It has been a few days after the meeting. I just could not wrap my head around the thought of Brother Theo's betrayal. Brother has never once disobeyed father nor has he done anything to betray his trust so why now?. Why Duke Chatterglass?. Why doesn't Brother Lazef seem worried?. There were so many thoughts and questions springing up in my head that i did not hear Rava announce Brother Theo's arrival. "What's got you in a daze?"-A familiar voice beside me asked.
"Nothing. I was just..." Thinking it was Guerin who just spoke, I slowly turned my head to his direction. Shocked to see the person i was just thinking about a moment earlier in front of me left me, I exclaimed. "Brother Theo!".
Displaying a tender smile, Theo asked. "Did you miss me while i was away?".
I stood up from my chair immediately and hugged him. "Of course i did!". I detached my face from his chest and looked up at him. "Life at the palace was awfully monotonous, I almost thought about leaving the country".
"Then it's a good thing i came back as soon as i could" Theo laughed.
"So are you done with the assignment Father gave you?"-I asked curiously.
"Yes I am".
"So fast!. Brother Orin told me that your assignment was a long term endeavor and you completed it within a month".
A month ago, Father commanded Orin to kill some rebels in the city of Coreih and weed out the people involved in the rebellion among the noble fractions there. The city of Coreih was a mining city, still is. Jewels, Rare metals, weapons, armor, Coreih was our top supplier. The nobles there wanted monopoly and started a rebellion. I am positively sure that they were not planning on facing my father at full force, however they missed something. Coreih was the place mother loved the most in Kairos. She and Father had their first date there. Lazef was born there too. It was a place which held so many lovely memories according to father. He refused to have it sullied by the hands of some foolish noble.
"I still don't understand why he had to send you personally, Couldn't he have sent someone else?, He is such a tyrant"-I complained.
"Come now, I'm here now aren't i?. Let's forget about that. Tell me what i missed while i was gone" With a gentle tone, Theosmos calms me down.
What a liar. Even though Theo was away from the castle, he still was informed of every bit of news and gossip here. But still, i indulged him. For some reason, he liked hearing me talk even about the things he was already aware of . After we took a seat at the garden, Rava came in, holding a silver tray with two letters and a black pouch on it. "Hm what's this?"-I questioned Rava, looking puzzled.
"The letter on the right is from Duke Welsin and the other is from the Empress. The Pouch contains a bottle of a fragrant Liquid"-Rava replied. Hearing her response, I decided to open the Letter from Mother first.
The letter says;
{ My dear Aurora, The advent of the Holy Empire has left you in a state of unrest. I hear the new High Priest is quite young and handsome_}
"Why is Mother talking about the new High priest looks all of a sudden?"-I questioned myself in my mind, utterly confused. I continued to read.
{ I know your tastes in men is heavily refined so I investigated him for you so you needn't worry. I found him to be the best suitor for you and to add, He is quite taken with you seeing he asked for my permission to court you and I agreed_}
"WHAT!?, This crazy_"-I uttered out loud in irritation.
"Aurora?, What is wrong?"-Asked Theo. However i ignored him. I just could not believe what i was reading. I was annoyed at Mother for making such a decision without informing me beforehand. Was she that taken with him?!. Notwithstanding, I continued to read
{ Unfortunately, Your Father was opposed to the Idea. I wonder why?. He even tore the letter and sent his disapproval to the new high priest_}
"Nice one Father. At times like this, I could always count on you"-I thought, very relieved yet proud. I decided to finish reading without any further outbursts.
{ Nevertheless, You must take the chance to seduce The new High priest. Inside the pouch is a strong aphrodisiac i received. Have Fun...With Love, Your Mother}
Finally I could burn the letter.
I used fire magic to incinerate the letter. "Seduce a man of god?. Sorry Mother, Priests are not to my tastes" I said inwardly.
"I'm very sorry brother. It looks like Mother is up to her pranks once again"-I apologized to Theo, instructing Rava to throw the pouch away afterwards. I then decided to open Duke Welsin's letter. I hope his is less absurd than Mother's.
