D 4 (Edited Version)

Footsteps at a fast pace can be heard going back and forth, many of them in a hurry. The scratching of the bristles of the broom was echoing on the hallways, as dusts flew everywhere. Shouts of orders were given amidst the chaos ensuing inside of the Fortess Estate. Everyone is busy— doing tasks that never end. They are anxious— slightly trembling and sweating cold beads. They are all waiting in anticipation for the arrival of an important guest. While I was here, stuck in my office— as usual— doing paper works and examining letters upon letters.

‘Is it strange or lucky that no one has sent me any marriage letters?’ I said to myself as I sort through another pile of letters. From what I know when I was Reine, ladies of legal age (also even in their early teens) would receive or be arranged in a marriage of convenience for many reasons. It could be for fortune, fame, power, preservation of bloodline, and even because of debt. Come to think of it, nobles and royals back then were so illogical and greedy in a sense that they were able to give their children as a sacrifice or make them as their puppet. Goodness, imagining if I were in the children’s shoes, I would be disgusted if my parents treated me that way. I might as well run away and live a countryside life. A care-free, uneventful and relaxed life.

‘Yeah, that’s my goal. That’s why I’m doing my best to bring the dukedom to its former glory, so that I will have less things to worry about in the future.’

Expressing my drive and will to accomplish my ultimate goal, I raised both fists in the air and said out loud, “TATAKAE!” then got back to my work. It seems as my loud noise made the staff going around curious as the footsteps abruptly stopped, before continuing after a few seconds. I didn’t paid it any much of a thought though. By now, everyone is accustomed to my strange behaviors.

On my first week here as Frielle in this world, everyone’s face was always agape and wide-eyed. They can’t believe what they have witnessed. Every person in the estate said that after I fell on the lake, I became a very different person. The old Frielle was known to be timid, shy, a wallflower, an innocent little girl who can always be seen beside her parents or her cousin Drew. She was never alone, always surrounded with people yet she was not much of a sociable girl. She’s the perfect example of a titled, chaste and innocent— the depiction of a perfect protagonist from a story.

But when I became Frielle, my personality being a bubbly, talkative, energetic, always asking questions and always out and about on her own. Each person has wondered, ‘What happened to Her Grace?’ because it looked like a switch was flipped when she fell through the lake. Now, me— Reine— being Frielle, a lot of things has been questioned and changed. No longer was this body a timid and will only talk when spoken to, Frielle— I now start every conversation and never seems to ran out of questions. Always in a happy bubble, often times needed to be stopped by Drew. If back then, Drew must protect the owner of this body, then now, he still needs to do so, but from the current resident of this body.

One time, I decided to climb a tall tree just so I could feel and appreciate the calming spring breeze and Drew was setting up the picnic blanket. When he looked up and saw me climbing the tree, he was frozen into place yet his heart beats in a hare’s pace. In a state of panic, he shouted at me to get back down as it is dangerous for a girl to climb a tree and that I might fall into another accident. I obliged, not wanting to be on the bad side of him, and to not turn all of his hair into white.

Another time is when Yuri saw me getting dressed. She noticed that I didn’t wore a corset as it is seen lying down the floor, as if it was tossed like a dirty clothing. I clearly remember her in hysterics, she was persuading me to wear the corset even though I really don’t want to. I know what bad effects a corset can give even though it may present your body in a pretty way. I wouldn’t want to be beautiful for a short while and have a long term consequence. After much deliberation, Yuri made me wear the corset, but in the condition that it won’t be tied too tight.

Many things happened after that, and it’s still happening now. But, who cares, they’re used to the weird antics of their duchess by now. Nothing bothers them anymore, nor will anything bother them in the future.

‘Gah! Frielle, stop reminiscing the past, you have work to do and a visitor to entertain!’ A voice said in my head as the line of memories snapped. The voice didn’t sound irritated, but just in a tone of a reminder.

Then, in a great coincidence, a knock came from the door and it revealed Yuri. In her maid outfit, she bowed down to give respects to me and announced, “Your Grace, the Crown Prince has arrived.” With that statement alone made my heart race. It was not in a romantic lens but of a panic mode. I felt my body become drained of blood, becoming cold and pale. Sweats in a beaded bullets and cold as well, I tried to compose myself and return to my calm state. Slowly walking, and slightly trembling, I carefully headed to the main entrance of the estate to welcome my important guest.

