Chapter 6

"...ady... Lady."

Aris' sweet voice called Cailina out of the abyss. She adjusted her focus and realized that she was back. The rain was still pouring with no sign of stopping.

'It was indeed a dream, a strange one. But what is it?' Cailina pondered.

"How long have you been calling me?" She turned her attention to the puppy who was arm's length away.

Aris' lashes were long enough to cast a shadow under his eye, his soft skin was a temptation for Cailina to pinch until it turned red and swollen.

"A few times, I saw that you were too engrossed looking at the window. I thought you were ignoring me" He sat down and offered the freshly baked cookies, "I'm sorry I didn't know that you passed your feeding. Here, I requested Sir Baker some cookies... It was my fault that you were reprimanded."

Cailina frowned, "No, it was my mistake. Don't fret over it."

Being comforted by her, Aris picked the biggest piece of the cookie and placed it on Cailina's plate.

A weird feeling inside her heart bubbled up. The longer Cailina stared at what Aris was offering, the more dubious she feels, but never being able to point out the reason.

'It's just a cookie.' Cailina shook her head and reached out for the piece. 'He couldn't possibly harm me.'

Seeing that Cailina accepted his offer, Aris grinned. His pearly white teeth made him pleasing to the eye.

"What made you lost in thought, my Lady?" Aris asked, taking a bite. His cheeks puffed up as he munched away.

She tried to recall but was met with a blank mind. Cailina placed her hand on her chin and stared aimlessly.

Aris waited for her response and seeing that Cailina was once again being plunged into silence, he dropped the question, "Oh, don't think too much of it. I heard that a squirrel was found hanging by the tree yesterday."

"A squirrel?" Cailina's attention went back to Aris.

"Yes, the garden workers tried catching it. They all failed." Aris laughed as he portrayed the servants' tired expressions. Cailina returned a small smile.

"I also joined in to catch the little squirrel, but my short legs can't keep up!" He puffed his cheek in disappointment, "Rest assured my Lady! I will catch it for you." Then he flashed his toothy grin.

"Ria..." Cailina glanced at her maid.

Without uttering any instruction, Ria bowed and left.

"By the way, a mare recently gave birth. Can I personally raise it?" Aris displayed a pleading look, his blood eyes seemed to sparkle and a tail would be imagined wagging behind him, it was difficult for Cailina to resist.

'Sooner or later, Aris will take everyone's hearts.' Cailina's mood turned for the better.

"Alright, just be careful."

Aris observed Cailina as he figures her out. He realized that as long as what he asked wasn't too much, she will agree. He kept smiling, but within his eyes lies a purpose no one can see.

Tilting his head, "Lady, do you think we'll be able to play outside tomorrow?"

"I believe not."

"Why?"

As Cailina heard his dejected voice, she sighed and felt guilty, "Father and mother prepared a few more classes for me. It will take a while to find the time."

She took a deep breath and calmly explained, "I was informed that my betrothal has been decided. I will be occupied with etiquette classes." She then took a sip of the tea.

When Aris heard Cailina's explanation, his heart was troubled. He was uncomfortable that the person he adores the most would be married to a stranger. His wolf began whining inside his head. Although Aris was unaware of why he felt uneasy, he didn't conceal his disapproval.

Aris tried to look stern, but in the end, he appears to be a bunny being robbed of its carrot.

"I have no right to intervene with the matters of my marriage," Cailina answered Aris' visible opposition.

Aris bit his lip and frowned, "In our land, we have the right. When we come of age, we know who will be the person that will accompany us for the rest of our lives."

"How lucky. Anyway, I have been taught of this ever since. So it doesn't really matter. I trust my parents for their decision."

'I just wish that stinky Prince isn't boring.' Cailina smirked.

'But I care.' Aris muttered in his heart, but dare not voice out.

••

The days of Cailina were packed with various classes. She was filled with lessons from the second hour of the day until the nearing of the sun on the horizon.

It was the third hour, a high pitched voice can be heard at the ballroom of the Grandis' residence, "Oh dear, refrain from looking down, my Lady."

