24 Promise of a Challenge (1/2)

The Viscount and the Barons left favorable impressions on many who had been required to show up at the steps to greet them. In an effort to distract herself, Hilde observed her immediate surroundings and noted this clearly.

Though she hadn't given it much thought earlier, she found that she expected it. The three's open and outwardly considerate personalities were not what any of them would anticipate from the Lysean noble class. Only the secret Prince in their ranks seemed to fit the stereotype, yet strangely, he was the one getting the most favorable response of all.

Then again, the individuals throwing him appreciative looks and smiles were mostly women. Among other things, Arnican females of all walks were generally not shy about matters of romance and physical attraction. Hilde supposed a beautiful face was a beautiful face, no matter the country that had birthed it. In fact, she quite agreed there was no harm in just looking.

She did not doubt for one second, however, that the unattached women in the crowd would never consider marrying him – perhaps not even if they were to learn he's a future king. Exile to a culturally backward kingdom was a poor exchange for a mere beautiful face, one who might not know how to love anyone more than he loved himself, as his appearance and general demeanor would suggest.

Leal cannot be unaware of the attention. Anyone would have expected him to be used to it, as Hilde did. How strange, though. The black expression he wore clearly indicated he was not happy about something. Did he really hate being stared at so much?

Just as she thought this, her attention was caught by Viscount Renard handing the Queen a thick scroll with a large wax seal, which presumably came from the King of Lys. She was next handed another object – a coin or a similarly small token.

Hilde didn't see what it was as her sister closed her hand on it with subtle haste, but she lifted her gaze in time to see the brief sweep of Queen Heloise's eyes towards the younger Lyseans. It narrowed for an instant upon settling on Leal, then she turned her attention back to the Viscount.

In her turn, Hilde brought her own attention back to the Prince – and was taken aback to find him looking at her.

Despite her efforts to suppress the memory, she was instantly reminded of the exchange they had earlier at the village inn. Leal had said it was funny how, of all people, Hilde should be the one to ask why he had come to Arnica. By ”funny,” she was half-certain that he actually meant ”ironic.”

Just like how she'd been avoiding physical and emotional pain until just a few hours ago, she had shied away from thinking about the possible meaning behind Leal's words. But this too, she must face.

Was it ironic that SHE should ask because the answer was… ”for her”?

Hilde clenched her teeth. 'No…' she thought, fighting against a sudden surge of dizziness. 'That's not the only answer – and I'm not the only princess around.'

”Are you all right?” a female voice said from somewhere to her left.

Hilde broke their eye contact – something that had lasted for perhaps three seconds, which was already three seconds longer than was necessary – and turned at once to the speaker. She had to tilt her head down a notch to be able to see and recognize Lady Saskia's face, framed by her brunette hair. The Royal Physician narrowed her dark eyes as she examined Hilde's appearance in turn.

Then, in a quiet but cheery voice that seemed as much a part of the older woman's character as her generous curves, Lady Saskia herself answered, ”I would say 'not.' Your sister wants your condition checked, Princess. At once.”

She'd been wanting to consult the Royal Physician as soon as she may, in any case. As Hilde nodded, the Queen finally invited the Lyseans into the residence, telling them their rooms were prepared and they may choose to stay in them before the rites were to start.

”You mean to honor our dead with us, to the fullest extent,” said Queen Heloise, her words not quite a question.

”Yes, Queen,” the Viscount responded anyway, his tone solemn. ”That is our personal intention, and that is what His Majesty would do as well, were he here himself. Ever has King Madelon respected Prince Dieter, a man he'd faced in many battles but never truly defeated.”

”As my brother had never defeated him,” the Queen replied with a small smile.

Hilde saw that the Viscount did not know what to make of that statement. She could almost hear him wondering if he'd blindly walked onto thin ice. He swallowed and bowed. ”Quite so, Queen.”

Her sister's smile grew wider. ”I thank you and your King, Lords, for your kind intents. I must warn you then that you will need your strength for what's to come.” This time around, Queen Heloise's eyes flicked briefly towards Hilde, and then she said, ”We all will.”

***