~The very next day, morning~
*Sigh, can't today be just as peaceful as the other?*
I thought as I locked eyes with Duke Hendrix, my father, who was sitting on the opposite couch as me, looking calm yet intimidating.
The bright sunlight filtering through the window, the expensive green curtains embroidered with golden flowers, complementing the window frame and the wood colored wall.
The whooshing of the air gentle and soft as the balcony door was left open, giving view to the distant sea and green mountains, sprinkled with variety colored flowers.
The couches, just a few meters away from the front of his desk, having the same color as the curtains, fitted perfectly with the brown, expensive carpet that makes you feel guilty as you step on it's perfection.
Duke Hendrix cleared his throat and started talking. "You cried the last night." His tone stating more than asking.
I paused for a bit, his tone was firm yet not harsh, he hummed softly as I nodded in response to his earlier statement.
*There's no use in denying it when he uses that tone.*
"What can I do to make you feel better, my precious daughter? Anything you ask of, do tell and I will comply if it is within my capabilities."
Duke Hendrix spoke sincerely. Though this is him solving the problem rather than addressing it.
*He didn't even ask why I cried. And I know... that it's because he was afraid that the answer would be "Because I felt lonely." Because it would mean that Duke Hendrix's presence didn't reach me at all. And he knows that'll hurt.*
"Father, you do not need to worry. I am perfectly fine." I said with a soft smile.
*It's the truth anyway, I slept like a baby last night. I've never been better.*
'She's lying' is what his expression is saying.
Duke Hendrix sighed and picked up his cup of tea, sipping it before putting it back down. "If you say so, Alexandria." He said while looking down at his cup then looked up at me and-
*Wait, he's smiling brightly! Something that I won't like will happen! Definitely!*
I thought with my poke face on display.
"You may go, I apologize for keeping you for too long." He said softly.
As I was just about to stand up, "Mm, wait. How would you like if I gifted you dresses and other things that you used to like?" Duke Hendrix asked, his bright smile still on his face.
I blinked then said with a slight nod, "I would love that. Thank you, father." I said with a soft smile and tone.
*Who wouldn't love it? Getting to wear expensive things, beautiful dresses, it'll be amazing. And I'll get to go out to shop-*
"Perfect. I'll ask for the designer to be sent here in the estate." His smile seemed to brighten as he said so.
*Sigh. Of course, what did I expect from the overprotective duke.*
My smile unnoticeably dropped at that then quickly returned again.
"I deeply appreciate your kindness, father."
He smiled softly then nodded. "Anything for my precious daughter."
~The designer came the very next hour~
*The weather's so nice... And all this dress fitting is freaking tiring! Gosh!*
As a whole three hours was spent on dress fitting, shoe fitting, accessory picking, make up applying, and other enjoyable yet hellishly tiring things... I finally escaped and is now lazing around under a big maple tree.
On the grass field of the Dandelion Duchy, as the sun was intensely glaring down, the shadows of the maple leaves were dancing rhythmically under the tree.
The soft wind caressing my skin and gently brushing through my black hair as if it was precious.
This was the place the former Alexandria hated, appreciating a scenery was one of her major dislikes, saying that it's better to socialize than appreciating something as plain as nature.
But that's her case. Oh how peaceful I feel right now. Just sitting under a majestic tree with healthy leaves, covered and comforted by it's shadow.
My daisy patterned dress that was given to me by father just hours ago, seeming like a mini flower field on top of the green grasses, and my white shoes that are playfully and gently swinging from side to side. And my light makeup that forces my expression to look somewhat a little harmless than before...
Was one of the best comfort I've known, and of course, a book, I'm reading peacefully about a tragic novel.
*How lovely and perfect, absolute paradise...*
I flipped another page of the book with a stoic expression, yet soft gaze.
*If only someone wasn't staring at me so intensely!*
I sighed softly while focusing on reading the climax.
Astrid has been keeping an eye on me as much as she could, it almost creeped out Lina, my other personal maid.
Thankfully, Astrid's gaze isn't uncomfortable, it's actually kinda pleasing.
*I mean, look at those eyes, goodness, they're lovely.*
Astrid immediately locked eyes with me, waiting if I'm going to say something.