"You missed half a beat, again."

"It is left foot, right foot, pause, and turn. Again."

"My Lady, let the gentleman lead the dance."

It was hard for Cailina to learn how to dance as she was used to being educated with an official's work. She was different from a noble lady who was taught how to be a proper wife. Being the firstborn child of Duke Grandis, she was determined to be the future heiress.

Now, with the sudden announcement that she will be the future Crown Princess; Cailina was bombarded with ladylike lessons. Any young lady will be frustrated with this, yet Cailina never complained.

She did her best in all of her additional classes. Cailina excelled in each lesson, showing great results making her parents proud. The only lesson that she was mediocre, was dancing.

She never understood how the timing of each foot was placed. Lady Arevie, her dance tutor, was patient in teaching her, and her son, Rin; which foot that was stepped on countless times, was showing a sweet smile while Cailina accidentally steps on him.

Lady Arevie was the wife of Duke Grandis' close friend. Sir Elton was alongside the Duke while His Grace assists the reigning Emperor to secure his throne in earlier days.

Upon receiving the letter that the daughter of his old friend was looking for a dance tutor, Sir Elton immediately agreed. He knew that his wife was the most eligible to be the dance tutor of the favored one.

Lady Arevie was from the family of the Royal Count Unmer. During her maiden days, she was known to be the dancing fairy of the noble circle. It was a fairytale that the dancing fairy fell in love with a knight.

"Let's take a break." Lady Arevie smiled, "I see that my Lady has improved since the last time we met."

"I don't deserve such praise, my skills still have room for improvement." Cailina politely declined Lady Arevie's approval.

Before Lady Arevie replied, the door was knocked and opened by a knight. He greeted Cailina and said his purpose, "His Grace had summoned Lady Arevie. If it is alright, I request for my Lady's permission."

Cailina waved her hand, "You may. No need to delay my father's matters"

"Well then, we will take our leave." Lady Arevie curtseyed while Rin bowed.

After Lady Arevie and Rin left, Aris shyly knocked.

"Lady." Opening the door, he stuck out his head.

When Cailina saw the small bunny standing at the entrance, her smile grew wider. Aris always put her at peace; the same reason as to why she grew fonder of the puppy.

"Yes? Enter."

As Aris heard his Lady's appealing voice, he smiled and made his way to Cailina's side, "I have finished my lessons for today."

Cailina rubbed his head, "It's still early, did something happen?" The duo then walked to the study and was followed by rows of servants. Cailina signaled that she was thirsty and in a flash, Ria handed a cold cup of water.

"The tutors said that I had finished the basics..." Aris paused, the hesitation was noticed by Cailina from his eyes.

"Then?"

"They said that I need permission from His Grace..."

Aris didn't finish his sentence and Cailina knew that to let Aris continue his lessons, Duke Grandis' approval is needed.

The curriculum of education of Henonis was divided into two stages, the basics in which writing and reading, basic etiquette, and simple arithmetic. The second stage was the intermediate level, the lessons delved deeper on the foundations of the Empire, higher-level arithmetic, and comprehensive writing and reading.

That was the needed education for each noble of the Empire, in Aris' case; the Lycaon Kingdom has yet to fully implement the curriculum. Resulting in Aris' lacked education. It's a mystery on what are the lessons that those dogs are teaching their pups.

"I will talk with my father. The library lacks nothing. If you're interested in learning additional pointers, read as much as you wish."

The two chatted and leisurely passed the hallways of the mansion. Time seemed to slow down for Cailina. She enjoys being with Aris and if possible, she wishes to bring him everywhere she went.

Sadly, the moment ended. Cailina dismissed Aris and he nodded in excitement, he bid farewell and headed towards the library while his attendants followed closely. Although Aris was still considered an outsider, Cailina urged her parents to let Aris have his own set of servants and now, half of Cailina's servants were then sent to him.

Two knights opened the door, as Cailina stepped inside the study. She was right on time for her next lesson. An old woman was waiting with an elegant smile painted on her lips.

"Greetings Lady Cailina."