For the next few days, Ignis avoided Adrian like a plague. They would sometimes pass each other, but, Ignis would just make a light greeting out of respect and rush off before he could say something. Sometimes, she could feel him glaring at her, but she quickly dismissed the thought. As per the contract, only after they get married, she will be useful to him. So there is no need for them to meet unless they want to discuss anything related to their marriage or the contract.
She made sure to stay away from him, not just, because of the recent mortification that Domi caused her, but also because she was not aware what else she divulged to the young Knight that night. Alan might have not told the entire truth to her.
Domi was agonizingly trying to remember the night to no success. Her memory would always end at her and the Knight parting their way. What did she actually talk about? Where did she go after saying her farewell? How did she reach the stables? Was there someone accompanying her?
Many questions haunted both the women.
Ignis was absent-mindedly stroking the nape of Gale. The horse was enjoying the caresses, when Domi came near the horse and filled its stall with enough hay.
"My Lady, we need to leave soon. The merchant guild will be waiting for us" Domi said.
Ignis was supposed to meet a local merchant guild specializing in pearls. Since the day she found out about the existence of Fire Pearls, she was quite curious to know more about it.
When they were about to come out of the stable, it started raining.
"What is wrong with the weather now?" Domi groaned. She turned towards Ignis. "My Lady, you wait here, I will get your robe and arrange a carriage for us". Ignis nodded and Domi ran off covering her head with both her hands.
Ignis stood there, noticing the rain gradually turning heavy. She extended her hand below the slope of the wooden roof, feeling the heavy drops change into pouring water. She clicked her tongue when she saw her skirt getting splattered with mud and water and quickly took a step back. She stumbled back on a piece of wood protruding out of the huge wooden door frame. Panic-stricken, she flapped her hand to hold on to something.
A strong hand caught one of her hands and pulled her forward. She was about to crash onto the person before her, when she quickly placed her hand in between. She looked up at the man sporting a brown leather robe from head to knee and was surprised to discover the deep blue eyes underneath the hood.
She carefully took a step back, but, Adrian slipped a hand along her waist and pulled her close. The force only added up her surprise.
"Why are you avoiding me?" he asked, a frown forming on his forehead. His voice was low and cold.
"I-I was not avoiding you, Your Majesty" she stammered while slowly trying to wriggle her way out.
"It definitely felt like you were avoiding me Princess. I ... thought we could now start learning about each other on a more personal level. But I only saw you running away whenever you would see me coming towards you" unconsciously, he kept his grip tight on her.
"I have an urgent meeting right now. How about we - " there was a light rustling sound, Adrian ducked her head with left hand and swiftly removed his sword with the other one and blocked another sword's pommel that was about to hit his head.
Ignis was stunned with the turning of events. She remained down and frantically wished for Domi to return back.
The attacker quickly took a step back and pointed his sword at Adrian. The pouring rain and his blue knee length leather robe made it difficult to identify him.
"Who are you? and why are you bothering this lady?" the attacker asked in a grave and hoarse tone. The man slightly tilted his head as if looking at her and asked "and you look like a noble lady. Why are you loitering in the King's estate without an escort?"
The attacker didn't look like someone with malicious intent. He seemed to be someone working for the Palace and has more likely misunderstood the situation. She thought, if she and Adrian would have been commoner, this man would have punished them both by now.
Adrian lowered his hand and put the sword back in the scabbard. His left hand that was still on her head, moved over her shoulder and pulled her up.
The attacker almost lost his cool "If you don't want to lose your head, you better not let me repeat my question"
"Calm down Aldo" Adrian removed his hood. "It's me"
The man, Aldo, was visibly stunned. He slowly walked towards them in the stable while putting his sword back in the scabbard. Once in the stable, he removed his hood.
The man looked a bit older than Adrian. He had light brown hair and matching eyes. The pale face looked tired but keen. He was almost the same height as Adrian.
"You Bas***d! You almost cut my hands off" the man roared. He pointed to the scratch on the sword's pommel. A slight miss could have really injured his hand.
Ignis flinched at his use of indecent language. This man is pretty bold, does he not fear death?
"You attacked me first, I was simply guarding myself. You should have been more careful about whom you are fighting" Adrian stated matter-of-factly, not really bothered by his language.
"How am I supposed to worry about myself when a lady is in danger?" the man looked at Ignis and gave her a small smile, but quickly pulled up the serious expression.
Adrian glared at Aldo "You should first pay attention to how you speak in front of someone. She is my Fiance, Princess Ignis of the Fyre Kingdom" Adrian looked at Ignis "This is Aldo Cyper. He was out on an expedition and hence couldn't meet you when you arrived here. He is my aide -"
"- and Advisor. It's a pleasure to meet you My Lady" Aldo cut him and bowed slightly, putting his hand on the heart. There was a slight spark of realization in his eyes. But, it vanished as soon as it came.
Without paying him any regard, Adrian continued "We met in the academy many years back. So, he sometimes acts too friendly". Then his expression softened a bit "don't mind his language. If he ever crosses his line, you are free to show him his place".
"My language is not usually vulgar, My Lady. I said that at the spur of the moment"
"When did you come back?" Adrian asked him. "And the expedition was supposed to be completed last week. Why was there no report yet? Nor was I informed about your arrival" looking at the menacing glare that Adrian was shooting at Aldo, Ignis inferred that this was not the first time Aldo has missed reporting the progress to the King.
Behind both the men, Ignis saw Domi enter the stable with the robe. She had completely forgotten about her meeting with the local merchant.
"Your Majesty, I have a meeting right now and I am getting late" she walked towards Domi and took the robe that she brought. "I will meet you after dinner... uhmm... to... continue our earlier topic" Adrian nodded quietly.
She was about to move out when she saw Domi still glued to her place.
"Domi?" Domi was looking at Aldo intently. She slowly raised her hand and pointed a finger at him.
"He ... He was there that night" Domi slowly turned to face Ignis. "In the Stable that night. He was there, drinking ... my wine"
Ignis eyes widened. So there was another person that she met.