Married To A Traitor General

02

The carriage came to a stop as we reached the palace doors.

The butler– Milin, an acquaintance of grandfather– helped us in opening the door.

Grandpa went out first before lending his hand to help me down the carriage.

I breathed in deeply as I subtly neated my skirt with my hand in an attempt to smoothen a crease if there is any.

My nervousness covered the anger and fear that I harbored towards the people governing this kingdom. I sighed before nodding at grandpa who was waiting for me to calm down.

The butler opened the palace doors and a huge receiving room welcomed my sight. It's walls are so high up with a shining chandelier at the center giving off an intimidating vibe of regaleness. I haven't had the time to study the room more closely because Milin led us to another room already.

I was guessing it was a small room but when Milin opened it, my mouth almost went agape. Thankfully, those years of learning etiquette prevented me from doing so. It was supposed to be expected because of how huge it was outside but it still surprised me.

"Former Duke, Ms. Asteria, please…" Milin trailed as he held out his hands towards, telling us to enter.

I followed grandpa inside with my chin up, back straight and shoulders proud. I want them to view us as someone they cannot just bully as they please. Someone with the temperament and the power.

Inside the room was another small receiving room. Milin, who was following us from behind invited us for a seat before he presented us with some snacks and tea.

Grandpa muttered a silent thanks before picking up his cup and placing it on his lips.

My hands which were gently placed on my lap suddenly clenched my skirt-like pants which reached my ankles.

I stared at my grandpa with a warning gaze.

I don't want him drinking or eating things that came from any noble's hands. We came here to obtain peace, and if this marriage won't take place, I fear that this generation would be the last of us phrasers.

However, grandpa merely winked at me and proceeded to drink the offered tea.

I defeated the urge to just slap that cup from his hand because doing so would result to a much more bigger problem.

When grandpa placed the cup back, the door at the furthest corner of the room opened and an elderly man entered.

Dressed with the aesthetics of a royal blood, I immediately recognized the man who is getting closer and closer to us.

Grandpa and I stood as we bowed our heads. A sign of respect I never dreamed of doing.

"Greetings to the sun and crown of Maev, King Arun," grandpa and I greeted.

"You may rise," the king's voice was filled with the power of intimidation.

When he sat down at a sole couch on the side, we followed through the butler's gestures.

"Long time no see, Valde," grandpa just calmly picked up his cup of tea after acknowledging the king's words while I'm sitting here in my seat very much agitated.

"I'm guessing this young lady here is the one?" He asked but he never once took a glance to look at me.

"Yes, your majesty," my grandpa agreed. My grandpa looked at me and with that, I composed myself and I started to speak.

"I am named Nesrin Asteria, your highness. Daughter of Duke and Duchess Asteria," the king merely nodded with what I said. Like I'm someone insignificant, not worthy of his presence.

"Milin, please take Lady Asteria to the lady's break room, it seems like she's a little tired from the long trip," the king said, which made my calm countenance suddenly frown.

The nervousness I was initially feeling has now changed into uneasiness and suspiciousness.

"Your–," I was about to speak when grandpa suddenly cut through.

"Nesrin," I looked at grandpa only to see him nodding.

"I know you're tired. You should go and take a little break," I pursed my lips and unwillingly agreed to what he said.

"Thank you, your majesty," I curtsied to the crown before following Milin out.

•••

Milin led me to a path where flowers were abundant.

Because of our slow pace, I got to enjoy the beautiful view and the fragrant perfume the flowers are emitting.

I would stop to admire them sometimes when I suddenly hear small chatters.

I looked ahead only to see a group of people alighting from the carriage. Milin, who was standing five steps ahead of me, started walking towards the group.

"Ms. Asteria," he called.

I sighed and followed him. Socializing was the last thing on my mind once I arrived in this place. While I was walking a question pooped out my head; is the castle that easy for people to just enter casually?

Milin arrived at the group slowly who were still standing at the place where their carriage stopped.

I breathed deeply before stopping a meter away from where Milin was standing.

Oh. A group of young nobles. Their age may be the same as mine.

Milin welcomed them and gestured the path we previously took.

I lightly frowned when I realized that this is not the way to the break room. If it is then, why do carriages stop here?

With that in mind, I waited for Milin to finish what he was doing before asking him. But I guess I'd find out later because one of the young ladies noticed me.

"Who's this, Milin?" I almost smirked when I heard her haughty voice.

A lady with no manners. I see, hmm.

I glanced at the group. So, there are five of them. Three young ladies and two young gentlemen.

I was ignoring them at first but it seems like that's not what's in their mind.

I held my skirt-pants and curtsied with a light bow.

"Nesrin Asteria, my lady," I stood with a lazy smile painted on my face. "...of Islauth Isle."

The shock on their faces was evident at first but slowly a wicked smile was formed on their lips, especially the one who asked for my name.

I glanced at Milin who was now staring at me. He must be wondering why I told them where I was from when it's not really necessary.

Well, these kids already knew so why bother hiding it.

"Oh! The island of rebels, I mean defenders!"

I can't stop from lifting my eyebrows with what the lady said. It looks like news flew so fast.

I tilted my head to the side. They came here to mock me huh.

The kids laughed elegantly with what the lady said, excluding their maids and guards who are at their backs, just remaining silent.

"Who might this be?" I asked.

"This is Lady Pana of the Hunle family, Ms. Asteria," Milin was the one who replied.

"Ah, a marquis," I trailed.

She was shocked at first but her smile soon turned smug.

"Aqwin!" she suddenly called out.

I lifted my head to look at the person she was calling.

A young man dressed in the darkest shade of blue stood at the back most part of the group with his eyes staring at Lady Hunle. Before I could study him much longer, Lady Hunle already took my attention.

"You must be wondering why we are here, Ms. Asteria... when your arrival in this city is something the king has ordered to conduct in secrecy," I agreed with her words. It is indeed done in secrecy to prevent people from ambushing us, especially when we were labeled as this country's rebels.

"But we guessed it might be okay. Especially when your fiance is with us. Right, Aqwin?!"

My gaze hurriedly shifted to that man. He was now staring at me too, then he slowly retracted his gaze. This man along with the other man was what took my attention. They acted like they laughed earlier when Lady Hunle called me a rebel but I can tell they're not really amused. They gained my interest then, now one of them ate it all.

I scrutinizingly watched this fiance but it seems like he's not the least bit interested in me.

"A traitor and a rebel. Aren't they a good match?" The lady at Lady Hunle's left suddenly spoke up.

My scrutiny towards this fiance was suddenly cut off.

What?