I smiled slightly and spoke, "Could you please get me some snacks?" I requested.
She nodded. "Of course, my lady, I will be back shortly." She stated as she turned and leave.
I looked back down at my book as I saw her leave, resuming on reading.
*Ahh, better, alone peace. I feel complete... This is so lovely, I could die right this moment... Is what I would have said if this novel wasn't so frustrating! Geez!*
I thought as I flipped another page, my facial expression not showing a hint of... Well, anything.
Anyway, now that I think about it...
*I adapt on things quickly... They tell him used to this life more than I care to admit. Or how trashy the novels are in this world. No offense to a fellow writer, after all an honest feedback is always something to be grateful for.*
I sighed and closed the book as I finished the last page.
*I can't believe I just finished that... My head is cringing and cursing right now.*
I was about to stand up from where I was sitting when I heard leaves rustle above me which made me pause.
Once I locked up I saw a grey cat whose eyes shined like black embers and fur that signified a gray ash that looked as soft as cotton.
The little sunlight that flickers through the leaves and branches of the tree and the shadows takes turn dancing on its grey fur and black eyes.
Its tiny paws were walking ahead an unsteady branch the branch creaked and the leaves rustled at its tip-toeing.
*It's definitely gonna fall. In one, two three... Wait. Am I supposed to help?.. Nah, destiny is destiny. Bless you, you black eyed cat.*
I nonchalantly thought to myself as I stood up. A contented smile on my face. I was about to look away from the cat, then I caught a glimpse of its neck that a thin golden collar around it. As I looked intently at it, narrowing my eyes while doing so, I saw a familiar lily design on it.
*Eh?.. that's the... Royal crest... Right, right, Crown Prince Caleb does have a grey cat. So if that cat is here... Then the crown prince is also-*
As I was just about to conclude my thought, I heard the very, very familiar voices that surely belonged to two persons that I wouldn't wanna see right now coming from the other side of the big maple tree.
*My handsome little brother, Alex. And that charming crown prince, Caleb. Either my luck is dead or is non existent.*
I didn't make a sound as I listened to them.
"I swear, Alex. I don't care if I will have to flip the Dandelion Dukedom in order to find my sweet cat." The prince stated with a determined tone.
Alex sighed "You're exaggerating, your highness. What did you even do for it to run away, if I may ask?" He said, his face stoic.
Caleb groaned slightly. "Don't give me that stoic look, you're hurting me."
"Don't change the topic, your highness." Alex retorted.
"Just how many times do I need to tell you to call me Caleb?" Caleb talked back.
"I am obliged to do so, merely doing my duty as your subject and knight." Alex countered. "Now, please answer my question."
Caleb chuckled slightly. "You and your smart mouth. Mm... Kira, my very lovely and sweet kitten..."
*It's a cat by now, not a kitten. He must be blinded by affection. Tsk, tsk.*
"Was just a little overwhelmed of my love. It's a common behavior, it happens to women I keep by my side too." He continued softly. Almost nonchalantly as if it weren't a big deal.
Alex hummed softly. "In summary, you scare them away." He said casually yet still respectful. Which made Caleb scoff.
*True. He scares woman away, he's a gentleman on the outside, but secretly a possessive guy on the inside. Tis' why he hates birds because they always seem to fly away from him and can't seem to keep them.*
Caleb paused from searching through the grasses and asked Alex in an annoyed tone. "Wait a minute. You have advanced senses. No?"
Alex hummed as a sign of agreement.
Caleb tsked gently. "Then tell me if Kira is here or not. I just wasted my time thoroughly looking into the grasses."
Alex chuckled softly.
*That's rare.*
Is what Caleb and I are probably both thinking.
Alex nodded up the tree, signalling that Kira was up there. As Caleb caught glimpse of Kira's fluffy grey tail, he jumped up high above the branch where Kira was and wrapped his arms around her. He pulled Kira against his chest and smiled triumphantly as he held her close.
That action instantly made me look up from where I was standing.
Just as he was above the tree and in the middle of that high jump, our eyes locked, his green eyes meeting my purple ones.
And the world paused.