CHAPTER 9

[Light]

It had taken me a few seconds to come to a conclusion that in the end would not harm anyone, even if such a decision put me in a somewhat uncomfortable position in this situation, however, I would never threaten to jeopardize the good relationship between two blood brothers because of unnecessary confusion. So I knew exactly what I should say to the prince to dissuade him from a possible disagreement with his own brother.

Prince Frederick just welcomed me to the royal family. -I tell the biggest lie that comes to mind and i look away from your face, knowing that I could not utter such false words by staring into your eyes.

What do I do with you? -Prince Philip sighs exhausted and I look at him without understanding. I know you're not telling me the truth. - he explains it and I'll get my eyes out. But don't worry, I won't press you for an hourly answer. When you feel comfortable, you'll tell me yourself.

I can... Can I go now? - I ask with some anxiety.

Of course, I won't delay you any longer than necessary. He answers. But when you're back at the Castle in a day, look for me immediately, Luz. We need to talk about some of the important issues and get some details right before the dance, okay?

Yes, that's fine. When you return, I'll look for you. I'll answer you.

All right, i'm going to get you out See you soon, deesteemed bride.

Philip smiles at me and his hands that once held me by the shoulders, rise towards my neck with his face approaching mine, and in a totally unexpected act, his lips stick to my forehead in a gentle and affectionate kiss that leaves me completely embarrassed and alarmed.

Why did he do that? I wonder with nerves already in tatters.

Don't make that face, dear bride.

He laughs by taking a step back as he pulls away.

As much as I find it lovely to see the apples of your face beautifully blushed, I may feel a little offended or even hurt, if every time I touch you you make that face of astonishment as if I were going to attack you at any moment. -he comments in a fun way while with the hand holding the side of my face, his thumb strokes my cheek in circular motions.

I think I can try to make it better. -I bite my lips apprehensively, and willing to keep the promise I made, I contain the immense desire to look away and head up to look directly into his intense blue eyes like the sea.

- This is a good start for us, Luz.

He blinks and with his thumb releases the flesh that mishandles between his teeth, in an act of pure nervousness, pulling it down.

- I'll be waiting for your return as soon as possible, dear bride. Make a good trip to the way home and be careful on the roads. If you want, I can ask one of my trusted personal guards to accompany you along the way, what do you think? -Prince Philip questions with obvious concern about my safety as we walk through the castle's extensive corridors to the exit of the royal house.

I thank you for the generous offer, Prince Philip.

I stop in front of you when we reach the sturdy bronze gates next to the walls surrounding the Castle.

But I can't accept it. I want to enjoy the last few minutes of normality that remain in my simple life as an ordinary person, before diving into these things of being surrounded by guards and figures of the nobility. -I justify my refusal to what he sympathetically understands my motives.

If that's your wish, I'm going to respect you, Luz. Go safely.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I make a little reverence towards you when the gates are opened for my passage.

Stay safe, too. You and your family will be in my prayers tonight before you fall asleep. -I notice before I turn around and leave under the supervision of your watchful eye on me.

?

*

When I'm finally back at my house in the afternoon, I stand for a few minutes outside and watch the modest structure on the outside contemplatively.

I think of all the craziness that happened to me until a couple of hours ago, and that I couldn't even imagine it would happen when I left my home in the morning of what promised to be one more ordinary day.

However, everything changed when an officer came to meet me with a summons from the Royal House for me to appear at the Castle in a private audience. Until then I had no knowledge of what the subject was about, let alone who would be discussed.

It wasn't until I got to that place that I realized the reality and the difficult decision I had to make. One that required much more than a simple yes or no answer. That I had demanded a decision that will have consequences, and that will change the rest of my life forever.

I have made my own destiny when I have agreed to be part of the secret plot involving that family, all for the sake of the love and devotion I have for my king and for our nation. And I don't regret the choice I've made, no matter how fearful I am about the uncertain future that awaits me.

I feel like I'm walking through a dense fog, like the one that hangs over the earth in the early hours of the day, without seeing for sure what's next step ahead of me.

Hey, you. Just stand there! -a hand grabs me with brusquidão and strength by the arm when I'm about to enter the house, and I pull it back into a reflex act, frightened by the abrupt approach.

Oh, you're thick! Look what you've done? You knocked me down, crazy girl. -the girl who had suddenly approached me, mumbles angry after falling on her ass on the floor.

You scared me first! -Answer by reaching out to help her get up, however, the angry young lady rejects the offer and stands up quickly in a few seconds, beating the dust from the skirts of her old, son-in-court dress.

I don't need the damsel's help. -she disdains with sarcasm, carrying both hands on the narrow waist like the one who has not fed properly in recent times, and I retract with such hostility and aggressive attitude coming from someone I barely know.

So what do you want with me and why did you attack me like that in front of my house? -I ask with the growing sense of mistrust, and narrow my eyes to your figure as young as mine.

I didn't attack her. -the girl hits in a petulant way by rolling her eyes to my question. And I'm not going to rob you or rob your precious little house, if that's what you're thinking right now. -she claims to be crossing her arms and sees me as serious as if she readmy thoughts.

I didn't say that, miss. I'm just sorry that this possibility actually got through my head.

I didn't, but you thought I know. - your laugh is ironic. And cut that lady to my side. We both know perfectly well that I'm no lady of society.

-I... -babble d'o'em not knowing what to say.

But it doesn't matter. I'm not here to discuss my terrible birth origins. -your countenance becomes hard and gloomy. I have come to confront you about another much more important matter that concerns us.

- I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't even know her, never life before in my life, not that I remember, and I don't even know her name. So what kind of common matter could I have with you? - I question her confused.

My name is Catherine, and you must be the one I've heard so much about in the last few days, and what I came here to know today is, why did you do that? By what right do you think you can interfere with people's lives like that, which you don't know anything about? How do you debut making a decision without knowing how it will affect others? Can you answer me? Don't you ever think about the consequences of your attitudes, Miss Luz?