A Wallflower (Kingdom of Anthos)

Chapter 7 Observance

“So, what’s is it that you suddenly realized earlier?” Crysantha asked while tending to my foot. It had already been a few hours after my mishap and we are currently in my room and in the process of getting ready for bed.

Earlier, when we got back to our senses after Teacher’s sudden announcement, we immediately (well me with the help of Ash, cue blushing here) we followed Teacher to wherever he was planning to take his tea and bombarded him with questions and as per usual, we receive his evading explanations. By the end of the sudden inquisition, we did not get a straight answer and was left with more questions and frustration. Why did we even bother asking?

“Camellia,” Crysantha asked again with a raised eyebrow. As of now, I am already laying at my bed while Crysantha is checking my sprain if the swelling has gone done even just for a little bit. How did I get to my room? To answer that as one would have expected, Ash had to carry me again the same way as earlier. I did tell him that it is not needed to carry me but with both Holly and Ash insistence and Crysantha’s unhelpful bits of advice, I lost the battle and consented on being carried.  I actually thought that my face will be permanently tomato red after that. And Crysantha? Well, she was silently amused by my predicament.

“Ca-me-l-lia?” Crysantha asked again, emphasizing every syllable of my name. Ah yes, I forgot she is asking me a question. Stupid mind wandering again.

“Nothing, I was just thinking of things” I answered evasively, breaking somewhat our eye contact.

She gave me this look that says spill-it-dear-i-know-your-hiding-something and trying to get me to answer her question.

Getting uncomfortable with the look even though I don’t really have anything to hide I said “what?”

Smirking as I caved, she answered “Nothing~ Although, by your blushing and awkwardness earlier with Ash, I almost think that he confessed his undying love for you when you were alone earlier~”

Blushing hard I spluttered and answered stutteringly “W-what? I-It is not like that!”

Now Crysantha is grinning at me wiggling his eyebrows “Fufu~ Now by that reaction, I can see there is something. Really curious. Spill!”

“There really is nothing,” I said pouting and trying to be as innocent as possible but as expected it is not working at Crysantha as intended.

“Really? I wonder?” she asked teasingly as she bandages my foot again. I am so tempted to kind of kick her lightly to stop her form teasing me.

“Yes!” I said trying to convince her and myself too. ‘because there really is nothing’

“Ash is a really good-looking man, isn’t he?” she asked as she finishes my bandages.

Confused with the sudden question and kind of change of topic I answered automatically. “Yes he is”

“And that body, lean and hard, one can tell just by looking at it. It is really fun watching him train, right? Especially when those muscles~”

“Eh?!” I exclaimed scandalized, when did Crysantha become this crude. I can feel myself starting to blush though.

“And his butt too, you know? Not as- Well never mind. But Ash whenever he leans dow-” She continued grinning at me.

“Crysantha!” I interrupted her. Blushing really hard, making me imagine, more like remember all those things, and focus of the feeling of his body against mine, accidentally or not.

Chuckling to herself “Now I get it. You're so cute blushing like that, so innocent”

“Crysantha! It is not like that. When did you get so uncouth” I said. It is true Ash did not confess to me or anything it is more like me suddenly realizing that well he’s a guy and the possibility or that I might be attracted to him. And who would have thought that Crysantha the snobbish not noble that does everything seriously have this kind of personality when she let her guards down.

“Well?” she asked persistently as she moves closer to me from the foot of the bed. By this time my foot is already newly bandaged. “Did he confess?”

“Why would he even confess? He is not attracted to me like that!” I said pouting.

Did she give me a look that says are-you-serious? “Fine, if he did not confess, let me guess” She paused dramatically “something might have happened earlier. Then you realized that Ash is actually a man, a very good looking one at that, with a personality that many women easily falls for”

I looked at her gaping like a fish.

“Am I right?” she said grinning again hands clasps together in excitement.

Closing my mouth shut I looked at her incredulously “W-what? Were you actually inside my head or something?!”

Looking like a cat who ate the canary she said proudly “Fufu~ My senses have still not diminished. So?”

“W-What? What do you mean by so?” I am kind of getting afraid by this side of Crysantha.

Leaning forward in stage whisper she said: “Did you actually realized that you are kind of attracted to him?”

“What? What do you mean?” I ask in denial.

“Camellia” she called as she rolled her eyes at me.

With a sigh, I answered “Who knows? You are right that I just realized that he is not just Ash a childhood friend but he is also well, a Male friend”

“Yes, how would you not see his Male? But only a friend? Give details.” I never did realize this but Crysantha is actually one for gossips, who knew?

“I cannot tell okay! I am kind of new to this” I am even confused by it myself. Sometimes I wonder if what I am feeling is mine or Camellia’s or something else, a combination perhaps.

Tilting her head slightly to the left a sure sign that she’s confused “Eh? New to the feelings of possible love? How about with Lark? Were you not engaged before? Was that not love?”

