Just as she turned to leave, Athena stopped her for a moment. She called for Wendy to bring some items she had left in her bed chamber. Shortly after, Wendy returned with a neatly tied-up bundle.
"This…"
"This is the remaining cloth and dresses that were left over from what you've so graciously loaned me. I can't thank you enough for your help," Athena chimed as she handed it over to Casindra.
Remembering what happened almost made Casindra lose her cool. The dress Athena wore was made with embroidery and gemstones taken from some of the dresses she had loaned her.
The second princess did her best to keep her smile as her maid Anna received the bundle from Wendy. The two princesses exchanged goodbyes before parting ways. As soon as Casindra left, Athena returned to the gazebo to continue enjoying her tea.
Her actions had left her two new personal guards a little confused. The expression on their faces said it all.
"If there's something on your mind, speak freely," Athena said out loud without looking back at them.
She could feel their burning desire to speak.
"Don't keep me waiting," she added as she took a sip of her tea.
The two men looked at each other. They didn't know who should speak first. Eventually, Daric took the lead.
"Your Highness, I don't think it's wise to get your younger sister to speak to Lord Darrion on your behalf."
"I agree. It's clear from the way Princess Casindra spoke that she's bragging about her close relationship with Lord Darrion. Especially when she knows Princess Athena is his appointed betrothed."
Athena remained silent, wanting to hear what else they had to say. Surely at least one of them would have noticed she had done so on purpose?
"Unless the princess already has something planned?" Nikolai theorized after some thought.
He had witnessed how crafty Princess Athena could be. It quickly became clear that she must have something up her sleeve.
"Indeed. Nikolai, I need you to send someone to spy on Casindra. I want to know how the conversation between her and Lord Darrion goes."
"As you wish, my princess. I'll go myself and report back as soon as I can," Nikolai replied before leaving the gazebo.
Athena smiled as she continued drinking her tea. It was a beautiful day to be in the garden.
In the modern world, Athena was always busy with work, out with friends, spending time with her then boyfriend. She hardly ever has time for herself. Though she had an important mission to accomplish, she also wanted to take time to relax.
However, the stool she sat on did not provide much back support.
"Wendy, could you arrange for one of the royal carpenters to come? I would like them to make me a new chair," she said as she decided to try a piece of the light snacks her personal maid had brought earlier.
"I'll go right away, princess."
"Thank you," Athena responded without a second thought.
She failed to notice the confused but happy look on her maid before she scurried off.
"Daric, how do you find the young captain?" she asked, hoping to make some conversation with him.
The seasoned warrior was surprised to be asked, but he replied truthfully, "He's young but quite the quick thinker. And he seems to know you, my princess, really well."
Athena chuckled, "That he does. Do you think he can be trusted?"
Daric paused for a moment before answering, "As I've told your late mother before, always be on your guard in the palace. You never know who you can trust. Even those closest to you can turn on you in an instant."
She turned to face him as she asked, "By that idea, I shouldn't trust you either?"
He paused for a moment, then nodded.
Athena knew he meant well. The palace was a treacherous place. Anyone and everyone could be out to get her, especially since she was the eldest princess.
Since she was young, Athena had been the King's favorite child. It was even rumored that he would name her his heir, making her the crown princess. During the years she was presumed dead, that position was left empty.
But ministers and nobles placed their bets on the other remaining royal children. After all, a supposedly dead royal could not inherit the throne. Now that she returned, her life could be on the line.
A shiver ran down Athena's spine. She had to be more careful with whom she trusted.
"Thank you for your honesty, Daric. Since Nikolai won't be back for a while, I'll leave you in charge of planning the security for now."
"As you wish, my princess," he replied.
~
Later that evening, Nikolai returned to Hemlock Mansion. His mission was successful and he could not wait to inform Princess Athena what he had found. He went to her bed chamber immediately.
As soon as he came up to the door, one of the guards announced his arrival before letting him in.
The bed chamber was much more lavishly decorated compared to the room Athena was previously staying in. She was seated at the table having dinner when he walked in.
He immediately got down on his knees to greet her.
"No need to kneel, Nikolai. From now on, you only need to bow when greeting me," Athena ordered.
She still had not gotten used to the formalities in the palace. Kneeling just didn't feel right with her.
"Yes, my princess," Nikolai did as he was asked and bowed instead, "I've observed Princess Casindra and have confirmed that she had met with Lord Darrion."
"Perfect," just as she was about to ask him what he had learned, she first asked the maids and servants who were tending to her to leave the room.
"Wendy, please wait outside the door, in case I have need of you," Athena ordered.
The maids and servants filed out of the room, leaving only the princess and her bodyguard. She gestured to him to sit at the table with her.
"But Princess, I…"
"I won't take 'no' for an answer. Besides, this is too much food for just one person. Come, you must be starving," she insisted.
Just as Nikolai was about to protest again, his stomach growled. In his effort to perform his duties perfectly, he had not had any food since breakfast.
Athena chuckled. Even she heard his stomach growl.
"Come now, you can't tell me you aren't hungry after I heard that," she mused.