Winter 1336

Johnathan Williams had a list of people he rather not see in his life. All for different reasons, but life would be easier if he never set eyes on them again. Just like everything in life, he couldn’t avoid those people forever, even if they were family.

John’s older brother, Carver, shivered as he tightly held onto a blanket in his arms. “Please John, you must help me.” His voice was rough and gravely as if he was dealing with the flu. What has Carver been through?

They both grew up in an assassin family. John was the only one out of seven to not become like his father. Instead of being an assassin, he became a knight. Knights and assassins don't get along. “You shouldn’t be here, Carver.”

“I wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t important it.” What was Carver’s definition of “important?” All Carver has ever given John was excuses about his absence, his plans, pretty much everything. It was getting old. “I wanted to let you know that I'm going away for a while. Something happened while I was doing a job for father. I have to disappear.”

Another excuse.

Carver was family. Assassins valued family life, it was everything. In a way, Carver was supposed to be that person he put first before all things. Until this moment, he hasn’t seen his brother in months, maybe a year. Now all of a sudden, Carver was here in need of his help? Family doesn’t work that way—At least, John no longer wanted his family to be that way. “What happened? Who did you kill?”

Carver swallowed hard as he held the blanket closer to his chest. How did Carver expect help when he had no idea what was going on? “I didn’t have a choice.”

Must he lie? If this persisted, he would rather go back inside where it was warm. “I'm flattered that you told me for once that you’re disappearing again, but we don’t give sanctuary to fugitives.”

“That’s not why I’m here.” Suddenly, a whimper escaped from his brother’s arms. Stomach ache? No, Carver’s breath was like a local tavern and his body reeked. The only noise he expected his brother to make was a burp. The whimper was too soft. Nothing could make that noise unless—oh God… Was that a baby? “Please brother, I need you to take care of Leon.”

What? No, there was no way he could take care of a baby. Carver stepped closer to John and handed him the baby. It was small, he couldn’t be any older than five or six months. Maybe. How would he be able to tell this infant’s age, he knew nothing of babies. In fact, he never held one before. How was he supposed to support a baby’s head or how to be gentle with it? Was a baby supposed to be this light? Leon was… no, it didn’t matter. Carver needed to take him back.

“I’m quite busy, Carver. I barely have time to take care of myself and I have never looked after anyone’s child before, you know that.”

“He’s your nephew, you can’t just deny him.”

This wasn’t about him trying to deny his nephew, but it was about Carver running from his problems as usual. “I don’t have time to take care of him, I have better things to do.”

“I need you to do one thing! One thing… After everything I have done for you, protecting you from father—”

“Don't you dare bring father into this!” John needed to make that very clear because father was on his list too. Father was the one who got Carver in this mess and now he wasn’t here to help him get out of it. Typical. Carver should had known that father never had his best interest in heart. Father only looked out for number one. That was exactly why he never wanted to see his father’s face again.

What was there left for Carver to say back to him? Nothing… But like it or not, there was an innocent child involved in their families’ mess. A child who hasn’t comprehended who he was. They needed to figure out a solution, one that didn’t involve anyone leaving. “There’s a shelter nearby that takes in broken families.”

“That’s not enough. They’ll find me easily and kill me. What of my son?”

“Are you asking for money?”

“No! I told you what you need to do. This place has walls, food, warmth—this is the only place that would keep him safe.”

Keep him safe from what? “Carver, who did you kill?” His brother remained silent again, but this was serious. He needed answers. “Who did you kill?”

“It doesn’t matter, Leon’s not safe with me.” Tears almost stream down Carver’s face. “I know you hate the family, but don’t let Leon forget who he is. It’s in his blood and yours.”

Leon slept peacefully as he unveiled more of the blanket covering him.

“I’m sorry, brother.” Carver opened the stable’s door and went out into the blistering cold. They didn’t agree on anything, he couldn’t leave!

“Carver, stop!” The harsh wind blew against him, he shielded Leon away from the snow. Even as he squinted his eyes trying to look for his brother, it was all white. There was no shadow other than the night sky. Carver was gone, more than likely, he was never coming back. His heart beat faster when he realized the situation he was in now.

Suddenly, Leon started crying. It was too cold for a baby like Leon to be out here in a snow storm. He rushed out of the stables and into the castle. Even though they were in the heat, Leon kept crying. Why? They were in the heat, there was nothing to be sad about. Was he hungry, sleepy? Leon probably didn’t like him already.