‘How can I answer that?’ But before I can think about it my mouth automatically said “Well that is different. I have loved Prince Lark since childhood. I fell in love with him at first sight, like a sudden spark. My world kind of revolves around him and the others are just friends. To me they are just that, no distinction, no possibilities. Well, Holly and Ash might be considered my best of friends but-”

“You always thought that he is just a friend, just Ash, nothing more but now it is not. Well, you do have a point, puppy loves are always different, and sometimes you can’t even tell if it is real love at all.” Crysantha interrupted looking at me with sympathizing eyes.

Smiling awkwardly but looking at Crysantha “Well, kind of like that. I realized that he is not just Ash. I can’t explain it that much” I answered. ‘Puppy love? Why do I feel like she’s talking based on personal experience?’

“A potential attraction a potential lover. It is not really surprising if you cannot really distinguish it that much. Noble ladies usually especially those really high up in the ladder does not really know how to act when it comes to men. We were only expected to be just an obedient wife and follow what our fathers decide” Crysantha said with a bitter smile. “Not that mine is like that. I am free in a sense and hoping”

By that culture, I think I kind of understand why she is making a big deal out of this or Crysantha secretly loves gossiping or what she may call as information gathering. ‘Wait a minute, did Crysantha just admitted that she is a noble?! Well, it was obvious but-’

“Camellia. You are spacing out again” she scolded me.

“Sorry, my mind likes to wander during night time. I cannot have feelings of more than just friends for Ash. Just a silly crush or something” I answered while fidgeting with my blanket.

“Why? Because of lineage and status? But your family is well known for marrying out of love whether with status or not”

“Well not because of status. With my situation regarding the annulled engagement, my best bet for marrying with noble status is outside Anthos. And it is not really about that, I think he likes Holly”

Tilting her head again she asked in a voice clearly not believing me “Hmm, really? How can you say? Did he tell you?”

“No, but by observing their interaction with each other, one can tell,” I said and denying that I am pouting.

“Ah, so that is why you have been looking at them since earlier. Is that jealousy I hear?”

“No!” I exclaimed, outright denial.

Leaning towards me Crysantha gave me a smirk and asked, “Have you ever observed his interactions with you?”

“Eh? What do you mean?”

“Did you actually wonder why I asked if he confessed his feelings of love for you?”

“Eh?!” ‘Well I did but-’

“Well it is not my place to tell, but since I have self-proclaimed myself as your adopted older sister I’ll tell you anyway”

“Tell me what?!”

“By my observance Camellia dear, he likes you, not as his lady, not as a friend, not as a sister but as a woman. Why do you think he calls you Princess?” she said convincingly.

“B-but. H-He only calls me that as teasing when we were children because of my naiveté to the world, a girl wrapped in comfort. That is his first impression of me.”

“It might have been the start, but it might have evolved to something more. Since you are already aware of possible feelings, observe him, how he interacts with you not only with Holly”

“But-”

Before I can say my protests and convince Crysantha that Ash does not like me that way a knock interrupted us.

“Milady? Is everything alright? I heard raised voices” Holly asked from behind the door. And before I can answer Crysantha opened the door and let Holly enter. How did she get there? She was just sitting beside me.

“It was nothing Holly, I was just teasing her. Don’t worry about it. I am done by the way.” Crysantha explained as she gave me a teasing wink.

“Only teasing?” Holly asked then looked at me. Suddenly rushing beside me she felt my forehead as if checking for my temperature “Milady are you alright you look a bit red but I think you are not running a fever”

Blushing more from embarrassment. “I am alright Holly. Crysantha is just teasing me with something..-ah.. a bit inappropriate”

“Eh?” Holly asked confused and looked at Crysantha with a please-explain-look.

“No, it is not.” Crysantha defended then grinned at me. “Well~ sweet dreams to the two of you, remember what I said Camellia. Hope you dreamed of it too~” She said while getting out of the room. Against my better judgment, I have thrown one of the pillows at her, but she dodges and uses the door as a shield. I can still hear her laugh a bit.

“Milady?” Holly asked confused and proceeded to pick up the pillow.

“Never mind about that Holly. Let us rest for the night”

0o0

The next day and the day after that, because of Crysantha I have been too conscious of everything Ash does for me. Whatever he does my brain supplies possible hidden meanings and innuendos. Especially since for those days Ash is always the one to help me in the stairs or carrying things and those actions will always leave me blushing.

Since I do not want to be directed by the idea that I might be really attracted to him and also to rearrange my thoughts I began to avoid him as much as possible. Its human nature sometimes, when someone says that person likes you, you think everything he does is about you then you fit the mold that you should like that person too. Do I even make sense?

Avoiding Ash is a bit hard because we live in a small area and we share classes and meals, but avoiding him is still possible. However, I believe Ash might have realized that I was avoiding him and somewhat cornered me before our departure back to the Royal Circle.

“Princess, have I done something that displeases you?” He asked. Currently, we are in the stairs he is assisting me as I go down, holding my right arm and support my back, while I try to use my right hand to use the railings of the stairs.

