All the way to the palace of marquis, Renata was troubled with the smile on the face of the knights and maids while following her.
She had never felt that burden when she spent her time alone. who would have thought that love would be heavier to handle.
She closed her eyes and acted as if she was sleepy. After all, it was normal for kids to get tired easily and then sleep with the small motions of the carriage like a cradle.
"Oh my, the princess looks adorable even when she is sleeping."
"I know. You should have seen her when smiled warmly to me in the morning. She was looking so cute." her lips pressed tightly when she felt that they were praising her too much.
Why were they flattering her when she was not even listening? It was too troublesome.
Thank goodness that they soon started talking about the palace and about her maids that were punished.
To her surprise none of them have any sympathy towards them. Or could it be that they were wary of her presence that was why they were trying to flatter her. Did they realize that she was awake?
Though she had doubts, she still kept her eyes closed till they arrived at the palace of marquis.
She opened her eyes slowly as if she had just woken up and looked out of the window.
She could see many carriages entering in with the flag and seals of noble families and her grip on her dress tightened.
"My lady, we have arrived." the maid informed slowly as she bent to adjust Renata's dress and hat in a proper position.
She even ruffled the bottom of her dress and adjusted her bow.
"If you feel suffocated or anxious in the presence of so many people then all you need to tell is. I will make sure that we will leave at that moment." Lucy assured in a soft voice.
She did not know how a three year old kid was thinking of speaking in front of so many people.
She was not doubting her abilities but was worried that she would be overwhelmed.
Renata was thankful for her concern. But she had decided that she would never accept defeat in her second life.
This was her last chance and if she still did not learn from her mistake then she would never be freed from the shackles of her past. So, even if she was afraid, she was not going to give up.
Soon the carriage stopped and Reynold personally opened the door of the carriage for her.
He forwarded her hands and the coachman brought a small ladder from the other side so that she could walk out of the carriage gracefully.
Many nobles who noticed the grand carriage of the royal palace, stopped in their tracks with a look of shock in their eyes.
They have never thought that his majesty would attend the funeral of the marquis.
Even Leon, who was standing on the other side and dealing with the guests, was stunned as he ran towards the carriage.
But their surprise knew no bound when they noticed that a young toddler come out of the carriage instead of the emperor.
Murmurs started to rise in the air as many nobles whispered in the ears of each other while looking at her with scrutiny.
"Princess of the Florenshire Empire, lady Renata is coming out of the carriage." the guard announced in a loud voice earning gasps and a look of shock from many.
The secluded princess! The abandoned princess! So many titles had been given to the girl who was not seen on any occasion and never found in the palace.
Who would have thought that they would get the chance to see her here.
"Oh my, I think rumors can not be trusted anymore."
"Yes, it looked like she was a pampered child of the palace. That was the reason we have not seen her so far."
"Yes, or why else would the personal knights of his majesty escort him here?"
"But what is she doing here? I did not remember the marquis family having any child around her age to make a visit personally."
The sound of whispers increased but she did not lose her composure as she walked through the card who had left a parallel path for her to walk but their intense gaze was boring holes into her body.
"Your highness, may the light of the goddess fill your life. I am honored with your presence in my humble abode." he bowed his head with respect when she smiled.
Many looked at her adorable smile and took her as a kid but still did not understand what she was doing here.
"You are flattering me sire Leon. I felt sorry for you. Who would have thought that marquis would leave us suddenly.
I feel for your loss and I wish you would recover soon from the sudden loss.`` She spoke in a soft and dignified manner earning appreciation from many when Leon nodded his head softly.
"Yes, we all are trying. Please follow this humble servant of yours into the palace." she nodded and soon they started walking again.
Leon took her to the private room under the jealous gazes of many. He wanted to use this chance to gain the favor of the royal palace because his elder brother was going to get inheritance from his father and the title too.
Though he had gotten a good amount of estate and land, he wanted the title for himself too.
Convincing a little girl that he is a better contender would not be difficult and if the rumors were true then she could help him in gaining the appreciation of his majesty.
"My lady, what would you like to have tea or juice or shall i order some milk."
"A glass of plain water would be enough and if you are into it, please call my nanny too. I am here to get her."