Chapter 247 - The Announcement (1/2)

After the whole ordeal was over, William took me back to my private quarters. He laid me down in bed gently but his face was full of rage like he was about to kill somebody.

”Martha, please prepare me a hot bath please.” I ordered Martha. With what had just happened, I felt quite dirty all over my body.

”Y-Yes, right away your highness.” Martha hurriedly went out to prepare my bath.

”Will...” I called out to him but didn't answer. It was like he was not in his body. ”William!” I called with a more clear volume.

William snapped back to himself and looked at me worriedly. ”Alicia, h-how are you?” He asked. ”Why didn't you call me when that happened? You should have called me. I should have…” He trailed of looking so fierce.

”You should have what, Will?” I asked with knowing the answer. ”I know what you would have done. You would have pointed your sword against this country's crown prince.”

William shook with what I have said. ”I should have been there to protect you Alicia. It is my job to see that you are safe!” I can see that he was also angry at me for not calling him for help.

”And I am safe now, aren't I.” I said forcing a smile. ”I came there prepared Will. Of course I won't let him get his way with me.”

But remembering how Gladiolus had touched me in my private parts made my skin crawl. If I was just a few seconds late, he would have done something to me that I wouldn't want to even think about.

”If I called you for help then you have pointed your sword at him, you would be in trouble.” I told him. ”Our plan to escape is all set and ready tonight. If you have been imprisoned because of pointing your sword to the crown prince even if it is for saving me. Then we couldn't proceed with our plan to escape tonight. Please understand me Will, I did it to for our sake.”

William had a bitter face hearing my reason. ”I know, but still…” William wasn't able to finish his sentence and had a hurt expression.

”William, please forgive me. I know that I was also in the wrong for not calling of your help. I don't want to see you hurt like this.” I said. ”This isn't your fault. Besides nothing bad happened to me.”

I held my hand out and reached for William's face. I touched his cheeks to comfort him. He took my hand and kissed my palm gently.

”Please don't ever do that again.” William asked sincerely. ”I think I would die of a heart attack because of you, hehe.” He chuckled lightly.

”Of course I won't let you have a heart attack.” I giggled with him. At least it elevated the tension we were feeling in the moment.

*knock knock*

William quickly stepped back and Martha came in.

”Your highness, the hot water is here. I will prepare your bath immediately.” Martha said while carrying a tub full of steaming water.

”You are dismissed.” I told William. He bowed and left my room.

Martha was finished preparing my bath and waited for me.

”Martha, you can go first. I would like to bath alone.” I said.

”Y-Yes, of course your highness.” Martha looked worried but followed my orders.

Once I was alone, I took off William's cape and walked towards the bathroom. I looked at the mirror and saw how tattered my dress was. Kiss marks was seen on my chest and at my back. Thinking of what just happened just a while ago, I felt the helplessness I felt once more. Tears started to trickle in my eyes.

I took the tattered dress off my body and slowly went in the bath tub filled with warm water. Feeling relaxed and exhausted, I made myself cry all of my helplessness and frustrations. After this, I won't have to feel this way anymore. Once I escape, I will be united with my love once more. I know that I will be safe by his side.

**

It was afternoon and Satiana was all dressed up regally for her coming of age ceremony. She was wearing a dark green dress with gold flowers embroidered. This dress was one of Madam Viola's creations. I was a little curious how she was able to finish such a beautiful and elaborate dress in only a few days time.

I, on the other hand was wearing a light blue dress with blue sapphire jewels sewn in patterns. I was also wearing the sapphire jewel set Satiana bought for me in town. I wore my hair in a fish style braid with blue flower accessories hanging.

”Big sis, you look beautiful .” Satiana said with a happy smile.

”Not as beautiful as you Sati.” I smiled at her. ”You are the star of the day.”

The information what happened this morning was suppressed by the queen. She ordered for all who was present to not let any information out or they will face a grave consequence in their action. And so Satiana didn't know what had happened to me and his brother.

”My little sister is very beautiful today.” I heard Gladiolus' voice and I involuntary shivered.

I looked around and saw him walking towards us. He was wearing his formal white uniform with gold threading. He was looking rather dashing in his outfit. The wound on his forehead was concealed with his hair style.

”Happy coming of age my dear little sister.” Gladiolus kissed Satiana's hand.

”Thank you brother.” Satiana replied joyfully. ”Um, where is mother? I heard that she had arrived today correct.”

Looking at Satiana, she was still longing for her mother. I cannot blame her, she is still young and wanted her mother to love her. I know what she felt because it is the same feeling when I longed for my father's affection. Satiana was still hoping that her mother would at least make her presence felt in her coming of age ceremony.