Unveiled Secrets: The Promise of the Fae

Chapter 18 - I will do my best

It would actually be good if someone else could inherit the northeast kingdom, other than her. She wasn’t brought up in the castle, so her education is currently not sufficient. To be a leader, that is. And even if she has Vince by her side, he has his own kingdom to think about. It would be too much to ask him to rule two kingdoms at once, even if she would be by his side. And let’s not start talking about the distance between the palaces, and the vast land the two kingdoms cover. The north’s territory alone is huge.

Nate frowned at the letter. They are asking her to visit, and yet…

Ah, right. She can probably ask King Edward for the use of a carriage. Her father did send his own men to serve as her guard. There were four of them stationed close to her quarters, two of which follows her whenever she goes outside. They would go with her on her travel.

“I feel that it is an urgent matter. I will visit them tomorrow.” She turned to tell Vince of her plan. She doesn’t like prolonging something inevitable.

In his mind, she didn’t even consult him. That was almost new to him. He swallowed. Did his teasing make her mad? He ran his hand through his hair again, a little frustrated.

“Did I make you angry? I’m sorry.” There were a few things she allows him to tease her, even others. But there are certain issues she’s not welcoming of any teasing, not even from him. He didn’t realize early that this is one of those…

“I just want to deal with this quickly and return.” She frowned, then sighed.

“If I don’t return in time, would you visit your mom?”

Vince had to think about that one. He has his father’s letter to deliver.

“I will try to bring father with me. If that doesn’t work, I will deliver his letter and maybe wait while she pens a response.” He reached out to comb her hair. She liked the comforting movements.

She nodded at his statements. She hoped King Edward would be able to go to that dimension and see his wife again. She knew Vince would love that.

“Let’s go and inform father. They would have to prepare your transport as well.”

As they walk through the corridors, Vince thought of something else.

“Maybe you should bring Aaron with you.”

Nate smiled at his thought. “That would make you worry less, right?”

He sighed deeply. He wanted to go with her, but alas…

The day they chose to try going to the fae has been set already. And his mother is probably waiting, too. He couldn’t imagine what she must be feeling. She must be worried despite his assurances. She would want to read his father’s response to her letter. He would have to go, even without her. And she would have to go, even without him. Somehow, he’s reminded of King Aries’ words. There will come a time they should trust each other to do their own things.

He personally went to find Aaron to ask him a favor.

“Ah? You want me to accompany the princess?” Aaron was at a loss.

“Yes.” Vince replied nonchalantly. Sometimes, he would have that blank expression on his face when he talks. Aaron has gotten used to it.

“Well… wouldn’t it be more proper for her highness to be accompanied by another girl? A woman, perhaps?” Aaron is aware of certain rules and him accompanying a princess… That’s not done.

Vince shrugged. “It’s not like she’s got female friends. Selene is too young and she’s watching over Pyro. I could ask Philip, but he’s away on a mission at the moment.”

“I see…” Aaron still feel a little comfortable about it.

“I will entrust her to you, so you better protect her for me.” Vince went straight to the point. That got Aaron’s attention. Somehow, he could understand, but half of him do not want to accept it. Are they really trusting him with such an important task?

Vince already explained why he can’t go, so he had to ask someone else. He was his choice. He realized he should be honored, flattered…

“I will do my best.” He finally answered.

“Good. You will leave early tomorrow morning. Get enough rest. I will send someone else to accompany Selene and Pyro, while you’re away as well.”

He appreciates the way the prince didn’t overlook any details. He’s glad. He nodded to him, before the prince did the same and turning to return to the castle.

“Good morning, my lady.” In a way, he’s not used to waking up too early in the morning. The princess didn’t look like she’s ready as well. Her eyes kept closing. Vince was on her side, assisting her. He sighed.

“Go sleep in the carriage.” He pushed her forward and settled her on the seat.

“I will miss you.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Do well. I’ll be back quickly.” Her mind is on Queen Elise and the fae.

“Hmm.” He dipped his head to kiss her lips. She parted her lips to receive him. She inhaled his scent as she gripped his coat. He could drown her in his kisses. He let her go when it’s clear she’s gone breathless.

Aaron was just outside the carriage door and was looking in the other direction. He was shaking his head slightly. He himself has never been intimate with a girl, so he’s embarrassed to witness the two of them like this. He normally sees them seriously practicing together. Definitely not like this.

Vince tapped his shoulder as he got out of the carriage. Aaron bowed to him before getting into the carriage with the princess. He sat across her. He’d seen the rest of their entourage. They should be quite safe. Also, the two of them have magic.

He grinned, unconsciously, because of his thoughts. Nate raised an eyebrow, noticing it.

“Why are you grinning?” At her question, his expression was cleared of any emotion.

He cast his eyes around the carriage as he searched for an answer. The carriage has started moving as well. The two of them quickly looked out the window to wave at Vince.

When they returned to the middle of their seats, Nate prompted her with another look.

“Well?”

What was he thinking again? He should simply be honest. “I was thinking, if we ever get ambushed, you’d be the most qualified to protect the rest of us.” His grin was back.

“Huh…” Nate searched her mind. He’s not wrong.

“You’re already aware that using magic weakens the body. Unless the enemy is magic, I’ll let the guards do the protecting bit.”

Aaron suddenly sobered. “Right.” She’s right.

Nate searched around the compartments, handing Aaron a couple of containers.

“We didn’t get to eat breakfast. Have some bread and cheese. I think the flask contains something like warm soup. Maybe coffee.” She started opening one, finding crackers and passing it to him after getting a handful.

Watching her, he’s finding it amusing. She acts like Pyro. It stunned him for a few seconds. She’s much like a child as she opens one container after another, looking for something she likes. She should have asked Vince to label them. Well, she wasn’t really picky, but in the last month or so, she prefers eating meat. It replenishes her energy much better.

Before the day Vince was scheduled to go into the fae world, King Edward decided that it’s time to let the counsel know. After all, he would try to go with him. If he suddenly disappears without anyone knowing… that would be disastrous. The counsel should know at this point. He called for a meeting in the morning, with Vince attending as well.

Initially, they left out the part that they’ve found Elise in that world. When questions were raised on the relevance of exploring that dimension, with the king wanting to go on his own as well, it was concluded to be not worth risking his life. They could send someone else if the king wants to. He and his son exchanged a long look before he was forced to divulge his very personal reason.

Majority of the counsel were stunned in the beginning, then there were those who questioned the credibility of the information. It must be a hoax. A conspiracy. That was the flow of discussion until Vince admitted it was him and Nate who met her in that world. Then, King Edward exerted his authority as king. He divulged their plan for tomorrow. Although it wasn’t guaranteed that he himself would be able to visit that place, Vince is sure to go. They are welcome to witness his disappearance if they are doubtful of the prince’s words. No one dared to question it further.

“I only decided to let you know, in case I disappear with Vince tomorrow, you shall not be rattled and raise chaos in my kingdom while I am gone. We will quickly return. At most, it might take us three days.”

“We understand, your highness. We will do our best to protect the kingdom and maintain its affairs in the short days you may be gone.” The head of the counsel replied.

The others murmured their ascents.

Vince was a little nervous. It would be the first time he’d do something on his own. He hopes his father would be able to come with him. He already misses Nate. What could she be doing at this time? She should’ve arrived at the castle by now.