"I hear you saved my twin brother from a wild boar earlier, allow me to apologize to you and make it up for your kindness shown." Leon looked perplexed then suddenly realized the striking resemblance between the boy from earlier with the boar and the leader of the bandits. "Please let the Fiery Rage Squad escort you through.." the squad leader offered. "And who are you to do such thing?" Leon asked coldly. "Pardon me Sire, I'm Oswald and my twin brother, Osborne." The tension was rolled off the knights as they loosened their grip on their swords but could feel Leon's cold and deadly aura as well. Filled with curiosity, Adeline got out of the carriage to see what was happening. Seeing this Fleischer tried to prevent her from coming out but she persisted strongly leaving him to give up. Leon quickly got down blocking the princess's path. Oswald bowed curtly when he saw Adeline come out. Gasps of admiration escaped the mouths of the bandits,seeing the princess for the first time.
"The stories are indeed true,your beauty o princess precedes far and beyond the palace walls" Oswald flattered.. "I am flattered indeed,and who might you be?" Adeline asked. "A group of bandits who intended to end their lives by ambushing us your highness!" Leon interjected.."please Sir Leon ,allow the young man to speak for himself" Adeline rebuked Leon gently.." please go on"...."I am but a lowly servant your highness." "No, I ask of your identity and your purpose for being here!"... Oswald blanched suddenly then stuttered out, "I am Oswald Venodé, and we are mere bandits who have to rob these trade paths just to make ends meat mi lady. Please do pardon our transgression." Adeline's face softened with pity seeing how shabby the bandits looked. "Well since you know this paths more, care to escort us through safely and you will be rewarded dutifully? What say you Oswald? "Adeline proposed. "I will be honored to escort your party my lady..".. Leon's face hardened at this. "That is a dangerous thing to do your highness!!" Leon spoke with caution.." o please Leon, learn to give chances sometimes besides they will be killed easily in a clash against you guys.. "Adeline smiled then nodded towards Oswald before walking into the carriage.
The party was soon on their way with the escort of Fiery Rage squad. Adeline chatted with Oswald as the walked on while Leon kept Oswald under his cold dark stare. "So tell me Oswald how did you and your brother end up as bandits?" Adeline asked.."My father was or should I say is still the greatest archeologist in the west. He formed the squad after we we escaped from Atlantia after it's fall.. with my mother pregnant with my brother and I... He ventured off in his zeal of archeology when we were sixteen and comes back rarely.. that's how I took over his leadership" Oswald smiled looking at the princess who stared with softness and pity." I see.. so you are Atlantians, all of you?" Adeline looked curious. "Yes my princess that's why we were all astonished to see you.. we've heard stories of the royals but never seen them since we were told they fell with Atlantia.... I don't mean to be rude but please who is the handsome knight?" Oswald asked pointing at Leon who caught on forcing Oswald to wave at him. "That's Leon, my chief knight and my personal guard.. he's very cautious of my safety..". "Ahhh! That explains why he has been killing me with those cold stares.. Ahh we are here.. my village and now you are in Ghany.. a few miles into the capital" "ooo that's nice thank you so much Oswald.." Adeline expressed her gratuity as Leon came forward handing over a pocket of gold coins. "That should take care of your trouble.." Leon said sternly. "Thank you my princess we are most grateful and always at your service when ever you need us" Oswald said as they parted ways.
CHAPTER 3. THE ENGAGEMENT
Arriving late and tired, Adeline withdrew to her pavilion without presenting herself to the king. The king called for her to join breakfast. Sitting directly across Veronic who stared with a pretentious smile, Adeline felt her stomach tie in knots.No one spoke as they were served breakfast. King Nero finally broke the silence which hung in the room heavily. "I was told you arrived late last night.. how are you feeling my daughter?" Nero inquired. Taken aback by the openness of her father she knew he was making a statement to the queen. "Feeling strong father the countryside was of great help.. I trust you've been well?" Adeline returned the gesture. "How sanctimonious of our little sister!" Geneva scoffed but was met with a cold stare from the King.
