The Princess'choice II

Struabus

Emmett

The next morning, we were ready to depart. We bid our goodbye to the people living in this isolated, hidden little town. Although I still didn't know who put that mushroom into our food. Elidi walked to me and I saw a big bag on her back.

- What is that for? - I asked and she tilted her head. Maya walked next to her with a bag also.

- We are coming with you obviously... You told me to come to the Spring ball, why go separately? - she made sense. And I'd love to travel with her, to get to know her better. Our odds would be better if we go separately. Just when I wanted to answer Elidi moved her hand in circles and I saw a big fire ring behind us. It was right at the edge of the cliff.

- Would the forest next to the castle good? - she asked and Conrad nodded.

- Great! Let's go then! - she said and everyone waved goodbye to her. I watched as Elidi walked through the fire circle stepping off of the cliff. I launched to grab her arm and pull her back but I failed. We both fell and when I looked around, Elidi was laying under me in the forest next to my home. Conrad and Maya walked through the circle and it closed behind them. I only understood at that moment what an incredible luck we have, that Prince Damien isn't wiser than a bowl of porridge... I stared in disbelief at Elidi. She coughed.

- Get off! - I was too surprised to enjoy the situation we were in. I jumped up and offered her a hand. She grabbed it and I pulled her up.

- Thanks.

- Sorry for that. - I said and she waved as it was nothing, making me feel a clumsy fool.

- I think it would be better to disguise yourself my Lady. Until we make sure the Crown Prince and Emperor are also fine with this alliance. - Maya said and Elidi nodded. She murmured something and I watched her firey curls turn into chestnut brown. She closed her eyes and when she opened them again, they were regular green eyes, her red lips got paler and her unique skin fair. Now she looked like an ordinary lady, but I could see the fire behind her disguise.

- I'll lead the way. - I said and we headed to the castle. Conrad kept chatting with Maya like old friends, while we walked in awkward silence with Elidi. I had no idea what she could think about me after these few, not so successful, days. We could say that I she definitely saw the worse of me. I stole a glance at her from time to time. She looked excited, kept watching around her and instead of walking she was technically skipping like a little girl. She was simply adorable. We arrived to the castle too soon... I felt bad for not being able to chat with her. The gates opened and after we walked into the inner gardens, Annalise flew into my arms almost knocking me off of my feet. I spun her around and her laughter filled the air. I saw Sébastien walking towards us behind her and a smile spread on my face... I was at home and this time, felt even more like home than ever before.

Elidi

I didn't know what to say to Emmett during our small walk. Honestly, my mind was filled with worry. I've never left my people alone before and I just hoped that they'll be fine. But I made this decision to make their lives better. I stole a glance at Emmett from time to time but she looked like he was lost in his own thoughts as well. I felt jealous of Maya and Conrad. Their conversation flew effortlessly, truth to be told, there wasn't a strange pull between them as it was between us. My body reacted to Emmett's closeness and I had to concentrate not to blush if his shoulder accidentally stroke mine. I must remain focused on my mission.

Anyway, he has that special lady waiting for him and soon, I'll meet her. Let's enjoy these last awkward moments together before reaching the castle. We arrived faster than I thought and was we walked in the gates closer and closer to the castle, my mind got a little foggy. I felt a sense of deja vu. The scent of the roses, the structure of the castle, everything seemed familiar and it gave a sensation as if I was at... Home. An image popped up in my mind, I was running away from Emmett after throwing him woth a snowball... The vision disappeared as fast as it came and I saw a gorgeous lady running towards Emmett. She was short, elegant, woth blonde hair and really gorgeous even from afar. So she was his special one. The lady jumped into his arms and he spun her around like in the plays when they find their true love. My heart throbbed a little but I knew, it will be better this way. We can be professionals from now on. A man similar to Emmett, but with blonde hair and brown eyes approached us as well and greeted Conrad as a friend. These four stood in front of us and smiled while I bowed a little clumsily... Long time passed since I had to act like a real Lady... Emmett introduced us.

- Sébastien, Annalise, they are Maya and Elidi, our guests from afar. - Annalise... Why is this name feels weird. It doesn't fit the lady, Lise would be better. I thought. She walked to me and looked slightly up at me, her eyes teared up and she hugged me strongly.

- Welcome home! - she said and I looked confused at the three men behind her. Sébastien the Crown Prince looked a little weird at me and frowned his eyebrows but after a few seconds his expression normalized. The little lady released me. She was a bubble of joy! No wonder why Emmett fell for her. Those big, sparkling, blue eyes, soft features, flawless skin and blonde wavy her. She looked like an angel, even without wings.

- Welcome to the Struabus Empire Princess and Lady! - Sébastien greeted us and was about to shake my hand but suddenly I felt a strange power around us. It was coming from him... Another vision popped up in my mind. I was cowered in blood and a man attacked me, I fall out of a window and saw another guy standing in the window looking at my fall. I shook my head and Prince Sébastien's eyes widened, as if he saw what I saw.

- It is not a really nice thing to read people's mind without consent. - I said and Sébastien took a step back.

- Berke? - he asked and my head throbbed.

- Who? - I asked and he coughed.

- Nothing, you just look similar to an old friend of mine. But your Highness doesn't look at all as the rumors say. - Emmett chuckled.

- You'll see brother soon! Let's go in. - he held the lady's hand and walked ahead with her, chatting happily. Conrad offered an arm to Maya and the Prince stood next to me smiling.

- Looks like you have to be happy with the leftovers. - he said and I chuckled accepting the offered arm.

- Shouldn't we keep the formalities? - I asked and he smiled, his expression was nostalgic before he said.

- We are friends, there is no need for formalities.

- Just friends? - I asked playfully.

- I thought there was something more between us! - Sébastien understood the assignment.

- Listen Elidi, I love you!

- WHAT?! - we heard Emmett's voice and turned to the direction of the sound.