How was he supposed to hold him? John held Leon up towards his while placing a head on the back of his head.

He rocked gently. “Shh... it's okay, don't worry. I got you.” A minute later, Leon stopped crying. Relieved, John slowly took Leon from his shoulder and cradled him in his arms.

He didn’t come from a home of love. How on earth would he know how to love someone else? Even if it was his nephew. Besides, he never wanted any children. Leon had to go—No… How could he send his nephew away? His own blood? If this was any other child, he would send them to an orphanage without hesitation, but this wasn’t some child, it was his nephew. A baby who would grow feeling the way John has his whole life.

Father was right about something… At the end of the day, family was the only people they could rely on. If he turned his back on Leon, who would dare take care of an assassin’s spawn?

Summer 1357

Was it possible for someone to feel threatened at their own home? The home where people claimed it was safe. There was no place like it. The castle was the only thing Princess Layla Ellory Marie Ansgot considered as home. It was hard for her to leave it behind for eight years. It happened all because after she was innocently flying kites with a friend at age thirteen, someone tried to kill her. Since she was the only one being targeted, her parents sent her away for safety.

A wonderful, safe, off-map chateau that Layla loved to call an asylum. Being at the asylum may have been the best decision, but it forbade communication with the outside world. The only people she was around with were the Auxiliary Women. They helped groom her to the woman she had become now. Or whatever they wanted her to be.

As a thirteen-year-old girl who had a life of joy, friends, and constant fun, life at the asylum was… It didn’t matter, she didn’t go there for a holiday. Life at the asylum was behind her.

Layla must refocus her attention on her arrival to Dortchland. It sounded foolish to be nervous on her arrival back home, but it had been eight years. Eight years of not being able to see her family or friends. What if things weren’t the same as she remembered?

As Layla approached the gate, knots grew in her stomach as her foot repeatedly tapped the floorboard of the carriage. There was no reason to be nervous. This was her home, the place where everything was perfect and mostly predictable. Everything should have stayed the way it was, right? So far, the castle grounds were still the same. Knight’s Castle still stood in front of the Main Castle, same cobblestone walkway, and strangely, the guards at the gate hadn’t changed either. Too good to be true?

Finally, the carriage stopped at the front of the Main Castle. As Layla peaked out the window, she saw the great crowd that was waiting to see her. Wasn’t she under enough pressure? Now the whole kingdom was here to witness or pass judgement on how much she had grown.

“Your Highness…” A guard called for her attention as he extended his hand to help her out the carriage. This was your home, there’s no reason to be nervous. You’re not allowed to be nervous..

It was now or never.

As she stepped out of the carriage, her eyes squinted due to the strong rays of sunlight. There were two other carriages in front. It belonged to her Ladies-in-Waiting. Lady Selina Garcia was from an allied kingdom called Spintila, and Lady Melanie Clarke was a native Dortchian. They’ve known each since they were girls, they were more than friends; they were sisters. It overjoyed Layla to see them again.

“Layla!” Selina flashed her big smile as she ran over to Layla. “I thought I would never see you again. I sort of knew, but it’s been so long. I missed you!” Almost anything could excite her.

“Welcome home, Princess.” Melanie stood by and gracefully bowed her head. She was tamer than Selina and was usually the one who had to get Selina to calm down. Most times it didn’t work, but they were good at balancing each other out.

There were more people she hadn’t seen in a long time too. Her parents. More knots tied around her stomach. Wasn’t this supposed to be the moment where Layla smiled ear to ear? Instead, she stood there puzzled. It wasn’t because she didn’t remember her parents. It was quite the opposite. Her memories of them were still vivid in her mind. Their kindness, compassion, love, and their constant need to keep Layla safe.

What could go through their minds after all these years? What if they didn’t like the adult Layla? What if they preferred Layla to stay in hiding? No… They were her parents, they would never think like that. She would never know unless she picked up her feet and approach them. She needed to take a deep breath and go.

Remember what the Auxiliary Women taught you. Be graceful and refined. When Layla bowed before them, papaa interrupted by holding her close.

What was this? Was that… a hug? That was something she hadn’t felt in a long time. The Auxiliary Women dared not to touch her in such a way, it brought weakness. They wanted Layla to stand strong on her own, not by some silly warm embrace. But it felt good. Hugs were there to make anyone feel welcomed, safe, even better… loved.

