Seeing the prince's lady standing dazedly, Lucas, whom had just stepped in, narrowed his eyes. For a moment, he pondered if the prince had decided wrong.
He dropped the tray on his hand down the table and scowled at the lady's stained dress.
She had yet to change.
"Is the dress not to your liking, my lady?" he asked. "Then I doubt you can stomach this porridge," he finished drearily.
"I will wear the dress," Rain countered sharply, staring straight at him. She leaned over to take the dress off the table and smiled stiffly. "…and thank you for the meal."
Her shoulders immediately slouched when Lucas left, and she exhaled deeply. Now even the prince's right hand despised her.
*
The next day, at the wee hours of the morning, everything had returned to its former place.
Rain sat saddled in her carriage. She was leaned against the window screens, staring outside with an aggrieved look.
She felt so unsettled she wanted to run away again.
Besides the galloping of the horses pulling her carriage, another carriage rode behind in rhythm, trotting with her racing heart.
The prince was inside that carriage. The thought of having to face him once they reach the capital caused her to let out an awkward cry.
Clearly, the prince didn't like her. Even more so now that she'd offended him, his ominous aura warned her and his voice which would have been music to the ears, gave her chills.
The journey took several hours and not for once was a break taken for rest.
At sunset, the carriage's horses finally released a loud neigh and the carriage plodded to its last stop. They had arrived Eragon and reached the castle of the first prince.
Rain was yet to gather her thoughts, when her carriage door was pulled open and the waiting arms of the prince stretched forward to receive her hands. His galant gesture was perceived oddly.
But she still quickly got off and approached, taking his outstretched palms which helped her down the carriage.
He held her palm lightly and didn't let go when she'd gotten down from the carriage.
His arm led her ahead to walk beside him as they made for the castle's entrance.
"Keep your eyes on me," she suddenly heard him order in a voice barely above a whisper. His words sounded like a forewarning. His shoulders were held high and he looked ahead as he moved briskly. He seemed guarded, with a face colder than when he'd scolded her.
Though Rain didn't understand, she obeyed and lifted her eyes to his side profile.
There seemed to be merely courtesy in the way he treated her no matter how charming it appeared. But she was completely distracted; by the warmth between their hands, the delicate features of his profile, his noble air and the complacent nature of his character…