I am able to go down the stairs with my foot, standing and a bit of walking, however, I get foot ache sometimes and going down in the stairs is harder because most of my weight will go down to that sprained foot when I step down. Assistance is not really that needed but they do not want me to reinjure my foot and well Teacher semi-ordered it because he needs to arrive at the Royal Circle because of an appointment. Also, they do not really believe me when I say it is alright because as per Crysantha with that injury it is not normal to be healed by just a few days.

Unable to look at him fully because of our position and because I do not really want to look at him, I said, “No, what makes you think that?”

“Excuse me for saying this but you are lying. Whenever Princess lies to me you are always unable to look me in the eyes. If I might have done something I sincerely apologize” He said leaning a bit closer to me, and I can hear a bit of sadness and guiltiness in his voice. “I cannot bear it if Princess is angry with me”

Startled by the semi accusation I looked at him suddenly. Then I realized how close our faces are, one wrong move I could kiss him or vice versa. Blushing by that thought I said “N-No, I apologize Crysantha has been teasing me about so-something. I might have pushed my…uh.. awkwardness and a bit frustration with you. I apologize”

‘It is not like you can apologize for being good looking and sexy. Stop! What am I thinking?! Crysantha this is all your fault!’

Looking me in the eyes intently with our faces close, leaning away for a bit he smiled with his usual teasing smile but his eyes clearly look relieved. “That’s good to know. Hmm, what does Miss Crysantha tease you with?” Looking at me intensely, he continued “Does it somewhat involve me?”

Blushing more with that intense look I stuttered an answer “N-No, j-just girl things”

He leaned back fully and giving a larger space between us but still grinning, he said, “Okay~ So we are good?”

“Yes,” I said relieved that his face is not that uncomfortably close to mine.

But before he can say something we’re interrupted. “Ahem”

We heard a clearing of a throat, by that sound both Ash and I immediately looked to where it comes from. It was Crysantha grinning at us, more like to me. I realized by our position, one can easily mistake what we were talking about and doing. By deduction on her perspective, one can mistake that Ash and I were kissing and knowing Crysantha, she’ll assume we were kissing or something related to that.

“I do not really want to interrupt, but we have a schedule to follow,” she said smiling teasingly. I just subtly glared at her telling her not to say something tactless especially in front of Ash. She replied with a wink and a wider grin that promised an interrogation later. ‘Damn’

Ash just looked a bit confused between the two of us, I did hear him murmur silently “Girls are really hard to understand”. But he did urge me to continue our travel down the stairs and followed Crysantha out of the house.

0o0

Saying goodbye to the house that became our home for the past almost four months we entered the carriage. The carriage was designed luxuriously as expected but was fit for long travel and comfortability. We kind of really need this style of carriage because the travel will be really long because we will not be traveling using the route that we took before. Our new route is as follows: from Auricu we will travel to Offici for some documents we need to drop there, that will take half a day of travel. After Offici we will enter Grandiflo and through that, we will enter the County of Sorrel of the Royal Capital, which will take about a day to two of travel. Upon entering County of Sorrel through Barony of Acetosa we will travel to the Barony of Vinea still under County of Sorrel and thru that we will enter the Royal Circle. However, Crysantha, Vi, and Teacher will separate from us in Vinea. We did offer to accompany them wherever they were staying but Teacher refused to state that the person he will be meeting with is supposed to be hush-hush. Estimated travel time of three days gives or take.

Inside the carriage, I am seated near the window, beside me is Crysantha then Holly. In front of me is Teacher and beside him is Miss Vi. Ash, as usual, is beside the coach driver. Our travel is silent with small talks.

Our first break in our travel is when we arrived at Offici, we stopped at a small recreation park, while Teacher and Vi left to go somewhere. And as expected as much as I am dreading it Crysantha cornered me citing to Holly that she will check my ankle’s recovery and asking me relentlessly about what Ash and I were talking about.

“I was not really able to hear what you were talking about, but I did arrive at the scene where he suddenly leaned on you. I have to suppress my gasp, I actually thought he was going to kiss you right there and then” She said teasingly as she checks my ankle both to check it really and to complete her excuse with Holly.

We are sitting in a shade under a really big tree that is mostly used for picnics. Well, we really are having a picnic anyway, we have sandwiches and tea with us. There are people in the area who are having their afternoon picnic too.

“Lower your voice” I hissed blushing and looking around because Ash or Holly does have a tendency to suddenly appear in this kind of conversations. “And it is not like that, do not make stories”

Standing up and moving to my side she asked. “Then what was that all about?”

I did explain to her about Ash and I’s kind of brief conversation and when I was done Holly appeared to bring us snacks that she bought from one of the vendors. Holly’s arrival met with my relived sigh and slightly pouting Crysantha. It is a slightly good thing because I was already done explain and that Crysantha usually does not tease me when Holly is present.

