C3 Princess in her own world

A year passed since the last events followed. Nicholas is more engaged with the affairs in the field. His time is full of surveying the towns at night and paper works in the morning. The ministers he could see is not satisfied with the way things work in the castle. One thing he could not agree with the King is the lack of strength in the militia. The military strength is weaker than the neighboring countries. If they were not in alliance with them it is possible for them to invade Rante and conquer it. Which is what Nicholas is concerned about. Since the traders and the border villages outside the wall is getting looted by bandits. They deployed guards in sessions which did lessen up the attacks but it was still a problem to be solved. On the other hand he is suspecting so high class families are funding this from the back. It was proving hard to find who it is.

Nicholas crumpled the paper in his hand standing in front of the door of the store house. The room inside was a mess. The dark wooden floor was broken in the middle to find a hollow place at the bottom. He was pissed off to find what was hidden or imprisoned under the floor. Small children were found as prisoners to be sold as slaves. “To think we would find a case of kid trafficking and main culprit is nowhere to be found.” Ciaran walked and stood behind him looking at the small kids being slowly lifted from there. “What about the one we caught?” Nicholas asked looking around the room there was nothing out of ordinary except for a wooden table and some chairs which lay down toppled on the floor. His friends shook his head in disappointment, “He and his wife is just a keeper they were kept in the dark about the whole condition. The only thing they did was provide meals once a day and pass on the kids in the carriages.” “Still to think they would do all these without feeling even a little bit remorse.” Aldrich walked in the room; he looked really disgusted about the situation. “These kids match the description of the lost children report a total of twelve kids are found but the rest is still missing there is a high possibility that they are already sold.” Nicholas walked out to look at the face of the two people captured they were kept bent down on the ground. The children were put on the carriage. “Find out all you can find and make sure these children find their way home.”

Aldrich nodded in agreement, “And what about the orphans or the sold kids?” This made the prince look up to his face for confirmation he could not believe what he heard. “There are some children who are sold for money and some are kidnapped orphans.” Nicholas looked the carriage for a moment some of the passersby are gathered around to check what is happening here. He sighed shaking his head, “Bring them to the castle first then we will decide.” Aldrich walked close to his horse, “Will the king be alright with this decision? We can always ask the temple to look after them.” Nicholas changed his mind and decided to bring the children to the temple first they looked famished. I will ask the Queen to handle it.” His friend smiled at him then rode away with a group of soldiers escorting him. “Even though we rescued the children it is still a filed mission. They claim it was a man hooded and masked who passed the coins to keep the kids here. I doubt it is the instigator himself or herself.” Ciaran said looking at the owners of the store house.

“Keep looking for anything we can find. I will report back to the King.”Nicholas climbed up to his horse to ride back. He is already late for the annual meeting with the ministers. He blew out a sigh of relief while riding back to his home with his two knights riding behind him. He was glad Ciaran and Aldrich decided to stay with him in Rante to be his knights. He could rely on their support on different places. What bothered him is the main mastermind behind all these stunts is still hidden out their waiting for the right moment to start his black market business again. ‘Where are they getting the fund for all these?’ he thought gritting his teeth.

He rode back to the castle as fast as hid horse can carry him. Anger is building up in him. He expected to catch the main perpetrator this time but he ended up uncovering another case. He is feeling furious on the fact that he did not get enough report to get any inkling of this. He felt like a failure, the last time he felt like this was the first day in the camp. He pulled the reign to stop in front of the castle. He gave the reigns to the stable boy to take care of his horse. “Brother!” Nicholas barely had time to turn around and opened his arms to catch her. The little princess came running and jumped towards him. She gave her bright laugh looking at him. He patted her head while holding her in his arms. Her maids finally caught up to her panting they bowed down to the prince first, “My lady please do not run you might hurt yourself.” Rosaline looked at them to her brother he gave a grin trying to hide herself. Nicholas pulled cheek, “So you have been running away again. Is it time for your lessons now?” She looked away from her brothers face, “I just saw brother and came out to greet you.” She tried to hide her face moving it out of his sight. In the past few months Rosaline became more attached to him. He patted her head while carrying her inside. Lecturing her how important it is to learn the lessons. She pouted her lips fussing. “But they are so boring I feel sleepy. I want to spend more time with you.” Nicholas tried to hide his laughter from her.

