Unwavering Determination.

Natasha frowned lightly, as she gazed into the man's eyes. There was something about him that surged an ounce of familiarity, but she could not distinguish exactly what it was. Regaris on the other hand, was immersed in his own moment. The tea cup was still lightly upraised into the air, his arm wrapped around Natasha's waist. He noticed that the damsel slightly opened her mouth, as though she was about to say something. "Where are your manners?" She interrogated, her eyes wishing to burn him an instant. Who was this man, who thought it within his power to touch her howsoever he pleased? "Ahem.. Forgive my discourtesy, my lady." Regaris stated, releasing her from his grasp. "But My lady was about to slip; which compelled me to perform such a drastic action." He explained himself, lowering the cup slightly. Natasha sighed, placing a hand on her forehead. "You may go in. Drop the cup on the dresser and leave." She instructed, before turning around, leaving no room for argument. Regaris performed as he was bid- stepping into the room cautiously as though he was frightened that he may trip. Natasha's room was average, not overly imbued in feminine hues; but every article which was within its boundaries, was elegant and clearly defined. Regaris had approached the dressing table, and, by as sheer amount of luck, was opportuned to notice the golden hairpin, which laid idly alongside her other valuable possessions. "What are you doing?" A voice addressed him, which caused him to flinch. Natasha was seated upon her bed, her beautiful eyes squinted into slits. "The tea, bring it to me now- Do you know how long I waited for this?" She asked, in a discontented tone, her hands crossed. "But My lady, you said.." Regaris began in a confused tone, before a smile came to his face. He already knew about the current social status quite well; A servant dare not speak back to his master, it reflects a lack of morals. In other words, you are to remain silent at all times, even if your master is the one at wrong. 'Can this not be considered a form of oppression?' Regaris thought within himself, his lips trembling slightly, as he delivered the tea on the damsels bedside table. Natasha, who had immersed herself in the art of reading an article, gave a slight frown some seconds after the cup had contact with her lips. "It is cold." She reported, glancing at the butler who had his hands folded beneath his back. "Ah, I apologize on the behalf of the maids, my lady." Regaris stated, after giving a slight bow. "But the maidens in the kitchen have their eyes quite full; you see. So I had no other alternative to be obliged but to bring up my mistress' tea- I was compelled, you know." Regaris said, with an exasperated sigh. He could only hope that the explanation he gave was up to Natasha's satisfaction. Natasha sipped the cold tea slowly, all the while having the butler in observation. 'He is certainly one who speaks in an unrestrained manner.' She thought hopelessly, as she placed the tea cup down. "I understand your explanation, you may depart from my presence, now." Natasha stated, waving her hand in a manner akin to swatting a fly. But when she raised her eyes from the pamphlet, however, she noticed that the man still stood in place, his hands behind his back. "Did you not hear me the first time?" She asked, vividly confused. 'How do you expect me to Leave so easily, after I have gone through great lengths to behold you once more?' Regaris muttered to himself, as he gradually came into proximity with her. "Who are you, and what are your true intentions?" Natasha called out in alarm, as her body subconsciously drifted in further into the bed. A mere servant would not have the courage to look at their master directly in the eye, she knew. But before she could react, the man had already moved like a bolt of lightning; pinning her against the bed, using both of his hands to grip Hers firmly. In the midst of the struggle, the tea cup came crashing to the ground, clattering noisily as it did so. A series of hurried footsteps reverberated across the hallways; accompanied by swift knocks in succession. "My lady, Are you alright? We heard a noise coming from your room." One of the maids hurriedly asked. "He.." Natasha was about to yell, but Regaris, not having suffice time to properly analyze th situation of things, hurriedly clamped his hand over her mouth, letting one hand to be free his grasp. "Just be quiet." He whispered harshly, while peering into her light green eyes. "So.." A small smirk played unto his face. "After all this time, you still do not recognize me?"

***********************************

Zephyr sighed, as he emerged from the audience hall. "That was even more disastrous than I expected." He stated, while massaging the back of his neck. He did not even know whether to laugh or cry, after all the negotiations had been done. But one thing was for sure, the king appeared to be quite displeased with the outcome. "His routine my foot! How is this a part of his routine?" Zephyr muttered angrily to himself, as he walked down the corridors. "Eh? Which one was his highness's room again?" He mumbled once more, standing oddly in the middle of the hallways. All the doors in the room were completely identical- and undifferentiable. His navigation of the castle was quite shallow- and he never attempted to locate the prince's room from the audience hall.

