Chapter-9

A wave of dizziness hit Hyacinth and it had her slumping in exhaustion. She felt two strong arms hold on to her and a smell she recognized hut her nostrils; it was Regal.

She kept mute and relished the feeling of his warm embrace."You have been like this for three days." He said rubbing her back gently. "Three days?" She asked weakly and let out a deep sigh. She had forgotten how time moved differently in Hecate's world.

"I see." She whispered, snuggling closer. Regal tightened his hold on her and stared at Faust's coiled form in front of the hearth. Hyacinth moved away from Regal embrace and stood in front of the hearth. She started at it deep in thought before turning her attention to Regal.

"How is the Prince?" She asked but he let out a scoff. She couldn't tell if it was out of disdain or annoyance. She didn't want to know either.

"Speaking of him he asked me to hand this to you. I came here but you were laying comatose. If not for your ragged breathing, I would have buried you alive." He replied handing her a letter.

She took the red envelope and stared at the imperial seal carefully. After opening it, she wasn't surprised it was handwritten by the Prince himself.

Dearest Hyacinth,

King Luke will be hosting a hunting event in Dukedom in three days from now and ill ne delighted if you could grace me with your presence as my personal guest and advisor. I promise to reward you handsomely after the event is over.

Yours sincerely,

The Crown Prince,

Cassien.

She stared at the letter and back at Regal. No wonder he had a sour look on his face when she mentioned his name. "A hunting event?" She asked tossing the letter into the burning fire. "Yes, and it's going to last a month or more."Regal replied rising from the ground.

"What is it about?" She asked picking Faust." Hunting obviously, in a lay man's perspective. The truth of the matter is this event determines the strength and power of a kingdom. So, to say the bigger the catch the more respect the kingdom earns." He explained. Well, that was easy, she could always use magic in the hunting. She mused.

"And magic is forbidden in this event even though well be hunting magical beasts. Anyone kingdom that uses magic will be disqualified." He added as if reading her mind. She gave him a look before speaking. "This is ridiculous! It's as if they want to send you out to your early graves. How does Cassien manage to redden the Kingdoms reputation." Regal looked away without uttering a word.

"I thought as much. Do tell Cassien that I have receive his letter and I would be joining hm in this expedition." She uttered and gave Regal a tap on the shoulder.

"Are you joining Cassien?" she asked retracting her hand. "Yes, I have to be part because Garnet would not be enough to protect the prince. "He said grabbing her wrist. "It's going to be dangerous Hyacinth. Do you still want to go?" He asked her with worry. He knew she was strong, but the event was dangerous especially since they won't be using magic.

"I'll be fine Regal. You worry too much." She gave him a grin and pulled her hand away from his grasp.

"I'll relay your message to the prince." He said heaving a sigh. Who was he to stop her from going at least he could keep an eye on her.

"Regal wait!" She called out to him when he had reached the door. She took slow steps in his direction with a thumping heart. When she got closer, she tiptoed and gave him a peck on the lips. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." She said with red cheeks.

A loud silence enveloped them, and she was feeling uncomfortable every minute the silence drawled out. "You don't start something you can't finish Hyacinth." She looked down in embarrassment.

Regal grabbed her chin lightly and titled it so he could have a look at her; she was as red as tomato if that was possible. He then pulled her closer, so their bodies were touching and without much thought, he sealed her lips with his. Her arms wrapped his neck automatically. He felt her soft fingers tug his hair lightly.

He let out a growl in satisfaction and deepened the kiss. Hyacinth sighed in the kiss feeling euphoric in the heat of the moment. She enjoyed his minty taste and felt her chest tingle- it was weird feeling that had her body numb. Regal pulled away with a grin.

"That's how you kiss Hyacinth." He chuckled ruffling her hair. "I'll be expecting you at the hunt Hyacinth." He said staring at her red cheeks. She looked cute in her flustered state. Hyacinth nodded and watched him step out.

She reclined in her favorite rocking chair in silence. Her eyes felt heavy. The effects of staying in Hecates dimension for too long were wearing her down. She shut her eyes and allowed sleep to take over her body

***

Cassien stared ahead for a familiar black-haired woman. He sighed when no one appeared. He looked at Regal who sat on his mount, "Are you sure she'll be come, it's been an hour now." He asked. Regal nodded silently wondering what kept Hyacinth for long. They were guarded by fifteen Royal Knight plus Granet.

He turned his head once he saw a familiar figure walking out of the wood to their direction. Hyacinth steeped in front of the carriage and gave Cassien an apologetic look. Regal being the gentleman dismounted his horse and walked to her.

She could feel his eyes accessing her outfit quietly. She wore a white blouse with a leather corset over it. The black leather pants highlighted her curves much to her distaste and her feet were protected by long black boots. She had the sides of her hair braided and the rest tied in a bun.

"Wow Hyacinth." Real said in one breath. "I never knew you could wear this." He teased earning a glare from m her. "It was Beryl's idea, and you know it. Besides you know how I despise these kinds of rigid outfits." She grumbled staring at Cassien.

