At Ahrens, Erin prepared to accompany her mother to the palace, as they were among the guests invited by the queen.
Luke, serving as Erin’s bodyguard, was to join the entourage. Just before they departed, another guard from Ahren’s main forces approached Luke discreetly, pulling him aside. The guard’s voice was low as he inford Luke, "I overheard a conversation from Lord Ahren’s study. That man will reach the capital today."
Luke’s fist clenched tightly, the veins on his exposed wrist standing out starkly.
"It is possible you would be in the palace and get to see him," he observed the threatening coldness flashed on Luke’s face, "My L....he swallowed the words back and said, "Please, keep your calm."
Regaining his composure, Luke reflected on his purpose for coming to Ahrens and securing this position. Over the past few months, he and his n had been plotting, and now, their plans were coming to fruition.
Erin stepped outside just in ti to spot Luke conversing with the guard. She recognized the uniform, indicating he was part of her father’s security team.
Sensing Erin’s approach, both n adjusted their deanor and spoke as if nothing was amiss.
"Luke, you’re fortunate to be working here at Ahrens. Don’t squander this golden opportunity to make a life for yourself. Here you will lack nothing," the guard spoke, changing his tone.
Luke, ever composed, simply nodded in response.
Erin eyed the guard, a note of surprise in her voice, "What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at my father’s residence?"
"Lady Erin, my apologies. I will return imdiately," the guard replied, bowing respectfully before departing.
Turning to Luke, Erin’s curiosity piqued. "I didn’t realize you had friends here, or that you knew how to make them."
"It’s my workplace, and it’s important to maintain good relations," Luke responded, his gaze deliberately lowered, his expression unreadable. His calm deanor gave nothing away about the secrets he harbored.
Erin chuckled lightly, amused by his response. "So, you do see the value in that. You weren’t like this when you worked in construction. Has working for brought out a better side of you?"
Luke lifted his gaze, straight looking into her eyes. If not for his reasons, he would not have been standing here and even lowering his head to a noble.
eting his unyielding gaze, she raised a brow, "Forgot the manners already?"
In response, Luke’s gaze remained fixed on hers, unflinching and challenging, matched by Erin’s own unyielding look. His expression was one of pride and arrogance rather than subservience while Erin’s was amused one as if trying to see through his defiance. None of them willing to give up as their gazes continued to challenge each other.
Just then, Erin’s servant appeared. "Lady Erin, it’s ti to depart."
"We will continue this so other ti," Erin’s tone challenging as she turned around to walk away and sat in her carriage.
Luke mounted his horse, positioning himself to ride alongside Erin’s carriage, resuming his duty as Erin’s bodyguard. Shortly thereafter, the Queen’s carriage and her knights joined the procession.
From the window of her carriage, Erin studied the man on the horse next to her carriage.
’I always sense he’s concealing sothing, and he’s skilled at keeping it hidden. But I’ll uncover it eventually. Having him as a bodyguard isn’t without reason. I am the daughter of a prestigious family of knights. If he thinks he can deceive , he’s sorely mistaken.’
She recalled that day in the market when he protected her from the thugs. Although she was fully capable of defending herself, his quick reflexes and adept handling of the situation—without even a weapon—clearly demonstrated his training. She herself trained in handling sword and so combat training due to her brother, she could tell the difference.
Luke was far more than just a construction worker. From that mont, her curiosity about his true nature had been piqued, compelling her to discover who he really was and if he had any hidden motive to co to the capital. If her brother Rafal had seen him that day, Luke would have been sure under a strict watch. But Erin decided to take things in her hands- sothing thrilling for her own entertainnt.
-----
All the guests had gathered at the Queen’s palace, each offering their respects to the queen and Crown Princess Oriana. Queen Julien introduced Oriana to each of the attendees, and Oriana, thankful for her sharp mory, did her best to recall each na and face.