“Welcome home, little crumpet.” Even though it was just a whisper, it was good to hear papaa’s voice again. As great as the hug was, she couldn’t bring herself to hug him back. Did she even remember how?

“I’m delighted to be home and see everyone.”

“Let’s get you in inside and settled, shall we?” Mother waved her hand towards the door and tried to take papaa’s arm, but he gently squirmed out of hers.

“I would love to accompany you both, but there are some matters to attend to.”

“Oh? Anything I can help you with—”

“No, stay with Layla. I can handle things.” Papaa kissed mother’s hand and walked away. Did papaa have to leave? Of course he did, a King’s work was never done. Papaa took one last look at Layla before disappearing, but there was something off. He looked at Layla as if—

“Layla did you hear me?” asked mother.

No… Was her mother saying something? Layla turned around and painted a smile on her face as if she heard every word. It was the typical “Royal Portrait Face.” The face where a million things could go through Layla’s mind, but nobody should know.

“Yes, mother, I’m ready to get settled in.” Before anyone could ask questions, Layla took the lead in walking inside the castle.

There were more tapestries that draped the hallway than she remembered. Most of them showed different stages of Layla’s life. Did they hang those up to help cope with her absence?

“How was the journey to get here?” asked mother.

“It was fine. We made a couple of stops to accommodate my comfortability. Honestly, I barely remember the start of the ride. I was probably asleep.” Layla rubbed her arms as she drifted back into silence. This conversation was small talk… She hadn’t done small talk for eight years! No matter what the conversation was, she shouldn’t be struggling to talk to mother.

“I apologize for your grandmother not being able to greet you. She’s preparing for your party. Believe me when I say she spared no expense on this.”

“I understand.” Perfect… Another closed-ended answer. Why did her throat tighten the moment mother said something? Why did Layla barely look at her mother? Why didn’t she tell her mother that no, she didn’t understand why her grandmother couldn’t take time out of her day to see her arrival? “What I meant is that… I understand that Queen Mother Victoria is working her hardest to make sure she prepared everything for my party.”

“How sweet of you to think that. If only I could think so positive of your grandmother, but you know how she is.”

They reached Layla’s old chambers, she was the first to go through the door. This would be one of the places that never changed. Still had the same tan colored wall and same bedding set. Sure, they may have occasionally dusted, but still… it was the same.

History filled the room. Layla used to direct plays and dances along with her Ladies. She welcomed the servants to attend. Mother and papaa used to read Layla a story every night. She remembered playing quiet games in the middle of the day. Not every day, it happened out of nowhere. One minute she was laughing at loud with her Ladies, the next, she had to huddle in a corner by the bed with her head tucked into her knees.

Come to think of it… Her chambers could use a massive redecoration. It was time to build new memories.

“There are just a few things I need to take care of for your party. I’ll leave you to get settled in,” said mother.

“That’s fine.”

“Are you sure you’ll be okay on your own? I’ll call the servants to help you unpack.”

“No, that’s quite alright. I much rather get familiar with my chambers once again. Besides, I have my Ladies.”

“Exactly, Your Majesty, we’ll handle things from here. We need some time to catch up,” Melanie added. When mother left, both of her Ladies turned towards her, fully attentive. What were they looking at? Was this the time to gossip? Someone needed to say something. “So Layla, are you a Warrior Princess?”

Oh… it was time to gossip about Layla. Of course! If it was anything she was dying to talk about, it was her time at the asylum. Still, what an odd thing to ask.

“That’s been the rumor around court, you’ve been training and learning to fight.” Selina pretended to have a sword in her hand, she swung it like a child. “Can you wield a sword? Shoot arrows?”

“Um, no. I wasn’t doing any sort of physical training.” People came up with the craziest things whenever royals were away for a long period.

“Aww, Layla wielding a sword… Leon would have been so proud.” Melanie placed a hand on her heart and pouted her bottom lip playfully.

That name… It had been a long time since she heard that name. All those memories she once had in this room, Leonardo Johnathan Williams was a huge part of it. That was her childhood friend, they did everything together. It didn’t matter if they were rolling down a hill, learning how to dance, or surviving for their lives… they were there for one another.

Just like everyone, Layla couldn’t keep in touch with Leon. They never knew what was going on in each other’s lives for the last eight years. “Does Leon still live here? I was hoping to see him when I first arrived, but I couldn’t find him.”

“How could you miss him? He’s one of the tallest men here, he was up there with his father,” Melanie responded. Layla tried to recall the people she saw at the arrival. Once she got to her parents, she wasn’t paying attention to anyone else. Hopefully, she would have time to see him at the party.