{ Good day Princess Aurora. I hope you are faring well. I wanted to ask you for a favor_ }
"How odd?. He rarely asks for my help. It must be important"-I thought, worried. That is.....until i was done reading his letter.
{ Princess Aurora, I beseech you, Have my son escort you to the upcoming banquet you are hosting for the Holy Empire. The two of you make a splendid couple and i can vouch for my son that he feels the same way as i do. Thank you. }
"Duke Welsin is playing matchmaker, now that is something you do not see everyday. I suppose i could grant him this favor".
I ordered Rava to fetch me my stationary and I wrote my positive response to his request. I told Rava to deliver the letter directly to The duke. My instincts were telling me that Leonhart was not aware of his father's request and i could not risk it falling into the hands of my overprotective brother Orin.
"So you are choosing the young duke of Welsin as your escort for the welcoming banquet for the Holy Empire, Have you two finally reconciled?"-Theo pried, looking unhappy.
"We were never fighting to begin with. Besides, I feel guilty for avoiding him back then"-Thinking back to the times i shunned him so harshly, my expression turns gloomy. Theo exhales upon seeing my expression. He pats me on my head and said to me smiling slightly, "What's done cannot be undone, All that matters is what we do from there. I'm sure He feels the same way, Take heart".
"You really know how to make me feel better" I smiled cheerfully.
Theo slowly removes his hand from my head and says "I love you Aura. But I love you even more when you are smiling. Which is why I won't tell Orin about this. His insanity knows no bounds when it comes to protecting you from the opposite sex".
"I suddenly feel sorry for Leonhart, I hope nothing bad happens".
"I'll speak with him so do not worry yourself over that matter. I have a question for you".
"What is it?".
"I heard from Lazef that you are suspecting me of treason. Is it because of the men you captured the other day?".
I twitched. Anxiety grabbed my throat. Eye contact with Theo became impossible.
"Aurora"-Theo utters coldly. The gentle and kind brother i knew vanished instantly. "You do understand that if Father hears about this, My neck is on the line if i am somehow proven guilty of such a thing" Theo's voice and eyes becomes emotionless.
"I'm sorry Brother"-Rather than nervous, I felt abashed. Theo's enemies were second to Lazef's. Especially those nobles who support my mother, they hated Theo because he was an illegitimate son who was almost on par with Lazef, the crown prince, in terms of power and strength and sought many ways to get rid of him and his mother concubine Venus. The only reason why he remained unharmed was because of Mother. She protected Theo and his mother with her status. If they were to fall out of favor from the Emperor or the Empress, the only thing shielding them from certain death, It would be the end them both.
"Just don't jump to conclusions next time something occurs. Father cares for me but i do not share the same immunity as Lazef or Orin. Trust between us is always tested, No matter how much i prove myself"-Theo's eyes appears distant, like he was lost in a sad memory. The urge to comfort him was overwhelming but i had to be patient and ask for his forgiveness first.
"I was insensitive and shortsighted. Please forgive me Brother"-I apologized sincerely having my head faced down and my shoulders tensed.
When I glanced at Theo, I saw hid expression softened. "It's quite alright. After all, some of the men you imprisoned are mine".
"Eh!"-I exclaimed.
"I hired them to look after you. For extra protection for what might come"-Though Theo was tight lipped, His vague words were not the explanation i had hoped to hear.
"Oh Don't look at me like that, that's all i can tell you. You do trust me when i say that it's for your safety right?"-Theo says playfully.
"Fine, i shall back down for now. But you will tell me eventually".
"No doubt about that. Oh, I came across a guard with blue eyes, Is he one of the slaves father brought from this last conquest?".
"Indeed he is. He has proven himself quite useful and brother Lazef seems to like him".
"....I see"-Theo comments, feeling uneasy.
"Why do you look that way Brother?".
"I can see that he's capable and talented. But still, i sense that he is someone with secrets".
"....Brother Lazef and Father did not notice but he possesses a mana heart".
"WHAT?!!"-Theo raises his voice out of shock.
"Brother did not perceive any mana from him because he has two mana hearts".
