The following two days ensued as if nothing happened.
Lianne had her same routine every day helping Lady Faye of the kitchen chores, gardening, reading, and avoiding the prince as much as she could. She heard from the other servants that he was always staying in the library and that annoyed her.
By the third day, early morning, Erza was frantically running down the hallway to everyone’s confusion. Apparently, she was looking for the princess and there she saw her washing a saddle in a large trough just beside the entrance of the royal stable.
“Princess…” she stopped as she gasped for air after a good run. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”
Lianne turned to the servant with a questioning look on her face. “Why are looking for me?” she asked in a calm manner dropping the sponge she was holding and began to walk towards the exhausted maid.
“Princess Lianne, here, a letter of invitation for another ball,” Erza said as she handed her the artistically-made envelope sealed with a melted red candle. On the back of the envelope, it was written in high-style calligraphy her name, to which the princess definitely did turn ashen.
“It is from the House of Astoria, my Lady, judging from the seal on the candle,” the maid explained in excitement, her eyes round and bright.
Lianne went inside the stable and sat in a wooden bench looking confused by the envelope in her hands. She immediately tore it apart and took the letter from inside it.
This was her second invitation to another ball and it sure looks like it will be a grand ball like the one in the Soulisse mansion. She opened the invitation letter not wasting a second and read its contents, but before she could finish the entire writing, Prince Ruen suddenly entered the stable and dismissed Erza out of their presence. The latter did so without a second thought.
“So, you’re invited also.” He pulled his hands from the pockets of his black slacks and then crossed his arms to his chest. He watched her place the letter behind her lightning-fast as if trying to hide it away from his view, but he had already seen a letter like that before.
“You don’t have to hide it. Here, I have one myself,” he stated with a slight smug on his face. He held out the invitation letter in her front as if he was flagging it with all its glory.
Lianne was irritated by his gesture but was dumbfounded of the fact.
“Don’t tell me…”
“I’m invited also,” Ruen confirmed. “The master of the House of Astoria is one of my father’s royal council and my mentor in Philosophy and Arts.”
Lianne rolled her eyes in response, not at all surprised by this truth. Sighing in displeasure, she stood up and walked to a nearby garbage bin and threw the envelope and the invitation letter into it. Ruen’s eyebrows then raised in confusion.
“Do you think that I would even consider going to such a ball when I know you are there also?” she spat the words out as if it was acid melting his skin. She glanced at him curious about his reaction, but he only gave her another arrogant grin.
“Don’t you know that father has already approved of your attendance in this ball? You wouldn’t want to waste that opportunity right?” Ruen walked closer to her. This time, Lianne did show some bit of regret. “Apparently, after your ‘debut’ in the Soulisse mansion, you made such a headline that every one of my father’s royal council was practically leaching him to ask for your presence in their own houses.”
She continued on her chore as if looking busy, but mindful of Ruen’s gaze directed to her. “As I would care of it,” she denied, hiding the concern in her eyes.
Ruen scoffed, not believing her words.
“I know you yearn to leave this mansion so much, Lianne,” he said as he went to sit on the wooden chair she had sat awhile ago. Lianne frowned recognizing that his annoying presence would prolong inside the stables. “But you, of all people, should know that that will not happen. So, why not take advantage of your momentary freedom through this? This is your chance.”
The princess took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Why the hell is this man persuading her? It’s not like he’d benefit from this.
“So you would know, I am not that desperate,” she countered, still not looking at him.
“Oh, by all means, princess, please don’t hide your enthusiasm about it. I know for a fact how much you enjoyed going to the Soulisse ball last time.”
She flinched her brow in reaction to his words. There was definitely some double meaning there.
“What are you trying to imply?” She spun around and looked at him with her arms crossed to her chest. “Are you here to start another argument with me?”
“No,” Ruen immediately answered. “I just want to make a bargain with you.”
‘Arggh! How could he be so conceited! So infuriatingly persistent!’ she shouted in her thoughts.
“And who even told you that I would make such a bargain with you?”
“Well, my instincts told me,” Ruen stated whilst flashing a proud smile.
“Huh! Aren’t you jeering.”
He walked towards her and stopped a couple of inches away. It was this close when he could clearly see the tension in her eyes. She was definitely holding back something and it was pride that ranged supreme. However, she couldn’t fool him.
“You can go to the ball and even be allowed outside the mansion after that if I’ll be your escort that evening,” he said.
The princess’s eyes widened upon hearing it.
Ruen instantly saw the spark in her eyes. He was surely close to persuading her with this. “But if I’m not your escort, then…”
“No, thanks,” on impulse, she answered. “I’d rather stay. Such a splendid night would be naught if you are to be my escort.”
“I insist Lianne. I know how much you crave to be outside the walls of this mansion. This is one bargain of freedom you cannot just pass by, I know,” he explained thoroughly as if he was more concerned with her attendance than her.
“Huh!” Lianne cocked her head up in the process. “With you there, I wouldn’t even feel I am free. Why would you even take so much effort just to be my escort on that ball anyway? It’s not like you enjoyed going to parties or anything!”
