Chapter 6

The events of the following week went in a blur for Hyacinth. She managed to acquaint herself with some of the humans even though she had a difficult time getting close because of her peculiar appearance. At first they were wary of her but got comfortable with her presence over time.

She learnt a lot from them especially human science- it fascinated her more than she could ever imagine. As for the prince he'd visit her in her free time or when he had nothing doing much to Giselda's dismay. She knew the princess detested her but she paid no heed to her childish antics. The feeling was always and would always be mutual.

Thinking back again she wasn't really sure what the prince was up to but was thankful he wasn't overly friendly with her- she was still wary of him especially his cold glare. Hyacinth having nothing to do because her colleagues left the lab early moved to perch by the large glass window and took a look at the large square.

The knights were busy chattering their hearts out while some were engaged spars. Amongst them was Garnet who stood beside Regal. They seemed to be engaged in a conversation, a serious on at that because of how their faces were scrunched in concentration. Regal immediately looked up and their eyes met. She looked away feeling her heart accelerate .

She peeked at them again. This time the duo were shrugging their armor off. The first thing she saw was Regal's tattooed torso and ripped back. His tanned skin glowed in the sun and her eyes immediately fell on the mark on his back and she smiled.

A sense of pride hit her- he was her one and only vessel. Regal's hair was tied to a ponytail and a few strands fell in front of his face giving him this threatening look. Garnet had a muscled frame with scars littered across his back. It made her wonder how much pain he had to endure. Humans always had different ways to torture themselves. She rolled her eyes at her silly thought.

"A penny for your thoughts?" She heard a voice whisper behind her. Hyacinth squealed and jumped back, her back hitting the glass window in the process. Cassien gave her an odd look. "It's good to see you, Your Grace." She said regaining her composure from the embarrassing moment. "What brings you here today?" She asked shitting in her seat uncomfortably. "I was on my way to the square when I saw you seated alone."

"What were you looking at by the way?" He asked walking to her side. When he was close enough he peeked through the window and chuckled. "The last time you referred to my amulet as a piece of crap. What did you mean by that?" He asked staring into her unusual eyes- they glowed lightly because of the sun's reflection in them.

Her face contorted into a smile before she spoke. "It seems Your Grace already knows the answer to that question." She answered peeking at Regal through the window but he was staring at them through the glass.

"In my opinion, I think the amulet sped the curse. Like a spell was cast on it or someone tampered with it." She shrugged and continued.

"And I know you felt its effect before you went into that state but you still decided to wear it. It baffles me Your Grace. Why did you continue to wear it knowing the implications it would bring later on. Was it even worth it?" She asked non plussed by his reasoning.

Cassien looked away with a blank expression. It even made it hard to read to read him. "I had my reasons and suspicions Hyacinth. Yor presence here is making it hard to read into the future. "He answered her finally. "A quick question Your Grace." She said hopping down from where she sat. He nodded and watched her walk in Faust's direction- he could never get used to seeing that slithering creature.

"Why did you bring me here? If you had your suspicion, wouldn't it make the person more guarded now that I'm around? I bet the person is feeling frustrated not being able to make another silly move which he can't even try." She said stretching her arm toward Faust. It rose its body lazily and crawled around her arm.

"If that's what you think. For a female herbalist you do have a lot of insight. Perhaps I should start consulting you for advice." He smiled softly at her earning a hearty laugh from her which sound too pleasant to the ears. "I'm just a lowly servant at your service. Anyways I think it's time for me to leave." She said with a small bow.

"Why don't you join me in watching me them spar since you looked so enthused by their spar earlier on." He said thoughtfully. Hyacinth seemed taken aback by his request and could awkwardly smile ."Oh no Your Grace ,I'll pass." She chuckled.

"I wasn't asking you, I was telling you so let's go." He said making his way out. She sighed inwardly and followed him quietly to the square.

**

Garnet and Regal paused their spar when Cassien made an appearance. Hyacinth stood beside him and gave her surroundings a quicky survey. She felt every pair of eyes on her, following her every move. Hyacinth stared at the shirtless men in disgust- they smelt like sweat and it made her scrunch her nose.

