IT'S NOT IN THE GARDEN

- LITHIA -

"What do you think about my sister's fiancé?" I asked while having a tea with Devie, who's looking outside of the window as she watches the knights' training.

She returns her gaze to me as she pours tea in her cup. "She looks decent and pretty average for me, but I don't like her." She response, smiling at me with such gentleness.

"How about her maid?" She chuckles as she shakes her head. "If I'm being completely honest, Your Majesty, I don't like them both. Her fiancé and maid seem sinister, as if they're going to devour me alive. Their eyes are also territorial, it's unpleasant to my eyes." What can I expect? Both of them are my sister's property. They must've started to adopt my sister's personality.

"It's better if you're Helvetica's spouse, in my opinion." She remained silent for quite some time, but decided to speak afterwards. "You wouldn't have the courage to say things like that if you just saw how her eyes looked at me in that day. And I also don't want to force her to marry someone she doesn't even like." That's why I wanted her to be the Empress. She's matured and knows how to communicate with people.

Someone like her, deserves to stand by my sister's side. "It's such a waste. I was rooting up for the both of you. I even bought a customize ring for two people. But maybe, it'll fit in Lady Camilla's hands." I sigh as I look outside of the window. It's a coincidence that our gazes collided. Vien just smiles at me for a second while shaking her head, returning her attention to the knights.

Look at her, can't she fixed her gaze to me for a while? Does she need to ignore my presence like nothing ever happened? "Just by looking at this situation, are you fond of that knight?" I redirect my gaze to Lady Devourah while wearing a puzzled expression on my face.

What did she say?

"She's not just a knight, but a General and, no, I wasn't fond of her. But I like her determination." She gives a little nod as she peers out the window. "If you're not fond of her, then can I speak with her?" WHAT?

"No." She stopped as she looks at me, wearing her silly expression. "You just said that you're not fond of her."

"Vien is my personal knight, Lady Devie. Of course she's busy. She doesn't have time to escort other people."

"Then, can I borrow her? There are many knights outside, someone can replace her for one day." My deal was to make her as my sister's fiancé and not to find her an ideal spouse.

"I was just kidding around, Your Majesty. It's just you were so obvious, yet you keep on denying your feelings toward the General. The fact is that, you wanted her attention all the time, Am I right?" I didn't respond as I don't know what will I even say on this point.

"Silence means yes. So, you shouldn't deny it the next time someone asked you, Your Majesty or they may end up liking the General." I remained in silence for a few moments before deciding to shift the subject.

"About the investigation. Did you find the culprit?" She smiles as she traced the lip of the cup. "Not yet, Your Majesty. After all, no one wants to be caught red handedly." She stands up as soon as her maid comes in.

"Milady, the carriage is waiting." She adjusts her clothing as she looks at the mirror. "But if I found some interesting information, I'll make sure to inform you." But Before she could even leave the room, she looks back once again as she chuckles. "Could you perhaps greet His Highness on my behalf? I can't seem to find him anywhere. Please let him know I've arrived." I let out a little laugh as I sign for her to leave.

We aren't close enough and yet I already feel comfortable with her presence. "Lady Lithia?" I looked at my maid as she gave me an envelope. "It was an invitation for a gathering this afternoon. Would you like to refuse?"

The seal appears to belong to a prestigious family, however, I'm afraid that–

"I can't go. I have plans with the General this afternoon." Look at her, getting all worked up over a simple lunch. It wasn't really special. But I just like to be separated from my family for a while.

Helvetica can eat along with her fiancé and I can't eat with different people? How unfair is that! "We'll make sure to prepare a dress for you, Your Highness." I coughed as I stood up, taking a peek outside as I could see that they're still having a mini battle.

"Then I'll come with you." We get out of the room as I saunter down the corridor. It was a peaceful day and yet it feels like a special one for me. Should I wear a green dress? Or maybe an ombre one? I might look like a leaf if I ever wear green. Then how about a shade of blue?

"Greetings to her Lady Lithia." I came back to my senses as Camilla curtsied in front of me. She was clinging to my sister's arm as if they really turned into a couple. Is it really possible for my sister to fall for this woman?

"Where are you two heading?"

"In the garden, Your Majesty. I prepared some meals. And I invited Hel if she could join me." What did she say?

"In the Garden?" I repeated.

"Yes, Your Majesty." But—

"Is there any problem, Lithia?" Hel tilted her head as she looks at me. "I'm sorry Your Majesty, but that place—" I cut my maid's words as I smile.

"Nothing. You can go. I was about to head on my chamber to take a bath. Have a pleasant meal." I continue to walk as soon as I finished the conversation.

"But Your Majesty—" I paused for a moment as I speak. "Can you tell the General that we're going to cancel our plans for today? Tell her I wasn't feeling well."

"Who's not feeling well?" I was stunned in my position when a familiar voice interfered.

"Vien—" She chuckles as she steps forward.

"I've come to collect you, Princess Lithia." She offers her hand, but I was hesitating if I should take it as our spot is no longer available. "I overheard your discussion with Princess Helvetica. However, I do not plan on taking you to the garden." She smiles as she kisses my forehand.

"I will give Your Majesty some time to change. Do you trust me?" I take her hand as I can feel my face erupting from the heat. How can this woman be so pretty and handsome at the same time? It's ILLEGAL!

"The Princess is blushing."

"SHUT UP."