It wasn't late when the news of the arrival of Prince of Crisal spread in the capital and the palace as soon as he stepped into the capital.
"Woah, he is so handsome."
"Why is Prince of Crisal here?"
"Is he here to marry a princess?"
"No princess will say no to him."
"Princess Helena is coming of age."
"Princess Alora has returned."
"If I was a princess I would have agreed to marry him." A group of girls shrieked, blushing heavily.
Agost rode his horse slowly ignoring the exclaims of the commoner on his path. Whereas Cyrus was maintaining a straight face but in reality, he was checking out the beauties.
"Your highness, it's true Anka has beautiful ladies." He mumbled to Agost as they were escorted by a group of soldiers.
Agost ignored his aide as he looked at the city. Although Crisal was a powerful country, he was impressed by the developments in the Capital of Anka. The maintenance, shops and their marketing, freedom to the females, patrolling soldiers, everything was noteworthy.
Cyrus went closer to Agost and whispered, "Your Highness… I have heard that the brothel in the capital is amazing. Should I get to know its location?" He thought Agost might like to relax after their strenuous journey.
Agost's expression changed after hearing Cyrus. He nodded, making his aide grin but he added, "Sure. If that's where you would choose to get buried."
Cyrus: "…"
….
The Royal Palace,
Agost was welcomed by the crown princess, Eugenie, and other young princesses but his eyes desperately searched for the redhead lady. He felt like a fool for arriving without confirming anything.
Catherine noticed Helena reluctantly making her way. "Mo…" Catherine pushed Helena to the front and behaved cluelessly. Forming alliances would help in the royal court, Catherine and Edward Blewett would never let go of such opportunities.
Greedy for the throne, they wouldn't mind joining hands with the enemies. The Crisal was a neighboring kingdom after all.
Helena clenched her teeth, tripping on her outfit due to the push. She was grounded in her chambers for three days straight just because she went to meet Alora and wished to learn music with her. A few minutes before, her mother's maids prepared her as if she had to impress someone.
Now she was in front of a…. Her eyes widened looking at a strikingly handsome prince who caught her in time. She couldn't help being astounded at his attractive features and melted to his gentle hold.
"Princess, be careful." His voice was like a deep melody in her ears, creeping pinkness on her cheeks.
For a life partner, Eugenie believed in love, rather than looking at it as establishing a connection. So she will encourage both of her daughters to marry the one they love and trust immensely. Thus she gladly granted Catherine's wish.
"Prince Agost, your chamber has been arranged. why don't you rest there? We will meet at dinner." They were unsure about his sudden, unannounced visit to the palace in a low profile.
Agost forced a smile when Helena wasn't getting on her feet and stared at him. He quickly moved his hands to pressure her to stand as he responded to Eugenie. "That's kind of you, Your Royal Highness."
Catherine judged the prince in her view. Good temperament, no arrogance, respectful, well-mannered. But she didn't like his unostentatious arrival.
Whereas Eugenie was thinking of different possible reasons for his arrival. Request help from their nation regarding mages. To ask for assistance for their upcoming battle. To ally with them for something, Also Agost's interest in learning in mage academy. "Great."
Eugenie looked at dazed Helena, "Helena, help Prince Agost to his chambers." She looked back at Agost without waiting for Helena's response, "Prince Agost, you can ask Helena if you need anything during your stay in the palace."
Agost didn't like that but he had no choice. He went inside with the blushing woman.
Catherine, who got what she wanted so easily, was unsatisfied looking at Helena taking Agost and his aide into the palace.
'What is she scheming?' Catherine scowled at Eugenie who was listening to something her lady-in-waiting said as they entered the palace.
It was an undeniable truth that Alora was a beauty who was leaving no men in the court to ignore her. Since they were feared witches, they maintained a distance from her. However, Prince Agost had no such qualms.
Was he perhaps here to marry Alora?
Catherine instructed her lady-in-waiting, "I need the details of Prince Agost and the reason behind his arrival… Also, spread the word to him that there is an evil witch with red hair."
'Eugenie, I won't let you succeed in anything.' She gritted her teeth and went to instruct the tutors to torture Alora, as Freya was a hard nut to crack.
....
Helena escorted the prince with her lady-in-waiting. "We weren't aware of your arrival. I hope your journey was safe." Her pleasant voice sounded.
Agost was silent, his eyes emotionlessly looking around as if checking the palace. The Crisal castle was different from the Anka palace. If his castle walls were thick, the Anka royal palace was like a maze and an ambush ground. An intruder wouldn't know how he got killed.
Cyrus failed to hide his astonishment looking at the grand palace, huge hallways, extravagant halls, high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and unique art on the walls.
He poked Agost to respond to the princess but Agost ignored him too. Thus he responded to the princess, "Your Highness, Princess Helena, it was safe but exhausting. Prince Agost needs rest."
Helena flashed a faint smile at the side and looked at the prince next to her. Seeing his attention was on the palace, she started the briefing. "The Royal Palace was built centuries ago. But the interior and decorations are being altered from time to time. The art and architecture of each wall have a story behind them. If you are curious to know about something, I will be honored to narrate it to you…."
Helena continued and the ears to her words were Cyrus. They passed by many hallways making him dizzy.
Agost turned to the series of windows which was giving a beautiful view of the garden. His eyes caught a figure running towards the palace. His speed lowered and his eyes fixed on the lady who had tied her red hair in a high ponytail. 'I found you.'
She wasn't wearing a gown like other princesses, making him wonder who she is. The shirt, trousers, and boots weren't preferably chosen by royal ladies.
'A lady-in-waiting? A servant at the palace? A tutor for the princesses?'
Nevertheless, his eyes brightened as she came closer but his brows tautened when he noticed gloominess on her face.
Whereas Helena was blushing thinking Agost was looking at her. Her head was lowered, her fingers uneasily tucked the hair behind her ear without knowing what to say.
Agost hastily stepped forward. Doubting Alora might run to the other side, he reached the door and Alora bumped into him.
"Ahh…" Alora instinctively held his robe when she lost her footing.
Agost was swift to wrap his arm around her waist and another hand cradled her head. Holding her in his arms, his lips threatened to arc looking at her eyes that were tightly shut. Her brows were drawn, lips pursed tightly. Up so close, he could see her baby soft skin and her long lashes casting a shadow under her eyes.
Helena and Cyrus: "..."
Cyrus stifled his gasp and looked at the reaction of people around. There was no such drastic reaction as he expected.
Wasn't she a witch?
His prince is too much attracted to the redhead lady. He hurriedly went towards him saying loud enough, "Your Highness." He wanted to separate them as soon as possible.
Alora, who was waiting for pain, was startled by the sudden shrieking voice and shot her eyes open.
Agost sensed her body jerk, he gritted his teeth and looked daggers at his aide.
Cyrus: 😰