Unveiled Secrets: The Promise of the Fae

Chapter 47 - Wait, what?

When they returned to the north, Nate was wearing a dress. She’s fond of both light green and lavender. Her mother packed them neatly in a bag. There were three casual dresses and two nightdresses.

Everyone was extremely surprised. She’s embarrassed. Even King Edward gave her a disbelieving look.

“She’s still a princess, no? Princesses wear dresses.” That’s how Vince summed it up for her. That made her grin, along with how the others exchanged glances.

Hannah was the first to adjust, “Welcome back, princess.” She stated in a curtsy.

“Calling you Nate in a dress somewhat feels wrong. May I address you as Princess Natalia?” She tilted her head as she closely looked at the fine dress Nate is wearing.

Well, she only maintained to be called Nate because she was pretending to be a boy previously and most people came to know her as Nate. Only Vince knows her as Naya and her parents call her Natalia. Lesser number of people would have to change the way they address her so she chose Nate.  

Now, though… Hannah sounds about right. Nate is a name that has been associated with her position as the prince’s companion.

If she’s to start acting as a princess…  she would have to be called Natalia.

She turned to look at Vince, who was already watching her.

“Princess…?”

“Alright, Natalia in a dress. But I won’t hold it against anyone if someone still calls me Nate.”

“Of course.”

Vince briefly narrated their experience to the others while having dinner.

Afterwards, the two of them quickly returned to their quarters to sleep. They fell asleep almost immediately. At least, it wasn’t as bad as when they appeared in the northeast.

The next morning, they woke up a little later. After a quick breakfast, they found Aaron practicing with Hannah in the recreation hall.

“Wait, what?” Nate exclaimed as she turns to look at the twinkling fires in the ceiling.

“He can enchant.” Hannah made it brief. They already informed King Edward the moment they discovered it.

He expressed his gladness, knowing it would make things easier for them. With three people to transport them to the land of the fae, they could stay longer.

Aaron promised to practice whatever’s necessary. He let Hannah choose which enchantments he should focus on. He trusts her judgment.

Two days later, King Edward asked Vince to accompany him to the fae. He has some concerns he’d like to discuss with King Florian. It would be good for Vince to listen to the discussion as well. Of course, his father spent at least an hour with his wife before the discussion started. He was organizing his own thoughts, trying to come up with ideas. He has his own but compared to what his father suggests on the table, he can see the disparity. His father considers more factors than he does. Vince is slowly trying to expand his knowledge, grasping the things he forgets to consider.

While they’re on the fae, Nate spent some time with Hannah and Aaron. He kept practicing, whereas she reads this book on royal rules and whatnot. When she can’t understand the reasoning behind such rules, she would turn to Hannah for guidance.

Hannah halted her own practice to help them. Her usefulness is more tactical than physical anyway.

Nate noted the way they remain focused on training when they’re in the recreational hall. She hasn’t caught them being intimate or something. Even the way they look at each other was serious. When she brought it up, this is how they answered.

“This is a responsibility I’ve taken on when you guys recruited me, no?” Aaron explained.

“The reason I came here is to help you guys train, no?” Hannah almost copied the way he spoke.

Nate shrugged, “I just thought I’d see you two… you know, closer…”

They exchanged glances after that. Nate noticed the way their lips curved upwards. Then, she thought aloud, “Yeah, I’d probably feel uncomfortable.”

Given how she and Vince do not exactly flaunt their relationship, those two have no reason to do so.

Staying low profile is the common decision.

But then, Aaron walked over to Hannah and was about to lean down.

“Hey, what…” Nate quickly turned around, her back on them. Is it too late to walk away? She realized she’s not actually comfortable to see them acting lovey-dovey. She doesn’t mind her parents, or Vince’s parents. They’re all adults. As for her and Vince, they’re very private about the details of their relationship.

“There’s a piece of paper on her hair, what were you thinking?” Aaron explained, and that is all he did. Hannah openly laughed at Nate’s reaction.

“Why do you have to lean, then?” She faced them again, wanting to see if there’s really a piece of paper on Hannah’s hair.

“It’s too small. I can only see it clearly up close.” He did show her the piece he took from Hannah’s hair.

The other day, she wrote enchantments on pieces of paper and had him guess what each of them are used for. She teared up a paper into smaller pieces to write them down. After using them, she had to tear them up into tiny pieces to prevent anyone from seeing the contents. That is, until he simply burned them with another enchantment. The wind might have blown the smaller pieces.

“Can I borrow Hannah?” She asked Aaron.

“Will you be guys going somewhere?” He asked back.

“Hmm… you’re right. We can do it here. You sure your practice won’t be bothered?”

“I’m sure.” He’s used to distractions. He can sleep even in a moving carriage with screaming or crying kids.

“Let’s all have lunch first. Both of you will need your strength.” Hannah suggested. It is almost time for another meal. They can show up early in the kitchen.

Right. Nate asked Hannah about dining etiquette. It was all interesting even to Aaron.

“It has been a while since I had to use these things.” Hannah admitted. In this day and age, not many bothers with the complete set of dining utensils.

“They consider it an art?” Aaron asked from his seat. He’s more into function and convenience when doing certain things. He can’t understand why all those differences are necessary. A spoon is a spoon to scoop food. Sometimes, he’d rather use his hands. Why do they have to serve several spoons of different sizes? Nate is of the same opinion. In a way, they have the same backgrounds growing up. Ordinary. Commoners.

“As princess, even if you make a mistake, no one would scold you for it, both in private and in public. A counsel member might point it out in a suggestive manner, but it won’t warrant an action that would embarrass you publicly. If someone dares, you’re in a position to embarrass them if you so desire.” Hannah related with a smile. In her early years, she’d attended balls and parties. Though meals are subdued with less conversation, some of those ladies dining with you on a table could be checking your table manners. Some people search for things to nitpick.

Both Nate and Aaron are speechless at the stories she’s sharing.

“Let’s not have that kind of meal in this kingdom, shall we? Plain dining is enough.”

Hannah chuckled. “Yes, that is doable, except on formal occasions.”

“Aside from weddings, ascension, royal celebrations, what other events are considered formal?”

Hannah gave them a rundown and the differences of those events. Aaron paid attention, if only because they’re staying in the palace and might be invited to such.

“What’s the plan for your birthday?” Hannah changed the direction of the conversation.

“Oh, that… my parents will host a party. There’s still over a month. You guys will come, right? I will only know a handful of people in that event.”

“Won’t it be held on the northeast?” Aaron wanted to confirm.

“Yes, it is. After another trip to the fae, we’ll be taking another trip to the northeast. Vince and I will bring King Edward. See if that will work. Then, before my birthday, we can probably transport everyone. Oh wait, you can enchant, too! You have to learn it.”

She almost forgot.

Hannah exchanged a look with Aaron. Well, she has a few businesses to take care of in the northeast. She needs to talk to King Aries about her personal choices. He would need someone to replace her in the counsel.

“I forgot to ask you. Would you rather stay here in the north or do you want us to go to the northeast?” He could tell what went on her mind. Sometimes, she feels that he can read her. Or maybe he’s simply that attuned to her feelings.

She smiled at him. Though he didn’t say it, she can tell he feels at home here.

“I’d rather stay here.” Her reasoning wasn’t pure, though. She’s running from all the people who used to know her. She couldn’t stand the questioning gazes of the people who knew how old she used to look.

“Hey…” Aaron reached over to hold her hand. She wasn’t able to hide the sadness from him and appreciated his support. She squeezed his hand.

Nate saw his actions and thought it was sweet of him. It wasn’t over the top as a show of affection. It was timely given the situation.