13 13. Do you dislike me?
'Maybe I should resume my training. Even if I lack elemental powers, I could at least train my body to defend itself against such deathly situations.
Attacking with those skills would be useless in front of elemental powers. Hence, even if I manage to save myself, it would be a huge deed.
I should ask for permission from His Highness for training. Afterall though my father allowed me to take training lessons, his highness may not like the idea.
After all, only guards take such training to enhance their fighting skills on battlegrounds. What if His Highness feels that's inferior?' Ether was immersed in her thoughts when there was a knock on the door.
Her first reaction was to hide, as Prince Asterion had told her about announcing her missing.
But on second thought, why would someone knock on the door unless they knew someone was inside, more specifically knew that she was there.
"Your highness, it's me, Doris." The voice outside said.
She was one of the two maids who were assigned for Princess Ether.
"Come inside." Ether replied while composing herself.
Doris slowly opened the gigantic wooden carved door while entering. She swiftly closed the door behind her before stepping inside.
'She must be powerful as well.' Princess Ether thought with admiration.
"Your highness." Doris knelt and greeted.
"His highness has gone to the royal palace with her highness. His highness wanted you to return to the chamber and asked me to accompany you." Doris conveyed.
"Her highness? His highness has a sibling?" Ether asked while getting up, intending to return back.
"Yes, your highness. Her highness, Princess Nerine, the Crown Prince's younger sister. His highness also has a younger brother, Prince Zayle. Princess Nerine is the youngest of the three. All of them are really strong and talented." Doris explained with great enthusiasm.
"They all must be gifted." Ether said in a genuine tone.
"Yes, your highness. His highness Prince Asterion is already a level six water cultivator at such a young age of 22. People his age are still struggling to break from level four.
And Prince Zayle reached level four this year, soon after he turned 18. He must be similar age to you-" Doris said and suddenly stopped midway.
How could she forget that the Princess was powerless and compare him to Prince Zayle. She instantly regretted her earlier enthusiasm, fearing that the princess was hurt.
"Forgive me for speaking so much, your highness. I will go bring your breakfast." Doris said embarrassedly as they had already reached the chamber.
"No need to apologise, Doris." Ether said while entering inside the chamber.
'Her highness is not as bad as the rumours portray her. She seems humble and kind. If this is true, I am happy for his highness. He made a great choice by marrying someone with a good heart.
After all, those princesses with even the slightest powers behave arrogantly. Not to mention those who were deemed as perfect matches for his highness. None of them were honest and only acted fake.
Thankfully His highness rejected them all. He is too good to be taken advantage of. I just hope that her highness is not like those princesses and supports his highness from now on.
His highness is doing so much for her, even going to lengths of hiding her from the royal palace.' Doris thought while returning to the kitchen.
Rest of the day went by uneventfully as Ether could only stay in the chamber. She just observed the chamber and had some small talks with Doris and Medusa, her maids.
The sky was enveloped in a beautiful pinkish purple hue. Ether turned to face the window, taking in the mesmerising landscapes of country Nero. The lush green trees swayed to the rhythm of wind as the sun disappeared, leaving darkness behind.
There was a knock on the door, making Ether come out of her thoughts. She turned back, and realised how dark the chamber had turned.
"Who is it?" Ether asked while getting up.
She carefully stepped towards the bedside table, lighting two candles on the candle light stand while waiting for a response.
"Who-" Ether jumped back, almost burning herself from the candle flame.
"Careful, princess." Asterion said while holding her by the waist, stabilising her.
'When did his highness enter? I didn't even sense his presence until turning. How can he walk with such light steps?' Ether thought, her heart beating fast from the sudden scare.
She was intending to repeat the question. She knew it wasn't Doris or Medusa as they both knocked and announced before entering. But she thought it was better to have some light before opening the door as she wasn't sure about the entity outside.
Who would have known that the Crown prince would sneak behind her. But the most problematic issue at hand was not his sneak attack, but his proximity.
"How was your day?" Asterion asked without loosening his hold on her.
"It.. it was.. wonderful." Ether finally managed to utter a response while lowering her head.
"Wonderful?" Asterion lifted her chin and looked straight into her eyes, as if he wanted to reach the deepest secrets that those dark brown eyes held.
"Yes.. yes your highness." Ether breathed out, her statement almost a whisper by the end.
"Did you miss-" Asterion was speaking when suddenly Ether interrupted.
"I will go bring you some food." She avoided his gaze while moving away from his gentle grip, which almost felt like a feather touch.
'How can those huge hands feel so gentle to touch? His highness-.. Foolish Ether, what are you thinking?' Ether scolded herself as she managed to take a step ahead.
Only to be pressed back to the table by Asterion, leaving her shocked. She could feel her cheeks heating up.
"Ether." Asterion said, his voice serious, rooting Ether to her spot.
"Yes, your highness." Ether replied, goosebumps running all over her body.
"Do you dislike me?" Asterion leaned forward, his hands sliding from her waist to the table behind as he caged her.
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We have a festival at my place so releasing a quick early morning chapter! Don't forget to comment and vote with powerstones and golden tickets. Drink water, stay hydrated!!
- Kizy