"You look ethereal Hyacinth." Cassien commented once she reached the side of the carriage. Cassien surprised her buy taking her wrist and placing a chaste kiss on the back of her palm it. Regal rolled his eyes and steeped aside; the action did not go unnoticed by her, so she sent him a nasty glare "Thank you Your Grace." she said with a bow.

He was the prince, and he was supposed to be good looking. She mused. He laughed softly and waved her off. Unlike the rest, he wore an outfit similar to hers just that he was covered by a large red robe with the Kingdoms crest embroided on it. On the shoulders were different insinga's of different colors. He helped her climb up before he followed. Regal joined them and the Garnet took control of Regal's horse.

Hyacinth glanced at the two men silently. There was a huge contrast- one was fair skinned with golden curls that glowed in the light. Regals haor gave off a dark luster. He had his sword on the space beside him. His arms were folded with his legs grossed as he looked out. She could see the annoyance written on his face-perhaps it was jealousy.

The prince has a relaxed expression as he looked outside absentmindedly. He glanced at her when he felt her gaze on him- his eyes shining in the process. "A penny for your thoughts/"He asked her.

"Nothing much Your Grace. I was admiring your hair." She said immediately. Regal stared at her with raised brows. It was obvious she was doing something else and not admiring his hair.

"My hair? What about it?" Cassien asked quizzedly not expecting an answer like that from her. "It reminds me of the sun or a canary." She answered now staring at both of them. "Thats a very funny comparism. I've been told my hair resembles gold growing up. Too think someone in this kingdom compares my hair to a frail bird and the sun." He paused shaking his head.

"You're a very amusing person to be with Hyacinth. I now see why Regal here has taken a liking to you and the those in the labs." He smiled. "What do you think of Regals hair?" He asked curiously. "It's normal Your Grace." Regal answered with a huff.

"I know you'll think of it as normal my dearest Regal. I want her opinion." Cassien grinned and Regal frowned. "I thought I told you to desist from calling me that outrageous name Cassien." Regal frowned shifting away from Cassien

"Don't mind Regal dearest he's always like that. Anyways I'm waiting for the answer to my question Hyacinth." Cassien turned to her. She could tell Regal was getting annoyed by the second. It amazed her how he coped with such a temperamental individual.

"Thats such an unexpected question Your Grace. I think it resembles the night sky." She answered sparing Regal a glance, but he was already looking at her. She turned away to hide her flushed cheeks. "I see that's interesting." Cassien mumbled and turned his attention to his convoy.

"Let's stop here and camp for the night." Cassien said to Garnet who barked the order out. Th e ride came to a stop and Regal helped her out this time. "I'll let them prepare your tent immediately Your Grace." Regal bowed and walked away-his sword swaying the side anytime he walked.

Hyacinth took a seat on a broken tree and watched them with her head in her palm. The space beside her creaked so she craned her neck to the side so see Cassien giving her a smile of his own. "You know I find Regal reliable." He spoke. "Even though he behaves like that towards me sometimes I don't blame him. He has been through a lot because of my family. He was a child when he stared serving me." Cassien said sadly.

"I heard from him that you guys go way back." She added staring at the frow that marred his visage. "That is true we go way back. It's a shame we are not like how we used to be but at least I know he would die for me." He laughed bitterly staring at his palms.

"Whatever you two went through was for a purpose and I believe fate would mend your relationship. Just give it time." She said grabbing his chin. "You're the prince its unnecessary to frown. Haven't you heard you'll get wrinkles as you frown." She said smoothing the frown lines on his forehead.

Cassien stared at her in shock. Now he could see why Regal was smitten over her. She was an angel that was sent to protect him from the dark. "Oh my! I'm sorry Your Grace! I touched your face without thinking, you see it was out of habit." She pulled her hand quickly waiting for him to say something.

"Don't worry about it." Cassien muttered feeling his cheeks became hot." There's something I have always wanted to ask you Your Grace?" Hyacinth asked and he nodded. "Have you thought your close confidant would betray one day."

"I have thought of it before but why do you ask? Do you plan on betraying me now?" Cassien said with a chuckle. "No! I never planned on doing that Your Grace." She exclaimed. "I know Hyacinth." He answered watching Regal approach them from a distance. "Your tents are ready Your Grace." Regal said once he approached them. Cassien nodded and followed Regal with Hyacinth tailing them.

Cassiens tent was bigger and sat in the center with Hyacinths beside his. Regal and Garnets shared tents were positioned a few meters away with the other Knights tents surrounding theirs. Cassien entered his tent first leaving Regal with Hyacinth. An awkward silence passed until Regal break it by holding her hand. "If you feel threatened use this dagger to protect yourself. We wouldn't others to find out you wield magic." He said tightening her hold on t eh dagger.

"Thank you Regal." She smiled giving him a hug. He smelt like pine and mint. Regal gave her a small smile and walked away from her sight. She smiled while grasping the dagger and entered her tent.