 "My goodness" He muttered to himself, a slight smile coming to his face. Ought he to ask the maids for direction? He would most surely earn strange glances!

 However, his countenance changed slightly when he saw the individual who was walking down the Same path which he treaded. And he was not alone either.. He had yet a younger companion with him. Both men were clothed in the same uniform which he had worn Earlier, but the distinguishing feature was.. All those numerous badges, which adorned the outfit of the older man. The same blonde hair, and the same green eyes. The identity of this man was; Lamien Qindayal, the captain of the calvary as well as, Indel's biological father. "He seems to have forgotten that it was only due to my influence that he attained the promotion! I take him as My own son, and yet?!" General Lamien complained, with much vexation in his voice. "Commander, please take it steady; your blood pressure might go up." The younger man stated from behind, but in a much softer tone. "Shut up!" The General directed his frustration towards the latter. "Stop covering for that comrade of yours. If it weren't for your wretched lies, I would have discovered his absence sooner!" General Lamien exclaimed, his heavy steps making thunderous sounds in the empty hallway. As though the General's physique was not terrifying enough, all the accomplishments he displayed proudly on his uniform was enough to intimidate ten thousand souls. Zephyr shuddered suddenly- he had just recalled all the 'splendid' moments he had spent with that man. "Your highness." "Your highness." Both men Paid their respects to the prince, as they walked past. Zephyr nodded his head at then curtly. He did not want to do this, but.. "Commander Lamien" Zephyr called out, as he whipped around. "It is quite mannerless of me to pry into your affairs, but.." He placed his hands behind his back, a resolute smile on his face. "May I ask what it is that causes you to be so agitated?" Lamien gazed at the prince blankly, before a smile came to his face as well. "Oh, his highness need not bother himself about it." The general stated, before reporting through gritted teeth. "It is just a bothersome subordinate of mine that causes me problems, that is all." The general stated. Zephyr's face became serious at once. "And who may this person be? If he chooses to Derelict his duties, then he most certainly deserves to face retrenchment. Let me have his name." He said, in a bold tone. 'Oh, Zephyr, what are you doing to your own self at the moment?' In the surface, Regaris glanced at both men with a serious expression, while simulatenously cussing at himself. He was getting immersed in the role he played, perharps?

 "Your highness.." The general stuttered, At a loss for words. Zephyr casually glanced at the man, who fidgeted besides Lamien. His physique was not all impressive to begin with, but yet, he still possed the vigilant statue of a knight, his long black hair tied into a ponytail, his light Grey eyes staring towards the crown prince, in perpetual fear. Neilen Thombroste, a typical example of a common man, who was slowly ascending the ranks, due to his leadership talent and exceptional swordsmanship skills. And also.. Zephyr's eyes softened for a moment; His best friend, confidante even, and sworn brother. "Why do you hesitate, General?" Zephyr's asked, when he noticed the older man's hesitation. "Do you.. perhaps have doubt in my capabilities?" He inquired, his gaze sharp. "O-of course not, your highness!" Lamien stuttered, not wanting to offend the future king of Agerintia. "It is just that- the one who sowed the discord, is one that you are acquainted to, your highness; I do not wish to breach a gap in your relationship; neither do I want your opinion of him to become degraded" The general elaborated, not daring to raise his gaze. "You utter too many things, general." Zephyr stated, whilst stamping his foot on the ground. "My legs wax sore for your cause; grant me the name, So I may resume my obligations." He added, deliberately trying to sound irritated. "It... It is Zephyr Kenedton, your highness." The man said, in a voice of submission. He glanced up however, when he heard an exhale- only to witness the smile on the prince's face. "You ought to have gotten to the point from the start, General." Zephyr gave a light chuckle, as while ruffling his hair. "That man- Zephyr; he is currently away, performing some errand I specifically assigned to him; so he shall be absent for a while." Zephyr explained to them. "But it amazes me, that he seeked not your consent, before departing." He continued. "No need for that, your highness; you possess an authority above mine, afterall." General Lamien spoke, making it understandable that he did not mind the disobedient act. "Since it was you who sent him beyond the castle walls, I can rest assured." He added, a smile forming on his face. A soft exhale could be heard- it was Neilen, who clutched his chest, as though he heard his breath in while the conversation progressed. "But still, you need not bother about my case, your highness.." "I have every right to do so, General." Zephyr's interrupted, placing both hands on Lamien's shoulders. "You are indeed a great man, and a loyal servant of thus nation. So many tales has my father spun about you, that I even begin to lose count." Lamien's face was filled with emotion. "It is a Rare honor to be eulogised by you, your highness."

