The Captain

Gene lies in bed awake all night. Her brain struggles to analyze what happened during dinner. She can't decide whether the king's actions are good or bad. Opposing the engagement and inviting the princess of Vanta just because he wanted to teach his son a lesson was a bit extreme. 

He said that he would officially announce our engagement in a month, during the Autumn Gathering. The thought makes her smile.

She never thought that she could have feelings for someone in such a short time. After Brandt's actions from yesterday, Gene doesn't care if some of her feelings are left behind by the real Siv. She believes that those feelings are hers as well. She likes Brandt.

She also realizes that she was also wrong, thinking that the king might have been behind the shoes incident. 

She sighs. 

Having the most powerful person in the country trying to kill her would not be fun. She thought that if there is ever an accusation of treason, the king would probably not be the one framing her either. His words were genuine when he gave them his blessings to marry. She smiles again and turns to hug one of the pillows next to her.

'I hope this feeling of happiness lasts forever.'

She closes her eyes and tries to quiet down her thoughts, but sleep is long gone. The light outside hints that it's already dawn so it is too late to try to sleep now. She rings for Veda who shows up about five minutes later. 

Gene has gotten used to the luxuries of being a noble in this world. One would think that she has had a maid since childhood.

"Good morning, my lady," she greets her with a big grin. "You are up early today."

"I didn't sleep all night." She laughs sheepishly.

"Too much on your mind, my lady." Veda gives her a side look. "You know, word travels fast in the palace. Everyone is speaking about dinner last night."

"What? How did they find out?"

"Walls have ears here. You can never be too careful."

'Wow. I should really watch what I say in the future.'

"Also, I heard that the princess and envoys from Vanta left the capital yesterday, in the middle of the night."

"Do you think they also heard about what happened at dinner?"

"Oh yes." She nods her head.

'This is scary, word travels way too fast in this place.'

Gene goes through her morning routine, with the help of her loyal servant. Then, she goes for a walk after breakfast. The late morning summer sun is high and bright, but signs of fall start to appear in the garden. In addition to the slightly lower temperature, some leaves have already fallen from the trees.

She inhales the clean fresh air, remembering the polluted cities back home. Just like Queen Ylva said, this world is amazing.

"Lady Holmen," a voice startles her. "I am sorry to interrupt your walk, but the Crown Prince asked that you join him in his study," Lord Benson informs her.

"Of course." She starts heading back toward the palace.

"My lady," the man calls again. When Gene turns to face him, she finds him bowing to her, his body almost folded in half. "I never had the chance to apologize."

"For what?"

"My actions during the Vanta diplomats' dinner."

'Oh, I totally forgot about that.'

"They were orders from His Majesty, he had ordered the prince to escort Princess Hella and me to introduce you to Minister Beck."

'This sadistic king.' Gene shakes her head.

"I understand Lord Benson. Please stop bowing like that, I know you have to follow orders." She smiles at him when his eyes finally meet hers.

"Thank you, my lady. Please allow me to escort you to His Highness' study."

When she walks into the study, Gene finds the prince engrossed in some documents and surrounded by mountains of papers. He doesn't even notice that she is in the room. She clears her throat to get his attention.

"Oh, you're here." He walks around his desk and wraps his arms around her. "How is my future wife today?" 

A smile tugs on her lips. "I'm great, but you seem busy. I feel like I am disturbing you."

"Not at all, I wanted to—" A knock interrupts him. "That must be her."

"Who?" 

Brandt faces the door and slides his hand to Gene's waist. "Come in."

My eyes widen at the sight of the person. A woman with hair as bright as the sun and eyes shining like emeralds. She salutes the prince.

"Captain, this is my fiancée, Lady Siv Holmen," he introduces. "My dear, this is Captain Dusty Erling, the first female knight to join the King's Lions."

"My Lady." The captain bows to her.

Gene is so excited, she can't even move. She has no idea why, but she feels so proud of this stranger. As she studies her, she notices her sun-kissed skin and rough hands, proof of her hard work. She wears her uniform proudly. Also, she is wearing pants. This woman is making history in this world.

She takes a few steps and wraps her arms around her. The captain's body stiffens but it only makes Gene squeeze her tighter.

"I know this is inappropriate, but I just wanted to thank you for your hard work, Captain." Gene pulls away and looks at her shocked face. 

Brandt bursts out laughing. "Leave it to my fiancée to make Erling speechless." He is laughing so hard, tears are forming in the corners of his eyes. "I have never seen her this shocked, I think you broke her."

"My apologies," the captain finally speaks.

"Well, Captain Erling will be your guard from now on," the prince continues after calming down. "We have no idea who was targeting you at the ball yet, so having Erling as your guard will make me worry less." 

'Does he mean like a bodyguard?' Gene eyes him, confused.

"It will be my honor to be your shield, my lady." The woman kneels on one knee.

"Thank you, Captain." Gene has no idea what else to say. Suddenly, a chill runs down her spine.

'How much danger am I really in?'

*********

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