The whole three days and two nights of the journey were like this. We talked, we joked, exchanged ideas and theories and the like to ease the boredom. Teacher sometimes does some pop quiz on us or regal us with his stories of travels outside Anthos, his studies were really fascinating and when Teacher talked, well he talks really long and detailed and full of information or no information at all. It also made me wonder what Teacher’s real age because some of those stories, as far as I know, happened during my grandfather’s time when he was still young.

We arrived at Vinea nearing late afternoon and everyone is exhausted. Teacher, Crysantha and Miss Vi asked to be dropped off near the markets citing that they will be staying in an Inn near there. Saying our goodbyes and a promise of seeing each other after three days at the northern Freraja, we parted ways. As much as I want to take a rest in Vinea too, we were expected to arrive at Strelitzia Home that night.

Upon arriving at home, Mother welcomed us and ushered to rest for the remaining of the free time and was told that I am expected by dinner which is usually at seven in the evening. I only have about less than an hour of rest.

Dinner was awkward because for the first time after a few months of not seeing each other we are complete in the dining table. Yes, older brother Jarred is home, surprising even if technically he is allowed since today is the last day of school for the week, but I digress, brother since he started in the Academy- more like since he met Lady Althea, he rarely goes home. The dinner was silent only sounds of cutleries are heard, but this silence was broken by older brother Jarred.

“Mother, I have heard that you declined the invitation for Lady Althea’s coming of age and subsequent announcement of Prince Lark’s engagement,” He said. By the word engagement, my heart skipped a beat. ‘Isn’t it a bit early to have Lady Althea’s coming of age? Prince Lark has yet to have his.’

Mother upon hearing he question delicately wiped her mouth and answered coolly. “Yes, I did, what of it?”

Frowning a bit older brother Jarred asked, “Are you trying to embarrass my Grand Duchy?”

“Your Grand Duchy?” Mother said mockingly. “Do remember, dear son of mine you are still only an heir and if you remain as such is still debatable. You think you already own it, yet you have not volunteered to be trained for such” Mother said sharply. By the looks, Mother is giving older brother Jarred my body gets shivers from it.

“But- “ older brother Jarred tried to reason. I applaud his bravery really.

 “Do use that brain of yours. It is already an insult to our house to be invited to that party when your sister was humiliated in the public just for them to have their way for THAT engagement announcement. YOU should know. YOU were there” Mother said voice cold as ice. Older brother visibly flinched back from the tone and subtly looked at me from the corner of his eyes. “It is imperative that no one in our house should attend, but your father’s position will not allow it, and of course you would want to be present. Both of you are enough representative of our house”

Schooling his features but clearly nervous, older brother took courage again and reasoned. “But Mother it is by order of the King for all Lords and Ladies of the House to attend “

“I have special permission granted by the Queen Mother and the King himself not to attend. This leniency serves as an apology to our Grand Duchy.” Mother answered as she started to continue her dinner. But older brother Jarred looks like he will not stop asking.

“But Mother, it would please Lady Althea if you attend”

Glaring at older brother Jarred and with a tone of somewhat insulted. “Why would I try to please a lowly Viscount’s daughter? I the Grand Duchess?” she said ending with a hiss.

Still braving the cold atmosphere and Mother’s anger, older brother still reasoned. “Mother! She will be the future-”

The sound of glass meeting wood was heard, startling everyone of us.

“Enough!” Father interrupted. “This matter is not a talking fit for dining. And Jarred know your place. As the heir, you should know that first and foremost we are a Neutral house. That matter is yet to be decided” Father must be talking about the ascension war, the First Prince faction has been confident that Prince Lark will be the next King, subsequently if the engagement goes without problem Lady Althea will be the Queen a position that should have been Camellia’s.

“Husband, I believe we have been too lenient with our current heir.” Mother said. Silence met the room.

“Camellia” Father suddenly called me and all eyes immediately looked at me.

Startled by the sudden attention of everyone in the table I delicately wiped my mouth and answered “Yes Father?” surprise evident to my voice.

“What will be the first lesson Master Mikado will teach when you arrive at the Strelitzia?” Father asked his voice clear at the silent dining room.

“Teacher Mikado has informed us that we will be taught the advance form of business and governance. Although he has been contemplating teaching us about audit and taxes first to have and learn via an outsider view regarding the governance of the territory” I explained. I am not really sure about this but this is what Crysantha and I got from Teacher’s uninformative clues.

Swirling his glass of wine Father contemplated and asked again. Tension is clearly felt by everyone now. “Hmm, and you will leave by three days. How long will you be staying at the territory? Will it only be at the capital at Nicolai?”

“Yes, Father, we will leave by three days. However, our stay will depend on Teacher. I was told he would like for me to see Reginae too” I explained.

“Jarred when will your summer vacation start?” Father asked looking at older brother Jarred.

Startle by the sudden shift he answered “Father? I think that will be in a week”

Noddin to himself Father asked again.“Hmm. And the party will happen two days after that, am I right?”

