YEAR 18
ISADORA POV:
I was wandering around in the gardens of the palace. The tansy my father planted for me was in perfect bloom. The warm air from the hot summer day wrapped around me like a blanket.
"Isa."
I heard a voice call out from behind me. I glanced over my shoulder only to be met with the sight of that girl.
"What do you want."
I questioned. I didn't understand why my father and mother didn't get rid of her. Wasn't she the reason we were unhappy?
"Father wants you."
I couldn't help but scoff, he was my father what gave her the right to address him as such? She was just the result of a mistake. I took a step forward, slapping her.
"It's his highness to you. You don't deserve to call him father you're just some half-baked daughter of a maid."
The distant gaze in her eyes didn't go unnoticed by me. She held her head down, bringing her hand to feel her face. Satisfied with myself, I walked away...
Gosh, I loved seeing that empty, helpless glint in her eyes.
YEAR 25
MAE'S POV:
My morning had been a busy one. Upon waking up I was bombarded by maids, hurriedly trying to get me prepared for the day ahead of me.
Once they got me dressed, I was ushered out of and room and down the hall where they had a stylist ready to tailor some clothes to my fitting... Thankfully for me, the fitting went by quicker than expected. The prince had mentioned giving me a tour of the Kingdom, quite insistent on going sightseeing and once we returned he wanted me to tour the palace with him.
I was now in the library grabbing some books to take back to my room I figured reading would be a good way to pass the time until it was time for me and the prince to go out. I couldn't lie and say that I wasn't feeling overwhelmed by the sudden change, my head feeling airy, my eyes more aware yet feeling more unfocused than usual, my ears ringing as I felt my heart beat more prominently against my chest.
Focus
I snapped myself out of my thoughts "I was simply getting adjusted to the new environment" I tried to convince myself, ignoring the way that my breathing had picked up...
I grabbed the stack of books I had collected, carrying them back to my room.
Once I reached my room I set the books on my bed, picking the top one and deciding to read that one first. It was a history book titled "The Nation Of Ceria." I plopped down on the floor, leaning against the bed, and started to read.
As I was reading one part in particular it caught my eye.
P-U Execution of 75
Huh... P-U? What, was that some kind of term or something?
I heard a knock on my door, causing me to look up from my book, I walked over to the door and opened it.
INIZIO'S POV:
I stood outside the door to Mae's room as I waited for her to open it. I heard shuffling coming from the inside before the door finally opened and I was met with those pretty red eyes.
"I've just finished my duties so I thought now would be a nice time for the tour"
I gazed around for a moment before locking eyes with her. It appeared that she was reading a moment ago, she had several books sprawled across her bed.
"Very well"
She replied, before stepping out of the room. I took hold of her hand and walked us to the front of the palace where some workers had prepared our carriage for us. It was a bit chilly out, the wind adding an extra bit of cool air.
"Are you cold?"
I questioned as I helped her up into the carriage, getting in myself once she was seated.
"No, I'm fine thank you."
I gave a small hum of acknowledgment.
The ride to the city was about 45 minutes. During that time, she and I had some light conversation before we finally arrived.
The city was beautiful as per usual, with the lights that hung across the buildings, and the people that cheerfully walked around. Visiting the city had always reminded me why I loved this place, it was a gorgeous kingdom, especially in the cold season; that's one of the reasons I wanted to give Mae a tour, also so she could familiarize herself with this place.
I got out of the carriage and then held a hand out to assist her in getting off, which she took.
"Here we are, Zera, one of the most popular regions of Cerias... I think you'll like it here, it has a ton of activities to do and some of the most gorgeous views I've seen."
I continued holding her hand in mine as we began to walk, a thought popping into my head.
"Have you eaten today?"
I questioned as I waited for a reply, I didn't want to be touring her around on an empty stomach, what if she got light-headed and fainted?
"No, I didn't have time for it earlier, plus I wasn't all that hungry."
Unacceptable... She hasn't eaten all day, I'll be accused of neglecting my wife and my marriage will be over before it gets somewhere.
"What about now, are you hungry now? There are vendors around here with good food, there are also restaurants around here if you aren't fond of street food... And if neither sounds appealing then I could order you a drink just to hold you over"
She glanced over at me for a moment like I was crazy or something, averting her gaze afterward.
"Hm... We could go to a vendor; there would be less hassle that way."
Ah, so she was hungry.
"Very well, what type of food are you craving?"
"Nothing In particular so whatever you're in the mood for."
"If that's the case then there's a kabob station not too far from here that we could order from"
I said before looking at her to see if she approved of the idea or not. She simply nodded, seemingly just going along with whatever I suggested.
I guided her through the crowd, leading her to the stand.
***
The day had flown by at a rapid rate, we had explored all over the city. Even going to watch the sunset up on Pricia, a mountain well known for its stunning views. We were now on our way back to the carriage, having toured most of the mainland. On our walk back it started to snow, the small flakes a nice contrast against the lights that hung throughout the area.
I gazed over, noticing that she didn't have a jacket or coat
"Here you must be cold"
I mused as I took off my jacket offering it to her.
MAE'S POV:
I accepted the jacket, offering my thanks. The night was chilly, the breeze in the air was soft. I had enjoyed myself, grateful that he took the time to show me around. He was much different than I expected, in a good way though. I could see myself benefiting from this arrangement.
We finally arrived at the carriage, He released my hand and opened the door for me getting in after I was seated.
"Thank you for the tour."
I commented as I gazed over at him, but from the way he raised an eyebrow when I first said it, I'd say he didn't expect a thanks.
"You're welcome, I hope you enjoyed yourself."
He stared over at me for a moment before letting his gaze settle somewhere outside...
The ride back to the palace was silent, probably due to the fact that he'd fallen asleep. I had leaned his head on my shoulder, letting him rest on me so that he wouldn't get a crook in his neck. His expression was so peaceful, the moonlight shining on him added an extra glow to his features. By the time we arrived, he was still asleep, I'd just decided to sit there and let him rest a bit longer. I settled into my seat, letting my head rest against the back of my seat.
It wouldn't hurt to stay out here a bit longer.