Prince Constantine looked over his shoulder in surprise when he saw his little brother settle down next to him. Perhaps, he shouldn't be surprised. He knew he had been acting very withdrawn and sullen. Thankfully his parents were too caught up with the new development to notice how unhappy he was.
Florentine, being a trained knight, was far more observant.
"Brother, I...I'm not in the mood to talk about it, so please do not start."
Florentine gave humorless smile. "I know. I just wanted to see how you were doing. Don't worry, I won't ask again. I know you'll tell me when you're ready."
Constantine smiled. "Thank you, brother."
Florentine's eyes brushed over Liam and Alex, before landing on Felicia. He felt a bit shocked. The red lady was so beautiful! He thought the Saintess was beautiful, but Lady Felicia's appearance was far more captivating.
Alex smirked when he saw the dazed look on the second prince's face as he stared at his sister. This was the norm whenever a man got a close look at Felicia. Her health was back on track and as such she reverted back to being the same stunning beauty that Duchess Moniqua was.
Liam, on the other hand, was none to happy about Florentine's reaction. Although he had told himself he would give up on Felicia for the sake of the royal engagement, he didn't like seeing yet another man admiring the woman who already lived in his heart.
Felicia decided to break the awkward silence and stepped in front of Prince Florentine, lowering herself into a deep bow. "Your highness, we have yet to be formally introduced. I am Lady Felicia Viviane Del Montague. I'm pleased to have finally met the second prince of Elysium. I have heard about your achievements in managing the border crisis. At such a young age, you've led and fought alongside men twice your age. I'm sure the Emperor is very proud of his warrior son."
Florentine was taken aback. Not only was the Lady's voice very strong and sultry, but she had just praised him for his warrior skills. This was something no one other than his comrades did. Even the Emperor barely gave him a praise. He just treated Florentine as if he were a tool to be used. It was only Constantine who got praises from their father.
"I too am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Felicia. Please stand up." He took her hand in his and placed a kiss on top of it. "And I thank you for the compliments."
Felicia smiled gently. "Your welcome. I hope to become a strong fighter someday as well. I have only been training for two months."
Florentine's eyebrow arched. "You have interest in learning combat, my lady? That is most unusual for a noblewoman. And a Crown Princess?"
Felicia gave Florentine's strong, calloused hand a squeeze. "I wish to become self-sufficient. I do not wish to rely on others to protect me. It's a matter of pride."
Florentine chuckled and nodded. "I can understand that sentiment."
Liam, unable to bear the fact that Florentine was still holding onto Felicia's hand, finally gave into his intrusive thought and pulled her away. Felicia looked up at him with a knowing smile. He smiled back and folded her arm into his.
"Let's finish paying our respect to the Goddess and head out. We do not want to miss Helena's celebration." Constantine stated, pulling himself out of his thoughts.
Silently, the four relit some of the candles and incense sticks before placing them next to the offerings at the Goddess's feet. Felicia closed her eyes and breathed in the heavy scent of incense. Even though she was in a dangerous place, she felt calm.
Upon entering the noisy courtyard, Alex dropped a kiss on her forehead before leaving to find Father Demetri. He only had a vague recollection of the man's face from his first life. He didn't want to go around asking the other priests as that may draw the Pope's attention.
We need that ruby! I need to know if Father Demetri can help us acquire it. Does he know anything about the lightning magic of a Saintess?
Meanwhile, Florentine led his brother to their family's table and immediately offered him a large goblet of wine. Constantine had said he wouldn't talk, but would that still be the case if he were inebriated? Florentine was determined to get something out of him. His brother rarely kept secrets from him. Nor had he ever looked so debilitated. This could only mean trouble. Constantine was hiding something big from him. And possibly dangerous.
Felicia and Liam were so happy to be in each other's presence, that they did not even realize all the murmurs and raised eyebrows the other nobles directed their way. The two did not appear as friends from the way they were talking and smiling at each other.
The first lady of House Del Montague was engaged to the Crown Prince. What was she doing with another man? And flirting so brazenly.
Liam didn't care for the eyes as he led Felicia to the nearest table and picked up two glasses of minted water. He did not wish to get themselves drunk, knowing the threat they faced.
Felicia sipped from her glass and started think about the underground chamber which their mother had drawn out. Now that a party was in full swing, did this mean she could sneak through the secret door in the library?
Her eyes landed on the Pope. He was here so now would be the best time, right?