"Greetings Your Grace." The duo greeted with a bow- their swords firmly placed on the ground. "Continue with your spar but Hyacinth will be joining me today. She told me how she admired you both right?" Cassien said nudging her lightly.

If he was trying to remind her what happened in the lab she feigned ignorance. "You're right Your Grace." She answered eyeing the duo. Regal looked away with a strange look. She made a face and watched them quietly.

There were a lot of things she learnt from their spar. Regal was stronger and quicker than Garnet even though they were evenly matched. "So who is more skilled?" Cassien asked finally noticing her sudden silence. "I don't think you'll need my opinion Your Grace." She replied still staring at the spar.

"If I didn't need your opinion I wouldn't have asked you." Cassien replied risking a glance at her. Hyacinth's eyes lingered on Regal way too long, so that was what had her busy in the lab. "Has anyone told you how persistently annoying you are Your Grace." She said reverting her eyes to him.

"No you're the first to tell me. Unless of course they don't treasure their head." He smirked seeing her expression turn white. "As much as that sounds I don't fancy the idea of you decapitating my head." She shuddered rubbing her neck. Being a witch didn't mean she could grow two heads at will- she'd prefer burning to the stake to decapitating.

"So now what do you think of them." He queried with a mischievous smile- she huffed bitterly before speaking." I think they're both skilled. It's hard to tell who has the upper hand but I prefer Regal's style of fighting." She said taking a glance at him.

"I'd like to ask why Hyacinth." She gave him an 'are you serious look' but kept mute. "His style uses less energy and effort-it flows unlike Garnet who is exerting energy to defend himself. Looking closely Regal is the one attacking and Garnet is defending- the true difference between them."

Cassien nodded with a smile seemingly satisfied with her response. "Yes, I'd agree with you, but I think you're being biased to Garnet. He's also strong." Cassien said.

"It's like comparing a pond to an ocean. That is what it is Your Grace." She shrugged. "Merlin personally trained Regal you know what is means too don't you?" She added. "Then why do think Garnet is my right-hand man?" Cassien asked her. "Obviously because you acknowledge his skills, and he can protect you when the need arises." She answered.

"You have insight, I'm really starting to doubt your abilities." He said but she only shrugged. The next moment passed in a blur. Regal threw the sword the sword from Garnet's grip then pointed the sword his sword to Garnet's throat who raised his hands in surrender.

Regal gave him a nod and handed his sword to him. The duo walked to Cassien and bowed. "I'd like to take my leave Your Grace." Regal said swinging his large sword over his shoulder. Cassien waved his hand in a dismissive manner and then turned to Hyacinth. "Come with me." He said.

Hyacinth turned to look at Regal but he was already out of sight. She followed quietly to the Royal Garden with Garnet far behind them. It seemed that the spar left him invigorated with every bounce in his step. Her mind drifted to Regal making her heave a frustrated sigh. He was avoiding her, and she knew it even though she had no idea what she did.

Although he did help with her errands, he stopped speaking to her like he used to. It was as if something was bothering the raven-haired man but he decided not to confide in her. It annoyed her to core- she didn't understand why she took it to heart. She was supposed to be emotionless, and he was just her vessel nothing more nothing less.

As for the prince he was enigmatic, reserved and far too cunning. She couldn't even call him her ally. He'd readily put an end to her life if he found her suspicious. It would be difficult trying to win his trust considering how temperamental he was. "It would be best if you took some time off. What do you think?" Cassien said and she realized how much shed missed on his conversation.

"I think you have to leave now. I've indulged you enough." He said stopping in front of the palace gates. She gave him a confused look then craned her neck in search of Garnet, but he was nowhere in sight. "Thank you for your time." She bowed earning a hum of approval from him. "Then I hope to see you in a week's time." He said nodding more to himself.

He turned to the direction of the palace and sauntered his way back. She stared at the orange colored sky and smiled. Her next stop was Beryl's before heading home.