More Than Meets The Eyes

Athena knew she had to do her own research on this. The more she thought about him, the more intrigued she became. 

"I think there's more to this man than meets the eye, father," she commented. 

"What? Did you not hear what I just said?" he asked in annoyance as he shook his head. 

Athena had always been willful since she was young. It seemed like that part of her never changed. 

"I hear you father. But don't you think all these rumors might partly be spread due to jealousy? He ascended the throne in his own right at the age of twenty-three, that's an amazing feat," she reasoned. 

"He got it through evil means! He killed the previous monarch and usurped the throne."

"Who knows? Perhaps the previous monarch wasn't that great of a ruler, to begin with," Athena added. 

King Orion let out a sigh, "In any case, without a valid reason, I will not be annulling the marriage union between Darrion and you. Whatever differences you both have, you're going to have to work it out yourselves." 

Athena was about to protest her father's decision but he did not give her a chance to do so. His decision on the matter was final. 

"Alright, I will try. But he's not making it any easier. He keeps siding with Casindra over everything. He might as well be betrothed to her," she mumbled in annoyance. 

Orion glanced at his daughter. 

"Oh? You know what that sounds like to me?"

"What?"

"It sounds like someone is jealous," he teased her. 

"Jealous? What? Why would I…" Athena had no rebuttal for that. 

The look on her face said it all. Athena slumped a little in her seat, putting her thoughts together. Why did she care so much about who Darrion liked? Their marriage union was arranged for them. She didn't have to love or like him. 

She didn't have to care if he liked someone else either, the same could be said for her. 

"Regardless of how I feel, I still do not want to be married to someone who doesn't love me back. That sounds miserable," she commented. 

"Well, your father, I, have many consorts in the palace. I don't love the Queen but we are married nonetheless. You can do the same too," he suggested. 

"Do you have someone you love, father?" she asked him out of curiosity. 

Surely out of all the women in his harem, there had to be at least one woman he loved?

"Your mother, Consort Sera, is one of the ones whom I truly loved. But our time together was short-lived," he sighed with regret. 

Athena bit her lip, feeling a little guilty for bringing up the topic of conversation. But her curiosity was piqued. 

"What about now?"

A small smile formed on King Orion's face. It was clear he was thinking of someone, however, he did not say who. 

"Perhaps another time, Athena. Perhaps another time," he brushed off the question. 

Athena didn't press any further. There were ears all around them. Divulging such a piece of information could have consequences. Someone might get targeted. Remembering how her own mother died, Athena curled her hand into a fist, scrunching up the fabric of her dress. 

She had constantly reminded herself to be careful ever since she returned. However, it was not as simple as she had hoped. 

Later that night, Athena was deep in thought. She ate her meal absentmindedly. It was clear to Daric, who was watching over her, and Wendy, that the princess had a lot on her mind. 

But some things still did not go unnoticed. 

"Where's Nikolai?" she asked as she continued eating her dessert. 

Daric and Wendy looked at each other. Neither of them knew where he was. 

"Go find him and bring him to me," she ordered. 

Wendy left to look for him at once. But she returned empty-handed minutes later. 

"My princess, I'm afraid he's not in the Hemlock Mansion," she replied truthfully. 

Athena looked up in surprise, "He's not? Then where could he be?" 

He's a member of her household now, so she was sure he did not have other patrol duties like other palace guards did. If anything, he would be patrolling Hemlock Mansion. Wendy would have been able to find him with ease. 

Daric cleared his throat before speaking, "Some of them like to enter the city when they are off duty. That is likely where he went." 

"Oh, I see."

Upon reflecting, Athena realized she had not stepped foot out of the palace in a couple of days. Though she had everything she needed here, she had the urge to roam the streets herself. 

According to tradition, a royal of her status was not allowed to leave the palace. Not without permission from the king. She knew full well her father would never allow her to leave, not when she had just returned. 

There was danger lurking in every corner. Sometimes Athena wondered if she was truly safe within castle walls. 

She mused internally. 

Thought life was tough beyond the walls, at the very least she was free to do as she pleased. She would not have to worry about breaking any rules. For one, she could wear anything she wanted. 

"If the princess is thinking of sneaking out, I suggest you give up the idea now," Daric said sternly as he crossed his arms. 

Athena chuckled awkwardly, trying not to reveal her true thoughts. But perhaps it was already too late, her personal guard already knew what she had in mind. 

"A stroll around the city would not hurt, right Wendy?" She turned to her maid for support. 

But even Wendy agreed with Daric. Athena let out a sigh. 

What choice did she have?

Little did she know, Nikolai had just returned to Hemlock Mansion. He had indeed gone into the city with Jackel since he was off duty. He was about to report back to the princess when he overheard the conversation from the outside. 

A plan formed in his mind.