Layla laid one of her trunks on the bed and unpacked.

“Are you really unpacking now?” Melanie glared at her.

“Yes…” Still, Layla was unaware of what she did wrong. “If I unpack now, I don’t have to worry about it later.”

Selina’s eyebrows frowned. “Layla, you’ve been away from home for eight years. We should explore!”

Explore? The plan was to unpack before the party. In the asylum, she learned that everything must go according to plan.

“We’ll have the rest of the day to unpack. Pleeeease.” Selina’s grin grew bigger like a child asking for sweets. How could anyone say no?

“You haven’t been here in a while, Selina. You should go on ahead.”

“No, I want to you to come with me.” Selina linked her arm with Layla’s and still had that pleading look in her eye.

“I’ll find you both later. There’s something I wanted to do first.”

“Are you sure?” Melanie walked towards the door with Selina and stood there hesitantly.

Layla smiled. “I’m sure. I’ll meet you at the willow tree.” She gestured them to leave.

When her Ladies left the room, Layla collapsed to her bed. She loved her Ladies more than anything, but ever since Layla arrived here, she hadn’t been herself. What was Layla without the asylum?

Reunions were happy occasions and part of her was truly happy. The other half remembered that they didn’t send her way to one of her aunt’s or uncle’s kingdoms. They sent her to a place of strangers and returned to a place of strangers. Obviously, she wasn’t the same little girl that left home when she was thirteen. Now she was… different. Improved.

She bent down to look through one of her trunks that filled with journals. Those journals contained details of her stay at the asylum. From the moment she first arrived until the moment she left. As she skimmed through her first journal entry, she remembered how scared she was. A thirteen-year-old girl who lost her family, friends, and her freedom.

When one of the Auxiliary Women saw her cry, she said, “There’s no reason for you to cry, young Princess. Now you must rise above your problems until it worries you no longer.”

Rise above…

Although she regained that power to roam wherever she wanted and be around people, she didn’t know how to use it. She didn’t reject her Ladies request to explore the kingdom because it scared her to walk outside her chambers, but it was the first time someone told her it was okay to deviate from her plans. Exploring sounded harmless, just like she believed going to the Autumn Festival was harmless.

Layla continued to put more of her clothes away. Her heart pounded to be with her friends, but she ignored it. There was a knock on the door, the pager entered.

“Your Highness, Queen Arietta would like to speak with you.”

Layla nodded. As mother entered, she looked around the room. “What are you doing in here alone? Where are your Ladies?”

“Selina wanted to explore the castle with Melanie.”

“Oh? You didn’t go with them?”

“I had to finish unpacking, but I will join them later.” It was the truth, even though she could have easily called in a maid to do this for her. Mother probably suspected that too.

As Layla went to another trunk, mother’s hand gracefully went on top of hers. “You should be with your Ladies.” Her voice was gentle as she stroked my cheek.

“No, it’s fine.” Mother knew it wasn’t.

“You’re no longer under lock and key. Go. Be with your friends.” Mother gave her permission, but something nailed her feet to the floor. “I know eight years is a long time, but I want you to know that you’re safe here. Your father and I will do anything to keep you safe.”

“It’s not that.”

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s not that I don’t feel safe…” Layla pulled on her fingers. “I thought I should pay my respects to my family by following the itinerary. I should unpack and make sure I’m ready for the celebration.”  

Mother smirked as she took the clothes out of Layla’s hands. “How’s this for an itinerary… enjoy your first being home by spending time with your friends.” Mother physically moved Layla towards the door. She knew that Layla wouldn’t go on her own.

“I promise I won’t be gone long. My Ladies and I merely want to take time and—”

“I know, Layla. Being in court as an adult tends to be lonely and miserable. I want you to cherish the moments of being a normal Princess for a little while longer.” Mother wrapped her arms around Layla. Another hug she was still unsure how to return it. It was one thing to ask her to go away for safety, and another to ask her to go outside the castle to be a normal Princess. There was no such thing.

***

Layla walked outside with her guards not too far behind her. Every time she walked passed a servant, they bowed to her. It wasn’t the bow that someone forced them to do out of respect, but it was because they were happy to see her again. The girl they all once cared for has returned.

Soon, she found Selina by the old willow tree. It was the place they used to relax in. Selina just laid a blanket on the ground, there was no sign of Melanie. “Layla, aqui!” Selina waved.

