6. The Runaway Princess

"But you know, isn't suspicious how the Princess was found in the middle of the night covered in blood, nowhere else but in the woods?"

Duke Edmond Clayr, that was his name.

If I couldn't recognise him, that was because it was dark. Or my memory played a trick on me, given my complete confusion.

His face was hidden under a wool hood, giving me no chance to find out who he was.

Again, it was thanks to Percival, at the other side of what I realised was a small windowless room.

No way to run away if not by the door.

I had no idea was he was planning or what was going on, I knew he was a close member of the Council and a friend of my Father. Would he know what happened last night? Or was it all a secret, for how long?

"Duke Clayr, are you suspecting the Royal family?" The flat voice that came from my Brother's mouth made me shiver, a tone of challenge masked by the simple question.

"No, no. How could I ever. After all, we are in business now, right, Your Royal Highness?"

Business? I knew I woke up late after I heard a familiar voice, what did they talk about?

But most important, why was Percival the one who came here and not some guard, or Lancelot?

The idea of seeing both of them very soon made me nervous, as I was already used to the fact I wouldn't see them in the future. Or maybe I gave up too quickly.

"Indeed, we are. I would guess finding my younger sister was a big surprise, but you must not worry. She is still a kid, and she acts bluntly. I would say she is entering a rebellious age, trying to run away and panic the whole palace. I do apologies for the incovenience. Now if you'll excuse me, I will bring her home."

Me? Going back to the Palace?

Did I fail? Was me running away useless, did I have no choice, again?

Going back with Percival was still better than staying here, the place gave me chills.

I didn't see any children the Duke talked about, were they in a different room? Was I so messed up to show to anyone? Like I cared in that moment.

"Oh, of course. I wouldn't want to obstaculate your plans."

I stepped back from the door as I heard someone walking towards it.

As expected, Percival stared at me. The plain clothes that didn't suit a Princess, the messy hair a maid would put in place, the worn out shoes I took from someone else.

"Let's go, before they ask more questions." Something was wrong. Something wasn't adding up to this.

But it wasn't nor the time or place to ask.

As always, I had to follow his lead. Like a good little sister.

When we walked out, Duke Clayr was nowhere to be seen, probably dealing with his -business-.

"Princess!"

Ah, he was there too. I could recognise his voice anywhere at that point. His messy black head bounced down from the least fancy carriage our family had. Incognito Prince?

His hands flew on my shoulder as to hold me, taking me by surprise. He didn't care that I was dirty, he was the proof there was someone that wouldn't hide anything from me.

"L-Lancelot..." That was the first word I spoke after what seemed a long day.

"Are you hurt somewhere?"

So he also didn't know about the King. I wondered what Percival must have told him and everyone else. I glanced over to him, his neutral stoic face not showing any emotions. He did nod, which reassured me, I didn't know how.

"I'm fine." I wanted to reassure him as well, saying that I was holding up, even if I couldn't find any excuse for why I escaped, I just wanted to tell him all the truth.

Percival handed me a long coat as well as a bag of clothes and money as we made our way back to the Palace.

Or so I thought.

My eyes lit up as I took a glimpse of a smile on his face.

Was he helping me try again to fix my life?

"Wow, Nim. You sure don't want to go to Erule, do you?" It was all forgotten. Me escaping, me getting found by the Duke. I had another chance.

This time I wouldn't mess it up.

"I know we didn't have a discussion about it, maybe that was the problem originally. That's why I'll cover for you again." He kept talking as he switched his stare to Lancelot, sat in front of me, a bag on his lap I didn't see first.

Was he-?

"Lancelot. Please take care of her."

"Yes, Your Highness."

I didn't have to repeat myself, that said it all.

"Are you sure, Brother?" As soon as I spoke, he lightly laughed at the way my excitement wasn't fitting with my words.

"Now that Father fell ill I have more matters to attend. To take you to Erule now would bring some suspects, even Clayr wasn't convinced." So that was what he said.

"Why would you not let me help you?" As part of the Royal family, I felt the duty to at least try and support him, he was always doing everything on his own.

"Because you're not something I can control. I need you out of here. You'll be fine with Lancelot."

"So you're just going to throw us away for your convenience? Without thinking of us?" I blunted out as Lancelot kept silence, staring outside the window as to not interfere with our sibling's quarrel.

"I gave you the choice yesterday night. You took it. Now grow and deal with it."

It wasn't a nice way to say goodbye, but many secrets were obstructing. Hopefully, one day I would get to know.

The carriage left Lancelot and I at the side of Nalilia, the now familiar woods framing the stone North gate.

"So, are you helping the runaway Princess now?" I finally asked him when left alone, Percival on the way back to the Palace.

His laugh filled the air, the bubbly voice always cheering me up.

"Sure I am, is it not my duty, as long as I'm with you, my Princess?"

I smiled as I hoisted the bag on my back.

"Where to, my Knight?"

"Mh, I wonder. What about Erule?" He mentioned starting to walk on the pebbled road.

"Are you joking, right? I am going back to Percival."

"Of course, of course." Lancelot giggled as he turned to me. "Weiss."

"The kingdom in the mountain?" The place he came from?

I run to reach his pace as I sided him, the final thought of going on an adventure with him sending sparks of excitement to my body.

I was on a run, again.

But at least I wasn't alone.