Rivienne did not know what went wrong with her vision. In every working paper, she could see letters in bold. They were different in size. Sometimes, they walked around the paper and her head. Sometimes, they danced and disappeared and never came back. She had to write them down again.
This morning, she came to the reality from the work, hearing her own blood plopping on the paper.
One drop.
And another.
She blankly blinked. "Oh!" She looked around, pressing her nose and trying to look up. The desk was filled with documents she did and will be doing, but a handkerchief was nowhere to be found.
When she decided to get done with it, a gloved hand extended a yellow colour embroidered handkerchief. She glanced at it and the owner of it.
'Since when this man was standing there?' She questioned inwardly and silently took it. She did not thank the knight, Her watchdog. Ever since she stepped into the rose palace, he was right behind her, watching her every move.
Rivienne's wings were clipped with the knight called, Lance and the head lady-in-waiting Madam Barbara. Thanks to Madam Barbara, she was able to act more ladylike and learn everything she lacked. Hence, she did not hate her, yet the knight was getting on her nerves.
He was very arrogant at first, to the point he openly criticized Rivienne, saying she was the illegitimate child of the blood-sucking family. And now he was pitying her, and she was being pathetic all along.
One day, everyone would see me as myself. Until then, I have to work hard and prove myself. That was what she told herself every time she felt down.
She picked up the quill again and started her duties as the crown princess of the Vassilios Empire.
Rivienne's daily schedule was as busy as the emperor's.
Two years ago, and as soon as Rivienne was engaged to the crown prince, the emperor fell sick. He lost his conscience and never woke up until now. After that, the war got Severe at the borders, and all the responsibilities fell upon His Highness the Crown Prince. Even though they said it was Rivienne's misfortune, she knew that the crown prince, the love of her life did not believe that nonsense.
He asked for her help, which already belonged to him.
So she would do the documents, handle some diplomatic meetings, prepare tea parties, participate in social circles, and go to the library. Whenever she had a break, she would go to the library for her peace. And, of course, she would prepare snacks and healthy beverages for her beloved fiancé even though he did not come to meet her often.
He was busy.
So she could have some small rewards like having lunch with her love.
She stared at the man sitting across her, mesmerized. Unlike his half-younger brother, he had black hair that resembled the night sky on the new moon and the symbol of the royal family, golden pupils. Rivienne did not feel the food going to her stomach or anything when that god-sculptured figure was in front of her.
Today he was wearing dark blue and black colour attire, and Rivi was at the peak of her happiness to match her dress colour with him. "Princess," His honey-like voice reached her.
"Yes, Your Highness," Rivi smiled.
"I do not think I will be able to escort you to the hunting festival. Will you be alright with it?"
"Ah!" Rivi felt the chunk of meat she swallowed, stuck in her throat. "Mm… O-Of course Daemon. You should escort her holiness. After all, she was the reason for our peace,"
"That is correct. I thought you would be as arrogant as your father. But you are not,"
"…."
It was yesterday that she thought about walking hand in hand with him, and now they were all gone. "I-I understand you, Daemon. I am not arrogant."
"I heard you completed the paperwork, and I thank you,"
"It's my pleasure that I was able to help you even in this way,"
"Oh! Well, other than this way, how else can you support me?" He scoffed. "Your father must be thinking about getting all in his hands when the time is right. Did he tell you to set your hands on the land issue?"
"N-No! It's not that Daemon! I was sincerely helping you! I did not even…" See my family in two months. She swallowed. "A-Anyway… did I do something wrong? Why are you treating me this way?" She asked. "I love you,"
"I am not treating you in any different way. You are my future wife, and I am treating you how I should be treating a crown princess. Are you complaining?" He talked as his one corner of lips was curled up and still cutting his steak like nothing. Rivienne's heart was pieced.
It was always like this.
Ever since she came.
She turned her gaze to her plate. "I apologize,"
"… I heard there is a tea party in the evening. I will come if I have time,"
Her face bloomed once again. "Really? That is great! I will brew your favourite tea, Daemon. And how about macaroons?"
*****
Lady Millicent Lysander took a sip from the black tea made with the tea leaves imported from Ceylon, especially for the season, and her inner mind screamed a curse word. It was too bitter for her.
"Hoho... how pleasant," She smiled.
Under the evening sky of the spring that could not see a single mark of a rain cloud, around the long table filled with colourful desserts, the air filled with sweet giggles and talks. Usually, they were about Miss Dubluo's new boutique on Third Street, or the young paladin knights exclusively came to the temple.
But because of the upcoming hunting festival hoping for victory in the war, there was not a single tea party that mentioned that matter.
"Oh! I hope she would not be that dense," Lady Mary repeated for the sixth time.
Millicent took another sip, looking at the reflection of the sky in her teacup. She wished that she could look at it directly, rolling her eyes.
When is this going to end? She thought.
"Entering the crown princess Azalea Carmillion"
Oh! The fun is here. She beamed.