After breakfast, Adeline was almost thrown off balance by her brother's heavy body. Adeline stood admire how muscular Prince Richid had grown in just a forth night just then General Mathis heavy throat clearing sound broke the silent admiration between the two. Both bowed lightly as prince Richid began to speak of how much Adeline had grown so much in the short and developed a strong aura. General Mathis couldn't agree more. The queen, followed by her daughters greeted Gen. Mathis then smiled at Adeline coldly. "How was you journey? I must say I'm surprised you arrived safe given the complaints of bandits and ambushers on the trade paths but anyways we thank the goddess that you arrived safe and sound!" Queen Elizier snarked. "indeed your majesty, the paths are full of dangers it's a miracle I arrived safely untouched .. I'm sorry to disappoint in any way whatsoever!" Adeline retorted. "It's good to have you back .." princess Veronic said." "Thank you princess Veronic, I brought some gifts from my journey for you all I hope you will like them.. especially you, princess Geneva, I got something for your face as well it'll help with the scars." Adeline smiled mockingly. General Mathis walked Adeline away from the intoxicating attitude if his daughter and granddaughters. Adeline chatted with Richid over hours before finally retiring to her chambers.
Snowie stride across the room jumping into Adeline's bed. "I can't believe you were gone for this long period leaving me behind." Snowie chided. "Snowie I've missed you so much you can't tell..sorry I was in a rush.. anyways what have you been up to in my absence?" "oo nothing really just here and there pairing, frolicking and mating with the male cats in the capital and I must say they are not sexy nor good with mating at all.. " " Snowie!" Adeline rebuked. " O please princess, I can feel the heat within you whenever Sir Leon is around.. I quit surprised you came back untouched.. I mean he looks capable and all that you know..." Snowie called out. "shhh! Keep it down already" ..
The royal physician was sent to check on Adeline's health for any improvement. Soon after he had left Leon came in with her supper followed by Christy and Eulia. Adeline looked surprised seeing Leon bring her supper. The servants left immediately the supper was done leaving the two alone. Leon looked tensely at Adeline studying her composure before he told her the news. "What is it Leon? You can tell me and stop staring as if I had just developed two horns suddenly!" Adeline quipped. "I do not know of how to tell you... It's time for my service to come to an end.." Adeline jolted with surprise fully etched on her face. "I have been called upon to handle some important matters arising back at home and my presence had been requested." Adeline shook her head in objection as She barely managed to keep her tears from betraying her. "Why now of all time do you have to go? No.. don't go .. at least not now!" Adeline said shakily in between sobs.
CHAPTER 4: ENGAGED TO PRINCE DILEON 1
Not being able to gild back the tears anymore, Adeline broke down sobbing. Leon held her firmly and with a stern and grim expression, "Princess Adeline, please gold your tears in place it's not befitting of a royal.. you my lady, are fit to be the wife of a King, a great one at that if you can hide all emotions and look strong!". He rebuked her gently. " I do not want to be the wife of someone I do not know or love nor do I want to do away with my emotions just to be someone's play wife!" Adeline pointed out. Straightening her face suddenly she realized her gaze looking him in the eye, " I, Princess Adeline Von Heisterlin Dè Originale, hereby absolve you of all your duties to me and release you of your service henceforth, you can now leave!". Adeline turned away averting Leon's sympathetic gaze. Arising, Leon walked out but stood halfway from the room then asked, "will you leave all this royalty and all nobility to marry me if I asked?".." I'll hold you to your word and wait for your proposal. Promise you'll come back!" Adeline answered. "I'll surely return but promise me you'll recognize me upon my return.. " Leon spoke with softness and pain. " I will.. ".
The sweet scent of flowers hung over the entire Mafte palace. It's been six full moons since Leon left and no word has been heard from him. Rumors spread of the alliance between Ghany and Rocrest through marriage which was soon to form. This caused uncertainty as to which princess would be given and to whom most importantly since there had been a royal civil war in Rocrest for over half the year already. Despite this, Rocrest was still impenetrable due to the seventh Prince's meticulosness in keeping the nation intact. It was rumored that all his soldiers were handpicked by him and we're given intensive training, some called him the "Devil Mask" due to his ferociousness. What riddled people most was his neutrality in the civil war leaving the rest of the brothers to kill each other mercilessly.