“Where’s Melanie?”

“She had to start on her beauty routine.”

“Beauty routine? There’s still five hours until the celebration.”

Selina shrugged her shoulders. “That’s the same thing I said. Same old Melanie. This five-hour beauty must be very important, she left so suddenly.” Then she stretched out on the grass with all smiles. “Oh, how I missed Dortchland. Spintila may be home, but it’s moments like this I missed the most.”

“Me too.” Layla joined Selina by the willow tree. There was a line of flowers of all sorts. “Remember when we used to lie out here for hours and talk about anything, steal flowers and put it in our hairs.”

“We were so young. We didn’t care about anything other than having fun.”

“I wished things stayed that way.” She only meant it to be a whisper, but it caught Selina’s attention. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

Selina sat up and placed a hand on Layla’s shoulder. “It’s alright to miss how things used to be. I know I did.”

No, it wasn’t all right to miss the past. There was no point. The past happened and there was nothing she could do to change it.

“For the last eight years, my pa forced me to come along with him on his business trips. I could only visit Dortchland once a year.”

Once a year? That may not have been a lot of opportunities, but Layla wished she had that option. Just one day to return home to the people she loved the most. If she returned home, it would have been harder to leave. She would have cried and listened to the same speech the Auxiliary Women gave her on crying. Rise above until it worries you no longer.

“I know it will take time to get used to things here—”

“I’m fine.” That would be the answer she would give everyone all day. It would get hard to keep track if she meant or not. “I’m just trying to get used to walking around so freely.”

Selina smiled, but she didn’t seem too convinced that Layla was telling the truth.

“Was it boring?” asked Selina.

Layla immediately knew what she was talking about. It was. “Not exactly. I was doing something every day, but there were times I wish I did nothing. Having a simple conversation like this wasn’t part of the routine. Every moment was training.”

“Training for what?”

Did Selina really want to know what she was training for? It may not have been training for becoming a Warrior Princess as everyone suspected. Layla wished it was that simple. By winter, Layla would be twenty-one. A common age where people expect things for her. Even now, people already had their ideas of what Layla should be doing. It was an idea Layla was born to, but now, they raised her differently.

A servant came by and handed Selina a letter. “Excuse me Lady Selina, but this is an urgent letter from your father.”

Selina held the letter in hand but didn’t open it yet. “It’s probably my father telling me all about the eligible bachelors coming to your party. I’ll read it later—”

“No, by all means. Cherish those letters no matter what. You may never know when that would be the last…” Layla turned away from Selina. She needed a moment for eyes to stop stinging. Once it was over, she turned back to Selina and smiled. “We’ll finish our talk later.”

Selina hugged her, but Layla still didn’t know how to hug back. “I know that there is someone you want to talk to. Someone you haven’t seen in a long time… Other than that, you know I’m here for you no matter what.”

Layla knew.

When the time was right, Layla would tell her everything. She would tell her about the days she didn’t remember smiling, or endless lessons of battle strategies and tactics, or that every day it reminded her to rise above her challenges because dwelling on them made her weak. Layla would indeed tell her that, but not today.

Layla approached the gate that separated the Main Castle from Knight’s Castle. As a child, Layla used to call it the barrier. It was like stepping into a new world with new people. Since they built Knight’s Castle for the knights rather than Nobility guests, she considered this place less treacherous. All the knights ever did was work, they barely had time to get involved in court drama, including the servants. Maybe it was the kind of people Layla wanted to be around.

Layla took the main road to the servant’s corner. She was cautious around the people and avoided eye contact as much as she could. At times, Layla could feel their gazes on her. It only lasted for a couple of seconds. They were probably wondering what the Princess was doing on this side of the castle?

The numbers in the crowd increased, she was getting closer to the entrance. The people were pressing against her. Oddly, she didn’t mind it. Eight years of being on a property that had vast land got old. It brought a smile on Layla’s face to see people engaged in conversation. She didn’t hear what they were talking about, but they were at ease. They weren’t talking about the history of this kingdom or that, neither were they strategizing. Even if they were, they looked happy about it. Happiness was contagious. She tried to cover her mouth as her cheeks lifted upwards, she couldn’t help it.

Someone ruined the moment. A stray dog came out of nowhere and jumped on her. The dog was on top of her, licked her face and barked excitedly. Obviously, this dog didn’t want to hurt her, but still, it was a shock. Whose dog was it?

