Chapter 26

"Bettie, how is she feeling?" I asked while flipping through the pages of the newspaper.

"Much better, your highness. In fact, her recovery was remarkably fast. It's as if she was never sick to begin with."

While she was filling me in on the events that followed Fatima's miraculous recuperation, Bettie's face was beaming with excitement. It was the first time I was witnessing her praising  anyone so genuinely, which came as a shock to me.

Betteline Porche, the ex-wife of count Dalliance, owner of the most successful hotel chain in our empire. His business acumen is said to be the first of its kind for managing to establish several resorts in almost every territory of Alkaraz. However, when he found out that his wife could not bear any children, he quickly divorced her and remarried within a month of their separation.

Bettie and my late mother were close acquaintances at the time. Therefore, when she caught wind of her situation, she extended a peculiar offer. She was to become my exclusive nanny, to which she declined several times, until I was born. Bettie, who was aiding my mother during her childbirth, was one of the first people to welcome me and my sister into this world.

"…and she even offered to polish the knight's armors. Can you believe it, your highness?"

Bettie, who is always suspicious of anyone who so much as extends me a greeting, was now boasting about someone she knew nothing of. Interesting…

"My apologies, your highness. I believe I got carried away for a moment." She said as she awkwardly cleared her throat and composed herself.

"Have a seat, Bettie." I replied calmly, while placing the papers on the tea table.

"I'm sure you are dying to know who she is, and why is she tagging along on an official trip to Ecchelon. You have my permission to ask." I said as I leaned backward on the chair and crossed my legs.

"There is nothing for me to ask, your highness. On another note, your breakfast should be arriving at any moment now. I shall call on the maids to prepare your bath, my prince." She replied while leaving the room.

What a spectacular sunrise this is!

+++++

"Is this the last of the saddles, Sir Gabril?" I asked while handing over the ones I was carrying.

"Indeed, miss Fati. Thanks to your help, we finished saddling the horses earlier than planned."

"We thank you for the help, little miss."

I merely offered my help since I needed the exercise in order to keep my mind off the issue at hand. Ecchelon…

"As a token of our gratitude, we invite you to join us in our repast at the canteen. How does that sound, Miss Fati?"

Free food?

"Well, since you insist, I'll have to accept. After all, who says no to free food?"

"I heard it was the courtesy of the king himself." added one knight.

"How very exciting!" I replied cheerfully.

The knights' facial expressions suddenly changed, while they all gazed in one direction as they awkwardly cleared their throats. 

There was a tall, and slender woman holding a pink fan in front of her face, standing before them. It was as if she emerged out of thin air. Next to her was a servant, holding a flower-patterned parasol over her head. She was being closely followed by her knights, who looked as though they would slay anyone who'd dare to approach her. The young woman's luscious pink hair fluttered in the wind as she gracefully walked towards Sir Gabril. Her dress was adorned with jewels and flowers of every kind, and the color of her hat coordinated with her shoes. She was the perfect depiction of wealth and beauty.

"Her ladyship would like to know the room in which the crown prince is currently staying." said her servant to Sir Gabril.

When she suddenly leaned over to her maid's ear, I merely thought she was making a private remark. To think she was just relaying a message…

I have only ever witnessed my sister display such despicable behavior. I never thought I would see this here as well. They are self-centered nobles who find it insulting to address someone of a lower rank directly, hence they use a messenger to relay their words. Which means this girl is either a princess, or the daughter of a high-ranking noble. 

"Apologies, my lady. I regret to inform you that I am not at liberty to reveal his highness' suite number at the moment." Replied Sir Gabril with a bow.

To his response, she arrogantly scoffed behind her fancy fan, and proceeded to stride towards the entrance of the hotel.

"What was that about?" I whispered to Sir Gabril.

"Her name is lady Lillith Briar, the sole daughter of Duke Leon, the king's younger brother. She and his highness met briefly three years ago, and she has not stopped writing to him ever since."

"Oh! So, she's his love interest."

"Not quite. His highness finds her advances rather annoying, to say the least."

Ah! That's why he refused to tell her his suite number. I wonder what sort of man the crown prince truly is…

++++++

"What is she up to now, Bettie?" I asked as I straightened my garment while she continued to spruce me up.

"Last I heard, she was heading to the lounge to have breakfast with the knights, your highness."

"She's my guest, for goodness' sake. Why is she out eating with them and not me?"

"Well…" she paused as she let out a deep sigh and straightened her round glasses.

"For starters, your highness did not invite the said guest for breakfast this morning. Hence, I find it fair that she accepted their invitation. The poor girl just managed to recover from a high fever, and she needs her nutrients."

"Pardon the intrusion, your highness. Lady Lillith is requesting an audience in the hotel's sitting room."

Bettie and I let out a deep sigh as we stared at each other awkwardly.

"Relay to her that I will be having coffee at the canteen in a moment."

"Right away, your highness." Responded the maid.

"Your guest will be very surprised, your highness." She said as she tidied my shoulder cape.

I decided to reveal my true identity to her in the most charismatic way since she seems to be the type to become angry easily. However, I am not so sure this was a great idea. For the first time in my life, I am getting cold feet. It's hard to predict her reaction because of her temperamental personality.

"You look quite ravishing today, my prince. I'm sure his majesty is very proud of you right now." she said with a smile.

"Enough with the trivial remarks, Bettie, and let us get a move on. We haven't the time to dally today." I responded as I rushed out of the room.

+++++++

I was expecting an average breakfast when I walked in, not an entire feast. All sorts of delicacies filled the long table, and their fragrant aroma permeated the air as steam rose from each dish. How many eggs did the chef scramble to make this piece of art?

"Before we eat, I would like Miss Fati to guide us in prayer."

Uh-oh… I only know of the Ecchelon's way of blessing the meal. I'm not familiar with theirs. Should I imitate the pagans'way? No, that wouldn't be right. If they bless their meals before eating, then that means they are God's faithful followers. What to do?

"Enter his imperial highness, crown prince Kazein Nathaniel Von Alkaraz. All hail the small sun of our great empire!"bellowed the announcer.