“I enjoy your company that’s for sure,” the prince simply answered, catching her off-guard.
“You enjoy tormenting me that’s the right word!” Lianne spat out. “I couldn’t even tolerate you just being here, how much more when in that party? Your eyes ogling me without end, your insufferable attitude, and you in general!” She was damned not going to be persuaded by the likes of him!
“Then, would you rather prefer going there with Cain?” Ruen asked as his calm demeanor snapped. His eyes dialed a shade darker just by the thought of Cain.
“Yes!” Lianne replied without hesitation. “If you want it that way, yes, I’d prefer General Cain to be my escort!” In haste, she darted out of the stables not wanting another duel of words with him, but before she could take another step, he quickly grabbed her arm stopping her.
“How about another bargain,” Ruen asked, his jaw clenched.
Lianne did not turn to face him, but she could sense the tremble in his voice. She managed to control her temper realizing he was as anxious as she was and softly answered, “This conversation isn’t going anywhere, Prince Ruen. How many times do I have to tell you I am not one to bargain with you.”
“Listen, if Lady Faye is your chaperone, would you consider it rather than going with Cain?” Ruen declared as he released her arm. She turned to face him wanting to clarify his words.
“I don’t understand. Why would you go on great lengths just to let me join in that ball?”
“I only want your happiness Lianne,” was his honest reply. “If my father has no intentions of unchaining you in his kingdom might as well take advantage of this assemblage to at least relieve you of your suffering.”
Lianne fell silent for a moment and analyzed every word he said. Save for the first part of his answer, what he said was true. As much as she hated it, for once, she agreed with his statement. If she were to be chained forever by the King, might as well get the most of such opportunities like this.
‘My God, how could I ever escape this!’ she thought to herself.
“Fine, I’ll go on the agreement that Lady Faye is to accompany me,” Lianne relented.
Ruen, happy deep inside, nodded in content.
“It’s settled then.”
***
The princess was ready when Lady Faye went to her room. Erza once again was the one who set her hair up to suit the occasion and helped her with her new gown.
“Are you ready, Princess?” the Head Servant asked, her eyes glimmering with the beauty in her front.
“Yes, Lady Faye,” Lianne replied as she stood up.
Side by side, they walked out of the servant’s hallway. They were almost in the main foyer when the princess cannot bear her thoughts anymore. “I want to thank you for doing such a great favor for me, Lady Faye,” she said smiling meekly towards the old woman.
“It’s my pleasure, my dear,” Lady Faye replied. “You deserve this night of freedom and grandeur. I want you to enjoy this night even more than in the Soulisse mansion.”
Lianne only gave another smile, not saying another word. She inhaled deeply trying to calm her trembling nerves as she stared at the large double doors.
Last night would have been a sleepless night if it weren’t for Malerna carrying with her another beautiful gown placed in a wrapped box. It was apparently given by Lady Faye as what Malerna had said, but it intrigued the princess more upon seeing the gown. It was definitely a breathtaking piece, made with a luxuriant fabric mesh with a flower pattern and in an empire cut style at the shoulder and chest.
It was an elegant long sheath dress with a meter of trail at the back and in the front waistline, a medium white ribbon of the same fabric tied to add more sophistication. It had an attractive pure white color, with lavish appliques of a delicate golden brown and shining beaded details of floral accent that created an extra touch of her femininity and sparkle.
All in all, she thought the gown was almost made for her.
“Uhm, Lady Faye?” the princess spoke again as they neared the entrance.
Looking at her way, the Head Servant answered, “Yes, my dear?”
“I’m just wondering, where did you get this kind of dress anyway? This is such a beautiful dress. I don’t think a tailor could make one of these in just a day.”
Lady Faye stopped from walking and faced the princess with a calm voice, “Why would you think that it’s tailored, my dear?”
Lianne gave the old woman a warm half-smile and answered, “Well, it fits my body perfectly. Like, like it was made for me.”
Lady Faye just smiled at her and then said, “Believe me, princess, that dress is destined for you to wear. Worry not about how I got it.”
Lianne sighed in response.
“Come now, we need to go,” Lady Faye urged as she placed a hand on Lianne’s shoulder.
They both continued to the door and down the stone stairs of the portico. Once they were at the base, the footman of the carriage waiting for them readied the connecting stairs for their ascent.
“Excuse me, Your Highness,” Malerna called out.
Lianne turned to face her with confused eyes and then to the large garment the servant held.
“Snow might fall tonight. This will help you fight off the cold.”
She placed the silver silk pelisse over the princess’ shoulders and afterward, Lianne gave her a smile. “Thank you, Em. This will indeed help with the cold.”
“You’re welcome, Your Highness. Your radiant beauty would be an envy of all the women in the ball, that is for sure. You are a princess after all. Enjoy the ball.”
Lianne didn’t see but Malerna and Lady Faye exchanged winks as the servant left.
Once everything was settled, both of them boarded the carriage. They sat on the same side and comfortably settled with each having their own side window.
The coachman opened a small windowpane at his back, peeked a little, and then asked, “Everything is ready Madame?” The voice of the coachman was clear when they heard it.
