On the contrary, today is a rare day of splendid health and energy for Cecilia. Her bedridden excuse this time is a ruse, and of that she is immensely grateful.

She is now in a small carriage, sitting across Crown Prince Alaric, in what can very well be her first time sneaking out. The old maids would never suspect. Because of her weak constitution, she generally appeared to be a rather languid, well-bred lady, domestically inclined with little interest in the outside world and physical activity. That is not exactly wrong, but it is more natural for a sheltered girl like her to yearn for an adventure sometimes. So when Alaric expressed a need to return to the Illustri castle, whatever his reasons may be, she wanted to tag along.

Her posture is proper, ladylike and rigid, but her eyes are pinned to the little window, watching the scenery as it frequently shifts from clusters of trees and plants to rows of commoner houses and large stretches of peasant farms. Such a mundane view proved to be a rarity in her eyes. The corners of her mouth are upturned, possibly unbeknownst to her. Alaric finds her fascinated expression to be quite amusing.

"You seem to enjoy the view," Alaric remarks.

Cecilia involuntarily lets out a tiny gasp and averts her eyes instantly to look at the prince. "Not at all! I was merely staring absently." 

Alaric smiles back, as if implying he doesn't believe her. "Even the peasants enjoy the sight of nature during this season. You must have been indoors for quite some time, so these things should seem newer to you."

She fidgets a little in her seat. "Yes, everything seems new," she admits. She bites her lip and glances at the floor, as if searching for words. She opens her mouth again, and says with hesitation, "I actually joined you so I can go outside. I apologize for it not being out of helping you."

At this, Alaric laughs loudly, much to Cecilia's surprise. "I know that! Goodness, Ceil—why are you so shy today?"

Cecilia clears her throat, blinks several times and regains her composure, somewhat. "I've no idea. Must be the change of pace getting to me."

But she might have a reason. Aside from being outdoors, it has been a long while since she and Alaric spent time together. He was often with Margaret, or busy with his duties. They have been friends for so long, but now it feels as if she doesn't know how to face him. 'How silly!' Ceil thought. 'Why should things be different this time?' Then again, she cannot remember how they even interacted normally back then.

"All right, let me act like I care more," Ceil says, attempting to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Why are you returning to the Castle?"

"Oh, I told you about that a long time ago," Alaric drawls in a sulky tone.

Ceil rolls her eyes at him. "I didn't care back then, all right?"

"You wound me, Ceil!" Alaric puts his hand over his heart in mock offense.

Ceil smirks at him. "Sorry. Now tell me your reason."

Alaric shoots a playful glare at Cecilia. "Cold woman." He then drops his act and glances at the window. "Margaret told me that she has something to show me. I want to search the castle for clues that might help me find her."

Ceil's smirk falters. 

"She might have brought those things with her, wherever she is,"

Cecilia says for the sake of dissenting. She is not in the least bit surprised; in a way, she already knew Alaric's reason. Even so, hearing it from him makes her...

"That may be true," Alaric replies, sensing none of Cecilia's change in disposition. "But, I want to do everything I can to find her."

Whatever she felt, thought, or wished to say, Cecilia pushes aside. "And I am here to help," she reassures, as she usually does. "After all, I am your friend."

Entering the castle is not an issue, since the prince is always welcome at the grounds at any moment. That applies even if the castle is currently in total disarray, with several sections closed off for repairs. The carriage stops at some distance away from the building. 

'Going into a damaged castle for a first adventure makes me think I'm actually reckless,' Cecilia thinks, grinning to herself.

"Will you be all right, Ceil?" Alaric asks. "We can ask the chauffeur to accompany us."

"I'll be fine," Ceil answers. She knows having the chauffeur with them will only get in the way of Alaric's search. But the same goes for her, too.

Alaric leads the way, with Cecilia following closely behind. The halls are empty. Reconstruction has not started yet.

"How are you feeling?" He asks.

Cecilia is moved by his concern, and laughs a little. "Don't mind me too much," she says. 

"All right, promise that you'll be careful," Alaric reminds her, not quite letting go of his worry.

What a relief it is to walk behind Alaric right now! He cannot see the light blushing of Cecilia's face, and her giddy smile brought by such inconsequential words! The heart can be such a simple thing. It soars so easily...

Ceil barely notices that they are now in one of the castle's grand halls, where paintings of the Royal Family are on display, from the predecessors to the present Members. Near the end of the hall, a painting of the present Family is hung. Alaric stops to stare. Cecilia knows where that gaze lies, is where his heart lies.

It breaks so, so easily.

Margaret and Cecilia never had a close relationship. It was not so much a matter of differing interests or incompatible personalities, but rather the amount of time they spent together. They seldom met, and those meetings were always on the pretext of formal gatherings. She rarely went out, and the princess was often busy. She met Alaric a bit later, but they got along better.

Alaric now moves on towards the end of the hall. He reaches for the brass door handles and pushes the double-doors open. 

Inside is a wide room with barely any furniture in it. The length of the room indicates that it could have been used as a dining hall. The tables and chairs must have been put away to prevent further damage. Cecilia stops at the entrance, while Alaric stands in the center of the room.

"There's nothing to see here. Should we go elsewhere?" Ceil calls out.

Alaric turns to face her. "I think if we go straight from here, we'll reach the servants' quarters in no time."

Ceil almost takes another step when she remembers Alaric's impaired sense of direction. Also, she spots suspicious cracks along the marble floor. 'He's standing right on top of them,' she notes.

"Alaric," comes her tentative call. "Let's find another way. Come back here, and walk slowly."

"What's wrong, Ceil?" Alaric asks. He sees the girl's stare directed to the floor under his feet. His eyes dart downwards as he takes another step.

The cracks increase.

"Look out!" Cecilia screams.

Under Alaric's feet, the floor crumbles.

—end of Entry Two—