The Princess' Choice

No time left to waste

Berke

I woke up with a sharp pain in my side. Lise was sitting next to my bed and read a book. When she noticed I woke up she put the book down, turned to me and smiled.

- It took you quiet some time... - Lise turned to the guard in the room.

- I want to talk with my maid in private.

- It is my duty to keep you safe your Highness. I cannot leave your side. - Lise rolled her eyes.

- Before you were assigned, Berke fid that job of your for four entire years. Get out now! - he nodded in defeat and left the room. Her fake arrogance fall and with sincere worry she asked.

- How are you feeling? - I touched my head which was still pounding with headache. The room was already dark.

- I suppose it has been the whole day. - I said and she nodded.

- Do you remember what happened? - I nodded and touched my side. It hurt a little but my scar was gone.

- This time you almost died Berke. - Lise said and I shrugged.

- One more or less it doesn't really count. What matters is that I'm still here. - Lise got up and hugged me. I felt my shoulder getting wet and let her cry to her heart content. When Lise calmed down I asked

- How is your brother doing? - Lise sighed.

- Actually? Horrible. After he hurt you he couldn't focus on anything and ended up closing himself in his chambers. After you spent some time with him, do you know what to do to bring him back to his old self? - Lise's concern encouraged me.

- I have a plan. Hopefully, your parents will give permission.

- Will it work? - Lise asked and she was a little girl again. She might acted and looked a lot like an adult, but deep down, she was still a cheerful child, worried sick for her brother.

- I think it will.

- What is your plan?

Emmett

The knock on the door cut my concentration on the paperwork I had to do. I looked up from the documents and saw the bloody sword in my hand again. I shook my head and said.

- Come in. - Simon entered and he bowed deeply seeing my state.

-Your Highness, excuse me for the interruption, but the Emperor sent me to escort you to the throne room.- without saying a word, I followed Simon. While we walked there I saw Dave running with the injured Berke in his arms several times and my head started to hurt a lot.

- Are you okay your Highness? - Simon asked with concern and I nodded.

- My head hurts, that's all. - finally we arrived. Inside there were my parents, my brother and sister on their thrones and Berke stood in front of them. I walked in and Simon closed the door behind us. I walked in front of my family, without looking at Berke. I'm not able to look into her eyes yet. I haven't even apologized for my mistake.

- What is going on? - I asked and my parents looked at me with sadness and worry. Sébastien forced a smile on his face as usual and Lise just stared at me.

- You'll have to leave the palace. - my father said without any explanations. I felt my heart pang. Are they kicking me out? I made a mistake but this seems exaggerated! Even if we appreciate Berke, she is just a maid and I'm the Second Prince. Although O didn't understand, it was a direct order from the Emperor. I kneeled as a knight should and asked in a firm and stern voice.

- For how long your Highness? - I heard a sigh.

- Until the Spring ball.

- What is my mission your Highness?- I asked and already lost all of my hope to get my family's full trust again.

- You'll be Berke's companion for the journey she must take. - did I hear it right? I lifted my head and saw the worry in their eyes. I looked at Berke but she kept looking and smiling at my sister.

- I'll call the best knights to join us your Highness. When should we leave? - I asked and heard a soft sob. I looked at my mother and she was crying. Sébastien held her hand and I wanted to embrace her when I heard my brother say.

- Everything is going to be fine mom.- our father looked like he was on the verge of breaking down, even his voice broke a bit when he said.

- Only you and Berke will leave. - this time, I looked at her and she looked at me. There was not even a hint of anger or fear in those emerald eyes. She smiled at me softly and my heart skipped a beat. What the hell is happening?

- I don't think that's a good idea your Highness considering what happened earlier. - I said and turned my glance off of her. I felt so guilty I hoped the floor would swallow me there.

- This wasn't an option. This was an order. Get ready and leave tomorrow at dawn. - we both nowed and before we left my father called after Berke.

- Good luck! - I was even more confused when Berke smiled at my father and smiled before she said.

- I'll take care of everything your Highness, we will be back for the ball. - my mom cried, Lise also while Sébastien and dad tried to console them.

- Where are we going? - I asked Berke out of the room. She put her hands behind her back and with a cheeky grin she walked away. I had no other choice than follow this wild little flame.