Chapter 4: Second Meeting

"The trading routes had been established. We should be able to expect the first batch of merchant products from Meala arriving in two days time. "Countess Sofia summarized her report as I browsed through the documents she presented me.

"Two days...…. It seems that the results is better than we expected. "Pleased with the outcome, I stamped my seal on the papers to indicate my approval.

"It is all thanks to the princess's wise judgement. "Countess Sofia praised as Catherine retrieved the documents from me and returned them to its rightful owner.

"As always, I shall leave this to your capable hands. If I had more time, I would like to discuss further. But, unfortunately my schedule is rather tight today. I shall put it on hold for now. "Taking out my pocket watch, I briefly checked on time before making the decision to head towards the new destination.

"Of course. I thank your highness for sparing me some of your precious time. Please allow me to walk you to the entrance. "The countess offered. There's no reason to refuse, so I let her walk me out of the building. The imperial carriage was already been waiting with the door wide open.

"What's next on the schedule? "After I have been properly seated on the carriage, I asked Catherine of the schedule while rubbing on my head to ease some of the dizziness.

"My Highness, I believe that it may be best to return if you are not feeling well. "Catherine stated out of concern as she closed the carriage's door.

"I'm fine. Just some minor morning sickness. As you know, my stamina had been decreasing recently. I highly doubt that I can leave the palace once I began to swell. That's why we have to settle everything as soon as possible. "I sighed and told her my reasons.

"...…. Understood. We only have one more thing on schedule today. The public library will hold its grand opening today. You are invited to give a public speech. "Catherine gave up in trying to convince me and handed over the script for me to memorize.

"Oh right..... Almost forget about it. "I took the script from her and began reading it through to refresh my memory on it.

By right, anyone of the royal family can attend to such trivial matters. But, mother only have two daughters and Estella had never been the kind of woman who is capable of giving a decent 'boring' speech in public. And so, the responsibility falls upon me. It is tiring, but it's something that is inevitable.

"Hmm? "Upon arriving at my destination, I noticed something at the corner of my eye when Catherine helped me down the carriage. It was just a split second when a blurry shadowy figure ran into an alley. My gaze narrowed at the direction in which it disappeared.

I have a few good guesses on what it is. But, it's safer to confirm it.

"Follow it. "Turning my gaze away from the alley, I gave out the order under my breath as I proceeded towards the library. However, I instinctively came to a stop when I finally realize that I won't get the usual respond from the back of my ear.

"My Highness? "Catherine was confused on why I suddenly came to a stop. A strong sour feeling immediately rushed up into my eyes, I was forced to taking a huge breath to calm myself down. Hands held protectively over my abdomen, reminding myself of the cruel reality I'm currently in. Catherine looked extremely worried, but she said none in regards to my behavior.

"...….. Send some people towards that alley. I saw someone entering it. Track them down. "After I have calmed myself, I gave Catherine the order. Catherine instinctively turned towards the direction of the alley upon hearing me, she had her doubts but she carried out my instructions diligently. Afterwards, we stayed to watch some of the guards head into the alley to chased after the figure before Catherine continued to guide me to the venue.

Standing on the stage before a huge crowd, I gave the speech as practiced. However, despite standing before a crowd, I couldn't help but to feel the dreadful sense of loneliness for yet another reminder that there's no longer a person watching me from within the shadows.

It hasn't been long.....and yet I already missed him.

"My Highness, we have found something in the alley. "As I stepped down from the stage upon completing the speech, Catherine came forward and reported her findings.

"Good work. How many of them in exact? "Waving to the staffs, I asked for the exact number of the people we caught.

"Three. One of them is special case. "Catherine hinted.

"...… I expected it to happen but to think here of all places. Bring me to them. "Letting out a sigh, I instructed Catherine to take me to the people they caught.

"Yes, my Highness. "She heed my orders and began leading me towards the alley near the library. Imperial guards had the area surrounded. Thanks to the public's attention being attracted to the grand opening of the library, only a few passerby stopped and stared in curiosity.

