Chapter 18 "just a little fun"

(Im sorry i took so long)

Todays song is one last problem by ariana grande

   ENJOY 

Sometimes, a bad situation can transform into a new opportunity. That's exactly what I planned to do. After my oh-so-interesting talk with Louise, we returned to the castle with Ms. Adele. From what I was told, we were going to plant the seeds we had gathered.

"So... we just put them here, and they'll magically grow in time?" I asked. This whole seed thing was still new to me.

All faces turned my way.

"Quite literally," replied Louise with a smirk.

"We'll bury them in a specific order for the ceremony. These plants are the Cerberus Kingdom's favorite, and the late king made them official. What makes them unique is that they only bloom on the ceremony day, precisely at noon," Ms. Adele added, her tone tinged with reverence.

"Wow, that's... unreal. How does that even work?"

"Oh, Princess. Too many questions, too little time! Let's get to work; we don't have much of it," Adele urged, her tone brisk.

Though the fact that I was still a captive lingered in my mind, I tried to hush the voices away.

If I'm being honest, it was fun. Louise is a sweetheart, and Adele, rigid as ever, has her own kind of charm.

"Well then, hands to work!" I declared. We all laughed, and with teasing games, the task turned into something genuinely enjoyable. For once, I didn't think about Alex, which gave me some much-needed air. Thinking of all the ways I might die isn't exactly healthy.

We'd been at it for what felt like hours, and while it wasn't particularly hot outside, my back was slowly starting to kill me.

"This is going to take a while, huh?" Louise said, stretching his arms.

"Well, if we had SOME help, maybe we'd finish sooner," I emphasized, casting a pointed look at Obrovsky, who stood in a corner, his eyes fixed on me as if he had nothing better to do.

Predictably, there was no reaction from him. Not that I expected any, but seriously?

"That's alright. Some people just aren't strong enough for real fieldwork," Louise teased, loud enough for everyone to hear.

"My apologies," Ms. Adele cut in. "Normally, there are more hands for this kind of work, but the young master's sudden leave has kept everyone busy."

"HEY!" I shouted across the field. "Mr. Ogre over there! We could use some help!"

If Obrovsky's face expressed any emotion, it was microscopic—tiny as an atom. I made a face of exaggerated annoyance.

This bitch, I thought to myself.

"Unrespectful ass," I muttered under my breath.

"That is not very ladylike to say," Ms. Adele scolded me for what felt like the twentieth time.

"Now, Obrovsky! Get your stubborn soldier butt to the field and help us out!" she commanded. Her sharp voice echoed across the field, leaving no room for argument.

To my surprise, Obrovsky obeyed, albeit at a snail's pace. His face wasn't any friendlier, but honestly, it was almost funny how quickly he moved at Ms. Adele's orders. Then again, who in their right mind would disobey her?

"Not as indomitable as you look, huh?" Louise quipped, his grin wicked.

"Shut up," Obrovsky hissed, his voice low but audible enough to make us laugh.

For the rest of the evening, we stayed busy planting rose seeds. It wasn't something I normally did back at the castle, but I found it oddly entertaining. Well, except for the growing pain in my back, which Louise seemed to notice.

"Both of you should rest for a while. Let us finish up," Louise offered warmly, his tone genuine.

"That's very kind of you, but we're—" Ms. Adele started but was swiftly interrupted.

"We insist," Louise said, shooting a look at Obrovsky, who, to my surprise, nodded in agreement.

"Well, that's very sweet of both of you," Adele said, looking at me. "Shall we?"

I nodded, grateful for the break. After a few minutes, Ms. Adele and I sat in a corner of the field, selecting some additional seeds.

Though I'd succeeded in keeping my thoughts about Alex at bay for most of the day, they started creeping back in.

"What's got you thinking so much, Princess?" Ms. Adele asked suddenly, her tone light but curious.

"Not much," I replied with a smile I hoped seemed convincing.

"Your frowning face says otherwise."

"Well... I've been thinking about Alex's sudden departure," I admitted.

Ms. Adele's face shifted—subtle, but noticeable. I couldn't quite place the change, but I knew something had shifted in her demeanor.

"Don't overthink it, Princess," was all she said. The brevity of her response was strange. Normally, she'd explain things in detail.

"What was the reason for his travel?" I pressed.

She didn't answer. She just kept sorting seeds like the question hadn't been asked.

"Oh, come on! It's not like I'm going to tell anyone. You already know I can't go anywhere or speak to anyone. I'm captive—aka kidnapped." My sarcasm dripped from every word.

"Some things are better left unknown," she said, her tone final.

"That's not fair."

"I'll go check the kitchen. I'll be right back," she said, standing up abruptly.

Oh, hell yes. If Ms. Adele didn't want to tell me anything, I'd get my answers another way.

After she left, I made my way toward the boys.

"Hello there, darling," Louise greeted, his voice as sweet as honey.

"Hi. I was wondering if either of you might know the reason for the oh-so-amazing prince's sudden departure?" I raised an eyebrow, fully expecting no answer.

And that's exactly what I got.

"Well, I'd understand if you didn't know, Louise. From what I gather, you don't work in the castle or for it, right?"

Louise looked puzzled. "Um, yes, correct, darling, but why—"

I interrupted him. "But one of you does work for the castle. Not just the castle, but for the prince directly." I turned to Obrovsky, who refused to meet my gaze.

"So... anything, Mr. Guard?" My tone was dripping with sarcasm.

"It's none of your business, Princess," he said, his voice cold.

"Rude," I shot back. "But that still doesn't answer my question. Are you telling me you have no idea why the prince left you here and not on the battlefield?"

He froze, his hands stilling as he turned to face me slowly. Perfect.

"Are you even that good of a soldier? Or did he just leave you here to babysit?" I taunted, my smirk growing as I watched his jaw tighten.

"I'm the best at what I do—"

"Oh, really?" I cut him off. "If you were the best, wouldn't you be in the field instead of, you know... here?"

"How would a brat like you know what the best looks like?" he snapped.

"You'd be surprised," I said, smirking.

"You think you can beat me?"

"I could make you kiss the ground," I shot back.

Obrovsky's lips curled into a smile—a dangerous one. "How about this, Princess? If you can stay on your feet for more than five minutes, I'll tell you what you want to know."

I might as well have been signing my death warrant, but screw it. "Deal," I said firmly.

Louise's eyes widened in shock. "Wait! She's a princess—"

"Let's go," I interrupted. Stupid? Maybe. But how hard could it be to make him fall?