The news of Kaon’s engagement to Alessia finally broke, but not without ripples of discontent. The announcement was delayed to manage the inevitable backlash from the public wary of the Ingelos family.
The news sparked chaos throughout the Ferdinand estate.
“Those Ingelos again? Oh dear!”
“What are those wicked Ingelos up to with Ferdinand?!”
“What a disgrace! Our young master must have been bewitched to fall for an Ingelos!”
Even within the mansion, the sentiment was no different. Baroness Robert, a staunch defender of the Duchy’s legacy, burst into tears of anger fueled by the rumors swirling in from the capital.
The rumors, deliberately spread by Leonidas to deflect blame from herself, painted Kaon as a lovestruck fool who had fallen immediately for Alessia. This infuriated the Baroness, who had no way of knowing that Leonidas had orchestrated the engagement to secure Ferdinand’s future.
Kaon, on the other hand, felt a flicker of annoyance. Baroness Robert, her voice thick with emotion, grabbed his hands. “Young Master, we will forever remember your noble sacrifice.”
He stammered, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. “Wait, no, it’s not like that.”
While he had accepted the engagement for the family’s sake, it was also the easiest option at the time.
The Baroness, determined to show their unwavering support, continued, “Don’t worry, we will take responsibility for the future. We plan to demonstrate our resolve.”
“Resolve?” Kaon echoed, sensing a growing disconnect. The glint of determination in her eyes sent shivers down his spine.
Madeleine, the ever-loyal maid, chimed in, “Yes, we need to show it the true spirit of Ferdinand!”
Kaon’s heart sank. He understood all too well who “it” referred to – the princess of Ingelos.
A flurry of pronouncements followed, each laced with animosity.
“We’ll show the Ingelos princess what Ferdinand is truly like!”
“No one from Ingelos will dare disrespect Ferdinand again!”
The room erupted in a chorus of agreement and battle cries. Madeleine even pumped her fist in the air, while Kaon felt a throbbing headache forming, potentially the worst of his life.
Ten days later, on a beautiful summer day, a carriage bearing the Ingelos seal arrived in Ferdinand, marking the start of a potentially volatile encounter.
***
The jewel-encrusted staff, insignia of the Duke of Ingelos, flashed under the watchful gaze of the soldier stationed in the lookout tower. He promptly relayed the news, sending a ripple of excitement through the ranks of Ferdinand’s workers. Lined up in two neat rows flanking the grand entrance, they straightened their postures as the news of the princess’s imminent arrival spread.
The distant speck of a carriage slowly grew larger, traversing the tree-lined avenue leading to the manor. Kaon stole glances at it, his mind in a curious state. The familiar path, a daily companion, felt oddly warped. The distance seemed to stretch endlessly one moment, then shrink dramatically the next, the approaching carriage appearing alarmingly close.
The sweltering summer heat, devoid of spring’s lingering chill, only heightened his disorientation. He had been counting down the days until Alessia’s arrival, a reason he couldn’t quite explain. Now, a cocktail of emotions swirled within him, confusing and unsettling.
He dismissed his illogical musings as the product of an overactive mind. ‘Surely, anyone would be concerned in this situation,’ he thought, trying to find solace in reason. ‘It’s simply common courtesy to worry about your colleagues.’ He clung to the notion that his concern, as a chivalrous knight, was perfectly justifiable.
“Kaon,” Leonidas’ voice cut through his internal debate, a gentle reminder of his duty. Time to greet the guest. Yes, guest. Though Leo held the power, the princess was Kaon’s fiancee, and therefore, his responsibility felt a touch heavier.
He subtly clenched and unclenched his fist, a silent attempt to mask the fluttering in his chest. Everything under control, folks. Just a knight, calm and collected.
Oblivious to the young master’s racing heart, the coachman diligently swung open the carriage door.
As if in slow motion, she emerged after what felt like an eternity to Kaon.
“Greetings, Prince Ferdinand,” she said, her voice soft yet clear.
Kaon’s breath hitched. The simple, navy blue dress didn’t stand out, yet Alessia seemed to radiate in it. Was it the sunlight catching her silver hair, or the warmth in her eyes? Whatever it was, he found himself utterly captivated.
