25 The Princess Returns (2/2)

When they arrived outside, a burly man in a strange warrior garb stepped forward to meet them.

”Who among you is the man called Luke?”

The warriors gruff voice resounded, Luke stepped out to meet him.

”That would be me. Who might you be, sir?”

The warrior met his eyes and then cupped his fist while bowing. Luke was surprised but kept his cool, returning a small bow of his own.

”My surname is Feng. First name is Yi. Third unit commander of the Sun Dragon Camp of the Keyne Stronghold.”

Luke furrowed his brows. What business could make such a higher up of the Keyne Stronghold go personally to the gemstone mine?

Before he could even voice out his questions, a familiar, teasing voice called out to him.

”Hey, Luke, Levi! Did you miss me?”

Luke's breath hitched as his eyes landed on the form of the woman who had driven him desperate with worry the past few days. She was wearing an unusual white robe with long, wide sleeves, embroidered with poppies at the skirt's hem. It was topped with an outer garment that was thin and silky, it shimmered lightly at sunshine struck it. Chalice did not look like someone who just got lost in the forest a few days ago.

Instead, she looked like she got back from a leisurely excursion. Her whole being was similar to that of a celestial. Luke sighed exasperatedly. He really doesn't know how to deal with this woman.

”The hell Princess! Where have you been? What happened to you? Do you know how worried we were? Really, how could you be this selfish? Luke even spent two nights and a day without rest or sleep looking for you at Cloud Forest. In the end, you were just lounging around at the Keyne Stronghold?”

Luke coughed awkwardly as Levi rapidly fired his mouth at their mistress. He didn't stop him because in all honesty, he bore the same sentiments.

Chalice pouted at the both of them and crossed her arms to her chest.

”Hey, it was not my intention to be lost alright. I didn't mean to make you worry. I saw some herbs back then and I thought they'd be useful to us in the long run. Levi, you're such a grouch. I did not lounge around in the Keyne tribe. Much. I also had difficulties, you know.”

Chalice spouted of her own tirade and even rolled her eyes at Levi. The people from the Keyne tribe were dumbfounded at the scene. They knew that the woman they were escorting was a notable persona. Anyone who could tame a huge lion like her could never be simple. Yet, the knight was scolding andbickering with her like it was nothing at all while the other man watched without care.

When both sides reached a stalemate, Feng Yi took the chance to intervene and informed them that they will be going back to the Keyne tribe. It was Luke who answered them and gave them his thanks for escorting the lady back.

After the Keyne warriors left, Levi walked out on Chalice which left her with him. Chalice looked at him, aggrieved.

”Are you going to scold me too?”

Luke heard her ask. He stared down at her. All the frustration, the worry, and anxiety vanished when he saw her. But then again, he couldn't her mischief go this time. What happened was too dangerous, even if she returned safe this time.

”No. I'm not gonna scold you. That's Levi's job. I am going to punish you, though.”

He said nonchalantly revealing no trace of the relief he was feeling and taking delight in the way her delicate lips widened in disbelief.