Part 27

We stared at each other silently for a few moments as the guard's words hung in the air between us. Nate's expression grew increasingly nervous, his head hanging down with shame before he finally spoke up.

"I hope you'll forgive me! I truly wasn't intending to hide it from you. But... when we spent time together, I came to look forward to how you treated me. I wasn't sure what you already knew or didn't know, but I knew I wanted things to stay informal, close." He paused with a quiet sigh. "But now I've waited too long."

"What makes you think I'll treat you any differently?" I finally found my voice to answer.

His head snapped up, his face incredulous at my calm words. "Lenora? Did you already know?"

"... I'm not sure."

In the heat of the moment, I answered completely honestly. Had I known? I wasn't an idiot. No one of normal identity could stay at the palace for prolonged periods, and I had already memorized all the royal genealogies of the surrounding countries. I had known that the current crown prince of Tilendria's name was the same as Nate's, as well as his age... It was obvious.

But I had always refused to think about it.

And as I studied him from across the carriage, as he fidgeted uncomfortably in his seat, I realized why.

I didn't want him to be a prince.

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"Listen to me, Lenora." My mother's hand gripped my chin tightly, her fingers digging into my skin. "Your only purpose in life is to make the prince love you. You will be lovely. You will be agreeable. Whatever he says is true, his every wish is a command for you."

Her hand tightened. "Do you understand?"

I ignored the pain, my childish eyes looking up at her with pain and fear. "Yes, Mother."

"Then say it."

"Nothing matters except making the prince happy." My voice was broken with a sob, but she ignored my distress, throwing me away from her. Unbalanced, I fell to the ground, trying to hold back tears.

"As long as you understand." Her face inscrutable, she left the room, and alone, I curled up in a ball on the floor, crying into my hands.

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Seeing Nate's confused face, I couldn't help but laugh. "How about this: I'll continue to treat you like Nate, and you continue to treat me like Lenora. No considerations for rank or station. Would that be better?"

Nate relaxed in his seat, his smile stretching across his face. "That sounds wonderful!"

As the carriage entered the palace gates, however, his smile faded slightly. "I don't know if my family will be there to greet us."

I raised an eyebrow. "So I might be meeting the Royal Family on my arrival?"

"Yes."

"Great." I rolled my eyes at him. "Way to warn a girl."

He grinned, looking guilty. "How about I owe you?"

"Are you sure you want to be in my debt?" I gave a mischievous grin. "I'll collect! You could end up being my servant."

For some reason he blushed at these words, and looked away. "As long as you're happy, Lenora."

Before I could tease him further, however, the carriage came to a stop. We were here.

Nate stepped out first, giving me a hand to assist me out of the carriage. Hallers stood behind him, watching us with a slight smile.

For a moment I wondered if he could overhear us talking in the carriage, and felt slightly embarrassed, even if I wasn't sure exactly why I would be. Avoiding his gaze, I looked around, impressed. The Tilendrian Royal palace was even bigger than the one back home in Reterand. Off in the distance I could see sprawling gardens, with cobblestone paths and a few fountains. It was beautiful to look at. I couldn't help but want to explore them further.

If Henry saw that garden he would go crazy. I chuckled at the thought.

Nate strode further, walking past rows and rows of servants standing smartly at attention, finally reaching a small group of finely dressed people.

"Father, Mother, I've returned!" He announced with a smile and a formal bow.

Curious, I stepped closer, studying them. It was easy to tell the King and Queen were Nate's parents. He had hints of his mother's features in his face, but his height and bearing were nearly identical to the King's. They were looking at me closely, speculation clear on their faces.

Before I could wonder about it too much, Nate stepped back, waving at me to come closer.

"May I introduce: Lady Lenora, the daughter of the Duke of Armeny."

I moved in front of them, giving a deep curtsey, almost touching the ground. "Your Majesties."

The Queen stepped forward with a smile, grabbing my hand and urging me to my feet. "That was lovely dear, but no need to be so formal!"

"Yes, you're our honored guest." The King spoke up in a deep voice. "So please, treat this place as your home."

The Queen started to step back, but paused as I grasped her hand with both of my own.

"Your Majesty..." My voice filled with a suppressed excitement rang out, my fingers rubbing the fold in her sleeve.

"Oh no, not again." I heard Nate groan, but I was already too far-gone.

"Can I study your clothes?!!"

My excited question was followed by an awkward silence. Nate stepped forward, his face frantic. "It's not what you think...!"