“Yes Father”

“Dear Wife, I believe it is time to teach our heir the workings of governing the territory” Father decided. A bit surprising since the official training for such usually happens after graduating from the Academy. All heirs are subtly trained since childhood but the official training in which they will have hands-on experience in governance usually done after graduating. It is for the heir to have established his own connections to other nobles and high-class commoners.

“Husband?” Mother asked with confusion.

“Jarred a day after the party you will be traveling to our territory and will be trained under your grandfather, the current Duke Nicolai. You will be an apprentice to the Duke for the duration of your summer vacation.” Father ordered. “On how you conduct yourself and learn will be the basis of your returning to the Royal Academy. If your grandfather is displeased with your performance you will be staying in the territory until you learn and he is satisfied. We can hire a personal tutor for your other studies. It is time for you to see with your own eyes what the Grand Duchy is all about. Understood?”

“But father”

Looking at older brother Jarred to stop his argument Father said with a hard tone, “I do not care if you have arranged something for your summer vacation. If you want this Grand Ducal House to learn to govern it. You are the heir to the Grand Dukedom and the next Duke Nicolai until I stepped down as Grand Duke, prove yourself that you are worthy of your birthright. Your loyalty must be to this House first before any other else, do not let your personal feelings cloud you. Understood?”

Knowing he cannot argue anymore with solemn eyes he answered “Yes Father”

After that declaration s***h order, we continued our dinner with a better topic to talk about. It is more like Mother asking me questions about my studies, Father listening and asking sometimes for elaboration and older brother Jarred sulking but also listening and absorbing what I say about my stay in Jessamine. I did not, however, inform them of Crysantha and Miss Vi’s name as what I was asked by Teacher Mikado only referring to them as the Apprentice and the Assistant respectively. Mother gave me understanding smile when she saw my not so subtle hiding while older brother Jarred sometimes clearly want to ask but refraining to do so and father is with his usual I-know-what-you-are-hiding look.

0o0

By the end of the day, my energy is depleted, from the long travel and from the exhausting dinner. Thinking back on what happened during the dinner, it is not really rare if an heir is trained in family governance during summer vacation, the unusual is that father insisted in training as apprentice to Duke Nicolai, a training to ascend as Duke Nicolai.

The Strelitzia is a rare house because the Grand Duke holds two powerful positions; the Head of the Royal Council and the Lord of the Strelitzia Territory. As the Head of the Royal Council, the Grand Duke is always asked to stay in the Royal Capital, but as a Lord of Territory, one must stay in his territory as much as possible to govern fully. A contradiction for the Strelitzia house, especially since the one-way travel from the capital to the fief, is almost a week. We do not use the travel through Freesia unless urgent, we travel around Freesia through Freraja and cliffside borders of free territory to arrive at Strelitzia. The reason? Political, we do not have the best relations with Freesia.

Usually, when it comes to this, it is the Grand Duchess job to govern the Territory while the Grand Duke holds the position as Head Council, but since our house is known to marry for love, the wife (the Grand Duchess) usually stays with the husband. Because of this, our House developed a system. The Grand Duke stays in the capital and work as the Head of the Council and govern the territory thru a Lord Proxy the Duke Nicolai. The Duke Nicolai is the one who governs the Strelitzia Territory Capital, the Duchy of Nicolai and as a Lord Proxy governs the whole Territory and reporting to the Grand Duke.

The Duke Nicolai is a non-hereditary title and usually the Heir or Heiress of the Grand Duchy which is already of age or deemed to be qualified even if under age by the Grand Duke. If the Heir or Heiress is still underage and unqualified the Duke Nicolai title and responsibilities fall to the former Grand Duke or the second in line for the Grand Dukedom, which is usually the next eldest sibling of the current Grand Duke and holds the non-hereditary title of Count Reginae.

In our case Father is an only child thus all workings related to the Grand Duchy falls to Father and the Lord Proxy and Duke Nicolai to Grandfather. Grandfather has taken the reigns of managing the territory from Father since he retired from being the Grand Duke almost 8 years ago. It is like they have switched jobs. The current Lord Proxy has three jobs, managing the whole territory, managing the Duchy of Nicolai and managing the County of Reginae. A really full and heavy workload but still manageable with the help of numerous Viscounts and Barons under the Strelitzia banner.

It is not a secret that Grandfather is a very strict man and hard to please when it comes to decisions regarding the territory. Grandfather has very high expectations for older brother Jarred especially since he has been known as a prodigy in the Royal Academy.

Currently, my problem is that my brother and I are currently at odds. Not really fighting per se but more like walking in eggshells with each other. If both of us will be at Nicolai at the same time it means we will have to interact, especially since our lessons will make us clash at some point. ‘Hmm… I’ll tackle that when the time comes’

0o0

The next day I received an invitation for an afternoon tea with my closest friend in the Academy and I sent an affirmative as a reply. It was from Lady Amara of the House Wisteria, third and youngest daughter of the Count Wisteria. We became friends when we were taught by the same tutor for piano lessons when we were still in middle school age. We still kept in contact even when I was in Jessamine through letters.

