Chapter 68 Coming back to the palace (1/2)
The carriage came into a stop in front of my courtyard and Leon helped me get down.
”Sister!” I hear a young lads voice. Once I turned around I see a young lad that looks quite familiar.
”Richard?” I was not sure at first because the young lad was taller than me by some inches. Richard is only fourteen years old but the young lad running towards me has a body of a young man.
”Sister, I have missed you so much.” Richard gave me a bear hug.
”I-I missed you too.” I said with a muffled voice. ”R-Richard, y-you are crushing me.”
”Oh my, I'm so sorry.” Richard said.
As I thought, Richard is now a few inches taller than I am. His body is well toned and his voice is starting to become deeper. Grandpa is surely giving him the spartan training.
”Look how big you have grown.” I said. ”How are you?”
”I'm fine sister.” Richard said with a huge smile. ”How about you?”
”I am also fine.” I replied. ”I missed you so much.” Richard gave mea huge grin as a response.
I would like to pat him on the head like I always do but looking at him now who is taller than me, it will only look awkward.
”Where is grandpa?” I asked while looking around searching.
”Oh, he's waiting in the throne room.” Richard said. ”Actually I came here to fetch you. Everyone is waiting for you there.”
”Everyone is waiting for me?” I asked rather curious.
”You just came back so you need to greet king father formally.” Richard explained. ”Mother and my other two elder sisters are also waiting. They said they also missed you. Heh.” Richard snorted.
'So they miss me?' I snickered internally. 'Who would have thought that they will miss bullying me?'
”Well then let's go.” I said. ”I don't want king father to wait long.”
”Princess, are you going to be okay?” Tricia asked worriedly. It was a family only gathering in the throne room so Leon and Tricia will stay here on my courtyard.
”Do not worry Tricia.” I gave her a reassuring smile. ”I can handle them.”
”Be careful okay.” Leon walked beside me. ”Your sisters are snakes just waiting to bite.”
”I know, do not worry. I can handle their venomous attacks.” I reassured him. ”Tricia, please arrange my things inside the manor while I'm gone.”
”Yes princess.” Tricia nodded.
”Leon.” I looked at him. ”You can have your free time while I'm there. You can do your personal businesses if you have any.”
”It's getting late so I can do my business some other time. I'll be right here waiting for you to return.” Leon gave me a bright smile.
”Thanks.” I smiled back at him. His smile never fails to let my heart skip a beat.
”Are you ready sister?” Richard asked.
”Come, let us go.” I answered.
***
Richard and I are now standing in front of the throne room's door.
”Well, are you ready?”Richard asked.
”Ready as I will ever be.” I took a deep breath.
”I'll just warn you.” Richard said. ”Elizabeth's hatred for you didn't subside these past two years. And her face has evident scars of that day.”
”I at least expected that much.” I said. I am sure that she harbors deep hatred against me.
The steward opens the doors and announces our arrival.
”Crown prince Richard and third princess Alicia has arrived.” The steward announced.