The carriage ride abruptly stopped.
A footman opened the carriage door and they started to stream out. As Claudina was descending she found herself staring at a gloved hand in front of her.
"Miss Spade, your hand." She glanced up. It was Arche.
Beaming she took his hand as he helped her out of the carriage. 'Guess he wants to act as an escort after all.'
She got out and was about to let go of his hand but Arche kept a firm grip. "I am escorting you so don't let go of my hand yet." She nodded and linked her hand on the crook of his arm.
She looked over where the others saints had gathered. They were exchanging apprehensive glances. Shulia was even puffing a cigar with Sylvester to cool her nerves. She shot them a pitying look.
Since normally saints didn't engage in luxury and live humbled lives, being pulled into an alien zone where people would kill you with their words alone they were skeptical with her plan. Even Sylvester and Oriane were squeamish about infiltrating the party as guests.
After they witnessed her executing the first step of the plan they had begun to have hopes for this.
Now that they were at the final steps they seemed out of it.
Despite wanting to keep up appearances she let go of his arm and run towards them. She placed her hand on Oriane. "Are you all alright?" Lucas was nowhere to be found. He was meant to be beside Oriane all the time.
Oriane in turn grabbed on to Claudina and hugged her. She was shaking. "Oh what if I make a wrong move here? If Father knows…Noooooo!" she mumbled under her breath.
'Trauma?' She soothed out her hair. "There is no need for all of you to come with if you are this unwilling."
"Who's gonna give you back up then?! That Arche?" Shulia asked between puffs. She wrapped the cloak tighter around her shoulders. "I'm freezing my ass off!"
"Don't worry. I am sure the palace is warm inside."
"It better be!"
She looked around. "You can sit this one out. I don't require back up. All of my missions in the future had been solo."
"Even if Miss Fairy went solo, we would still give you back up." Sullivan beamed up at her. "Think of it as your elders wanting to guide you but still protecting you."
Hearing the word elder seemed to have some effect on Oriane as she peeled off of Claudina. She tried to keep her back straight yet there was a slight tremble of her lips.
"Oh dear now we must really pretend to be normal if we made the calculating Claudina worried for us," Sylvester joked.
She was still frowning. Anatole pressed his finger in the middle of her furrowed brows and started to soothe them out. "We will be fine. If anything you should be the one to be nervous." His voice dropped an octave. "You are the one that is killing the crown prince."
She pushed his hand away with a huff. "I know!" She turned to leave. She slightly turned her head. "It would have been fine if we skipped this guy and move on to the eastern emperor. But you all insisted we kill each and every traitor."
She strode away to where Arche and Lucas were waiting.
"There is the lovely Miss Spade~ you are quite close with the saints despite not being one huh?"
'Stirring up trouble…' She only gave curt nod at him as she once again linked her hands with Arche's elbow. "Let's go."
As she passed him he saw the color of the rose that was pinned on Lucas' breast pocket now sported a red rose.
She cringed in her head.
Marble steps led up to the brightly lit palace. Starry lanterns were decked on the evergreen bushes outside the staircase. Tall pillars of dark brick supported the structure of the palace.
People were arriving on carriages and went up the stairs to the multiple servants that checked their invitations and ushered them inside.
However when Claudina came up the stairs leaning on Arche's hand everyone stopped to look, captivated. "You sure turn lots of heads," Arche whispered under her ear. He handed over his invitation. She did the same, the female servant blushing when Claudina's hand brushed with hers.
"Then you should see how I turn their stomachs with my cooking," she whispered back. "My father forbade me to enter the kitchen when I baked him a cake for his birthday. It was quite comical with his face all purple while he squeezed his legs trying to hold it in as he gave that order."
He nearly laughed but he pinches his arm to stop. "Let's not talk what you do with your cooking."
She only hummed in replay.
They entered the palace with the saints close behind. The heavy coats and cloaks were taken by a servant to a cloak room.
The nobles who were participating in this event were all wearing their most expensive clothing, as the glittering jewels and precious fabrics were being reflected in the artificial light. The cost of one of these precious stones and metals could feed a whole village for months. Their lavish suits and military regalia were also made of luxurious velvet and spun silk while the matching trains and long gowns were adorned with embroidered designs. Their nobility seeped from every pores and actions.
