Chapter 29 - Red Flag

I tensed at the sight of all those eyes that turned to me. My body freezing as the music stopped and the entire ballroom became silent.

For a moment I thought the whole ballroom stared at me. Until I heard footsteps behind me and turned to face the commotion.

I almost gasped at the sight of dozens of knights, clad in black. But that wasn't what had everyone staring. No. What made us gasp were the majestic wings. Black, obsidian and shining wings that escaped from behind their armour.

I rushed out of the way. Scared I might get trampled by what I instantly recognised as the Brennus army officials who must've been invited to our banquet. Before I could leave on my own however, I was lifted up into the familiar arms of Mallory's Uncle.

I looked to him in surprise. His baby face was no more. Although he still looked young he had grown into a fine young man. His crimson hair trailing down his shoulder in a loose braid and his golden eyes more like slits compared to their previous cat like wideness.

He, however, didn't look back at me and instead stared straight ahead at the approaching guests. He took a sharp breath as if someone important entered and I turned too and spotted a man with enough authority to rival my fathers.

My back straightened as I took in his appearance.

He was beautiful. Black hair flowing down his shoulder. And those uncannily familiar crimson eyes.

"Your Majesty, Brennus" Duke Camellia spoke, voice emanating the true authority of someone with the royal bloodline "I welcome you into our palace. We have made living arrangements for yourself and your knights so leave our servants to your luggage and enjoy yourselves at this banquet hosted by myself for our victory which couldn't have been possible without your help".

He spoke so clearly and confidently. As if he wasn't holding a kid, who could walk, in his arms. I only realised why exactly he was holding me when I felt his fingers trembling for a moment.

"You are as competent as your brother says", the king of Brennus complimented, "to pull off such an organised banquet. Might I inquire where exactly?-" his words cut off as he made eye contact with me.

I had been staring at him this whole time and didn't expect him to notice me. Nobody tends to... unless they're out to get me that is. He stared hard at me, until it got awkward enough for me to avert my eyes.

"This child...? She couldn't be the princess could she?" He leaned towards me and with those imperative red eyes boring into me I couldn't stare away. No matter how conscious I was of the dozens of eyes watching us.

"That's right", Adrian answered, a bit confused at my unusual silence, "this is my niece Mallory Blackburn", he finally placed me down so I could properly present myself infront of the King. Which I did. Albeit, a bit nervously.

"The Princess of the Blackburn Empire presents herself before Enzo Brennus, Ruler of the Brennus", I curtsied while staring down at my feet, my stomach full of nerves.

"You're as intelligent as my son says", he praised and I snapped my head up at that.

Did Luka still remember me?! That was years ago!

"Does he still remember me?" I asked incredulously.

His reply was a bark of laughter as he lifted an arm to signal his knights to enjoy themselves.

"It's more of a surprise that you remember him, but to answer your question: yes. He still remembers you. And your tale is a popular one among our folk, so he couldn't forget you even if he wanted to", He gave me a grin and while I puzzled over his words his brows lifted as if he remembered something , "as for that request you asked of me... well... you'll see soon anyway".

With that he turned to Duke Camellia, who told him that father had gone to the war room to discuss how the destroyed country's treasury will be split between the dukedoms, the royal palace, the knight and of course the Brennus.

The moment he left, the duke heaved a sigh and turned to me with an exasperated expression, "you really grab attention from the strangest people, don't you?" He let out a chuckle as he patted my head. His voice seemed tired and his demeanour seemed exhausted for a moment before he feigned an energetic smile.

"Are you okay?" I asked him, noticing the unusual bags beneath his eyes.

"Of course. And thanks to you I managed to welcome the Brennus King properly". Again he spoke with that fake energy that seemed to fool everyone.

"I didn't do anything?" I really didn't.

Rather... I glanced at the Duke who clearly needed a break but would never admit to it. I knew full well he had stressed over this banquet for months. It wasn't perfect by sheer luck. And it was undeniably pretty well put together.

My mind wandered for a moment. Back to the Brennus king and I had to forced my mind to not dwell on his words. 'Your tale' he had said. What does that mean? And by the request I asked? Did he mean Lance? Is Lance here? I shook my head clear as my thoughts spiralled.

"Nonsense. Your dads busy right now so he can't see to you and I'm busy as well so neither can I... not to mention that your mother refuses to give you a proper nanny", he began to grumble and then with the snack of his fingers his face brightened, "Ah! Come with me! I know just the person who can take care of you!" He grabbed my hand and dragged me away while I protested that I was old enough to be on my own.