 Regaris could not Help but glance at both men, as they progressed further down the corridors. 'My future is not bleak, as of yet.' He thought, with a slight exhale. He did not speak an untruth- the reason he was absent at the battalion, was only due to this burdensome task which was assigned to him. "Neilen my friend, I have caused you great distress." Zephyr mumbled under his breath, as he watched on as the familiar figure faded away. "After this, we shall both go for a drink; that is a promise."

*******************************************

 Natasha could only stare into the man's red eyes. "My lady!" Meanwhile, the agitated knocking still persisted; and even more desperately now, due to the unfounded silence. It did not appear as much, but this wholetime, Natasha's right hand, which she had so cunningly sneaked beneath the man's back, continously exuded a blue mist. "Ack!" Regaris suddenly exclaimed, removing his hand from her mouth- the damsel had done what he least expected- she had bitten him. "My lady! Are you alright? Is there perhaps a male with you In the room? Say something, Lady!" The knocks became more frantic now, like endless rain drops plattering against the roof of a building. Regaris scoffed, a light smile on her face, so restraining her with all his might on the hand to the degree that Natasha's veins bulged out. "Are you show of the decision you are about to make, my Lady?" He inquired, with a slight smile. "I would not kill so easily, if I realized the identity of the one who is before you." He added. The frantic knocks had long come to an end, leaving Natasha with the voice of this man, who reverberated directly into her hearing. Natasha immediately recalled the sword, which she had formed out of ice. Regaris could only smile, before releasing her taking a few paces back. The damsel was still laid across the bed, blinking in utter confusion. 'How did he detect my essence- he is only a mere servant, is he not?' Natasha asked, as she glanced back towards him. Only those who were given the ability to manipulate the elements(magic) should be sensitive to the essence, which continously surrounds them. But little did she know.. that Regaris had long felt the chilling sensation since the sword began to materialise. If he had actually been 'Lucas' things would have taken a more tragic turn. "Do you still not know who I am?- Goodness; and I have given off so many hints." The man clicked his tongue as he gazed at her In annoyance; ruffling his almost shoulder-length hair. That was when Natasha noticed it- the gem that glittered, retracting the rays of the sun. "Re..garis?" She muttered uncertainly, as she brought herself to seat before her bed. The man acknowledged her from the corner of his eyes. "Who would it be, If not me?" He interrogated, before his eyebrows furrowed lightly. "Or do you gift this gem to other men as well? Tell me; I would love to get acquainted with them." He added, seating himself beside her. Natasha Stared at the man for a while- was this really Regaris? That black hair... those red eyes.. and where did he gain access to the butler's uniform?

 "Whatever reason that you have come for, I do not care- you have to leave." Natasha said suddenly, jumping to her feet and avoiding the man, as if he were a plague. Regaris frowned at her lightly. "I have only just arrived, my dear lady; and you wish to see me off so soon?" He asked, gazing at her steadily.

Just as Natasha was about to Reply, however, a deafening sound came into hearing. Natasha hurriedly glanced towards her door, whose handle rattled madly. "What are they.." Natasha began, but Regaris interrupted her. "They intend to break down the door." He said, in a hushed tone. "They are certainly worried about you."