The Queen held back her head and laughed, the sound a clear happy sound. "What a wonderful child!"

"What?" Nate's jaw dropped.

"You recognize good quality, Lenora, This is a specialty fabric from Northern Tilendria, it's very rare!"

My eyes widened. "I thought so! The weave is so complex, but the texture is soft and comfortable. It's amazing!"

"I'll see if I can arrange for you to have some to study closer. It's the least I can do for a fellow student!" At my confused expression, she laughed. "I also learned etiquette, from Mrs. Rendler when I was young."

"Really?" I was surprised for a few moments, but it made sense given Mrs. Rendler's experience and reputation.

The Queen grinned. "Really! But I was not nearly the student of etiquette that you are. Mrs. Rendler sings your praises constantly. Calling you a genius, a natural born queen."

I shook my head. "She's too kind. I only accomplished what I have thanks to her good teaching."

"Don't be overly modest. She doesn't give out praise easily. You've done well." She sighed. "I wish you could have met George. You two would have been perfect together."

The happy feeling I had nourished from my conversation with the Queen withered, my stomach dropping at the last sentence.

"George...?" At my unfinished question, Nate stepped forward, frowning.

"My older brother, who passed away six years ago."

"Ah." I couldn't think of anything else to say. The Queen's words struck me as strange, as was her motherly tone and gaze were completely different when speaking of her late son then when she looked on the remaining one. In fact, she had barely said more than a few words to Nate since he had arrived, either friendly or unfriendly. Nate didn't seem to be surprised, treating it as normal.

My stomach started hurting, the thought that he might be unhappy at home disturbing me.

"In a few days we will be holding a banquet to welcome you, as well as celebrate the Prince's return." The Queen was smiling, the awkward atmosphere made by her previous words dissipating. "I truly hope you'll attend."

"Of course." I accepted politely, "But for now, I must find an inn, to spend the night, is there one nearby?"

"Silly girl, you're the guest of the Royal family. We've already arranged a room for you!" Her words were affectionate, making it difficult to argue.

"Then I will be taking advantage of your hospitality further, your majesty." I curtsied again, feeling the Queen's approving gaze on me.

"What a wonderful girl you've brought us, Nathaniel!"

He grinned as he responded. "There are many people who would agree with you."

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I was shown to a suite of rooms that were given to me to use, and again, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. I had known that Tilendria was a wealthier and more powerful nation than my home, but the casual luxury around me was rather startling. Feeling rather small and unimportant, I wandered around, taking in the layout of the area.

Hallers appeared after a polite knock, and I felt a stab of relief at the familiar face. "Miss, the maids are settling in your belongings. Everything should be arranged shortly. I've spoken to the staff to arrange a hot bath to refresh yourself after your long trip."

I smiled at him warmly. "Thank you Hallers. I cannot say how grateful I am to have you with me."

"There was no question, Miss." Hallers tone was firm. "I am your servant. Where you are is where I should be."

"I will miss Lia though" I thought of the young maid who had taken over for Agatha. She was always cheerful, sweet and dedicated, I who had always been so on edge in my own rooms due to the presence of a traitor, found myself relaxing and smiling more when at home. Unfortunately with the rapid nature of my departure, I didn't feel comfortable asking her to follow me.

"She will be arriving in a few days." Hallers showed a slight smile. "Initially she insisted on traveling with us so that you would not be inconvenienced, but she needed to arrange things at home to prepare to leave, and I convinced her to sort that out first." His tone and expression showed his approval at her loyalty to me. I felt touched as well.

"She didn't have to..."

"She feels the same as me, Miss."

"Well... thank you." I sighed, looking around the grand rooms. "I have to admit I'll feel better with some familiar faces around. I feel out of place here."

Hallers' face was stubborn."It is their honor to have you here. You are more noble than any of them. Anyone who doesn't see that is an idiot."

"Like Ronan the Ridiculous?" I teased him, watching a mirthful light enter his eyes, although his face remained a professional mask.

"That would be a good example, Miss."

Feeling impulsive, I stepped closer and gave him a quick hug. "Thank you Hallers. I was feeling a little down after having to run away, having everything change so quickly." I stepped away, smiling. "But I feel better now."

Hallers stared at me in shock for a few moments, a broad grin showing on his face for just a second before disappearing. "I'll make sure everything is arranged." He bowed, and turned and left me alone.