“Where did you come from?” Layla smiled and rubbed the back of the dog’s ear. It was embarrassing to be startled by this adorable, playful animal. She missed having a pet of her own when she was younger. The more she rubbed its ear, the happier it got.

“Charlie!” a man called out.  She recognized that name. Charlie was the same name she’d given her dog when she was younger. He was only a puppy when she left.

“Hi, Charlie boy. What are you doing out here?” The more she scratched his ear the happier he got.

“Charlie, you can’t run off like that. You’ll scare people.”

Layla turned to the man that was calling for her dog. The man stood there with his hands on his knees, tried to catch his breath. He was wearing a knight uniform. Instantly, Layla knew he wasn’t just any knight. Not any knight would be with her dog. When she went to the asylum, she left Charlie with someone she knew that would take care of him. Someone who was her partner, faithful friend.

“Hi, Leon.” A small smile spread across her face. She couldn't believe that the man standing in front of her was the same boy she used to play with as a child.

“Ellory? What are you doing on this side of court?” He smiled too even though he was still out of breath. Leon was the only one who would sometimes call her by her middle name. When they were children, she thought it was a good idea to be called Ellory around certain people so they wouldn’t know who he was talking about. It wasn’t smart. The whole kingdom knew her middle name.

“I was with Selina and I figured I’d find you out here. I’m sorry, am I disturbing you?”

“No, not at all. I’m surprised to see you. It’s the best surprise I’ve received in a long time.” He kneeled beside her to pet Charlie. “Sorry about him. I was working and then the next minute he was gone. I bet he’s happy to see you too.”

When Leon attached the leash on Charlie, she noticed a scar on his eyebrow. That wasn’t there before. How did he get that?

“I want to apologize for not talking to you when you first got here. I don’t know what happened. I saw you and when you went in the castle, I just did… nothing. I didn’t even bother to go after you.”

“There’s no need for an apology. Besides, we’re talking now, and I have done little of that since I’ve been back.”

When Leon helped her up, he unexpectedly towered over her. “Wow, you’re tall!” It came out louder than she wanted, but it was hard not to mention that she was barely tall enough lay her head on her childhood friend’s shoulder. “Sorry, it’s just that you’re strangely tall... Like really tall! And I’m still... Down here. I felt like I had to climb you like a tree!”

It was possibly the worst thing that could come out of her mouth, but Leon didn’t care. Her words made him laugh. He may be older and tremendously tall, but he was still the same boy she spent every day with.

Leon studied her as well. “Well, you look um… You’ve matured.”

“Mature?” After eight years of not seeing each other, “mature” was the best he could come up with? What a wonderful way to bring up her self-esteem. She gestured him to continue. Leon cleared his throat and pushed his hair back. Was this hard for him?

“Well, you still look the same, except older. Same wild hair and you’re still short.”

Layla smiled weakly. Are men really terrible at these kinds of things? She should give him credit for effort, but she could give Leon a full long list about how he changed over the years. She wouldn’t tell him at this moment, but at least she had the ability to. To be fair, she called him a tree.

“Thank you, I guess. So… let’s talk about you, I want to know everything. First, do I have to call you Sir Leon or Sir Leonardo?”

“Neither.” Leon wrinkled his nose. “Just Leon is fine. I would hate for us to be so formal with each other. If that’s alright with you, I mean. I can call you Princess, Your Highness—Technically, I have no choice.”

“How is your knighthood coming along? I know you just turned twenty-one some months ago, and it hasn’t been that long.”

“It’s going as well as expected, but um… I actually got knighted at sixteen,” he answered. Layla’s eyes widen, but she brought a smile along with it.

“Really? How is that possible?”

“Oh, you know…” he hinted, but nothing came to her mind.

“No, I don’t know. I’ve been locked away from eight years, remember?”

“Right…” Leon giggled at first, but then his smile faded away. Maybe he was uncomfortable to talk about this in front of her guards.

“Can you please give us a moment to speak?” Even though she dismissed her guards, he barely looked at her. Why wasn’t he telling her the story? “When knights turn twenty-one, they still have to prove themselves to earn their knighthood. And for you to be knighted at sixteen… You must have done something brave and spectacular.”

Slowly, Leon’s eyes met hers. It was like he never heard those words before about his knighthood. Why? Was he not praised for his heroics?

“Are you okay, Leon?”

