14 Cooperation (2/2)

” Thank you Escanor” Lucia felt that lucky meeting Escanor.

”Will that be all your highness?”

”No. There's one more thing. Do you have connections to other Vanadian merchants from other cities? Solon, for example.” Asked Lucia. If Escanor was loyal to her, then his connections will be of great help in the future.

” My brother is in Solon and I can still send a carrier pigeon to him. He respects the Vanadian Royal Family as much as I do so he will help you. As for other the other cities, I think I have. ” said Escanor

” I might need your connections in the future Escanor”

”It will be my honor to help you, your highness” the merchant smiled

After speaking with Escanor, Lucia went back to the Palace. She lied in her bed. It has been a long day, but she was not tired. She thought of her long conversation with prince Timothy. She got to know him better. Every time she thinks of him, her heart flutters. She buried her face into the pillow.

Prince Timothy, what are you doing with my heart! Why do I feel this way whenever I think of you?

But a sudden sadness hit her. She hoped that he will be safe. She won't see him for a long time. She will miss him for sure. Lucia was about to sleep when someone knocked on her door.

”Princess Lucia” Bisham called to her ”Someone is here. She said she wants to talk to you. I'm sorry to bother you this late Your Highness, but she said it's important”

Lucia opened her eyes.

”Who is it?” Lucia asked

” Freya” a female's voice answered.

Lucia opened the door and saw Freya

” Freya.” She was a little bit surprised. Why would she come here at this hour? ”What is it?” She looked at Captain Bisham as a sign to leave them for a moment.

”I will be in the royal guards' room. Just call me if you need anything” the captain reluctantly said.

After he left, Freya started to talk ”You know already right? Tim is going to battle”

So it's about Tim, she thought. It was important after all.

” Yes. I went to his room and talked to him about it” Lucia said

Freya frowned ” Went to his room?”

” Ahhh. Yes. He won't change his mind. How about you? Did you talk to him about this?”

Lucia was somehow afraid that she'll say, 'Yes. I also went inside his room and we talked'. But Freya's answer surprised her.

” No” She smiled and shook her head ”He won't change his mind anyway. I'm here because I want to talk to you.” She then looked around to ensure nobody was listening. ”Don't you find the King's decision strange?” she asked in a hushed tone

” I do” she admitted. So she wasn't the only one who thinks something bad was going to happen.

”Then we're the same. Tim is smart, but he's not invincible. He makes mistakes.”

” Mistakes? Like what?”

”Like trusting his father. I've been here for 10 years and I've seen how the King treats Timothy. He doesn't love Timothy as his son, I'm sure of it. Timothy is blinded by his love for his father.” Freya explained

”So you want me to protect him from the King?” asked Lucia

” Not just from the King, but also from anyone who tries to harm him”

” Even if you haven't talked to me about this, I would still have protected Tim”

” That's reassuring then” Freya sighed ”If you need anything, just tell me. I hope we could work together”