"What the....?!, That would make him an archmage like Lazef, possibly stronger".
"I do not think so".
"Why?"."Because the only one functioning is the one in his eyes, The other one appears sealed".
"Did he seal it to avoid detection?".
"No. It looks like the work of an outer force. Someone else did that to him and the person used a dark object"-I replied.
"Wow. This is insane. What is his identity i wonder?, To seal one's mana heart. It's like a death sentence for mages"-Theo calms down, brushing his hair backwards.
"Not only would his capacity for mana will decrease tenfold, he would also feel suffocated and limited".
"Does he know....?".
"That i know?, He guessed it already the day we met".
"Is he a threat?"-Theo's menacing gaze was anticipated. I assured him, with confidence that it would never come to that. Theo voiced his doubts but he chose to believe in me and i was grateful. He was the few people who didn't treat me like a child, Although He gave me a condition if i was going to handle Licht personally.
The condition was that i should never undo Licht's seal.
As always, he saw through me.
One of my specialties concerning magic was the ability to unravel enchantments and Theo noticed how pitiful i saw Licht.
"...I give you my word"-I uttered reluctantly.
"Then i shall let this matter go. Well then, I must take my leave, Paula is waiting for me outside"-Theo says as he stands up quietly.
"Is she still giving you a hard time?"-I asked, amused.
"Extremely"-Theo replied exhaustedly".
**Giggles**
Don't let me keep you then, See you tomorrow at the banquet"-I bid Theo farewell.
The next day was the arrival of the Holy Empire. Lazef and Orin accompanied Father and Mother to greet the new high priest. After a long boring discussion, the lavish feast began but without the hostess in sight. And where am i?. Well the main attraction should always arrive late.
During my preparations for the feast, one of my maids informed me of Leonhart's sudden appearance at my palace. I had expected it though i had hoped that we would meet each other at the banquet location, rather too late for that. I instructed the maid to escort him to my drawing room and make him wait for me there with some refreshments. Trust me, it was certainly for the best.
As he waited patiently, The maids helped me put on my attire. This attire was unique because it was the only dress i had in my wardrobe that completely covered my body. A purple lace gown made with tulle fabric, reaching down to the floor and extending to a certain small length. The gown came with a cape. Amethyst to ornament my wavy black hair, My earrings and necklace were comprised of the same jewel. I wore arm length purple gloves to go with it.
It's been a long time since I've worn something so uncomfortable. I was tempted to change into another gown but i had to look modest and dignified. Ugh, never again.
Anyways, after my make over was done, my next destination was the drawing room. I came to apologize to Leonhart for my tardiness, he did wait two hours for me.....But why is he blushing?.
"Your royal highness, words could not describe how you look right now".
"That's quite unfortunate, I was hoping to hear your compliments, like how i look stunning, gorgeous, beautiful, magnificent_" Leonhart cuts in...."Divine?".
He continues...."It seems like all the flattery you have received to this day has made you vain your highness".
"Vanity is to be expected when i look like this". Others might find it arrogant of me when i speak to them like this but Leonhart was one of the few people i had met who ignores it or have a good laugh about it. In this case it was the latter.
"Indeed, no one can compare"-Leonhart says as he suppresses his laughter. Leonhart then stretches out his hand. "Shall we?". I smile and placed my hand on top of his and just like that we were off to the celebration banquet. Though we were one hour late, still it didn't matter.
I didn't realize then but the time i spent with him in that carriage with him that evening was one i will treasure for years to come.
When we arrived at our designated location, Leonhart gets down first and opens the door for me. I thanked my charming escort while i took his hand as support in getting down from the carriage. Pathetically, i lost my gravity because i was so focused on his handsome face. The next thing i knew, Licht held my left hand before i could embarrass myself. "Princess are you alright?"-Licht asked, rather surprised than concerned. I let out a sigh of relief when i saw that i wasn't on the ground. "Thank you Sir Licht".
"Aura are you okay?"-Leonhart's affectionate voice sounded oddly strange.
"I'm alright. Shall we head in?".