Lady Amara is a soft-spoken lady with a strawberry blonde shoulder-length hair and gray eyes that make her look like a bit sleepy. It always amazes me how she can deliver a sarcastic remark in those soft-spoken ways of her. Although she does not usually say such things but prefers to observe, fading in the background to get information. With her features and tone of voice, she always looks too gentle.

Dressed in the constricting heavy clothes of day dress complete with a bustle I arrived punctual accompanied by both Ash and Holly as per usual. I arrived with my prototype products in a basket. I did promise to give to Lady Amara some of my products in the last letter I sent to her from Jessamine.

“Hmm, this one smells good, a bit citrusy,” Amara said while inspecting one of my creams. Currently, we are in one of their drawing rooms, only Holly and Amara’s maidservant Del is with us.

Looking at what she was holding, I did label all the containers for easy explanation, I answered “Yes that cream, it is a combination of vanilla and a variant of an experimental rose called Lamarque, it is good for moisturizing and brightening the skin”

“Lamarque?” she asked pronouncing the unfamiliar word carefully.

“It is a hybrid rose that is currently still in an experimental stage and only exclusive in certain stores in mainland La Tiera. Teacher Mikado was given one as a gift and planted it in the gardens of the house we were staying in Jessamine. I did take some to be planted at Strelitzia.” I explained as I arrange the small jars of containers for her perusal. “I was actually surprised to find a rose that does not really smell like a rose but more lemony”

“Amazing how people can think and improve such things,” she said her wonder evident in her voice as she opened another container of cream.

“Yes, I know. Studying under Teacher Mikado really opens one’s curiosity and thirst to know more and question if there are other things for improvement” I said proudly as I handed her one of the shampoo bars wrapped in cloth.

“That is good then, I was a bit worried about you. I just left the Academy early that time because of Mother’s insistence then the next day I hear you are already the subject of many gossips and left the Academy for good. Your engagement annulled and was humiliated in front of many young nobles” She said sadly, a bit of frown in her face. “That is why I told you to be careful of Lady Althea”

Smiling sadly by the reminder I answered. “I apologize for worrying you Lady Amara and I have reflected upon it. I didn’t think that they will do such things as retaliation”

“Yes, you are right. If it was the old them, they wouldn’t do that, especially your older brother and Prince Lark. I have always wondered why they have changed that much just with a year of being in the Academy before us. Although the answer that I always get is because of Lady Althea, most that have become associated with her changed a lot.” She said in her soft voice but a small frown in her face.

As Del served the next round of teas I answered “Lady Amara you really are good at observing others…you noticed that as well? Holly has been telling me that before.”

“Hmm, Isn’t Lady Camellia the only one who didn’t notice? Whenever Prince Lark is present you forget everyone else.” She said teasingly “With just a day of observing her surrounded by those young men I saw it all. Honestly, she is one scary lady”

“Scary?” I asked the remembering Camellia’s interaction with Lady Althea I continued “ Yes you are right. She only looks too innocent like a child I get confused too, but whenever I remember that look of satisfaction she had barely a second before she reverted to that innocent facade of her, makes me wonder what her real aim is?”

Sipping delicately with her tea she contemplated and said “Yes, she is someone you cannot easily know what she is thinking. One will always think that she is just naïve a child, but…. If you look at the people she has been, all with really high status, it is as if she controls them from behind, they have trained from such a young age to be more vigilant to not be used by others, but they easily fell for her. Their actions do not portray the training they have been given. It seems suspicious.”

“Yes, you are right. But let us put a stop to this topic alright? Lady Amara, how have you been lately?” I said as a not so subtle change of topic.

“Me? Well, I have been bored. I am already reaching that age, so Mother has me trained in how to be a good bride until I get a good partner. Mother has been persistent in having my coming of age ceremony early. But with the situation now…. I really want to prolong it and the choice of my partner for engagement. I apologize about that, I do not think you want to be reminded of your engagement”

Waving her concerns, I asked. “It is alright. Are you prolonging because of the ascension war?”

With a sigh, she answered “Yes, the factions have subtly moving they are trying to recruit families to their side. My family is also feeling the pressure from it, especially since there is only a year left before Prince Lark officially came of age”

“With the topic of coming of age. I haven’t heard any announcement for the First Princess’ coming of age? I asked because as far as I know too from our lessons, she’s only a year and a few months older than me, almost the same age as older brother Jarred.

Looking at me suddenly Lady Amara asked, “Oh, you know about her?”

“Yes, actually Teacher Mikado told us in one of our lessons.” I answered “She should be having her coming of age this year or early next year”

“There have been rumors that since Princess Iris is out of the kingdom and studying abroad, she will not be having the coming of age ceremony until her studies are finished.” She answered. “I heard from my eldest sister though, that she also heard a rumor from one of the tea parties she attended that the Heirs to the thrown will have a combined coming of age ceremony.”

