I Don't Want Any Harm To Happen To You

Even when midnight passed, Princess Rizelle struggled to fall asleep.

During the past 3 days, she often spent her time, thinking of the wedding night that was currently unfolding. Maybe she still didn't understand what Esriven was really like.

Rumors that might circulate as the Prince's claimed... it didn't cross her mind at all. She thought that as long as Prince Nicien left, it will be fine.

Will she be able to adjust herself to the complicated life of Esriven royals?

The couch where the Prince slept wasn't far from her bed and Rizelle glanced at him from time to time. As the room was now dark, she can't see his face clearly and she can only tell that he didn't move at all.

Was he already asleep?

Rizelle didn't think further about her new husband as her thoughts were back to her homeland. She recalled what King Hamon Caderin said during the feast. Knowing that she might soon see her father, the Princess was more than excited. Before she left Linolia, her father also told her that he will come to visit her as soon as things are settled.

Back then, she didn't have much hope as she thought that it was her father's way of consoling her. But now, she found herself looking forward to it.

Thinking of her family in Linolia warmed up Rizelle's heart. Forgetting all the struggles and fears, she drifted off to a deep sleep.

* * *

When a light sound in her chamber aroused Princess Rizelle from her sleep, she slowly opened her eyes and was a bit startled when she realized where she was. However, she soon let out a sigh. It seemed like it would take her a while to get used to waking up in this chamber.

"Did I wake you, Your Highness?" It was Fina who was standing a few steps away from the Princess's bed and when Rizelle pushed herself up, Fina hurried over to her.

Princess Rizelle glanced around the chamber and noticed the ray of sunlight entering through the windows.

Was it already that late?

"I cross path with the Prince on my way to here," Fina said to the Princess. "He said that you must be tired and he also told me not to wake you."

Nicien Vamieres really said that? Rizelle wasn't expecting this at all!

"It's almost time for breakfast, Your Highness. You should get prepared," Fina reminded the Princess who seemed to be thinking of something.

"Alright," Rizelle responded and thought of how she would be eating with Prince Nicien alone for the first time. She was already told that it was a custom to have breakfast together in the Esriven royal family. Lunch and dinner were mostly served in their own chambers for them to eat alone.

It means she will always be starting her day by having breakfast with her 'aloof' husband.

Won't that only make things awkward between them?

Nevertheless, Rizelle shook her head, urging herself not to think too much. Then she got off her bed and prepared herself for her first day as the Princess Consort of an Esrivenian Prince.

* * *

When Rizelle was escorted to the dining hall of the Candor Palace which was now home to her and Prince Nicien, she realized that Nicien Vamieres was already there, waiting for her.

She didn't think she was late. Why was he so early?

No matter what she was thinking, she didn't say anything and sat on the chair opposite her husband.

"Do you sleep well?"

Rizelle Vamieres blinked; finding it hard to believe that the aloof Prince actually talked to her right away.

Did he hurt his head?

She was back to her sense, only to notice how he was still waiting for her response. He didn't urge her even once.

It seemed like he was quite patient.

"Yes," she muttered. "What about you, Your Highness? You woke up way earlier than me."

"I sleep well," Nicien replied to her, calmly. "I usually wake up early. Maybe because I spend so much of my time in the camp."

Rizelle nodded in understanding as she knew how her brother was just the same.

Four servants walked inside and set the table for them. After they were done, they waited on the side, in case their service was needed.

It's been three days but... Rizelle still struggled to get used to food there. Though her kingdom was right next to Esriven, they didn't have much resemblance and... the foods were no exception. Even now, she barely ate any food and maintained her silence. Nicien didn't say anything either.

"I heard that your maid and personal guard follow you here."

It was Prince Nicien who broke the silence after minutes and Rizelle nodded, wondering where this was leading to.

"I will assign more servants and guards to help them in serving you. I don't think they are enough to attend to your needs or keep you safe." The Prince's voice was calm like always and he continued eating once he finished talking.

"Are you being wary of something, Your Highness?" Rizelle suddenly asked without much thought.

Even the day she arrived, he talked as if she was in danger. She knew that there was a possibility for that but... she wanted to know who he was wary of.

Perhaps... the King?

"Being careful doesn't hurt, Princess," Nicien Vamieres responded to her. "You know my situation. I have many enemies."

He had a point and Rizelle knew that but... she felt like he was certain of something and that he was trying to hide it from her.

"Are you not okay with me assigning some servants and guards for you?" Nicien asked when he noticed how troubled she appeared. "I'm your husband now. I hope you believe that I don't want any harm to happen to you."

His calm gaze was meeting hers but he still noticed the confusion in her eyes. Then he noticed her trying to speak up, but...

She rubbed her throat with her palm as if something was choking her and his brow raised.

Was something wrong with her?

All at once, her breathing became heavy and she was leaning down with her right hand still on her throat while her other hand was on the table, tightly clenched.

Nicien Vamieres abruptly rose from his seat with his gaze fixated on his wife. "What's wrong?!"