CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 9

[Luz]

It took me a few seconds to reach a conclusion that would ultimately not harm anyone, even if it 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 to say to the prince to dissuade him from a possible dispute with his own brother.

"Prince Frederick simply welcomed me to the royal family," I say the biggest lie that comes to mind and avert my gaze from his face, knowing that I couldn't utter such false words while looking into his eyes.

"Ah, Luz, what am I to do with you?" Prince Felipe sighs, exhausted, and I look at him in confusion. "I know you're not telling me the truth," he explains, and my eyes widen. "But don't worry; I won't press you for an answer right now. When you feel comfortable, you'll tell me yourself."

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

"Of course, I won't keep you longer than necessary," he replies. "But when you return to the castle in a day, look for me immediately, Luz. We need to talk about some very important matters and settle some details before the ball, alright?"

"Yes, alright. I'll find you when I return," I tell him.

"Good. See you soon, dear bride."

Felipe smiles at me, and his hands, which were holding my shoulders earlier, move toward my neck as his face gets closer to mine. In a completely unexpected act, his lips gently touch my forehead in a kiss that leaves me completely embarrassed and alarmed.

Why did he do that? I wonder with my nerves already on edge.

"Don't make that face, dear bride," he laughs, taking a step back as he moves away.

"Although I consider it lovely to see your cheeks beautifully flushed, I might feel a little offended or even hurt if every time I touch you, you make that startled look, as if I were about to attack you at any moment," he remarks playfully, and with the hand that holds the side of my face, his thumb caresses my cheek in circular motions.

"I think I can try to improve on that," I bite my lip apprehensively, determined to keep the promise I made. I resist the strong urge to look away and raise my head to gaze directly into his intense blue eyes like the sea.

"That's a good start for us, Luz," he winks and uses his thumb to free the flesh I was nervously biting between my teeth.

"I'll be waiting for your return as soon as possible, dear bride. Have a safe journey back home, and be careful on the roads. If you want, I can have one of my trusted personal guards accompany you on the way, what do you think?" Prince Felipe asks, showing evident concern for my safety as we walk through the extensive castle corridors toward the royal house's exit.

"I appreciate the generous offer, Prince Felipe."

I stop in front of him when we reach the sturdy bronze gates beside the castle walls.

"But I can't accept. I want to enjoy the last few minutes of normality left in my simple life as an ordinary person before diving into this world of being surrounded by guards and nobility," I justify my refusal, and he nods understandingly, grasping my reasons.

"If that's your wish, I will respect it, Luz. Go safely."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

I give a small curtsey in his direction as the gates are opened for my passage.

"Stay safe as well. You and your family will be in my prayers tonight before I go to sleep," I warn before turning and walking away under his watchful gaze.

When I'm finally back at my house in the late afternoon, I stand outside for a few minutes, contemplating the modest structure. I think about all the madness that happened to me just a couple of hours ago, something I couldn't even imagine when I left my home in the morning, expecting it to be just another ordinary day.

However, everything changed when an officer came to me with a summons from the Royal House for a private audience at the castle. Until then, I had no knowledge of the matter, let alone who it would be discussed with. Only when I arrived there did I realize the reality and the difficult decision I would have to make. One that required much more than a simple yes or no answer. One that demanded a decision that would have consequences, and would change the rest of my life forever.

I sealed my own fate when I agreed to be part of the secret plot involving that family, all for the love and devotion I hold for my king and our nation. I don't regret the choice I made, even though I'm fearful of the uncertain future that lies ahead.

I feel like I'm walking through dense fog, like the one that hangs over the land in the early hours of the day, not seeing with certainty what's in the next step ahead of me.

"Hey, you, stop right there!" A hand grabs me roughly by the arm when I'm about to enter the house, and I pull it back in reflex, startled by the abrupt approach.

"Ouch, you brute! Look what you did. You knocked me over, you crazy girl." The young woman who had approached me so suddenly grumbles irritably after falling to the ground.

"You scared me first!" I reply, extending my hand to help her up. However, the feisty girl rejects the offer and quickly stands up in a few seconds, dusting off her old, tattered dress.

"I don't need the maiden's help," she scoffs sarcastically, her hands on her narrow waist, as if she hasn't been properly fed in recent times. I withdraw with so much 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 a growing sense of distrust, squinting at her figure as small as mine.

"I didn't attack you," the girl rebuts petulantly, rolling her eyes at my question. "And I'm not here to steal from you or rob your precious little house, if that's what you're thinking right now," she states, crossing her arms and staring at me seriously, as if she were reading my thoughts.

"I didn't say that, Miss," I say, embarrassed by the possibility that really crossed my mind.

"I didn't say it, but you thought it, and I know," her laughter is ironic. "And drop the 'Miss' on my side. We both know I'm not a lady of society."

"I...," I stammer, not knowing what to say.

"But it doesn't matter. I'm not here to discuss my terrible birth origins," her expression becomes hard and dark. "I came to confront you about another matter that concerns both of us."

"I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't even know you, never met you in my life, at least not that I remember, and I don't even know your name. So, what kind of common issue could I have with you?" I ask her, confused.

"My name is Catherine, and you must be the Miss Luz I've heard so much about in recent days," she points confidently. "What I came here to find out today is why you

did that. With what right do you think you can interfere in people's lives like that, people about whom you know nothing? How dare you make a decision without knowing how it will affect others? Can you answer me? Do you ever think about the consequences of your actions, Miss Luz?"