Arrival at the port

Kassandra's POV

His expression stays neutral, but I know for myself that he's hiding something. "You must speak with Arida about this matter, Kassandra," he simply says.

I just nodded and acted like I didn't notice anything. I excused myself and found Arida. As soon as the maids said where she was, I went to her.

She smiled when she saw me. She's currently having tea. I take my seat and look at her intently. "Where is she? What happened to that assassin?" I ask.

Arid put down her cup of tea. The gaze she's giving me has answered my question. That woman was gone. I knew she would soon.

"Tell me what happened. I need full details, okay?" I said.

She nods. "She starves herself instead of answering my questions. She chooses death, in general. We gave her food, but every meal and time we checked, she didn't eat it."

She was sent as a mole to the capital. Of course, she's ready to die for whatever she believes. That's how our enemies raise their spies. They should stay loyal to them.

"Did you give her a proper burial? That's the least we can do for her," I stated. Arida nodded. I lean my back on the chair and stare at the sky.

I hate being like this. I feel more comfortable at the borderline. Living a life here in the capital is much harder than on the plains of grasslands and mountains.

I guess the bustling of the city isn't great for me. "By the Arida, did your mother tell you if you're betrothed to someone?" I ask. She coughs and spits her tea.

"What kind of question is that, in general? Well, she didn't speak with me about that type of topic. I guess there are no plans yet. Plus, my mother knew my priorities. She respects my decision, general," she replied.

I simply nodded. We heard a commotion at the gate. There are also noises from horses. Aria and I stood up. We went in front of the mansion.

There's indeed a carriage that arrives with several guards with it. It's not from the royal family. A man opens the door. The person walks out of the carriage.

I bow my head. "Greetings to Lady Leticia," I stated.

I wonder if my husband saw her arrival. I turned around and saw him standing in a window on the second floor of the house.

"I don't have time for charades. I'll just drop by to give you this. Her Majesty wants me to give this to you. She says we'll have tea, but, ugh! I don't care," she growls.

Lady Leticia rolled her eyes at me and got inside her carriage. "Also, act properly. Those clothes? What are you, a man?! My gosh!" she stated.

She even taunted me. Arida and I were with them as they left the mansion grounds. I sighed. "I wonder why the queen sent her to give me this letter," I whimpered. I opened the envelope and checked it.

'Dearest Kassandra. I hope you are recovering well when you receive this letter. I just want to let you know that I've been praying for your fast recovery. I am writing this letter to ask you to host this year's winter ball. As a new member of the royal family and part of a noble family. Hope to hear your reply soon, my dearest. Sincerely, Mother.'

A ball? How am I supposed to host a ball?! What the heck!

"I heard that noble ladies, especially the royal family, held seasonal balls. Winter will soon fall. That may be the reason she asked you to host one," Arida says. I look at her intently.

"How am I supposed to host a ball?!" I roared.

We heard a soft cough. Arida and I bow our heads. "Prince Kalix. General, excuse me," Arida says, leaving me and him.

He looks at the letter. I gave it to him. Enrique and a few butlers had kept their distance from the two of us.

"I see. I already expected this. I knew my mother would send you this letter. I guess it's time for us to move into my residence. As your husband, I have to bring you to my house," he remarked.

I was alarmed because of what he said. I didn't expect him to tell me such a thing. I thought I'd be staying in this place.

"Your Majesty, I think I better stay here. I know that you're confused at this moment. You should analyze your position on this matter," I replied. I can't find the right words for me to bring up his feelings for Leticia.

"How can we produce an heir if we're miles apart, hmm? Don't you think that's a bit absurd, Kassandra?" he asks.

"I just... I don't know," I whispered. He suddenly placed his hand on my head and lowered his head.

"Can you stop thinking about unnecessary things and just come with me? You'll surely love my place. Don't worry. It's even closer to your military training ground than here," he stated.

I have no choice but to listen to my husband. He's the man in this marriage. I must respect his decisions and follow his lead.

In just a day, we're ready to move out to his place. He brings several butlers and maids with us. Arida will also come with me.

The servants his parents send into this house will continue to take care of it. "Ahem!" he coughs.

I turned around and saw Prince Noah's face. I sighed. I get inside the carriage. Our party departed as soon as the two of us got inside the carriage.

I opened the curtain and looked at my surroundings. I am not used to using a carriage when I have to go to certain places.

"I already sent our reply to the royal mother. I told her that we would hold the winter ball at our house. We still have ten days to prepare," Prince Noah says. I crossed my legs and pinned my elbow on the window.

I lean my face into my fist and meet his gaze. We're sitting in front of each other. "I don't know how to handle such things. If your mom asks about hosting a haunting party, then I know how to prepare for that. But a seasonal ball? What are the things I need to prepare?" I ask.

I shake my head and start to feel stressed about that fucking party. Is this the reason why my mother was telling me to read a book about being a lady?

I never thought it would be useful at times like this. I breathed deeply and tried to relax my mind. Damn!

"Don't worry. The head maid will help you with the things you need to know. As for a hunting party, you gave me an idea," Prince Kalix says. He didn't continue his statement.

We are on the road for the next four hours until the carriage stops. He opens the door and gets off.

He waits for me and offers his hand. I just take it out of courtesy. As soon as I step out, a cold and salty breeze brushes my skin.