It's been about a few days since Angelo and Aliya's disappearance. I've been able to cover up their absence as isolated training, though I don't know how long I'll be able to keep this up. I've been avoiding Eugene since then and, trust me, I feel horrible about it. After this ordeal, I should apologize to him.
Suddenly, a knock sounded from the door of my office.
"You may enter."
The door opens to a maid standing at the threshold, "Your Highness, His Majesty wishes to speak with you in his study," she explains, curtsying before quietly leaving.
I pause for a moment, taking in the words just spoken.
Father wants to see me? But why?
I get up from my chair and rush out the door. I speed walk down the hall, turning left at the corridor, and arriving at the doors of Father's study in a short time.
It's been many years since I found myself in front of these doors again. I remember coming here quite often when I was younger, though I was kicked out one way or another.
I pause for a moment, my fist an inch away from the door. I feel a sense of hopefulness for some reason, similar to the past. Like I was still that little girl that wanted to make her father proud. Perhaps, I still am...
I take a deep breath. It'll be fine, you can do this.
I knock on the door.
"You may enter," a voice from inside answers.
I push open the doors and enter the study, only to be met by my father and my older brother.
"Greetings sister, it's been a while since our last meeting," Colin remarks, his silver hair in full view.
"Indeed it has, Brother," I agree, bobbing a curtsy with a smile, "How have you been? Has the vanguard been treating you well?"
"Yes, quite well in fact," He moves closer to me, "I hear that the heroes have been put in your care; I do hope to be acquainted with them soon."
"Yes, hopefully," I nod, feeling my eyebrow twitch for a second.
"Ahem."
We look toward the large wooden desk where our father is sorting out documents.
I haven't seen him since the winter banquet last year. Even then, I only had glimpses of him. But I can see that he hasn't changed much; his silver hair is still slicked back, showing a gnarled scar etched across his forehead, and the long furred cloak that rests on his shoulders.
"Now, then," he starts, "Princess Althea, I've noticed that your reports to me have been more scarce as of late. Care to explain?"
"Of course father. Unfortunately, I have been quite busy with my regular duties, as well as managing military logistics on top of that. Reporting back to you simply slipped my mind. I ask that you do forgive me."
Father leans back in his chair, placing his paperwork to the side.
"I see. I suppose your duties do come first," he concedes, "However, I would like you to explain why you have been sending away the tutors and tailors that I sent for the heroes?"
He sits up and folds his hands on the desk, "From what I've gathered from my informants, you've been isolating them for some time now."
"Well, as I've explained in past reports, the heroes are in the midst of training; I didn't want anyone to interrupt them."
"Is that so?" Colin chimes in, moving closer to Father's desk, "Isn't Captain Eugene the one training them? But from what I know, he hasn't been reported to have even entered your wing of the palace in some time now."
I feel a drop of sweat run down my neck.
Curses.
It was only a matter of time before Father grew suspicious by the lack of reports. I didn't expect Brother to be back this soon. He would definitely suspect something as well.
I clear my throat and reply, "Well, Eugene has been rather busy with his duties. I thought I would lift excess work off his shoulders and personally train the heroes myself."
"I see. Do you usually isolate your students, Sister?" Collin asks, leaning against Father's desk.
"I am simply eliminating any distractions," I counter.
"... Very well. Seems that's all we have to speak about. Princess, you may leave, your brother and I have much to discuss," Father said before returning to his papers.
"Of course," I say, bowing before leaving.
I close the door behind me, breathing out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness.
I rush back to my office, slumping back into my desk.
I stare at the paperwork I have yet to finish, rubbing my temples, I sigh again, "This is fine," I reassure myself.
You just need to stall them, just until the banquet. Whatever it is to come, you'll figure out something. I clasp my hands together in prayer. Just two more days left. Aliya, please be somewhere safe. I slump in my chair for a bit before standing up from my desk. Heading towards the door, I turn the knob and leave the office. Walking down the halls, I stop by the garden. A stroll here will clear my mind.
I stroll through the garden, passing various flowers. How marvelous.
I stop by the patch of blue violets, picked one up, and place it in my hair. I walk over to the pond nearby and peer into my reflection. Violets really don't suit me at all, what a shame.
I continue on my walk, making my way past the courtyard where I spot Eugene, most likely taking a break from training. I step onto the path and wave at him. On noticing me, he turns around and waves back.
"Eugene!"
"Althea," he smiles, taking off his helmet, "It's been a while."
"Yes it has," I nod, finally feeling some weight lift from my shoulders. "How have you been doing?'
"Well. And you?" he asks.
"Fine, for the most part," I answer, letting an exasperated groaned escape from my mouth.
"I see. Are you willing to talk about it?"
"Yes, please," I agreed.
We walk down the path while I talk about work. "The workload has thankfully gotten slower, but running army logistics has been taxing lately," I sigh.
"I can understand that, with supplies running thin, who knows how long we'll last," He nods, looking equally exhausted.
"I'm just thankful that Gloria has retreated for now."
"That, I am thankful for as well," he agreed.
I stared at him, gazing at the apparent bags under his eyes, "Will you be returning to the rear soon?"
"After the banquet, yes."
"I see..." I place my hand on his shoulder, "Please take care of yourself, Running yourself ragged isn't good for your health."
He turns to me and smiles, "Speak for yourself."
"I suppose I can't say anything about that," I shrug. Taking my hand back as I start to reminisce on this morning's events.
"Father had asked me to meet with him this morning."
"How did it go?" Eugene asks with his usual look of worry.
"As expected," I answer.
He pats me on the shoulder and puts his helmet back on, "Have heart Althea. In the face of hardship, I'll always be there."
"I know."
Side Story Dated - 13 yrs
One Day
I reached for the next branch above me, missed it by a hair, and plummeted to the ground with a scream.
"Princess!" Trisha shouted, running to my side.
I held my arm, feeling some blood seeping out, "Ow," I squeaked, holding back my tears.
I heard a groan from a little bit away, "Would it kill you to be more careful for once?" Colin asked, kneeling at my side.
He placed his hand on my arm as a soft glow, enveloped my wound, and the next moment, it disappeared!
"There, now don't try to get hurt anymore. I don't need to waste my powers on someone like you," he sneered before walking off.
He was probably going to spend time with father. I looked away from him, mumbling a thank you to no answer.
"Are you okay princess?"
I turned to Trisha, who was on the brink of tears, "I'm fine Trish, don't cry okay?"
"O-of course!" she panically said, hurriedly wiping her tears, "I was just worried, that's all."
"I know," I nodded, looking at my hands and then my hair. It was blonde, not silver like father's and brother's. It meant I wasn't able to use Celestial arts, try as I might though.
I looked at Trisha again, "Do you think I'll be able to perform Celestial arts one day?"
Trisha stared at me for a moment before answering, "Uh, of course you will, princess. You're part of the royal family, remember? I know you'll be able to one day!" she assured me.
I smiled, "Yes, of course I will..." I looked back at my hands and focused on them, but still nothing. I sighed, dropping my hands. One day.
Surely.