CHAPTER 14

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.