The won from the noble families noted the Queen’s evident fondness for Oriana, and while so might have harbored feelings of displeasure or envy, they kept such emotions closely guarded. As the gathering concluded and the guests prepared to depart, Oriana’s four appointed companions lingered.
"It’s been a long ti since we last t," Oriana observed, addressing the four.
"We understand you’ve been busy, Your Highness," Katherin replied, her tone reflecting more maturity than during their previous interactions.
"Now that we are back, we’ll make sure to be available for you," Anelisa added, prompting Oriana to ponder whether their newfound dedication was influenced by her status as Crown Princess.
"There’s no need for you to accompany today, as I have so personal matters to attend to," Oriana said. "Please, return with your mothers. I will call upon you when I require your company."
"Of course, Your Highness," Katherin and Anelisa responded, turning to leave.
"How are you, Your Highness?" Evie then inquired with genuine concern.
"I am fine, Evie," Oriana reassured her with a smile.
"Your Highness, I might be away for so ti. I’m traveling to another city to attend my cousin’s wedding," Evie inford Oriana.
"No worries. Head back ho, and we’ll catch up once you return."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Evie said, taking her leave.
Oriana then turned her attention to Erin, her most reliable companion.
"Your Highness," Erin greeted with a respectful bow.
"You can co with to my residence," Oriana invited.
"Of course, Your Highness," Erin responded, following Oriana to the Crown Prince’s palace. Oriana had received permission from the Queen for her departure.
Arriving at the palace in their respective carriages, Oriana noticed a man whose gaze passed over her without recognition, as if she were a stranger to him.
They proceeded to the garden for a walk. Ana trailed closely behind, while Luke kept his distance. As they walked, a white wolf approached them, its eyes fixed on Oriana.
"Is that Snowflake?" Erin asked, her voice tinged with caution upon seeing the large wolf.
Oriana nodded. "Do you know her?"
"I heard about her from my brother," Erin replied, her excitent evident as she admired the wolf up close.
"Snowflake, this is Erin, my friend," Oriana introduced.
Snowflake paused, her attention briefly fixed on Erin, but she was soon distracted by the arrival of another person, growling and ready to charge.
"Snowflake, no," Oriana quickly intervened. "He is my friend as well."
At Oriana’s reassurance, Snowflake relaxed, her stance softening as Oriana suggested, "How about you get familiar with my friend here?" Oriana then looked towards Erin, who responded eagerly, "I would like to be her friend. Your Highness can leave her with ."
Oriana nodded and walked towards Luke. Erin was sensible enough to know what to do and didn’t pay attention to Oriana and Luke and instead enjoyed caressing the soft fur of the wolf.
"How are you?" Oriana asked.
"Your Highness," Luke responded with a bow, not answering her question.
Oriana didn’t mind and continued, "I heard from Master Erich that Aunt Gwen is doing well now. I’ve been preoccupied recently, but I will make sure to co visit her—"
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness," Luke interrupted, his words abrupt. "I would appreciate it if we maintain our distance, as our statuses are worlds apart. I do not wish for my family to have any connection with Your Royal Highness."
Oriana, taken aback by his unexpectedly cold deanor, responded with a puzzled, "Luke?"
Luke’s expression didn’t soften; his gaze remained firm and resolute as he t Oriana’s eyes. "I an what I said. Please, maintain your distance."
His words left Oriana speechless, a hint of hurt flickering across her features.
"I will wait for Lady Erin near the carriage," he stated, then turned and walked away, leaving Oriana stunned and fighting back tears.
As Luke moved away, conscious of Oriana’s lingering gaze, his thoughts were turbulent with his inner justifications.
’My words must have hurt you, but any association with would bring you nothing but trouble. You are a crown princess. Should my plans fail, I cannot bear the thought of you being implicated simply for having ties to . The day you ascended as Crown Princess, our paths were ant to diverge. I’m sorry for the pain my words have caused.’
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