Chapter 241 - Elizabeth’s Jealousy (2) (1/2)

”That's good to hear.” Gladiolus smiled. ”Dinner is served in the dining room. ”Let us now head there. I am sure all of you are famished.”

Gladiolus took my hand and escorted me along the way. It was a gesture of a husband escorting his wife. Even though we were not yet married, he did such things anyway. It was like slapping Elizabeth on her face because she is the one who already married to him.

The dinner was eaten in peace, much to my relief. I heard from Gladiolus that the knights from earlier that offended me were punished with fifty lashes of the whip each. It was said that Gladiolus wanted to punish them with death but the high priest opposed to it. Being that the knights were under the queen's command, she is the only one to give a death penalty. So for now Gladiolus gave them other harsh punishment.

I was lying on bed but wasn't able to sleep. I was thinking of the coming of age ceremony that will be held just a few days from now. We will be executing our escape plan at the same day as the ceremony is being held.

I was also thinking about the information that Regaleon was coming to get me. I was excited to know that in just a few days time I will be seeing him once again.

I heaved a sigh and sat up in my bed. Sleep won't be coming anytime soon and so I stood up and got my robe and put it on. I walked towards the door and opened it.

”Is something matter Alicia?” It was William that was guarding my door.

”Why aren't you resting?” I asked. ”Isn't it Jack's turn to guard?”

William and Jack had turns in guarding me at night. This was to ensure that both of them can have a good rest every other night.

”Well Jack is out of the palace right now because of an errand.” William replied.

”Is that so?” I said. ”Well then can you accompany me for a walk? I can't seem to fall asleep.” I asked.

”Of course.” William smiled and escorted me.

The both of us walked towards the nearest garden to get some fresh air. The weather has improved a lot since I unknowingly affected it with my magic, but the cold is still there.

”Aren't you cold?” William asked worriedly.

”Don't worry, this robe is rather thick.” I said confidently.

The night sky was clear with no clouds covering it. The stars were twinkling while the full moon was shining brightly and illuminating our surroundings.

*sob sob*

I can hear someone crying in a distance. I looked at William and he also heard the same.

”Let's go and see who it is.” I told William but he grabbed my hand.

”What if it is something dangerous?” William said and was against searching for the person.

”Judging by the voice it was coming from a girl.” I said. ”Don't worry, I can defend myself. And you are also with me so what is there to be worried about?” I said proudly.

William sighed and gave in to my request. The both of us walked towards where the sobs are coming from and I saw in between the bushes a hunched figure of a girl. Her long blond hair was flowing freely from her back. She was wearing fine looking robes like mine. Judging from her robe and her hair, there is only one woman that fits this description.

”Elizabeth?” I called to her. Hearing her name, she looked back to me. It really was Elizabeth.

”W-Why are you here?” Elizabeth asked with embarrassment. Her face was stained with tears and she looked very haggard. ”No, don't look at me! Get out of here, leave me alone!” She shouted and continued to cry.

Her crying pulled some strings inside my heart. Seeing Elizabeth like this just made me pity her.