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 "Indel, do you not believe that his highness is acting strange today?" A maid asked, while kneading the dough. They were currently at the kitchen area, where the maids were performing their various occupations. Indel on the other hand, directly ignored her companion, but rather stared at the handiwork of the latter. "Pay heed to what you do; do you wish for the imperial family to eat of your sweat as well?" She asked the latter, her tone firm. "Ah, forgive me." Her friend, who wore Had her head wrapped in a white shawl, so much that not a loose strand could be seen, replied with a cheeky Grin. She immediately used her sleeve to dab at her face instead, before proceeding with her occupations. Indel could only sigh helplessly- she had not expected her half witted friend to do that. "What is it that you were saying about the crown prince?" Indel asked, her eyes narrowed. She could only hope that the knight was not making the current situation to be more complicated. "Goodness, Indel, the way you are so concerned about his highness, one would think that.." Indel pointed the sharp end of the knife towards the maidens throat. "Do you dare to continue speaking?" Indel threatened, with a frown. The maiden gulped. "Nevermind that." She said, while carefully using her index finger to tilt the blade away from her direction. "What was it about his highness?" She asked once more, her voice more strict this time. "Well, It may be just be a baseless rumor, but I overheard some of the maidens saying that he was asking for directions to his own room" She said, with a slight frown, not noticing that Indel had begun to reslice the vegetables. "And also the negotiation with the minister of trade and diplomacy, ended up on an unsatisfactory account." She added. Indel flung her knife on the table. "I shall be right back." She stated, as while making haste to unfasten her apron. "But Indel! You are not done with preparing the soup!" The maid called after her, but the latter neither turned back, nor responded. The maid glanced towards the vegetables, who had Been so chopped into fine pieces that it appeared grated instead; the little moisture they contained making a fine mess on the table. "Is this still palatable?" The maid questioned, with widened eyes.

 "Regaris." A voice called out to him. Zephyr turned around, he was not expecting the person he met. He stil loitered about the corridors, having forgotten the direction he was given. The damsel approached him lightly, a smile on her face. Zephyr beamed at her direction as well, as she slowly made her way towards him. 'Ah, our princess is as lovely as ever.' He thought, the grin on his face growing even larger. This nearly caused Lucille to Halt in her steps. 'It seems like not all of them were lies.' She thought, as she convinced herself to press forward. "What brings you here, Lucille?" Zephyr asked, with a smile. "Oh, nothing of importance." Lucille replied. She said, a green eyes glittering. "I just wanted to thank you for the flowers you sent to my room, earlier on." She stated, placing her hands dainty before her. 'Did his highness truly send her flowers?' Zephyr thought as he gazed at the maiden. Well, it was indeed possible that the prince had delivered it to her room, a long period before the grand strategy was deviced. But why he was yet to process his thoughts, he felt a weight being flunged against him. "Thank you, Regaris." Lucille whispered softly, nuzzling up to him. Zephyr's body stiffened.

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 "What are you doing?" Regaris had to prevent himself from crying out In surprise. Natasha ignored his exclamation; she remained in her Crouched position, pressing the shard directly into her hand. She rose up, staring at the prince with widened eyes, paying no heed to the blood, which seeped unto the ground. "What are you standing there for? Conceal yourself this instant!" She exclaimed, as the banging increased. "To where do I hide?" Regaris asked, his eyes opened wide, also. Natasha simply pointed towards her bed. "Go underneath." Regaris crinkled his nose; his brows furrowed. "I am not a dog, Natasha." He added, but the Maiden's angry Stare eventually compelled to do as he was instructed. No sooner had he concealed Himself Therein, than the door suddenly bolted forward. "My lady!" The maid exclaimed immediately, even tasking it upon herself to embrace Natasha. The butler just stood in place, the spanner in his hand, gazing solemnly like a lost person. "I was so worried about you!" The maid continued, Amidst sobs. Natasha felt slightly touched; she could not help but smile. "I am alright." She responded promptly. "Then.." The maid retracted her gaze. "How come you were out of commission for so long? Why did you not respond to my calls?" She asked. "Well.. I was in the middle of something important." Natasha responded in a low tone, causing the man underneath the bed to smack himself on the head. 'Was that truly the best excuse she could give? "My lady, we heard a crash. Are you sure you are alright?" The butler asked lightly. Natasha simply glanced towards the shattered tea cup at the ground. "I got a slight cut, but I am fine." She assured them. The maid clapsed her mouth in realisation. "But I heard a man's voice, my lady, Are you sure you are alone in this room? There could be a potential infiltrator. " The maid said, with worried eyes. "Well.." Nastasha opened her mouth to speak, but the butler interrupted her as well. "Yes, I heard it also." He added, with a curt nod. "That was.. me. I exclaimed when the glass cut my hand, it was so painful." The lady sobbed, even allowing the clotted, jagged scar to Come into view. "Oh, dear! I shall fetch the first aid kit!" The maid said, as she attempted to hurried to exit the room, but Natasha clenched her wrist tightly. "There is no need; I am perfectly capable of handling myself." Natasha said, with a smile. "Alright, if you insist." The maid said, with a face full of uncertainty. "We will take our Leave now, if you do not mind." The maid said, as she turned around to leave. But Unbeknownst to her, a hand was sticking out of the bed, and she stepped on It, hard. "Aah!" A moan came into hearing. The man in question, immediately placed his hand to the mouth. The maid and butler immediately gazed at Nataha, who had placed her hand on one knee hobbling towards the bed. "Ay me! Ow, my knee!" Although she knew her voice was much lighter, she still persisted with her act, seating herself upon her bed. She glanced at the servants momentarily. "There is no need to bother too much, It is just a light cramp." Natasha assured them, massaging the offending knee. "My lady, that was surely a man's voice just now." The butler quipped in, after contemplating for a while. Natasha's gaze towards then changed. "Do you mean to say that I am a fool, who knows naught of what he speaks?" She inquired, with a slight glare. The butler flinched when he noticed it. "That is not what he intended to say, my lady." The maid stated hurriedly, bowing before the butler was opportuned to. "It was an honest mistake on his part; we shall leave now." The maid said hurriedly, dragging the butler with him by the wrist. The door slammed softly. "I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised; if they be in a relationship." Natasha turned angrily to the man, who just stood before her, performing therapy on his left hand. Regaris raised a brow, In the midst of the stifling silence. "What?" He asked, gazing down at her. "Did you fail to observe the manner by which they treated each other?"