“All princesses should learn their lessons or else they would not get desserts with their lunch.” Queen Regina walked towards them followed by her ladies. She smiled at her mischievous daughter. Rosaline got down and quickly ran towards her mother hugging her. “Good princesses do not run away from their tasks you should go finish your lessons first Rosaline.” She was taken away by her maids with an almost sad face but she waved her hand bye towards both of them with a smile. “I am sorry for the trouble she causes you Prince Nicholas.” He shook his head quickly in denial, “She is no trouble at all. Rather she makes me happy with her smile.” “Will you be joining us today in lunch you have been really bust these days.” Regina inquired hoping for a positive answer. “I am sorry your highness I have to leave for an inspection after reporting to father.” Nicholas stood straight with a reply. She looked disappointed in his answer, “I wish you would at least join us for tea in the evening Rosaline would love to have you with us.” “I would try to be present on time your Highness.” He bowed to her before excusing himself. He still felt a little bit uncomfortable with the Queen Regina. She is not a cruel Queen but she still feels like someone who is not part of his family. What astonished him is the fact that Rosaline on the other hand made a place in his heart for her. He expected he would be distant with his new sister but the little princess runs towards him finding excuses. ‘How can she run so fast?’ he thought this girl has become a handful for everyone. She would start running any moment she can find. The only one who can stop her is the Queen.

He walked in front of the double door of the king’s office. He heard some loud sounds coming from inside the room. It sounded like Sir Svero is complaining about something. He waited for it to die down first but it was not so he lifted his hand and knocked on the door. Fredrich opened the door to let him in. He bowed first to his father and greeted others in the room. Duke Pritelli was also present in the office. He was holding a wooden box. Nicholas sight went for the box for once but the next he dismissed it from his mind and reported the whole incident. “They dared to kidnap even children in Rante.” The king looked thoughtful instead of furious. He had the anger in his face but it did not stay for long rather he went to thinking about something else. “Svero I need you men to go for the night watch again.” Sir Svero sighed, “I do not get enough rest even when I am promoted.” She groaned while walking out of the office. Nicholas took this chance as an initiative, “Your Highness we need to increase the patrol more on the border side it is becoming hard to manage the situation.” The king nodded his head but he still seemed to be in thoughts. “We need to increase the recruitment then Your Highness we are lacking in soldiers in the border.” Duke Pritelli spoke out with a smile. “We cannot keep on relying on Sir Svero all the time.” Louis nodded in agreement with this suggestion. Nicholas I want you to personally inspect the new recruitments and promotions.” *********************

A little head peaked from behind the red settee in the Ruby room. It was part of the Queens palace a small tea table was arranged in the middle. The maids bought trays of snacks and placed them one by one on the table. The desserts sparkled glistening with honey and sugar syrup on them. Rosaline looked at the table with curiosity. Regina patted her head, “You cannot touch anything until Prince arrives alright?” Her face turned sad at the news but she put on a determined face and looked the table. It was not long before there was a knock on the door. Maria announced the Prince inside. He wore his uniform and bowed as a greeting. Rosaline ran to hug him. Nicholas picked her up with a smile. Regina looked at the prince with a smile the little teary boy from all those years back had changed into a strong man. His features matched more like the previous Queen light blond hair and green eyes. Her daughter was more like the King with dark eyes and dark hair. They look do different from her. She felt a bit jealous a little wish in her heart wanted her daughter to look more like her, but smiled warmly at their exchange of words.

The tea was served warm by Maria. Rosaline sat beside the queen taking a bite of the cake she had crumbs stuck on her cheek. “How is the new recruitment going Prince?” Regina asked while sipping on the tea herself. “It is just the beginning I want to look at their progress first.” Nicholas replied looking down at her. The environment became uncomfortable for some reason. “Can I have another piece?” Rosaline smiled holding her plate. Maria quickly walked to her with a handkerchief in her hand. She erased the crumbs and gave some cookies to her. “Brother you must have some more cookies it yummy.” Her cheek became full while eating the biscuits. Nicholas smiled and took a one of the cookies she was asking him to try. “The king is thinking of having a crown princess selection ball soon for you.” This almost made Nicholas choke on his tea. He felt shy and red all over. Regina smiled at his innocent reaction. “I wanted to ask you first Prince Nicholas do you have anyone in mind I should invite?” A direct inquiry from the Queen like this made him blush more he did not know what to say. “I do not think it is necessary right now. I still have the trial to go to.”