With three deep breaths, I mustered all my courage and confidence as I crossed the threshold of the double doors. Outside was Drew in his best suit, with Nikos behind him. To officially welcome the Crown Prince, we walked down the stairs hand in hand and wearing our best smile. I can tell that Drew is nervous too as his hand to some extent, trembles as he holds mine. His face may seems calm but his body says otherwise. 

The carriage door opened and there came out His Highness, wearing an elegant yet casual clothing: a white shirt with a ruffled neckline and cuff links, partnered with a full body black, gold and white corset that perfectly hugs his body and shows his proportions. He’s also wearing a black pants with brown boots. In his fingers were three rings, a gold ring band on his right ring finger, a silver ring with an amethyst stone in his left thumb and a simple silver ring with engravings in it in his left middle finger. He also wears a chain necklace with a royal family crest as a pendant.

He looked at us and smiled, the same way he smiled two days ago at the café when he first entered. “It is a pleasure to have you visit us Your Highness. We hope that you’ll enjoy the duration of your stay here at out humble manor.” I said as Drew and I bowed down to His Highness to give our respects. After a few seconds, we heard a light laugh erupting from him. ‘What could be funny? Did I do something laughable? Is my dress a laughable topic?’ I raised a brow as we straightened our posture.

“Oh please, how many do I have to tell you both? No need for formalities. It’s just us you know, we’re cousins for goodness’ sake.” His Highness stood there laughing, holding his stomach with the right hands as the other wipes a tear that left his eye. I looked at his attendant to see if the Crown Prince was only bluffing but, his attendant, a butler of high class, wears his poker face and doesn’t seem to be against His Highness. It seems like the butler is used to his master’s antics. Still doubting, I looked back at the Crown Prince who’s already done laughing himself out. He still wears that smile so charming that it fits his status.

I was about to voice out my concern of being casual with him when Drew heaved a deep sigh, he wears the face of relief with a playful smile. “Still the same person, Uriel. You never change. Always casual with your cousins. Hahaha.” He chuckled, hiding his smile with his hand, trying his best to hold back a loud laugh. Already getting weird stares from the manor staff and the other attendants of the Crown Prince, I ushered them inside. “Why don’t have tea in the garden? How about that Uriel? I prepared Darjeeling tea.” I said as I motioned my hand, allowing them to follow me inside.

Once we entered the estate, every staff present bowed down to respect to Uriel, while he and Drew engaged into casual talk. Presumably about random stuff such as the status of the kingdom, Crème de La Crème, in what ways they can help me to rebuild the dukedom, and the incident that happened at the lake. They shared a few laughs here and there, I also spoke some things into their conversation and shared a few jokes. It was a fun conversation as we walked all the way to the gazebo, located at the center of the estate garden.

It’s a hexagonal gazebo with iron work framings. It has a diagonal patterns that allows the vines of Carolina jessamine that were planted at each six posts to climb upwards and onto the top, making the gazebo have that green leaves roof. It’s intoxicatingly sweet smells flows inside the gazebo and out, spreading its heavenly smell. Inside the gazebo is a round marble table with three metal chairs cushioned with cotton pillows. The chairs also have metal works: having Carolina jessamine flower designed in its frame.

The smell of the flowers were joined by the soft flowery smell of Darjeeling tea, already served at the table with the accompaniment of slices of chocolate mint cake, jam filled biscuits and some buttered biscuits.

“You’ve done well preserving the estate Frielle, how nostalgic it is to be back here.” Uriel said as we sat down the chairs. His expression was dreamy, as if having some throwbacks of this place. A few seconds passed before he heaved a shallow sigh and took a sip from his tea and enjoyed the cake from Drew’s pastry shop. Only now was I bale to carefully analyze his features.

He can be described as a picture perfect Prince Charming from a story book. He has those blue eyes that reflects the sky itself as the sun shines through it, his pink glossy lips that every woman would fall for when he smiles, a nose that compliments his features and a brown hair in a neat hairstyle to complete it all. Atop his head sits a coronet, a small crown decorated with blue sapphire and diamond. His outfit is almost always composed of white color.