I wasn't of course. All noble children had a nanny with them. And after a certain age that changed to a knight. Either way, they always had a follower.

In the book, Mallory didn't have a nanny and would use Edmund as a way to save face whenever she went out. She would pretend she was mature enough to not need a nanny and a knight was sufficient enough for her. Nobody bought it, but they would pretend to for the sake of connections and the like.

I noticed a strange nakedness creeping up my back as I realised I wasn't invisible anymore. People watched me now. Nobles. Officials. Ambassadors. All the likes of adults in the court seemed to meet my eyes once in a while. They would plaster a smile on their face, faking kindness to appeal to me.

It was disgusting.

Whether the Duke noticed or not, his grip tightened on my hand and his steps became longer. As if rushing me away.

Finally he stopped infront of the last person I would thought he would take me to.

Ebony eyes met my plain brown ones in surprise. The short brown hair with those lilac highlights were now longer, brushing against a pale nape.

"Princess", Raphael said in surprise, brows rise enough for me to know it was the original Raphael..

He hadn't properly spoken to me in years. I wasn't sure if he was plain avoiding me or just found me bothersome. Did it hurt? Not really. But I thought we were friends... so it was kind of disappointing.

"Raphael please watch Mallory for a bit. You know she hasn't got a nanny. I'd stay with her but the nobles love their gossip so if they see me dragging her around then"-

"I understand". Raphael cut him off.

It surprised me. He spoke so much more confidently compared to before. And if I look at him more closely...

He noticed my intense gaze and raised a brow at me which made me look away embarrassed.

He really grew up didn't he? Despite his obvious obliviousness women seemed to be staring at him. Hoping to catch his eye so he would ask them to a dance.

"Do you want to ask me something?" He questioned.

"N-No that's not it!" My face felt hot. Damn this is embarrassing, "r-rather than that- I'm fine on my own so you don't have to take care of me".

"Do you dislike me?"

The question surprised me.

"Why would I?" I frowned at that, forgetting my earlier turmoil.

"Then why are trying to get rid of me?"

"When was I?"-

Oh wait... that's exactly what I was doing.

It wasn't my fault, but after he stopped talking to me It felt awkward around him. I was worried he hated me. I was worried he would become evil like how he was in the book. Why else would he avoid me? And the one time we speak after years is at this banquet... the one that should've happened in three years from now. The one where Mallory realised she had to marry a war crazed beast.

I grimaced at the thought, turning to the current Raphael. He was dressed in a clean suit. Not in the blood stained armour he would've worn had the storyline not been altered. He didn't grin with wide eyes, his face was neutral. No matter how I looked at it, he was far from his original personality.

"Sorry", I apologised guiltily and then with an accusing look I pouted at him, "but it was you who ignored me first!" I huffed childishly.

I didn't expect him to make the expression someone makes when see something incredibly cute. Was that a trickle of blood coming from his nose?!

"I- I didn't mean to ignore you princess- I just wanted to show you that I"- he cut off his words and groaned, clutching his head. It had been a while since I saw this happen so when I heard him whispering harshly under his breath I freaked out, "no! Stop! Not at this party!". But eventually he fell silent and when I reached over to see if he was okay and his eyes immediately went for me.

I froze at the sight of those familiar cold eyes. The polite expression that Raphael once wore was no more and instead his face was so cold it was terrifying. Surprisingly, I wasn't frightened at all. Instead, I grinned at the familiar alter.

"Nice to see you again!" I chimed at him.

He smirked. Barely visible.

"To think you still remember me after all these years. You really are special", he patted my head slowly, his voice deeper than Raphaels usual.

"Why did you come out though?" I looked around at the large crowds of jolly people and was sure someone like him would hate something like this.

"Because it seems like you're in danger", he said while lifting me up in his arms and began to walk through the hall with no explanation.

I frowned at his words, "from who?" I found myself looking around, trying to find my mother who might've been a hazard, but she was laughing with a flock of ladies. Then the empress, but she was being the perfect host. Entertaining her guests like a pro.

"I'm not sure, but there's someone that's been following you for a while now. They might be harmless but considering their size I must be careful", he walked out into an empty balcony.

We faced the glaring sun for a mere second before he spun around so fast my head spun. When my head finally found balance I noticed a hooded figure standing in front of us.

Raphael slipped a knife out of his sleeve and drew me closer, somehow he stood quite balanced despite holding me.