“Yes, of course. I’m just thrilled to see you.” Leon took her hand, smiled as if nothing was wrong, but there was. Unfortunately, Layla hasn’t known this Leon long enough to tell if he was lying. But she couldn’t help but smile with him. It was nice to be in his presence again and she had more opportunities to get to know him.

“I should get back to work. I have a very busy day ahead of me, not much time.”

Layla was very observant. It was hard not to stare at Leon, and of course she would try to notice everything little thing about him. It was a habit. A habit that Leon knew well, but not to the point where it ended a conversation with him. Something was off. Was it the way he made that annoying clicking noise with his tongue? Or was it the way he clenched his jaw as if he was chewing on ice?

“I shall see you at the celebration, yes?” Leon didn’t answer. Well, he could have, but she didn’t give him enough time. “If you have to work, I understand—Actually, I don’t. I would really be happy if you attended my party because we’ll have a chance to talk. Is there someone I could talk to if this happens?”

“I’ll be there.” Leon placed a hand on her shoulder. More than likely it was to make her stop talking, but it was good to hear that he’ll be attending the party as a guest instead of working. “I wouldn’t miss your party for the world—” Suddenly, Leon’s smile faded away, and he took his hand off her shoulder. “I should really get back to work.”

This was the second time he did that. What was his problem? She noticed that Leon was barely looking at her; he was rather looking at something behind her. Whatever it was, it cleared its throat. Before Layla turned around, Leon shook his head in warning, but she wanted to know what was going on.

It was Layla’s grandmother, Queen Mother Victoria. The last person Layla wanted to see. Even though grandmother Victoria was family, she wasn’t much of a joy to be around. She was always stern and had high regards for rules. Layla knew for a fact that grandmother Victoria shed no tears when she left home and probably wouldn’t care that Layla was back.

“Your Majesty.” Leon bowed to grandmother Victoria. “I hope your day is fair, Queen Mother.”

Grandmother Victoria ignored Leon and went straight for Layla. “What are you doing out here without your guards?” Layla didn’t say a word, but she at least forced a smile on her face. “I’m sorry, where are my manners.” Victoria cleared her throat and then spoke slowly. “Hello, Layla... it’s very nice. To see you. Again. Do you remember me?”

Layla’s smile disappeared. Why was Victoria speaking to Layla as if she was a child? Even worse, illiterate.

Typical.

Grandmother Victoria had a concept about people before getting the facts. It needed to stop. Why did she have to do it with her own granddaughter? Layla wasn’t a stranger.

“I left when I was thirteen, not three. I remember exactly who you are. Although I may speak many languages, my first language is still English.”

“Wonderful, so hear me when I say this… don’t you dare leave this castle without proper protection again.”

“It wasn’t her fault. The Princess was merely having navigational errors.” Leon stepped between Layla and grandmother Victoria. He looked at her with apologetic eyes as if he remembered how much she hated getting hounded on by grandmother Victoria.

“Navigational errors?”

Leon nodded and turned back to Layla.

“That’s right. After eight years of being away from the castle, so much has changed. I simply lost my way.” Layla went along with the lie. Hopefully, grandmother would accept the explanation and move on.

“How fitting when you needed help, your old playmate was there to help you. You two finding each other took shorter than I thought.” Then Victoria turned to Leon. “Why are you still standing there? Don’t you have work to do?”

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Then he turned to Layla. “It was wonderful to see you.” Leon tried to go in for a hug, but she gently stepped back.

“It was wonderful to see you again too.” She held out her hand like any Princess would greet a man, even if the man was just Leon.

“Right…” He held her hand and rubbed his thumb against her knuckles. Didn’t Leon say he didn’t want to be formal with each other? And just like that, she forgot. Leon bowed and kiss her hand. She never imagined Leon gathering the courage to do such a thing. Whenever he kissed her hand as children, he instantly wiped his mouth as if he would vomit. Not this time. He did with it ease or like he had done it a hundred times.

Once Leon left, she assumed that there was nothing more to discuss with grandmother Victoria. She tried to leave.

“Did I dismiss you?” Layla stopped where she was. It instantly sent her back to the asylum, and she hated it. They taught her to not leave unless someone dismissed her from people above her.  As much as she wanted to walk away from grandmother Victoria, all her years of training didn’t allow her to. “Good. Didn’t the Auxiliary Women raise an obedient little Princess?”

“What more can I do for you, Queen Mother?” Layla curtsied.

“There’s no need for that. Grandmother Victoria will due.” Then she circled around Layla. “Your first day here and you’re already disregarding the rules. I’m not pleased.”