“Oh, really? That has never happened before” I said, which is true that will be a first.

“Yes. Also, that ceremony is where the King as per rumors will announce who will be the Heir apparent to the throne” Taking another sip with her tea she continued “They were rumors that Lord Jarred’s and your coming of age will be done at the same time and ceremony”

“Eh? But older brother Jarred’s ceremony is scheduled after graduation and mine are still unknown. Why would we even have our ceremony with the Heirs?” I asked bewildered while taking one of the scones to taste.

“Who knows? I did get confused by that rumor too. They said it is because the Grand Duke is fourth in line to the throne, subsequently you and Sir Jarred are sixth and fifth respectively. Meaning Heirs to the throne too”

“Well, I can understand Father, but why me and older brother? There are other Dukes that can take precedence”

“Lady Camellia have you forgotten your own family history? Upon the foundation of the kingdom, your ancestors and the First King were brothers, sons of the Emperor. Your ancestor is the older one but passed off the crown to his younger brother because he wants to marry the only daughter of the Strelitzia Ducal House at that time. That is why your house was promoted to a Grand Duchy. That is why in case of unrest in the ascension of the throne, the Grand Duke’s family have precedence after the Royal Line against the other Dukes” She explained in a reprimanding tone.

Honestly, I did not know about that, more as I forgot, the only thing I knew clearly is that the Strelitzia house is one of the oldest and original houses before the Empire La Tierra conquered the current Kingdom Anthos. There were theories that our House is the original Royal but was never proven. But if that is the case…. no wonder Lady Olivette fears and hate Mother. There is actually a big chance that Mother maybe Queen if our house desired the throne. A position that Lady Olivette has desired and was not able to get. That is why she pushes Prince Lark to be the King, because if that is the case she will be the Queen Mother, still a queen nonetheless.

“Lady Camellia?” Amara asked a bit worried. She must have realized that I was not listening anymore.

“Sorry Lady Amara, I spaced out a bit,” I answered reassuring her.

“Let us put a stop on this topic.” She said smiling apologetically. “Have you been to the markets since you arrived? Our favorite bakery has released a new flavor of cake”

I smiled as a show of gratitude with the change of topic. “Oh. I have yet to visit the markets. I wonder if they have new books”

“You and your books Lady Camellia. “ she said giggling “How about we visit today before you go back home?”

0o0

We decide to leave after half an hour as what is considered polite. We have used my carriage for the trip. The markets are really lively this time of the day. We walked first to see around before going to bookstores where I lost myself as I look for other genres of books I want to read.

When we were walking through one of the bridges over a stream I saw someone I did not expect. It was Crysantha and she is accompanied by a man. They were talking about something while walking, they look like they were having fun because Crysantha is talking with gestures and such. As much as I do not really want to be seen by her, we will pass each other to get to our next destination. It is only Lady Amara and I that is present, but I do know that Holly and Del are somewhere near us.

As we pass each other Crysantha saw me, clearly startled upon seeing me in the area. “Camellia?!”

“Crysantha! I thought you are still in Vinea?” I greeted faking the surprise to show that I only saw her when she greeted me not a minute before.

“Ah, I just arrive this morning here.” She answered. When she saw me looking at her companion, she introduced him. “Ah. Yes. This is my younger brother Ren”

Oh, so he’s one of the brothers. I actually thought he’s that person that Crysantha usually avoided talking about but always slips. The brother in question is a young man that you cannot really see the full features. He is wearing a really large hat that covers his head fully and casts a shadow on half his face. He is even wearing colored glasses (‘Was that light-colored shades? They have shades here?’) and because of the afternoon light, you cannot see the color of his eyes. He is well built though, as much as he covers his body with a coat, it still shows. He has a sword strapped in his belt peaking out of the coat so I can hazard a guess that he really works out. He does not look that suspicious though, especially since that really large hat is becoming a trend right now, the glasses are the one that’s not normal kinda.

“Ah. Nice to meet you, I am Camellia” I said introducing myself with a slight bow and I receive only a nod in reply. Awkward. “By the way, this is Lady Amara, one of my friends”

“Nice to meet you, Miss Crysantha, Sir Ren,” Amara said with a respectful bow. A greeting bow used by a noble in outside and public setting and if the person’s status you are talking to is unknown.

“Nice to meet you too. As much as I want to talk more, we are kind of needed to go somewhere. I apologize” Crysantha said, bordering a bit rude but her body language shows that she really needs to go, or awkwardly trying to hide something. Curious.

“It is alright. Have a nice day. We will see each other in a few days anyway” I said. We said our goodbyes and parted ways.

“She’s clearly hiding something,” Lady Amara said as we get farther away from Crysantha.

“Yes, but she is always full of secrets,” I answered. “I apologize on behalf of her if she offended you in some way.”

“It is alright. I do wonder why the brother looks familiar though.” Amara said confused. “I cannot put a finger on it but I feel like I have met that person before.”