Of course, as the Crown Prince he carries himself with a confident aura, always walking with authority yet still polite and kind to others. Being 24 years old, he is mature and at times serious, especially if the situations requires it to be; he performs his duties and responsibilities well and great— making everyone agree that he is deserving of the ‘King’ title and that he can lead the kingdom into a far more better future.

“You know I might melt if you continue to stare.” Uriel stated as he took another bite of his cake. I almost choked at my tea when he said that. ‘I didn’t noticed I was staring for that long.’ I coughed a few times, trying to relieve my throat. “I’m sorry, did I made you uncomfortable?” I asked, fearing that I did have offended him by staring too long. “Nah, he won’t be offended. He likes being casual to us remember?” Drew interjected, taking a bite from a butter biscuits. I raised a brow, still confused to this whole ordeal.

“I’m still lost.”

“Lost how?” Uriel asked.

“Well, one, how can you be so casual to us? You’re the Crown Prince shouldn’t you be exercising your power and authority to others? Two, why does it seem like you know so much about me yet I barely have any information about you? Three, I barely remember you, and four, Your Highness, what exactly is your business with me? I have other more questions but please answer the first four.”

There was an awkward silence before everything resumed to normal. Uriel seemed to just be cool with it but Drew cannot help but to laugh at my fast-paced monologue of questions. “Would you please stop it Drew?” I said with a bit of sarcasm. Sometimes, he can be annoying especially when I’m asking questions. He would always say that I have become curious after the incident at the lake. Unlike when I was younger, I would only speak when spoken to and would only move when said to. Now, I am the complete opposite, with ‘too much curiosity’ as he referred to it.

Uriel on the other hand, seemed to construct his answers while watching the two of us bicker as we drank our tea and ate some biscuits.

“Hmm, yup, still the same.” Uriel said in a soft tone. He then put down his cup and looked at us with those same nostalgic expression. “Drew, stop teasing Frielle, we’re not kids now remember?”

“Well, it’s fun doing so. Remember back then when we used to visit her while she takes her nap when she’s a baby? Then all of a sudden she will cry? It was fun watching her until auntie would come rushing into the room to soothe her precious baby.”

“Indeed, it was fun while it lasted. Come to think of it, once Frielle turned 7, I stopped visiting. That’s when I got busy with princely duties.”

“Ohh, so that’s why you barely remember him.”

“Please answer my questions.”

“Right, questions. So, here’s my answers. First, why am I so casual with the two of you? Simple, I basically grew up with the two of you and so I have been accustomed of being relaxed with the two of you. And that’s a habit so it will be hard to get rid of, also, you guys are the only ones I can be myself with. Like, the real me. I can be vulnerable with you two. Second, I am born ahead of you for 5 years and I mostly visit you when you were just a baby. Also, your parents are mostly the one who took care of me when I was young. Then, when you were born, all your parents talk about was you.  Whether they are tending to me or anything, they would always mention you. That’s how much they love you.”

When he mentioned my parents, I can’t help but feel a sting in my eyes, remembering them makes me happy and sad at the same time.

“Third, I already answered that. Fourth, my business with you is simple. It is to check on your wellbeing as I’ve heard you fell through the lake in a mysterious way. You know I can assign an order of knights to you since, you know, you’re my cousin. You know, for protection purposes and to investigate how did it happen. Also, I want to personally ask you if there’s anything I can do to help you.”

After that, I can’t help but smile. My heart fluttered in a light way and I felt, happy. Everything felt warm and in place, like, I was surrounded with warm rays of light by these two people I am with. I felt safe in their presence.

“Thank you, for looking out on me. Both of you.”

“Of course, we’re basically your brother.” They said in unison. And we can’t help but laugh at it.

Uriel further explained that my mother and his father were siblings. Though since my mother has no interest in the throne, she pursued the agriculture and helped the Fortess dukedom to prosper. She then met my father and married afterwards while Uriel father— my mother’s brother— ascended the throne and became king. Uncle actually invited the Fortess family to live in the palace but my parents declined, saying that they are contented in life here.

We shared more stories after that, mostly Uriel and Drew making me cry when I was a child or the two boys having a bonding time by the lake—throwing rocks or climbing the nearby trees.

It was a fun afternoon, but, I have to grab this opportunity.

“Uriel…”

“Hmm?”

“I do have a favor?”

“What is it? Let’s see if I can help.”

“I need income.”

“Huh?”