"State your identity!" Raphael snarled at the man whose lips were his only visible feature.

His lips morphed into a grin at Raphael words. Hands besides his head he used a finger to lift his hood to reveal a familiar head of blonde and a movie star grin.

"Eh?" My eyes widened.

Raphael dropped his dagger and while placing me down he dropped to one knee.

"Please forgive me your majesty I had no idea".

"That quite alright child. I'm more impressed by your dedication to protect my daughter." He waved off Raphael as I admired him.

He looked the same, except for a light scar on his cheek. He looked at me with a gentle smile. I couldn't help the sigh of relief that left me. He really was okay.

"You didn't come to me like your brothers so I had to see you myself. Do you know how hard it was to sneak out of that meeting?" Somehow he looked kind of hurt.

Mallory's legs moved and before I realised it her small arms wrapped around the neck of her father who lifted her up. It was at times like this when I didn't feel in control of this small body. I felt the warm liquid spilling down my face and hugged him deeper.

I expected it to be nine years and somehow six felt even longer. I couldn't begin to imagine how long it must have felt for the Emperor.

He patted my head.

"What's this now. You feel smaller than before. What happened to that chubby face?" He said while grasping my face between his fingers. My lips ended up in a weird pout by the position and I gave him a playful glare.

"You shouldn't question a ladies weight!" I tried to say but it sounded very unintelligible.

He chuckled at me.

"That's right. My mistake", he placed me down and patted my head, turning to Raphael, who met his gaze with his own stone cold eyes. I had forgotten he was still the other personality, "You're Raphael Harlow, the apprentice Chancellor, am I correct?"

Raphael nodded, expression not changing.

"I've heard good things of your achievements. I feel lucky to have my son in the care of such a capable person. Be sure to continue impressing me", and with that he picked me up again and headed back inside.

I turned back to see Raphael, but he had turned his back towards us.

I thought father would go back to his meeting and drop me off somewhere, but he didn't. Instead, he headed straight for his throne.

"D-Dad?" I questioned when he stopped infront the throne. My eyes darting from the curious stares of onlookers and my fathers face.

"Yes?" He asked me while placing me on his lap as he sat on his throne.

There was something I hadn't realised about the position of the throne until that point. I had always thought the throne was where it was so everyone could catch a glimpse of the king, all except his back being visible, but I didn't ever think or came to realise that the same was possible for whoever sits on the throne. Everything was visible. I could see everyone except for one person. Who had quickly disappeared from view.

"Father?" I looked up at him, arching my back painfully so I could at least get a glimpse of him.

He patted my head in reply. As if he was a villain and I.... was his cat... I thought annoyedly.

"Is Edmund with his father, Duke Arian?"

"Edmund? Ah? That's the child's name... I believe so. Has the child got any ruder since the last time I saw him?" He asked with a bit of a sneer.

"A-Yeah- definitely! He's really nice and he's always kind to me!" I didn't see this guy sneer like that at all! Somehow that made me scared for Edmund.

"Good. Good".

Eventually I lapsed into a silence as my mind went back to Edmund while the king became busy with talking to guests and his own chancellor becoming aggravated at his sudden disappearance from the treasury discussion.

"You really think it's alright to leave like that?", he whispered harshly to my nonchalant father.

"Oh come on, I wasn't even part of the conversation. That bloody old fart kept sticking his nose in", dad replied.

The only person he ever referred to as old fart was the head of the government, Archie Darnte. He was someone that hated the monarchy and as written in the book had made a lot attempts to shift the power balance towards the government. He would never succeed however, but due to my fathers tolerance he would continue to be prime minister during his reign and when Jirael becomes monarch he ends up forcibly retiring.

Now that I think about it. He can make a lot of decisions for royalty that can't be denied even by royalty. He had Jirael engaged to his daughter who was at least 10 years younger than him in the book. And if I remember right, he was the one who proposed the engagement between Mallory and Raphael.

I grimaced.

He really had a thing for age gap marriages. And thinking about it his wife was at least two decades younger than him. Gross.

"Yes well... that "bloody fart" has made a new one of his irrefutable decisions and it's about the princess".

At his words my head turned to him in surprise. A sense of dread washing over me. It couldn't be!

"And what, pray tell, has that snake planned this time?" Father hissed so angrily that I would normally inch away from him but, I also wanted to head this or rather I wish the conversation didn't happen at all.

"Marriage".