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After bathing and changing, I quickly realized I had underestimated how tired I was after the long trip. Sitting on a chair in front of a fireplace, I felt myself slipping in and out of sleep.

Hallers stepped in the evening, offering to bring dinner to the room, but I refused, feeling more tired than hungry. He hadn't been gone long, however, before another knock sounded on my door and Hallers stepped in again, a small smile on his face.

"Prince Nathaniel, Miss."

"Let him in." I stood up, blinking rapidly to try to rid myself of the last clinging vestiges of sleep.

"Lenora!" Nate stepped in, looking worried. "I heard you hadn't eaten, are you alright?"

I glanced over at Hallers, who was no longer trying to hide a pleased expression. Had he gone running straight to the prince, just because I refused dinner? Sighing internally, I shook my head. "I just wanted to nap, and wasn't hungry. I'm fine."

Nate stepped closer. Despite the extravagance around him, he still wore the same simple clothes he had worn around the palace in Reterand. I suddenly felt more relaxed, at ease with dealing with the same Nate I had spent hours arguing economic theory with.

"I haven't eaten either, would you come to the kitchens with me?" He smiled brightly, and I felt briefly flustered at the sight. "I'll cook us something to eat."

Unsure of why my heart was beating faster, I hesitated. "Well..."

Nate's smile faltered, his eyes taking on a pitiful expression. "You don't want to eat my cooking?"

Seeing that, I couldn't help it, I started laughing. "How can I say no to that?" In the corner of my eye, I saw Hallers give Nate a thumbs up, and gave him an irritated glance. "Scheming behind my back, now?" I asked him, lifting an eyebrow.

Hallers was unfazed. "You shouldn't skip meals."

Feeling defeated, I followed Nate out into the hallways. We took several twists and turns, the hallways a dizzying maze. I became worried that if I got separated from Nate, I would never be able to find my way back to my rooms.

Just as I was thinking this, I felt a warm hand grab my own. Surprised, I looked over at Nate, who despite blushing bright red, kept a serious expression.

"So you don't get lost." He explained quietly. I felt it was a little much and considered pulling out my hand from his grasp, but realized that I felt calmer now, more secure with his broader palm covering my own smaller one, our fingers interlaced tightly together. In the end I nodded silently, and followed behind him as we walked towards the kitchen.

"Just as we were turning the corner, however, we overheard two girls talking.

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"Did you see the young noblewoman Prince Nathaniel brought home?" One asked, her tone derogatory.

Nate started to step out, his face showing annoyance, but I held him back, shaking my head. I felt curious as to what the general attitude was towards my arrival. These two were obviously servants working in the palace. Information gathering is so much easier with Rig. I sighed.

"That poor hick?" The other girl answered, chuckling. "I would hesitate to call her a noblewoman. Is that how Reterand nobles dress? I was more presentable than her!"

As they both laughed at that, I held tightly onto Nate's hand, holding him place as his face started turning red and angry the more he heard. He looked over at me, only to realize I was barely holding back laughter.

I had been traveling for days when they saw me. Who on earth would wear a fine dress for that?

I felt amused at their words, but my levity was quickly doused by their next words.

"So she's a perfect match for Prince Nathaniel then." The first girl's voice was vicious. "Two disappointments together."

"If only it had been Prince Nate who died instead of Prince George that day." The second girl sighed. "Now HE was truly noble. Handsome, kind, charming..."

"He would have never have brought back such a woman. Did you hear? Her butler personally vetted any servant that would be working near her! How arrogant is she?"

"As if anyone would want to serve her!"

"I agree." My voice startled them, as I stepped around the corner, a gentle smile on my face masking the anger churning in my stomach. Their words against me were just noise, but as soon as I heard them talk about Nate like that... I spared the slightest glance to the wall I had shoved Nate behind with a quick whispered order to stay put.

Now, seeing my face, the girls' arrogance drained from their faces. "Miss..."

"How fortunate I am, to be overlooked by the servants of the Tilendrian Royal Palace. Being cared for my those who would wish their prince dead, I would have to sleep with one eye open."

Despite my light tone, the two weren't fooled. "We didn't..." One girl stepped forward, her face pale as she protested.

I didn't let her speak, interrupting coldly. "I wonder what the penalty is for speaking threats against the royal family in this palace?"

"..." Terrified, the girls stared at each other, and then at me. I had no proof, but as an esteemed guest and noblewoman, they both realized that my word would be taken seriously. If I accused them of these crimes....

Letting the silence last for a few more moments, I reached out and tapped their bowed heads. "Do you know where you went wrong?"

