The war council meeting soon came to an end after many discussions and many back and forth between members, all left immediately to make the necessary preparations for the war before the time runs out after being given individual orders to be followed and completed before Arian decides to attack.
I was about to leave when Derek stopped me "Princess Angelis, could you spare me some of your time?" He asked nervously, fidgeting with his clammy hands.
"Brother, I have told you many times, you don't need to be formal or address me with my title when we are in private" I responded, slightly annoyed that I still have to remind him not to be so stiff when we are alone.
"Oops, old habits die hard. Let me try again" he said taking a deep breath, he looked like he was a kid who was waiting for a beating from a mother for a mistake he made while playing. "Ange, can you spare some time for your brother" he asked cheekily, trying to avoid his bad habits being mentioned again because he knew he would be in trouble. His deadpan look during the meeting no where to be found As if this man is a completely different person from the man called Marshall Derek lampetia.
"of course" I said, a rare smile forming on my face. It's been a while since I had a genuine smile, after all that's happened in the last 10 years, I had forgotten how to smile, or more like I had lost the ability to smile.
"Thank you for accepting my request, princess" he winked with that cocky smirk on his face, learning the fact that he managed to make me smile genuinely. He look my hand and gently graced his lips against it before pulling me along.
Outside the ivory palace we sat at the round table surrounded by variety of flowers and herbs specially grown by the palace mages in the green house. Other than them, only royalties are allowed to enter this space, and perhaps for the first time I'm glad to be a royal, being able to enjoy this scenery is heaven, especially sipping on oolong tea and the sweet desserts spread on the table. The tranquility was to die for.
Derek, as usual would be drinking chamomile tea one of the sweetest tea I've ever tasted. I will never come to like his preferences, how can he like extremely sweet tea, plus he adds more sugar to it. Absolutely disgusting, too sweet for my cup of tea, it's a good thing we are drinking in private or else he would lose his reputation of a cold martial when the news of Derek drinking chamomile with a stupid smile spreads.
"so, what's the occasion for dragging me out here to have tea, brother?" I asked, giving him a side plants while eating a slice of red velvet, not too sweet just to my liking.
"Why? Should we only have tea together if there is some special occasion?" he asked back, dejected from my words.
"No. That's not what I meant. Usually you would only have tea with me when you have a favor to ask, or when you're in trouble" I said studying all the changes in his facial expressions, with a smirk I continued "so. Which one is it this time?"
"uhh, why do you always have to be like that" he grumbled, ruffling his hair, he let out a sigh before continuing "is it that shocking if I just want to spend some quality time with my sister before we head out to the battlefield " he said sulking by himself.
"Are you worrying about me? I can take care of myself just fine, you know how strong I am, so stop being a worrywart, brother"
"You can't make me stop worrying about you. I know you well enough to know you plan to go and fight on the front lines after the pincer attack. How can I stop worrying when I know you will be outnumbered there and knowing how reckless you are I know you'll do something crazy and injure yourself" he said with a frown.
My heart started swelling, knowing there is someone out there worrying about my wellbeing. Feelings of content and happiness bubbled to the surface blossoming into a smile, I went to home and pulled him into my embrace, feeling his warmth, the warmth of a family I always yearned for no matter how much I tried to suppress it. He raped his arms around me and I felt secure. Secure in my brother's embrace, telling me that no matter what happens, he will always be by my side and protect me from any harm.
"come on, let's take a short walk around the green house" I said dragging him along in an attempt to keep his mind occupied, away from all his negative thoughts. Perhaps he also knew what I was thinking and let himself be dragged along with a faint smile.