"Greetings to the princess. "As I arrived at the deepest part of the alley, the guards that surrounds the captured saluted and gave way, revealing three hooded men sitting in the center. Among the three, two of them was securely tied up while the other was having his injuries tended. All three of them flinched upon noticing my arrival.

"Today is the grand opening of the public library. To be honest, I would rather avoid the ruckus. Leave only two of your best guards here and the rest scatter. Don't draw the public's attention. "I gave the orders to the leader. She saluted in acknowledgement to my orders and took the guards with her, leaving only two guards who have a bigger physique. Once there are lesser people, I let out a sigh and stepped closer to the injured man. His body nervously tensed up upon my approach, desperately pulling onto his hood in hopes to hide his face. But, I already know exactly who he is.

"Do forgive me if I have intruded. Though, of all the methods I have imagined that you could reject me with, running away was something I didn't predict. I must say, you do managed to surprise me Prince. "Offering him a hand, I slightly teased and revealed I know exactly who he is as well as what he was doing. Seeing that there's no longer a point in hiding, he awkwardly laughed and pulled down his hood, revealing that ginger hair of his into the open.

"How did you know? "He hesitantly asked as he took my hand and helped himself up from the floor.

"I didn't receive any news that you wanted to leave the palace today. If I did, I would've send you some guards or perhaps a tour guide for some sightseeing. Besides, that's a rather big bag you have there. "I eyed at the bag which was discarded on the floor, it's not too hard to tell that he had packed up for a long journey.

"...…. The princess is indeed as wise as the rumors had said...… So, what are you going to do now? Report me back to the king?" The Prince sighed in defeat.

"I'm not foolish enough to send you back to death after saving you from it. I know it's difficult to put trust on a stranger, but I do hope that you have some faith in me a bit. "Chuckling at his silly assumptions, I flicked on my finger and the two guards grabbed the remaining two men before removing their hoods. The two tried to struggle but they are securely held down with their mouths stuffed to prevent any noises coming out from them.

"Do you recognize them? "I asked the Prince.

"...….. No. They just attacked me as soon as I enter the alley. Probably trying to rob me. "The Prince sighed as he glanced at his bag.

"Oh my, is that what you think? I guess I may have overestimated your intelligence a bit. "I giggled at his answer. He looks at me, extremely confused.

"Even though they wears the men attire of the Empire, it's obvious that they come from Meala. Furthermore, well trained assassins. "I pointed it out. The Prince face immediately went pale.

"..... What? "He looked at me, shocked.

"As you know, Femalia and Meala share polar opposites in culture, especially in the gender discrimination. Our common impression of men here are like delicate flowers. Their skin will be fair, soft and not 'hairy'. "Stepping closer to one of the men, I laughed as I pulled hard on his beard, messing with him even though he is in pain.

"Plus, having scars is seen as a defect on men. This one didn't even bothered to hide it. Sometimes, I wonder if it's because you Meala people didn't do your homework or is it that you think that we women are so stupid that we can't even tell? "I narrowed my gaze at the other who had a scar on his left eye, then I lifted my foot and stepped on his leg. He cried out in pain yet unable to move as he was firmly held down by the guard.

"But, the most obvious is the muscles. Prince, even though you are not as muscular as my sister and perhaps most men in Meala, as long as you have been trained physically before, you'll have a great difference with the men in the Empire who practically never held a single weapon in their life. Judging from these two's physique, they most likely have been trained for all their lives. They are soldiers. If they are not guards who are here to protect you, then they could only be assassins. "I glanced at the Prince's bandaged hand and explained my observation. His face was rather pale, he knows that I am right.

"...…. Did they come after me because I ran? "Tightening his fists, he asked me in hopes that I acknowledge his theory. But, the truth is often cruel facts.

"...…. I don't like to lie, Prince. If things were really as you said, they would've at least waited until you have leave the Empire's borders. Or the very least, a day or two to catch up with you after the confirmation of your escape. Unfortunately, these are none of the case. "I sighed and returned to the Prince's side. After that, I told him the truth that he desperately trying to avoid.

"They are simply waiting for an opportunity when you're alone. Your brother, his majesty of Meala, wanted to use your death as an excuse to start a war with the Empire. "