Surprised, they looked up at me, a hopeful light in their eyes. "Miss?"

"Don't speak such terrible things anymore. Prince Nathaniel is a wonderful, caring person, and doesn't deserve anything but your loyalty." I grinned. "As for a country hick like me, you can gossip about me all you like!"

They stared at me incredulously, taking in my now beautiful clothing and jewelry. "I don't think we can dare call you that, Miss."

"Well, let's pretend this never happened then, and just promise me to serve the prince well from now on."

One girl, her eyes filled with tears of gratitude, grabbed my hands. "Thank you!"

With that they left, leaving an awkward silence behind them.

"Can I come out now?" Nate's voice was amused, to my relief.

"Yep!" At my answer he stood up, walking next to me with a slight grin on his face.

"You didn't have to say all that." His soft words were filled with gratitude, but I was still feeling annoyed.

"Yes I did!" I put my hands on my hips, "What is going on here?! Why is everyone like this?"

A sad smile on his face, he reached out and grabbed my hand again, pulling me along. "Let's get some food first."

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We arrived at the kitchens and Nate busied himself with fixing us a stew. I watched with wide eyes as he easily handled a knife, chopping vegetables with an efficient, practiced motion.

"You weren't joking when you said you could cook!"

He grinned at that, his hands never pausing in his work as he spoke. "It's something I enjoy."

A comfortable silence fell between us, but I didn't let it go on too long.

"So what's going on here? The Queen, even the servants...?" I didn't know how to phrase my question, but he understood, nodding slightly as he started trimming fat from the cut of meat he had selected.

"I told you about my older brother before?"

"Yes, you said I reminded you of him."

He sighed. "Only in that you both are passionate and driven people. But you.. you weigh things carefully, plan ahead, protect those around you. George...." He trailed off, combining all the ingredients in a pot and cooking it. "Thought and action worked simultaneously together for him. He would find a cause and immediately rush out and try to fix things, with no thoughts to the implications, the dangers... the consequences."

"..." I quietly watched him cook, his eyes sad, and felt a sharp pain in my chest.

"We were brothers, though, so I made sure to help him out. Smooth things over, clean up the messes, keep him from messing up too badly. I thought we were a team."

He was silent for a while, watching the pot over the flame.

"But no matter how hard I worked, no matter how hard I tried... it was always George who was praised in the end. A perfect son, a perfect ruler, while I..." He grinned, but the expression was unbearably sad. "I was the disappointment."

He met my eyes for a few moments, before turning to stare at the pot once more. "I was always chasing after him, trying to be recognized, to be the one they were proud of."

"But he died." I whispered, the words making him flinch.

"Yes." Nate's voice was flat, emotionless. "He died. And all of a sudden I was competing with a perfect memory. One that would never grow, never change, never tarnish. I'm stuck."

I reached out to comfort him, but my hand froze in the air. What was i doing? I pulled my hand back quickly, feeling relieved when he didn't seem to notice.

Nate served the meal, waiting anxiously to see my reaction as I took a bite. My eyes widened with shock as I eagerly took a few more bites, my appetite awoken by the taste.

"This is amazing!"

He laughed, a pleasant sound. "You like it?"

"I do!" I reluctantly set down my spoon, looking at him seriously. "This may not mean much, coming from me, but you're not a disappointment. You've worked so hard, helped me set up charities, had my back during dangerous moments... you even negotiated fights between Jim and I on taxation policies." I chuckled. "I'm pretty sure that last one qualifies you for sainthood."

He joined in my laughter, seeming to truly relax for the first time since we arrived. "It does mean a lot." He grinned. "Especially coming from you."

Seeing his smile, I felt happy, but at the same time anxious and afraid. Shaking my head, dispelling the mood that had settled between us.

"What's the plan for tomorrow?"

If Nate noticed my forced changing of the subject, he didn't comment further. "Well, I figured you would want to check out your new storefront as soon as possible."

I nodded. "That's correct. There's not much time before the grand opening."

"But afterwards..." He hesitated. "Would you like to see some of the changes I've made since I came back here a few years ago?" Nate seemed embarrassed. "I used a lot of our discussions as well as principles from our lessons, and I would love for you to see it and give your opinion."

"Sure! I'd be happy to!" My enthusiastic answer seemed to cheer him up, and once again I found myself looking away from his happy face, feeling awkward.

We finished the meal in silence, both of us smiling for no reason at all.