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 Zephyr stood fixted on the spot, his arms suspended in the air. Lucille snuggled up to him even more, causing him to be uncomfortable. "Lucille." He murmured her name quietly, as his hands relaxed on impulse. In a different perspective, Indel had sighted them from afar, and she hastened in her steps, upon having an inkling of what Zephyr's intentions were. "Ah, Pardon me, your highnesses." Zephyr's fingers had only just brushed Lucille's delicate skin, when the voice probated him from going even further. Lucille opened her eyes slightly, glancing at the maid who stood, head lowered. "Well, do not just stand there- state your business." She urged, in a desperate tone, as though the latter had interrupted some important ritual. Indel glanced awkwardly at the floor. "Please forgive me, but it is just that; his highness had instructed me, to remind him of a task which he had to perform earlier on." Indel explained, ensuring that her countenance displayed that of anxiety. She glanced into Zephyr's eyes temporally, before looking downwards once more. Zephyr's hands which were about to wrap themselves around the princess, suddenly relaxed. "Yes, of course. You have my gratitude, Indel." The man stated, with a curt nod, although he had not an inkling what grand scheme the maid had hatched this time. But one thing was for certain- since he was not given half the wits she possessed, he had no option but to play along. He glanced down at The lady, who still blinked up at me swiftly. "Forgive me, Lucille- but I have more important matters to attend to, at the moment." He explained. The Duke's daughter beamed for some reason. "And whatever may it be?" She asked, fiddling with her hair. Zephyr delivered an awkward smile. 'Does she not behave too nosy today? Or could it be, that she long had her suspicions about me?' He exhaled, placing a hand to his waist. "That, is something I dare not to disclose, I am afraid." Zephyr stated. But, he was not mentally prepared for what was about to occur next- no one was. As soon as that declaration had been made, a fiery sensation had shot up in the pupil region of Zephyr's eyes, spreading to the back of his brain. "Ugh.." The man groaned, stumbling backwards. "Regaris, are you alright?!" Lucille inquired, her voice full of worry. "I- I am fine." Zephyr lied through gritted teeth- it was as though his eyeballs has been thrown into boiling larva. In order to bear with the pain, he kept his eyes shut; even placing his hand across his face. "Your highness.." An overly familiar voice called out instead. "Place your hand upon my shoulder, and do not open those eyes." Indel whispered, as she came up Close to him. "I shall lead you to your room now, your highness." The maid announced. But before she could take so much as a single step, she was faced with opposition. "Halt." Lucille ordered, her voice strict. "Did you not notice the manner of which Regaris exclaimed moments prior?" She asked, eyeing the maid. "Should the royal physician not be sent for?" Indel furrowed her brows, as she glared at the princess. "His highness requires rest, not the presence of the physician." She said before sighing. "I know what I do, your highness. There is a reason that I have been assigned this post- or do you wish to lecture me about my duties?" Both women stood there after that, staring at each other. Without even awaiting the reply of the other, Indel went on her vocations, all the while ensuring that hand remained on her shoulder.