“I was still on castle grounds, my guards weren’t too far behind, and I was talking to a knight. See, I remember the rules precisely.”

Grandmother Victoria didn’t like that comment. How could she? A minute ago, grandmother wasn’t aware if Layla could speak English or at all.

“Now that I know that your memory is still intact, let me ask you… Why did we send you abroad in the first place?”

The answer was obvious. Her family was afraid for Layla’s safety. Someone threatened Layla’s life at the place she felt most comfortable outside of castle grounds. She was the only true heir to the Dortchian throne. Many people wanted her dead for just being an Ansgot. No wonder her parents sent her away. “They did it to protect me—”

“Navigational errors?”

Leon nodded and turned back to Layla.

“That’s right. After eight years of being away from the castle, so much has changed. I simply lost my way.” Layla went along with the lie. Hopefully, grandmother would accept the explanation and move on.

“How fitting when you needed help, your old playmate was there to help you. You two finding each other took shorter than I thought.” Then Victoria turned to Leon. “Why are you still standing there? Don’t you have work to do?”

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Then he turned to Layla. “It was wonderful to see you.” Leon tried to go in for a hug, but she gently stepped back.

“It was wonderful to see you again too.” She held out her hand like any Princess would greet a man, even if the man was just Leon.

“Right…” He held her hand and rubbed his thumb against her knuckles. Didn’t Leon say he didn’t want to be formal with each other? And just like that, she forgot. Leon bowed and kiss her hand. She never imagined Leon gathering the courage to do such a thing. Whenever he kissed her hand as children, he instantly wiped his mouth as if he would vomit. Not this time. He did with it ease or like he had done it a hundred times.

Once Leon left, she assumed that there was nothing more to discuss with grandmother Victoria. She tried to leave.

“Your Majesty.” Leon bowed to grandmother Victoria. “I hope your day is fair, Queen Mother.”

Grandmother Victoria ignored Leon and went straight for Layla. “What are you doing out here without your guards?” Layla didn’t say a word, but she at least forced a smile on her face. “I’m sorry, where are my manners.” Victoria cleared her throat and then spoke slowly. “Hello, Layla... it’s very nice. To see you. Again. Do you remember me?”

Layla’s smile disappeared. Why was Victoria speaking to Layla as if she was a child? Even worse, illiterate.

Typical.

Grandmother Victoria had a concept about people before getting the facts. It needed to stop. Why did she have to do it with her own granddaughter? Layla wasn’t a stranger.

“I left when I was thirteen, not three. I remember exactly who you are. Although I may speak many languages, my first language is still English.”

“Wonderful, so hear me when I say this… don’t you dare leave this castle without proper protection again.”

“I’ll be there.” Leon placed a hand on her shoulder. More than likely it was to make her stop talking, but it was good to hear that he’ll be attending the party as a guest instead of working. “I wouldn’t miss your party for the world—” Suddenly, Leon’s smile faded away, and he took his hand off her shoulder. “I should really get back to work.”

This was the second time he did that. What was his problem? She noticed that Leon was barely looking at her; he was rather looking at something behind her. Whatever it was, it cleared its throat. Before Layla turned around, Leon shook his head in warning, but she wanted to know what was going on.

“No, to harden you!” It was all the same to Layla. Either way, they sent Layla for the hope she wouldn’t be the same person when she came back home. “When you left us, you were so sweet, innocent, and fragile. Now it’s time to remind the people that you are the successor. More importantly, they will see that you’re a force to be reckoned with.”

Now Layla could see where grandmother Victoria was going with this conversation. It was the “future talk,” an inevitable subject. Ever since Layla was in the asylum, she had to think about her future. What did she plan to do when she arrived home?

Some options were obvious like marriage. That was mostly the only options they gave Princesses, but Layla had something else in mind.

“Trust me, I didn’t come back home to strike aimlessly. That’s why I plan on telling papaa to make me the Crown Princess.” The way that grandmother Victoria widen her eyes was as if they would pop out of the socket. Layla grabbed her attention… Good.

“Cr—Crown Princess? That’s a bold move for someone who is single—”

“I couldn’t agree more!” Layla smiled. What more could any expect from an Ansgot? Still, grandmother Victoria showed none signs of happiness. “Married or not, I’m the rightful successor of the throne. I need to show the people that. Look on the bright side, I will be what you said… a force to be reckoned with.”