Even the room itself would not hide its treasures, as the walls and ceilings are adorned with white marble and gold, and each of its diamonds and gemstones is surrounded by intricate details. Glittering chandeliers swayed overhead.
When she stepped in the ball room like outside everyone's gazes were directed at Claudina.
"Miss Spade if you feel uncomfortable, please do tell me." She lightly chuckled. "Lord Anis rather than me I think you should see the saints. They seem ready to bolt."
Both of them glanced behind. They had uncomfortable expressions but they were holding the urge to leave.
"They do but I hope they are able to pull through their plan."
"Don't worry they will."
Arche was told a bull and cock story about the saints going to negotiate with the crown prince. If the talks fell the Five Nations will openly consider the northern kingdom Halieas an enemy and declare war.
What he doesn't know that tonight the woman he is escorting would assassinate the crown prince Aidan.
'Now where is that good for nothing prince…'
"Lord Anis!" The both whirled around.
'Speak of the devil and he shall cometh…'
The crown prince towered over them with broad shoulders, a fit yet muscular body and a strong jaw. His pale blue hair was slicked back with a few strands slipping. His bright red eyes twinkled under the lights. Dressed in pristine royal blue uniform and a flowing white cape, he walked with the dignity of the future monarch.
"Lord Anis! I am so glad you could make it!" He came over and slapped his back and held his hand shaking it.
"Your Highness, the crown prince Aidan," Arche gave a small smile. "You have invited us so graciously why wouldn't I come."
"Hahaha! Of course, of course!"
"By the way Your Highness, where is your fiancée? I don't see her anywhere?"
"Ah, Rosalinda wasn't feeling well today so she decided not to come. She told me to express her regrets for not coming to the guests."
"Please tell her not to push herself. The most important thing is one's health."
"Yes, yes," he waved his hand as if his fiancée's health was the least of his concern.
Then his eyes landed on Claudina who quietly observed him. He raised an amused brow. "Ho? Who's this exotic gem you have there by your arm?"
"This is…"
"Claudina Spade, Your Highness," she said while curtsying. She stood up and gave a charming smile. "I am Lord Anis' partner."
He blushed before coughing. "Spade? Ah you mean the merchant Spade that is under the Crowley dukedom in Chronostis yes?"
She nodded. "Correct your highness."
He looked her up and down, stopping at her chest for a good minute before he smirked darkly. "I can see why he chose you as his partner. I am sure you have quite a few more 'A-hem' assets."
What he intended to say was clear even to Shulia. The atmosphere soured into awkwardness.
Claudina smirked back. "Thank you Your Highness." She placed her hand on top of her heart. "But I wonder if you are saying this because you yourself don't have them. That you are not able to use them properly. That your assets are somewhat small and don't function the same way as others do." When she said the last words she was glanced downwards.
She quickly looked up. "However from what I have heard your lovely fiancée has taken an oath of chastity until the wedding night so there is no way to confirm those so called rumors now is there?"
Aidan flushed with rage. "What. Did. You. Just. Say."
"Please don't be offended. I spoke but a passing rumor."
His brow twitched. "Rumor or not I could still throw you to gallows for slandering the royal family."
She beamed. "But your highness on what reasons will you throw me for? What I just said was something I have no proof of. If you wish to continue on with having my head then," she bent forward and lowered her head. "You are free to take my head. However this is a state affair so do be careful not to splash blood. But that would just prove what I said earlier to be true."
Nobody moved. Now both of them had insulted each other.
'Just what is this wench thinking?' Anatole glared under his mask. 'She's adamant on courting death.'
"Lord Anis I hope you keep your partner on a leash for the night."
Arche bowed. "I apologize for her impertinence."
"Raise your head." She immediately did so grinning form ear to ear. "I will let you off this time."
"I thank your highness for showing such generosity to this lowly being." She curtsied again with more flourishing of her hands. "I am sure your graciousness would touch even the Celestial Heavens."
Aidan flinched before glaring at her suspiciously. "Right…" He turned to Arche. "You said you wish to introduce me to the saints if I recall."
"Yes your highness." He stepped aside. "My lord, these people are the saints."
