Chapter 41

I had stared at the gates of the palace from the doorway with such scrutiny I received a few concerned looks from the workers. Standing before the gates leading to normal city life. A single door that kept me from it. One I was sure was part of some sort of trap.

I was sure the moment I tried to leave I would fry to death.

"For god's sake, move out of the way!" Crystal pushed me out and low and behold, nothing happened.

"I wanted to make it dramatic!" I called back, but she just let out a loud sigh and then within a second her eyes lit up and she ran ahead, "Father!"

I looked over to see the Count standing by a carriage, waving a friendly hand. I hadn't glanced so much at him as I did the man beside him.

He stared back at me with a wicked grin, brown hair depths darker than mine and hazel eyes. I gave him a flat smile in return. My brother Rodrigo, owner of the most well-known tailor shop around the country. I was just glad Mathias wasn't with him.

"Doesn't someone look happy to see their dear older brother? I hope you would like to explain to this concerned brother how his rebellious younger sister is on her way to being queen?" He tilted his head and let out a condescending hum.

"Now, now Rodrigo, your sister has just got back. At least allow her a moment to relax" The count patted my head affectionately and I gave a grateful smile. Despite his words, I could see that he too was curious about how we had got this far. I grimaced as I recalled my promise to Randall. As if I didn't already have my plate full.

"Of course, Uncle" he gave a smile that befitted a gentleman and then with a glance my way he said, "there will be plenty of time to speak in the carriage".

The Count let out a humorous sigh, shrugging at me in way to convey he tried his best. I knew Rodrigo well enough that we both were stubborn as bulls when it came to our innate nature. If we wanted something then we were convinced we could have it. It worked for our relationships as well.

Crystal got into the carriage, not bothering a final glance at the palace. It was almost as if she was convinced she would never see it again, but I found myself looking at the large towers. Unable to shake the feeling that it was looking back at me.

"Don't tell me you want to go back?" I heard my brothers voice from the carriage and threw him a glare as I got in. I shut the door behind me and the familiar whip sounded as the carriage began to move.

"So brother, what brings you here when you could've enjoyed a stay at the Colter Estate?" I didn't stop the venom on my tongue, noticing how Crystal and the Count looked terribly frightened of my sudden personality.

Rodrigo was unaffected, enjoying the obvious envy behind my words.

"Well… the estate was so lavish and luxurious, that I concluded you would explode into a jealous episode had you travelled there to meet me. I figured it would be safer to speak to you here" he wore the same business mask I had perfected, except his came so much more naturally to him it was infuriating.

"Well that's too bad, but I suppose pushing you onto a busy road may be a more respectable death than being outright stabbed by your little sister" I replied, noticing how he grinned at my words.

"I appreciate your generosity, my sister. Indeed I came here for a more… respectable death at the hands of the famous tea making Lady Colter" He had a glint of triumph in his eyes as if to say 'I won'.

I flushed at the stupid nickname. Had the rumours already spread?

"I didn't know you came to the capital to listen to nonsensical gossip, brother. Are you looking to start wearing ball gowns and joining tea parties too?" I chided, finding myself annoyed at the fact that now I would have to justify that I make terrible tea to everyone I meet.

Rodrigo cringed at my words and with a chuckle to portray how utterly unaffected by my words he was, he said.

"At least I would look better in them than you" it was quite the pathetic comeback, enough so that I laughed.

"You truly would brother. Come by my store later and I'll get my seamstress to whip you something to bring out your eyes".

He let out a defeated sigh.

"I can't believe you bully me like this. Can you see why I sent her here Uncle?" He tried to catch the Counts eyes, but the man had began to snooze. Evidently pretending with the way he lifted a cigar to his lips every here and then.

"Alright Rodrigo- enough games. Why has father sent you here?" I snapped at him, loosing my patience.

"How harsh… why do think I've been sent to spy?" He began sweating profusely and I glared at him until he cracked, "fine- father sent me here because rumours are being spread that you are taking this competition by a storm. I assumed you would have no interest in a position like queen, as did mother and father, so what exactly is going on here?" It was like a switch. The humour drained from his face leaving the familiar brother I was used to.