We managed to set up stations on every route and got back to the capital. I asked Kilian to go back to the palace without me as I stopped by my parents place.
I got to find the doors boarded up and it was empty. The Hell!
" My lady..." A familiar voice called out.
I turned my head to face the person and my lips curved into a smile.
" Austin!" I said." You're finally back!"
He nodded as he looked over to Lilly and smiled.
" Where are my parents?" I asked.
Austin led my to my carriage and ordered the coachman to head to a certain location.
We arrived at a calm neighborhood with small cottages. Austin guided me to a small cousy house.
After a few knocks my mom opened her face brightening up as she saw me. She pulled us in and I saw Austin hold Lilly's hand as they got in. What's with that.
" Sit sit..." She said.
" Mom this is..."
" Austin!" Mom blurted out . " The young lady is Lilly ..."
" We met..." Lilly whispered over to me .
Mom poured a cup of tea for each of us. I looked around the house. It wasn't much but it was beautiful. Just right for my parents.
Mom went on to explain that house was amazing and I should thank his Majesty. She explained that dad was recovering well and the specialist treating him was off great help.
I excused myself heading to the bathroom. The house had four bedrooms each having its own bathroom.
I joined the rest at the table and found mom showing my baby pictures to them .
" Mom!" I yelled snatching the album away.
" What dear ?" Mom said as I saw Austin and Lilly laugh as they sipped their tea.
Austin and Lilly soon left so mom and I could speak.
" How are you?" Mom asked concern written all over her face.
" I'm okay mom . His Majesty is sweet and kind. He is the best actually..." I said and my mom sighed.
" He is also good looking..." I said.
Mom chuckled and I smiled squeezing her hand.
" How are you?" I asked. " Is everything okay?"
She nodded. " You worry about taking care of his Majesty..."
It was nice to see that the grump had the decency to move my parents from the insecure neighborhood. I was also considering it.
****
" It's nice to see you're back!" Chloe said as soon as we arrived.
" Nice to see you too Chloe..."
Lilly took our bags to our room as I stayed back to talk to Chloe.
" Where is your mother?" I asked.
" She left but will come in time for the wedding..." She said seemingly hesitant. " Can I get you're help in choosing a gown ."
" Of course..."
It was nice to know at least one of us was happy getting married to Xavier. I walked into her room with was in the southern wing of the palace . She had several gown laid on her bed and others on a rack.
" Wow!" I said.
" I know am a mess..."
Chloe began putting them on as she strolled around the room . She looked fantastic in all of them .
" I see your problem..." I said to her." You look good in everything but..."
Chloe sat by my side.
" I think to the lacy mermaid gown suits you . It clearly shows you off and accentuates your beauty..."
Chloe placed her hand on mine. " Are you okay with all this?"
I smiled as I took her hand.
" Of course I am . He clearly loves you and you are a great asset to the kingdom. Plus I don't mind the company..."
Chloe smiled but there was some saddnes in her eye I didn't quite understand. She soon placed away all the dress and they were taken away by a servant.
" Come on I'll teach you some skills ..." She said dragging me to the training pitch and grabbing a sword tossing it to me . She instructed me on how to hold it and I followed. She then proceeded on how to wield it slicing through the air . I showed her some of the tricks Kilian taught me and she added her own.
" There is something all of you can't beat me in..." I said as I placed the sword back in it's case in the rack.
" Oh really!" She said arching a brow." And what is that..."
" Archery..." I said grabbing a bow and arrow aiming for a target. I hit it right at the center shocking her.
" I won't lie you're good..." She said grabbing a bow and arrow and shooting the other target at the center. " But I'm better..."
" You think so...."
" I know so..."
I laughed as I placed the bow down .
" Then prove it . Tomorrow at noon you and me ..."
" Deal ..."
We shook hands to seal it. Just then Austin came running towards us .
" We need to leave!" He said grabbing my wrist.
" Is everything okay?" I asked as Chloe and I were clearly shocked and worried.
" I'll explain everything later. For now we need to go..." He said dragging me away without any explanation.