Kassandra's POV
Our family never considers women weak. They will train the girls who show interest in being part of our army.
I was seven when I admitted to my mother and father that I was interested in becoming a competent soldier like Dad and Grandpa.
For the first two years, I have to master sharpening my senses and reading people's actions. I have to be aware of whether they're faking their true intentions in order to determine if I'm facing an enemy or a threat.
I slipped into the crowd and went outside. I went into the garden and stretched my feet in the air. "You should wear your warm coat, general," Arida says.
I laugh and look at her by lowering my head as my palm is pinned to the bench. She places the coat on me and sits next to me. She always keeps her eyes on me.
"Don't tell me you're irritated?" I move my feet up and down just to relax their muscles.
"I guess such a crowd isn't my cup of tea. I've been used to living with soldiers while sitting on the wooden logs as we devoured our food while being alert for possible attacks."
I know Arida understands that our lives are really different from what we used to have. "You are now married, General Kassandra. You must stop thinking of being on the battlefield. You must focus on your goal," she stated.
She is right, though. Maybe I'm just used to seeing dust, grasslands, mud, and... blood. It's hard on my side. I sighed deeply.
"Did you find something or gather the information that I asked for?" I inquired.
She looks around. It took her a while to talk. "Just like what you asked, I learned that his older brothers loathe him. They all experience bad luck because of the 7th prince. His younger sisters also experienced a taste of it, but... this Ava girl didn't really hate her Prince Noah," she says.
Arida gave me a roll of paper. I opened it and saw her handwriting. She writes the details that I need. I'm glad she did. I notice that her expression sours.
I placed the rolled paper underneath my heavy skirt. "You have to be ready, general. I learned that the 7th prince was in love with one of the viscount's daughters. She is famous and beautiful. Here's a catch. His love rival was the 5th prince," Arida added.
I stop moving my feet and laugh. "I already noticed it. There's a girl he's been checking out until Prince Lukas stops him from getting closer. I notice that as I carefully slip into the party," I replied.
She looks worried this time. I place my hand on her shoulder and smile. It's normal for her to be worried.
More than anyone else, Arida knows how painful it was when you became the rebound of the man you loved.
"Don't worry, Arida. I won't fall in love with Prince Noah. I only need heirs and heiresses to continue the legacy of the Escalante family," I replied.
As usual, she became more worried. I chuckled and tried my best to give her the most assertive smile. The cold wind of autumn brushes against our skin.
I notice that she's also cold. I extend the coat and share it with her. It might be my wedding celebration, but it feels so lonely.
In the end, my vice general and I went on a sparring trip. We are both carrying our swords. Since everyone is busy inside the palace function hall, no one will even hear the noise of our sword.
We're already enjoying the moment when we notice something. We stopped and hid in the nearest bushes.
"Agh! Stop dragging me, Prince Lukas! You're hurting me!" a woman says.
I'm not familiar with her voice. We sneakily check who they are. Oh, it's Lady Leticia Esposa and the fifth prince. They seem to be arguing over something.
Arida and I move to the other side so we can see their expressions well. I think they're having an argument.
"Didn't I tell you not to speak with him or even look at him?!" he roars.
Wow, he looks really mad. "I am not! You are the one who is being paranoid. I didn't even look at him. Plus, why are we arguing about him, huh? Have you forgotten that we already told your parents that we're together? Prince Noah was even there," she replied.
I guess his older siblings see him as a threat after their father chose him to be the grand duke.
"Yes! Soon, we will have our engagement party, a week before my eldest brother's wedding day. He will never take you away from me!" Prince Lukas roars.
Lady Daniels held the prince's face and looked at him. She grins. "Hey, he will never have me. I know Prince Noah has feelings for me, but I choose you. Why would I choose that jinx? Plus, you're the one that I love," Lady Leticia says.
My brow furrows because of what she says. Well, I can add that to their profiles. I really need information in order to know what kind of people they are.
I've been away in the capital for too long. I need to be ready for what it offers. "I suddenly remember that pain in his eyes. Poor Noah… I feel like he was about to cry when he learned that we're committed to each other now. He even tried to oppose his marriage to the only woman who wants him."
She rolled her eyes and suddenly laughed mockingly. "In fairness, she's beautiful. I mean, her long blonde hair is not what I expected, especially when we're on the road when they're marching toward her. She deceives people's eyes! I just hate her," she says.
That surprises me. Wait, why would she hate me? What the heck? "Hey, you're still the prettiest. You will always be, my lady…" he whispered.
They suddenly kissed. I close my eyes after covering Arida's eyes. "I know. By the way, how's the plan? I thought Noah would soon be kicked out of his position as the grand duke. Didn't your eldest brother promise that you would have it?" Lady Leticia says.
Arida and I were surprised because of what we heard. Are they plotting something against their own brother? How can they do such a thing?!
"Take it easy. He's already married to that general, and you know that she has the strongest army. Even if we added all the soldiers to our hands, it's not even half of what she has," he halts.
"We have to be careful and change some parts of our plans. Just wait and see, my dear," he says.
We watched them as they left the garden. "Let's go, Arida," I said.