As the soft sunlight filtered through the leaves, I tilted my face towards its warm embrace, taking in a deep breath of the fresh air that surrounded me. The gentle breeze rustled through the space, causing my hair to sway gently. In this moment, I found solace in the tranquility of my surroundings.

However, I couldn't ignore the inevitable truth that this peacefulness would soon be shattered by the demands and expectations that come with being a foreign royalty.

It’s been four days since I was brought to Marrossi, but I haven’t met the one who saved me. Though he’s technically my savior, I wouldn’t call someone like that – for I don’t even know if he’s an ally or enemy in disguise. Marrossi is still an enemy kingdom, so I can’t let my guard down too fast.

I winced as I felt the pain in my arm and leg, but I’m grateful that the pain is less than a few days back. I must say, I owe those people a lot. Or in this case, Izavenes, because we wouldn’t consider ourselves as human.

"Thyra! I didn't expect to see you outside of your room. I was worried that something had happened," Hermine said, her voice filled with concern. "You should have breakfast. The prince will be arriving in the afternoon. We can take care of your wounds and change your bandages later so that you’ll feel comfortable.”

“Though the weather here is colder than in Eurhyia, I’d like to take a bath. It’s been three days since the last time I did. I think I can manage to help myself just fine.” I responded.

“Alright,” she answered, and turned back to return to the tree house.

“Hermine,” she looked back when I called her name. “Thank you. For everything. I hope I didn’t become a burden. I hope I can help you in any way.”

“If you’re thinking about paying, you don’t have to. I’m just doing my role as the subject of the second prince. He brought you here because he trusts us. You can help perhaps by preparing tea later. I’ll appreciate it.”

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

Brewing tea by myself was a new experience for me. Usually, it was my servants who took care of such tasks, while my role was simply to invite people to tea parties. However, tea parties were not something I often engaged in, as they were often filled with ladies elegantly exchanging cutting remarks and hiding behind pleasant smiles.

I shook my head, letting go of the memories of the noble ladies I had once been acquainted with. I believed that they would find their rightful place in due time.

As I lifted the tray carrying the teapot, preparing for the small gathering, Hermine pushed the door open, revealing a man with fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes. A cocky smile adorned his face, adding to his confident demeanor.

Is this … him?

"Greetings, Your Highness. It is truly an honor to have you here," Hermine greeted with respect, and I followed suit, offering a slight bow. It was a surreal moment for me, as I couldn't believe that I was now the one extending such greetings to someone from enemy territory. It would take time for me to fully comprehend and adjust to this new reality.

“You seem to be doing well,” the man said, his voice quite sarcastic. “I believe we have things to discuss. Have a seat.” He shifted his eyes to Hermine giving her a signal that he wants the two of us to be alone. Hermine left the room without question.

“Hermine informed me that you were the one who saved me. I want to express my sincere gratitude for your kindness, Your Highness. I am truly grateful to you, and I owe you my life,” I wanted to spit out the last words because this isn't my normal way of talking, but I have to give a good impression to get the information that I want.

“You were in a carriage attacked by bandits, and you fought them all by yourself. You took down most of them, and I arrived when you were almost unconscious. I find it amazing regardless. You sure have skills in sword fighting, which is pretty interesting, considering that you’re a lady. I’d like to know more about you. I suppose you’re a noble?” he said, maintaining his composure while drinking the tea I poured into his cup.

“I had a title, but that doesn’t matter anymore. I’m a fugitive now who left my kingdom due to personal issues. I brought my jewelry so that I can exchange it for money once I find a pawn shop because I'm aware that my country's currency isn't the same as in the Ruivenfiere

Empire.” I explained, looking directly into his eyes. "I remember seeing the fire that made the bandits run away. Was it from you?”

“I’m a red diamond Izavene, thus, my power is fire. Of course, I’m capable of doing other things but that’s mainly the power I have.” The idea of fire only reminds me of the flaming sword on the battlefield. If this prince has fire power, then I may be getting closer to the man

I’ve been looking for – the main reason why I wanted to be here in the first place. “Then there’s you, an alexandrite Izavene. It's truly a surprise because alexandrite Izavenes has been forgotten in this place. Almost nobody knew that they exist. That’s why I brought you here. If someone finds out that you’re an alexandrite Izavene, you might get in trouble.” He added.

