I arrived back at the inn with the guards. The captain of the guards walked up to me. 

“Princess! If you wish to go on a walk, please let one of us know! We almost lost our lives when you disappeared!” 

Sir Luke, the captain of the second squadron and the second son of Marquis Rosenante. He earned his knighthood at the age of 17 and has been working for the royal family since. He’s merely three years older than me, yet he’s more mature than the rest of the drunk hooligans calling themselves guards. 

“I apologise. I won’t do that anymore.” I don’t want to cause him trouble. He’s still young. 

Shocked by my response, the knight instantly fell on one knee and lowered his head. 

“Your Highness, please forgive me if I spoke rudely. I didn't mean to restrict your freedom, only that as knights ordered by the king to protect you on your journey, your safety is our priority!” He explained himself so carefully just so I wouldn't feel offended? Older sister must have tortured him with her short temper. 

“Please stand up. The way you fell to your knees- you could've been injured. I understand your concern and next time I have to go somewhere, I will let you know in advance. I’m tired so I’ll head up first. Please enjoy the night.” The young man glanced up while I turned around. I couldn’t quite get his expression, but he stayed on his knee until I had walked upstairs. A knight’s oath sure can be controlling.

I was back in my room and maybe because of all the sudden events, I felt completely drained. I fell on my bed and my thoughts began to wander again. 

“Next time…? I will probably be dead by then. Hahaha.”  It wasn’t funny in the least bit, but thinking that way made me feel a tiny bit better. In the midst of my thoughts, I fell asleep. Uncomfortable dreams made my sleep feel impossible. Just then, a purple glimmer appeared in the corner of my eye, a deep yet sweet voice followed; 

“It will be okay. It will all be okay.” 

Who is that? Why does it matter? I feel so safe. So comfortable and safe. 

And just like that I comfortably slept the rest of the night away. When I woke up, there was no one around. I’m almost guaranteed that someone came into my room, but there was no such sign. What an odd experience. 

………

Today was the day the travelling came to an end as we had finally reached the Duke’s territory. Unlike the rumours of his personality, the estate in itself was well maintained. No one would guess what goes on inside that house. 

Upon my arrival, two rows of servants lined up at the door and welcomed me into the mansion. They all had such perfect 90 degree bows that the mere image sent chills up my spine. The servants varied a lot in age, some looked as though bowing must be a strain, meanwhile there were actual children standing in those rows as well. 

“Your Highness, My name is Mervin, I am the head butler of his estate. I welcome you to Vincent Manor. As the future lady of this house, it is in our best wishes that you are comfortable with us. Please follow me, I shall guide you to your quarters.” He spoke elegantly but there was a mysterious tone in his words that I couldn’t quite sort out. 

As one would expect from a Duke, not only the outer gardens, even the inside of the mansion was in perfect condition. The cleanliness was making me feel nauseous. Seventeen women died in these premises. The thought alone made me want to run away. 

“Your Highness, these are your quarters.” 

The butler opened the door to a spacious suite filled with expensive furniture, all of it laced in pure gold. There was a closet room filled with pre-ordered dresses from the top boutiques and countless accessories to suit each and every piece. The dressing table also had enough makeup products. It was a lovely room except it missed one significant factor. 

“Does the Duke have his own library?” There was no sign of a bookshelf or any kind of books. 

“Yes he does. However I apologise your highness, but the Duke does not permit anyone entrance to his library.” 

Reasons to leave no.1: No books.

Right at that moment, three maids knocked on the door. 

“Ah that’s right! Your Highness, these are your personal maids that will attend to you from today onwards: Elise, Lucy and Mona. If you have any concerns, you can ask them for help.” 

One by one, they introduced themselves.

“Good evening Your Highness, my name is Elise, it is an honour to serve the Second Princess!” 

“Good evening Your Highness, my name is Lucy, It is an honour to serve the Second Princess!” 

“Good evening Your Highness, my name is Mona, It is an honour to serve the Second Princess!” 

What a scripted introduction. Are they trained to answer in the same tone and the same words? 

“It’s a pleasure.” 

Reason to leave no.2: Suspicious. 

“Mervin, I would like to meet the Duke as well. May I ask where he is?” Since we’re betrothed, I should at least meet my fiance.  

“I apologise to Your Highness, but the Duke is a bit busy at the moment. Instead he has invited you to dinner in two hour’s time. Although I understand the princess must be tired from her journey. If you do not wish to attend, I will notify the Duke immediately.” 

Something is wrong here. There is definitely something going on. 

Since the moment I arrived, the butler hastily brought me to my quarters and now he wants to notify the Duke about my absence despite me not having said a word. Why is he trying to make me not meet the Duke? Are those rumours about the seventeen wives actually true? 

Rewrite reason no.2: It is way too suspicious! 

Mervin had a serious expression on his way, almost like he was forcing me to say that I wasn’t going to attend. 

But I am a princess, I’m not afraid of anyone. 

……… 

“She feels sick?” said the mysterious man sitting cross-legged on a leather chair. 

“Yes Sir,” said the butler. 

“Alright then, send the family doctor to take a look.”

“Yes Sir.” 

……….

Knock. Knock. Knock. 

“You’re highness, the doctor is here.” A familiar voice spoke from behind the white door. 

“Come in.” 

An old man walked up to my bed and bowed to me, “Greetings your highness!” He placed my head atop a little cushion and examined my vitals. He examined with care until something got his eyes jolted awake. He brushed it off and proceeded with the exam. 

“The princess is fatigued and requires rest.” 

But I’m not. 

Reasons to leave no.3: This place is built on lies

TBC.