze. "You should always maintain the dignity of the Princess. Nerve forget you are representing the Angevin Kingdom."
Princess Eleanor nodded her head as he looked at the King, "I will leave now."
The King did not show any expression as he simply nodded his head. Princess Eleanor was not expecting any reaction from him too but there was a place in her heart that was hurt.
Maybe it was because her Uncle and Aunt were the only families she had, even though they were the main conspirators in her own family's death. Princess Eleanor wanted to show them some sympathy even if it was just for a few seconds. Even if it was fake.
Princess Eleanor took a deep breath as she moved her gaze at her cousin who stood there with her soon-to-be husband. "Prince Arlo?"
Princess Eleanor asked Princess Macy about her younger brother. Her younger brother would be the heir of the Kingdom. Although he was hardly ten years old, he was someone she never wanted to hurt.
"He is sleeping. When he wakes up I will let him know." Princess Macy said without much change in her expression. "You should get going now."
"Take care, Princess Eleanor." Duke Felix came forward. He looked back at Nia who had been standing there behind Princess Eleanor. "I hope you have a safe journey."
Princess Macy came forward as she smiled "I wished you could attend our wedding."
Princess Eleanor did not say much, simply nodded and turned around to enter the carriage but soon she heard a loud noise running towards her. "Sister …. Sister…"
Princess Eleanor's foot stopped as she turned around and saw a little bundle in red running towards her. She wanted to laugh as she saw her young cousin not changing his night clothes as he ran towards her in desperation as if frightened he would miss her if he was late.
Princess Eleanor sat on her knees as she spread her arms before Prince Arlo wrapped his small arms around her neck. "Do you have to go? Why would you leave me again?"
Princess Eleanor was speechless. There was at least someone in the Palace that still loved her unconditionally.
"Will will be back soon" Princess Eleanor whispered as she ran her hand over Prince Arlo. "Be good and obey them."
Prince Arlo nodded his head but his hold on Princess Eleanor tightened. "You will not forget me?"
Princess Eleanor's tears rolled down her eyes as she kissed the young Prince's cheeks, "I will not forget you."
Soon the maids came forward but the Prince refused to leave Princess Eleanor. It was Duke Felix who took a step forward.
For some reason, Prince Arlo was frightened of Duke Felix. But maybe because the Duke was Princess Eleanor's best friend and his sister Princess Macy's fiancee, Prince Arlo showed him respect.
"I will miss you." Prince Arlo said in desperation as he was held in Duke Felix's arms.
"I will miss you too." Princess Eleanor replied as she bowed down to the Prince. Princess Eleanor nodded at Duke Felix as if telling him that she was leaving now and he should take care of Prince Arlo.
The small interaction between the two did not escape Princess Macy's gaze as she took a step forward. Her hand wrapped around Duke Felix as if representing her stand.
Princess Eleanor could not help but sigh. She never understood why her cousin behaved in such a way. Even if she had her doubts and misunderstanding, she should have come to ask personally.
Princess Eleanor did not take it to heart. She turned around but soon something caught her eyes.
Prince Arlo was struggling in Duke Felix's arms but the struggle made the Duke's clothes get a little messed up. And something shined.
Princess Eleanor's breathing hitched. But soon Duke Felix kept the Prince down and made Princess Macy hold his arms.
Princess Eleanor now could not see anything but she had already seen it. There was no change in the expression of Princess Eleanor as she loved her gaze away.
She walked into the carriage and she saw Nia sit in front of her. Soon the carriage started moving forward as Princess Eleanor looked back through the window. The castle was looking smaller and smaller as they moved a distance.
Princess Eleanor was silent throughout. She did not know what she was thinking anymore. Her thoughts were a mess as she tried to focus her eyes.
"Princess …" Nia felt the change in Princess Eleanor's aura. She could tell that the Princess was sad. Although Nia could understand and sympathize with Princess Eleanor, she did not want the Princess to show such expression in front of the people from the Empire.
Princess Eleanor came back to her senses as she looked at her lady in waiting. "It's okay Nia. We will be back here soon."
Nia wanted to say something more but then when she saw the burning emotions in Princess Eleanor's eyes she zipped her mouth as she too looked outside the window, getting busy with her own thoughts.