Regina put the empty cup down on the table. “Are you still going to participate in the heir selection event?” She hoped he would not. “It is traditional I do not expect to win but I would like to get the empires eye here. We lack supports in Rante.” He looked pissed. Regina looked at him with a sigh, “His Highness wanted to keep Rante peaceful as long as possible, however the present situation is getting serious. There are rebels now in the court.” She looked at the prince trying to read his expression. “They are expecting to have a powerful marriage alliance.” Nicholas tried to avoid the topic, “It might be difficult at this time. I will be busy with the new recruits soon.” Although he was speaking to the Queen his attention was grabbed by the little princess she enjoying the dessert and looking at the sparkling fruit on the plate. “Sometimes I wish I was the princess. She can enjoy time in her own world without any worry. She got some engagement proposals of her own a few days ago.” She smiled at her daughter. “She is too young now.” Nicholas had a frown on his temple. He drank the last few sips from his cup and set it aside.

Regina chuckled at his words, “His highness said the same.” She moved close to Rosaline and this time cleaned her cheeks by herself. “While it is true we require a marriage alliance but I would like to keep your thoughts into consideration first.” Nicholas did not reply at her words he just looked uncomfortable at the idea of marriage he did not wish to get married right now. It is true he has been getting invites from different noble houses which he managed to deny with excuses. Regina could not find any way to communicate with him more in this topic she felt the more she wanted to talk the more the prince moved away and gave shorter answer. She finally thought if giving it up to another plan, “Would you like to escort us to the rose garden Nicholas?” The sudden use of his name made him look at her. He nodded and got up to walk to the rose garden. ‘A line came poking in his head it is late, is it alright to walk this late at night?’ She took Rosaline in her lap and walked towards with him a few of her maids and Rafael following them a few steps away. The little princess stayed quiet for a while but as soon as they entered the gate she jumped from the Queens lap and ran inside. Behind her Maria and two other maids followed trying to stop her, “My lady please stop running you will fall.” Nicholas was going to follow her but the Queen held onto his arms and shook her head. “Walk with me; I know where she is going.” “She is a handful isn’t she?” Nicholas asked while letting her escort him. They arrived at a white colored gazebo. It has cylindrical pillars which are surrounded by pink and red roses twisting itself to the top. The light is dim in the area. True to her words the princess was close to the gazebo looking at the red rose bush.

“This garden is her favorite she runs to the rose bushes.” She led Nicholas towards the gazebo. She sat on one of the chair while Nicholas decided to stand close to the pillars his eyes are still towards the princess. Maria helped her take some of the flowers from the bush. She ran here and there looking for the rose she wanted. Finally after a few moments of running from here and there she picked out four colored roses like two red, a white and a pink. She ran to the Queen and gave it to her. She took one of the red rose and gave it to her brother. Nicholas bends down to receive the flower from her. She quickly climbed on the Queens lap and looked at the roses with sparkles in her eyes. “She loves the roses in this garden I just cannot stop her from running here.” Regina looked at her daughter.

“It feels nice to be here the roses are beautiful to watch.” Nicholas looked at the red rose he received from her. “She still needs to learn a lot about the etiquette of the court. I fear that she will not live up to the expectations.” Nicholas put his red rose on the table and sat down on the opposite side of the Queen. “The princess is still too young. She can learn things later on.” Regina smiled at him and passed the roses to her maid. She hugged the drowsy princess close so that she does not fall. “You were already in the camp at her age. I am afraid she will be too spoiled here. I fear we might regret letting her become so carefree these days.” She motioned Maria to come forward and passed Rosaline to her arms. Maria walked back to the castle with her. “She will need her brother to guide her someday.” Nicholas smiled at the thought, “It will be my pleasure, your highness.” Regina smiled but went serious the next. “Prince Nicholas in the upcoming days you will be pursued for marriage from different houses. These might make you have fewer supporters. I wanted to approach you first to let you be ready for what is to come.” Nicholas felt as if he was receiving a large warning sign. His eyes bulged up at her words the next he continued to listen to her concentrating, “However the king and I will support you in what you decide. Rante will need a crown princess soon. It will be best if you decide who to put beside you.” Nicholas let out a breath he held in for a long time. He decided it is best not to argue about anything right now. “Thank you your highness.”

A lot of thoughts raced into his head, he felt a headache incoming, ‘and I do not have time to get into another problem.’ He thought frowning. “Shall we retire for tonight?” Regina stood up and walked out of the gazebo. She stopped for a while to look back at Nicholas who came out of the gazebo behind her. He looked stressed and exhausted. ‘Maybe I put him into too much pressure.’ She thought worried. “You can always ask for help in here.” He smiled at her he could not find any reply coming out of his mouth; he just bowed down in respect. Regina nodded and left the garden. She felt still felt that she is far from making any progress to get closer to the prince. ‘Maybe I should try harder later on and Rosaline can help me with it.’ She walked back to her quarters with a smile on her face thinking of new plans to get close to her stepson.