The saints bowed. Anatole stepped forward. "Prince Aidan, we are aware that this is not a good time to discuss matters which pertains our visit. However it is important that the sooner we do it the better it is."
He looked puzzled yet he agreed. "If you wish to discuss then shall I show you my private rooms?"
"That will be better."
Aidan lead them away but not before telling Lord Anis to enjoy the party. He glanced at Claudina who looked at him like he was beneath her.
He purposely bumped on her chest when he went past her and in return she dug her nails in the torso area under his shirt. He almost yelped. He shot daggers at her but she batted her lashes all innocent like.
Cursing under his breath he led the saints to his private quarters.
"Phew!" Someone loudly whistled. Lucas came into view. "His highness the prince looks ready to kill."
"Where were you Lucas?" Arche asked. "You disappeared as soon as we arrived."
"I came on ahead to ensure the rest of the envoy arrived safely. And also," he swirled his champagne glass. "To sample this delicious wine," he said drinking the wine.
Claudina untangled her arm form Arche's arm. He looked back at her in surprise.
"I want to drink as well so I will go get some," she said.
She glanced at the rose in Lucas' pocket. Still a bright red.
For some reason she wanted to rip out his tongue.
"I'll send Lucas. There's no need for you to go." He took her arm again. "Lucas go get some for us."
He tutted. "Wow you have made your friend a servant for a girl."
Arche raised a brow. "As if you are any better. Go."
"Fine, fine. I'm going~ Miss Spade what would you like?" He flashed her a grin.
"Let's see… Halieas special wine with one shot of whiskey, one shot of rum, stirred but not shaken and half pint of iced milk."
Lucas started at her. "Miss Spade…this is your first time visiting the northern kingdom right?"
'Crap I messed up.' "This is what my father had when he lasted visited. I am curious about the taste."
"Ok! I'll go and get it for you. And…"
"My usual," Arche replied.
He left blending in the crowd.
Arche signed, rubbing his temples. 'Now I need to introduce her to those snakes wearing human skin. She was alright with His Highness but what about those piranhas…'
"Lord Anis?" She tugged at his sleeve to get his attention.
"…I am alright. No need for your concern."
"Hmm…if you say so."
They stayed side by side walking around the party with Arche greeting common acquaintances and introducing Claudina to them.
All of the people were taken back with how beautiful she was. Most couldn't believe she was a merchant's daughter. Some of the older men and women were quite keen with touching her hair, asking her to come to their territories to trade.
She would brush them off with a blinding smile and a 'No thank you!'
She knew what those looks were after all. While all of them were impressed with such beauty and filled with amazement most were lecherous. What made it even worse was that it came from both men and women.
'Had I really been a simple merchant's daughter I doubt I would ever find my way back home after they sell me.'
Arche was glancing at her while he was introducing her as his partner.
She was…surprisingly capable in handling their backhanded comments. In fact she came with some of her own which quickly shut them up.
Soon Lucas had bought the both their wines in a hurry. His cocksure smirk was replaced by worried glances. Thrusting her glass at her he went to Arche's ear and whispered something. His eyes widened. "He did WHAT?!"
Without a word he led Claudina to a armchair pressed behind the wall and safely hidden by the curtains.
"What's wrong?" she asked. Instead of answering her, he turned to Lucas. "Find him." Lucas scampered off. He signed running his hand through his hair. He felt a tug and looked down to find Claudina staring at her.
Her face was tilted up since she was sitting on the chair which now caused him to get a handful view of Claudina's chest. He gulped and looked away covering his mouth. 'I should have given her a more modest dress.'
He signed again and knelt down on one knee. He took her free hand and pressed it to his lips. "Miss Spade I hope you don't mind but I must leave for a while. An emergency is calling my attention so I must leave. I am not sure when neither of us will back so stay here for now."
"I understand." She smiled. "Please go look at what it is. I will wait for you. And by no means this night is turning terrible. You don't need to worry," she reassured him.
He stood up. He gave an awkward smile. "I must be a horrible escort."
She laughed behind her hand. "I have had worse."
His eyes softened. "Then I will get going."
She watched his retreating figure disappear in the crowed.
"…Take care, Lord Arche."