He managed a formal, “Welcome to Ferdinand,” and extended his hand.
Hers, as he recalled, was small and light as a feather. He couldn’t help but wonder if she could even hold a dagger, let alone a sword.
He marveled again at the delicacy of her hand, but quickly pushed the thought away.
Turning to Leonidas, Alessia curtsied, lifting her skirt slightly. “Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Ferdinand, heir to the Duchy.”
The unspoken tension shifted. Alessia’s impeccable manners caused a wave of awkwardness.
How haughty would the princess of Ingelos be? Many in the house held their breath, expecting a display of arrogance to match the mages they’d encountered before. They assumed she’d be just as bad, if not worse. After all, an alliance built on an engagement was hardly a guarantee of humility.
“You’ve endured a long journey, Princess,” Leonidas acknowledged, surprised by Alessia’s continued politeness.
Those who’d been waiting for an insult exchanged suspicious glances. ‘What’s her game plan?’ they seemed to say. ‘She must be hiding her true colors.’
Doubtful eyes followed the princess. Kaon, however, understood the situation instantly. He offered a bitter smile, already envisioning Alessia’s future amidst the thick fog of distrust.
Could this slender girl truly weather the storm of this formidable territory? Months-old worries resurfaced.
She seemed so fragile. He almost wished she’d come across as cold and indifferent, a stark contrast to the enemy at her doorstep. But no, she wasn’t like that at all.
And so, concern gnawed at him. Not just any concern, but a deep empathy for the hardships this seemingly gentle princess was destined to face.
“You must be exhausted after the journey,” Leonidas continued. “We’ll have a chance to talk further at the banquet tonight.”
“Thank you for your consideration,” Alessia replied graciously.
***
Baroness Robert, known for her stiff posture and noble demeanor, outdid herself today. Leading Alessia to her room, she resembled a soldier marching into battle, back ramrod straight and chin held high.
Kaon followed with a sigh, partly amused by the baroness’s theatrics and partly eager to reach his own room, conveniently located across from his fiancée’s.
He stole occasional glances at Alessia, still marveling at the absurdity of being engaged to an Ingelos, one who had even willingly traveled to their territory. But the biggest surprise was Alessia herself. The house of Ferdinand wasn’t unfamiliar with shorter individuals, but someone so slender and delicate felt otherworldly. Was she actually a fairy in disguise?
Squinting, he focused on her pale eyelashes, just a few shades darker than her hair, and noted their striking length resembled butterfly wings.
They entered the manor and ascended the well-lit staircase, Kaon’s gaze sweeping the surroundings. Suddenly, a pair of bright red eyes met his from above. The unexpected encounter left him speechless – the significant height difference made avoiding eye contact impossible. His mind raced, searching for a way to escape this awkward situation.
Unfazed, Alessia simply smiled and closed her eyes, seemingly aware of his gaze. “It’s quite bright here,” she remarked softly.
“Is it any different in your home?” he managed to ask.
“Our land isn’t as blessed with sunshine,” she explained. “Our windows are smaller and covered in thick curtains, you see. Mages generally prefer dimness.”
Ferdinand, on the other hand, embraced the warmth and light, making it an inevitable part of their lives.
Kaon paused, the statement sparking a new thought. ‘Mages dislike the light?’ Did that apply to Alessia as well? He knew their newly renovated room had a large window, similar to most rooms in the mansion.
‘Should we request thicker curtains?’ he pondered, his mind churning.
Just as his internal debate intensified, Alessia spoke again, her voice seemingly echoing his unspoken question. “But I like the light,” she said, almost as if reading his thoughts.
Startled, but strangely relieved, Kaon realized not all mages were the same.
Their silence was broken by Baroness Robert’s ice-cold voice. “This, Princess, is the room where you will rest tonight.”
“May your stay be comfortable,” he added awkwardly, attempting to retreat.
Or so he thought.
“Since you’ll be sharing quarters with Young Master Kaon,” the Baroness continued, “we’ve prepared the largest room to ensure your comfort.”
Kaon froze, his mind reeling. Wait, what?!
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hehe. things are getting exciting. will update next week!