Lady Faye then answered, “Yes, Arthur, we can leave.”
“Alright,” he replied and then closed the small window.
Lianne suddenly felt her heart skip a beat when the carriage started to move. In the clear glass window at her side, she could see the carriage nearing the main gate of the mansion.
This night was just like that night when they were going to the Soulisse mansion. In her heart, she had hoped that Lord Cain wouldn’t be in the Astoria ball for it would definitely make her feel uncomfortable, but what other time would be the perfect moment for them to casually talk without her remembering what happened in his study room?
“Have you met Lord Von Cavill yet?” Lady Faye asked her unexpectedly, cutting Lianne’s train of thought.
“Huh? Oh… no, no Lady Faye, uhm… not yet. He hasn’t visited the mansion since the Soulisse ball,” Lianne stuttered as if she was interrogated by a guilty act.
“Hmmm, I heard that King Garlow had sent him to the City of Olga the morning after the ball.”
Lianne turned to face her, and Lady Faye could see the look of concern in the princess’ eyes.
She smiled wryly. “Don’t worry dear, I didn’t report anything to the King that night. Maybe there was some important mission General Cain has to do in Olga. Besides, that was where his father died, right?”
“Oh, yes. I almost forgot about that fact,” the princess said, sighing. She went back to stare at the window and remained silent for almost a full minute.
Lady Faye noticed Lianne’s abrupt change of behavior. Somehow, she was alarmed by it and it made her ask straight to the point, “Have a change of heart?”
“Huh? What do you mean Lady Faye?” Lianne quickly cleared out as she looked back at the old woman.
The Head Servant released a soft sigh and gave her a sweet smile in response. “Listen to your heart Princess,” she started. “Whatever makes you happy, just make sure, the one you choose is truly the right man for you.”
“Huh?” Lianne chewed on the old woman’s words and found it to be somewhat out of the topic.
Lady Faye, sensing that she had blurted out too much, retracted her words, “Nothing dear. Forget what I said.”
The princess nodded and left their conversation at that. Deep inside, she knew what the Head Servant had said and what she meant. But Lianne didn’t really want to talk about Cain or any other man for the time being so she dismissed it that instant.
That being said, however, she noticed something odd about the Head Servant. She actually wore a dark green gown. It was very simple, almost to the point like it was her everyday change of clothes. She had her hair done cleanly at the back like she used to and oddly enough, the old woman didn’t have any jewelry to adorn her neck or ears, unlike back when they attended the Soulisse ball. It was almost as if she never intended to go to the ball in the first place.
“Uhm, Lady Faye, you seem to dress lightly for the occasion. Is it okay for-” Her inquiry was interrupted when the carriage abruptly stopped a kilometer away from the mansion.
A hasty knock was heard on their door and when Lady Faye opened it, Lianne was stunned by whom she saw.
“Oh Lord Jared, what is it that you want?” the old woman asked, her tone a little forced. “Is it that much of importance that you have to halt our trip to the Astoria mansion?”
Lord Jared bowed low and cast his eyes downward. “Madame Faye, my apologies, but it is of a must that I need to talk to you right now. Can we talk outside?”
Lady Faye looked at the princess as if waiting for her to comment, but Lianne didn’t say anything save from the confused look on her face.
“Very well,” the Head Servant said, and then she proceeded to step out of the carriage while Lord Jared assisted her.
This time, a feeling of mild alarm started to grow inside Lianne. She watched the open door past the majordomo’s back to see a stallion that he might have ridden to catch them.
“Umm, Lady Faye?” the concerned princess uttered, peering through the door.
The Head Servant who was now standing on the ground gave her a smile and said to assure her, “This will not take long, princess. Just stay inside the carriage.”
The conversation only took a minute when Lady Faye returned, but this time, she did not even try to climb inside the carriage. She only stayed at the entrance of the door while explaining the princess the changes in their travel.
“It seems that I am needed back at the mansion my dear,” Lady Faye started. Lianne’s face turned sullen.
“Huh? Is it that of great significance my Lady? I don’t think I can go to the ball without you,” she exclaimed, her voice sounding worried.
Lady Faye only bowed in response and went on to explain her side. “I am heartily sorry, Princess Lianne. I didn’t expect this would happen, but rest assured your concern is already taken care of.”
Lianne’s brows arched in confusion. “What do you mean Lady Faye?”
“Your escort will join you soon, my dear.”
“Who is it?” the princess quickly asked with unconcealed curiosity.
Lady Faye was the only person she would feel comfortable to be with in a ball, but if she were to be escorted by some other person, it would probably be someone Lady Faye knew she was well-acquainted with to lessen her anxiety.
“I must go,” the old woman replied, avoiding an answer to the princess’ question. “Enjoy your night at the ball, princess.”
“Lady Faye, wait-!”
For some reason, it left the princess a feeling of dread thinking that there might have been an emergency situation inside the mansion. But, why would she care in the first place anyway?
Her curiosity as to who would be her escort to the ball began to peak, but as soon as she glanced once again when the portal opened, all her curiosity turned to fuming rage when she saw the person who stepped inside the carriage rather too casually.