"...No." Athelinda replied, making Claude raise his eyebrows in curiosity.
"Why is that?"
"I'm sure you're already aware Your Majesty. That woman was just using me. Since the moment she saw my jeweled eyes, she thought I'd be of use to her. She was quite poor but she worked hard to raise me up well, so that on the day she reveals me to the royals, she would be rewarded for her services. " Athelinda eyes expressed sadness as she spoke. She looked at the crescent moon which illuminated the sky. "You knew that Your Majesty, which is why you didn't give her any rewards."
Claude began walking again. "Do you hate her, for using you?"
"I don't. Even if she was using me, Liara took very good care of me. Although her intentions weren't pure, that is understandable. Poverty isn't a very comfortable state." Athelinda replied, still gazing at the moon.
Liara Stewgur. The name no longer held any significance for her. They're relationship as child and guardian was only for their own sets of benefits.
Liara needed money and Athelinda was her best card for it. And Athelinda needed someone to safely raise her. After all, she could've died from starvation on the streets if Liara hadn't saved her.
They both gained from each other.
Athelinda had asked Cassandra to take out fifty percent of the money used on Athelinda's clothings and other useless things, and deliver it to Liara Stewgur's house.
Cassandra had become quite a loyal puppet since she performed the task without anyone finding out. Thus , Athelinda wore simple dresses instead of extravagant ones. She had already given Liara a large sum of money, thus both of them had recieved their desired results.
They were now , strangers.
Athelinda had decided that. Her debt had now been paid, but she would still send next months fifty percent to Liara as well.
Claude stopped again. This time Athelinda looked back at him. He didn't ask her any questions, so then why?
Claude's eyes were glowing an icy blue. His eyes were filled with intimidation. But it was not targeted at Athelinda. No, Claude was looking somewhere else.
"Assassins?" Athelinda asked as she observed the area. Claude was slightly surprised by her calm expressions.
"...Yes."
"Then , you should head back Your Majesty. I'll go on ahead myself."
Claude had this baffled expression on his face as Athelinda pushed him away to jump off of his arms.
"What... do you think you're doing?" Claude asked his tone sounding Ice cold.
"I'm heading back to my Palace."
"No. You're going to Ruby Palace with me. Felix can deal with the assassins."
"Are you scared, Your Majesty?" Athelinda asked.
Claude's spread his aura around her and this time it was actually extremely terrifying. Athelinda felt a shiver as she looked at Claude, but continued speaking anyway.
"The maids are still at Jade Palace."
"The assassins are most likely targeting you." Claude stated.
Cassandra isn't exactly out of danger either
"I'm not afraid of them. " Athelinda declared and began walking towards the Jade Palace. "Secondly, Why do you care? Didn't you want to see how long I survive? and whether I am worthy of my name? "
Claude stopped in his tracks. It was strange for him to show care for a girl who might not even be his own daughter. A bit shaken by her words Claude stood still as Athelinda walked towards her Palace.
-----
The sun had awoke the empire with its golden rays. Athelinda too had awoken from the light. She took a bath, got dressed and headed to the library like how she normally would.
The assassins last night left immediately when Athelinda entered the Palace, since she wasn't their target. As for Cassandra, the necklace Athelinda gave her was still working and so she got teleported to a safer area within the Palace's vicinity.
Duke Alpheus.
A man who had proved himself to be dangerous. After all, the assassins he sent could enter the Palace grounds so easily.
As Athelinda made her way to the library, she met Felix carrying Athanasia on her way.
"Morning Lin! Are you going to the library?"
"Your highness." Felix greeted.
"Good morning Athy , Felix. And yes, the library it is." Athelinda replied.
"Lin, why don't we go to papa together !? "
"uh...-"
"Your Highness, His Majesty asked princess Athanasia to visit him in the Audience Chambers. If you come along I'm sure he'll be delighted."
"Since he didn't ask for me, I feel it would be rude to go uninvited."
"Athy is inviting sister to come!" Athanasia said, she desperately wanted someone to be with her when she was facing Claude. And Athelinda seemed to be quite supportive whenever they went together.
"Your highnesses , this is a secret but His Majesty really adores the two of you. He doesn't show it, but he worries about you both." Felix stated.
Athanasia seemed unconvinced, while Athelinda went into a deep thought over it.
Athelinda ended up tagging along with them to the Audience chambers, after Athanasia's insistence. Felix was now carrying both royal sisters on each arm.
"Sir Felix." A whitette came out of the audience room.
"Sir Roger, It's been a while."
Roger ? That Roger?
Athelinda observed the man with a judgemental gaze, much like his own as he viewed the princesses in Felix's arms.
"Roger Alpheus, at your service, prosperity be upon the Obelian Empire." The Duke greeted as he bowed his head.
"Hello Mister White!" Athanasia greeted him.
Athelinda didn't bother greeting him. She observed him. White hair , golden eyes. He reminded her of a snake she saw in a book.
A Snake. Yes, how fitting for a man who was currently smiling and acting all gentle. As if he didn't try to kill the princess at all.
Furthermore he has been keeping a princess in hiding.
Should I tell the emperor about it?
She observed the man being teased by Athanasia.
No, he might be useful...He is a Duke. And one of the most influential households. Although the Robane Dukedom is more trusted. If Alpheus is a Snake, then Robane are Wolves.
"Ahem, Well then , Shall we?" Felix asked the princesses.
Athelinda eescaped her train of thoughts and noticed them finally entering the Audience Room.
"Bye, Mister White!" Athanasia exclaimed.
"Felix, wait! I think I'll head to the library! " Athelinda abruptly declared and squirmed herself out of his hold.
"But, your highness, are you sure? His majesty would be delighted by your presence."
"I'll visit him some other time."
She stood on the marble floor and waved bye to Athanasia as she went inside.
Duke Alpheus stood some distance behind Athelinda and upon the door closing, the two met each others eyes.
"I believe there is something you would like to say to me, Your Highness." The Duke began as he stepped towards her.
"Not here. Follow me." Athelinda spoke as she began walking back to Jade Palace.
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