He seems to imply that the Alexandrite Izavenes have been completely eradicated. However, it is difficult to comprehend how an empire could forget about our existence. 

While I am curious to know the answer, I also hesitate to hear it from him. I don't want to appear ignorant, even if the truth may be hard to accept—for now.

“I witnessed you using your lightning powers to eliminate some of the bandits, which led me to believe that your Alexandrite ring is not merely a decorative piece, but an Izavene ring. If you plan to explore the town, I recommend wearing gloves to conceal it, as locals may misinterpret its significance,” An amused grin spread out on the second prince’s lips. 

“You never know how the townspeople will react when they encounter a foreign noble. You were able to enter because you’re an Izavene, but ordinary humans would face dire consequences if they dared to cross the borders of Marrossi. I suppose that’s how I’ll welcome you here.” He added.

"I didn't grow up here. It's my first time visiting Marrossi, for it gave me hope that I’ll be in a safe place, knowing the empire’s reputation. That’s the most that I can say – that I ran away to save myself from the danger I’m overseeing from the household I once called home.”

"You're not completely telling the truth,” He retorted, his eyes studying me intently, making me shiver. “I doubt that you’re here to be safe.”

I maintained my composure, closing my eyes as I elegantly sipped my tea, reminiscent of the graceful manner in which I used to do so during my days as the princess of Eurhyia.

“If not, then what?” I smiled. “I just told you that I ran away because I’m concerned about my safety. Is there anything questionable about that? If there’s any, what possibility that you have in mind, Your Highness?”

He carefully placed his cup back on the saucer and took it upon himself to pour his own tea, rather than allowing me to do so. I noticed him gazing at his reflection in the tea, contemplating the most convincing response to my question. After a few moments, he lifted his head and locked his gaze onto mine.

“I don’t know, it’s just a gut feeling. Maybe I’ll figure that out myself. How about you? Do you have anything to ask me?” he asked.

What’s wrong with this person? When he mentions figuring things out himself, it could mean that he wants to personally investigate or discover the truth.

Reflecting on recent events, it is possible that he intends to assign someone to keep an eye on me. This realization further reinforces the notion that this place is indeed dangerous.

“I’d like to know how I can send letters. I have a friend in Eurhyia, and I have to tell him that I’m in a safe place. That’s our agreement before I left,” I responded, assuming that it’s a safe question to be asked.

“There’s no such thing as messenger birds sold in the market. If you want to send letters, you have to hire a Poudretteite Izavene. They’re trustworthy dogs, so don’t worry.”

I gulped as he mentioned about Poudretteite Izavenes. It only reminds me of Estelle, the one who disguised herself as my horse but isn't.

“Why do you say that they’re loyal? Also, how sure can I be that my letter would be sent to the right person? Anyone can betray anyone, even in places you call home.”

“I understand why you’re wary, but Poudretteite Izavenes are trained to be loyal to their master. They are threatened that if they won’t do their master’s words, they’ll end up being executed especially if their master is related to the imperial family. This is a place of bloodshed, you see. I believe you’ve heard of that somewhere.” The prince’s face looked more serious than earlier as if he's done showing his childish acts.

Come to think of it, I’ve heard about the empress who gained the title ‘blood empress’ because of how cruel her ways are.

“I have indeed heard such rumors. Your Highness, what leads you to believe that I might encounter trouble if my identity as an Alexandrite Izavene is revealed? Furthermore, why did you go through the trouble of rescuing me? I can't help but wonder if you have a motive that would ultimately benefit you."

The Ruivenfiere prince let out a soft chuckle, a mischievous grin forming on his face.

“I can’t believe I’m hearing that from a lady like you. Most ladies I know won’t be that direct, but you’re different. I appreciate your honesty, but you should be careful with what you'll say. You’re still talking to a prince.”

"Then act like it. Even in our household, I speak this way. From my perspective, I don't live to please people. I'd prefer to be direct to avoid wasting the time of both parties and be honest instead of pretending to be polite. So, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to know the answer to my questions. I want to know what you want.” He wouldn’t save me for nothing. Nowadays, people tend to use each other. I won’t be surprised if he’ll do the same.

"You are correct. I did not save you out of mere kindness, but rather because I recognized your value," he stated, briefly breaking eye contact before his expression turned serious. He then looked directly at me with a newfound determination in his eyes. "I want us to become allies."