“Familiar? But he’s completely covered. I cannot even see any distinguishing features except the bow-shaped lips.” I said shrugging unladylike. “He does not really look familiar to me”

“When did you start shrugging like a plebian?” she asked nonchalantly.

“Hmm? I do?”

“Yes, you do,” she said “But since we are pretending to be not so high noble lady, it is alright I guess”

0o0

The night before our departure to the Strelitzia Territory, we have received a message from Teacher Mikado that he and Crysantha (and Miss Vi) will not be able to meet with us at the designated time and will be delayed for a few days but to be rest assured that they will arrive at the Strelitzia Territory after their business is done. I believe that it is also the reason why I met Crysantha at the markets the other day.

Bright and early and after breakfast we started our travel. Before we left Father have given instructions on us for the duration of our stay in the Strelitzia.

“Camellia, as per Master Mikado’s request you three will not be residing in the family manor but in one of the guest house,” Father said. We are currently outside of the house and waiting for the time of our departure. The carriage which is designed for long and comfortable travel is behind us.

“Yes, Father” I answered. As far as I know, the guest house is not that far from the family manor. It might have a mini forest and gardens in between but still within the family manor’s grounds. The Strelitzia family manor has about five of those.

“And also, greet your Grandfather first before settling down to rest once you arrived. Do remind him of your brother’s arrival and training. You have a few days of rest before Master Mikado arrives, use that time to your own leisure.”

“As you wish Father,” I said gave a curtsy bow. After a few more instructions and messages to be passed on we are ready to leave. With hugs from both my parents, I step into the carriage with Holly and left.

The trip will be long and a bit dangerous since we will be going through numerous mountainsides and cliffsides before we can arrive at the Strelitzia. Going around Freesia is a really tedious journey. The trip is normal and boring as expected. I have read many books in order to pass the time but I am still restless. I feel like there is something that will happen but I cannot figure it out.

On the third day of travel, we suddenly came to a stop more like immediately halted, like cars going and then hitting the break. If there were more force, we might have toppled a bit. The sudden stop is a bit curious since we are nowhere near our destination and we are currently traveling on a road by cliffside, a really deep fall if we are not careful.

“Is something wrong?” Holly asked, but before anyone from outside can answer an arrow shot past her almost hitting me.

“Holly! Protect the Princess!” I heard Ash shout from outside. It looks like we are currently under attack but by whom?

Suddenly a man with a mask appeared and attacked us. He broke the carriage door and leaped inside but before he can hurt us, Holly has deflected, defending using knives that she always kept hidden in her clothes. Sounds of metal clashing with each other were heard both inside and outside the carriage. I am worried not only for both Holly and me but for the coachman and of course Ash too. He is alone outside fighting.

Because Holly cannot defend easily inside the carriage, she used her body weight to throw the man outside. Holly jumped and followed to continue the fight or to end him.

I do not remember what really happened after that. One second I was shouting for Holly to watch out behind her because another man was going to attack, the next second the carriage was moving and was going off the cliff. By my deductions, it looks like the horses were startled and ran and pulling the carriage and me with them. But because of the force of the horses and no one guiding them the carriage crashed to a rock and the carriage wheels were damaged and detached as a result. However, the horses did not stop until another crash in the rocks resulted in the carriage detaching from the horses. Because of the impact, the carriage was thrown the edge of the cliff.

“Milady!” I heard Holly shout. But I cannot really react because of the dizziness and pain of being slammed numerous times inside the carriage. However, I did saw a glimpse of her face full of horror when there was a sudden dip, the carriage fell off the cliff, me inside of it. My first instinct was to jump, so I jumped outside the carriage. But I did not fully realize our location, the carriage fell down and smashed to the rocks in the cliffside but I am free-falling through the cliff and onto the river below it, some of the carriage pieces beside me. What a really dangerous and idiotic decision have I made.

I hit the cold water harshly almost knocking my breath off. But I tried to focus on avoiding the carriage pieces that are hitting the water too and swimming to the surface as fast as I can. When I got to the surface I only got a lungful of air before I was forced to the water again. The current is harsh and strong, I tried again to break the surface and stay afloat. Cold and pain is the only thing I am feeling right now, one of the wood pieces struck me in my side which is bleeding and hurting right now. Fortunately, when I was able to break to the surface again, I was able to grab a piece of wood probably from the carriage to help myself to stay afloat. But it is hard, my body is thrown around by the current to the rocks and my dress heavy with water and dragging down. I have to be mindful too in order to avoid the bigger pieces of the carriage that is swimming with me. The current is too harsh and fast dragging me away.

My ears are ringing from the harsh water and my wounds really hurt I think I am bleeding out too. My body is really tired from all those bumping with the rocks, wood and blood loss. It is hard to stay conscious and my grip on the wood is slipping. With one more bump to a rock by a really big current I lost my grip into the wood and was dragged underwater losing consciousness as a result. I only felt pain and saw darkness and knew no more.

‘Am I going to die again?’