20 'You mean the hot and gorgeous gentleman?'

Deciding on a maroon-colored elbow-length puffed petal-sleeved dress with a full skirt and a thin band that went around from below her chest to her waist, Amelia chose a black velvet choker necklace adorned with her House's crest in a golden bezel pendant frame to go with it. Her slightly waved silver hair swayed with her movements as she kept it loose. Satisfied with how she looked, Amelia head out to the Autumn Garden—it's called so because of the seasonal flowers that grow there. She wanted somewhere beautiful and peaceful, contrary to her earlier demeanor.

"Uncle Vance!" Amelia called, having seen her advisor a few feet away on his way to the garden. Looking back, Vance stopped and smiled at her, which made the duchess' face light up.

She hasn't seen her advisor for days, weeks even. Amelia missed his strict rules and the nagging whenever she came home late from patrol—speaking of patrol, Amelia also missed being able to roam freely through town.

"I didn't expect to see you in the training grounds too early," Vance noted as the two walked together.

"I didn't expect I'd be there too. But I wanted to sweat a little and… also because I've become inflexible all cooped up in the palace," Amelia discreetly suggested. Though her advisor ignored her, a small smile formed at the corner of his mouth. The duchess smiled too, thinking that she might have a chance of getting out soon.

"So how was it? Were you able to have a good stretch?"

With a light tone, Amelia answered, "I did. The rush and everything that came with it was second to none! I even missed the smell of the grounds from when I was with House Mulford."

"Well, it's nice to hear that you've recovered enough to be able to do combat training."

"Yes, I should make it a regular thing." The duchess nodded enthusiastically, and soon enough, her ladies-in-waiting were within sight, preparing the table along with three taste testers.

"Good morning, ladies." Vance greeted first.

"Good morning," seconded Amelia. The three ladies-in-waiting curtsied and responded to their greetings with a smile. The taste testers bowed their heads as well and were gone before long. Constance, being the one that Vance entrusted with looking after the duchess, clapped her hands and gestured for everyone to be seated.

Plates and bowls of fruit were passed around, and the usual chat started. Everyone was eager to hear about the advisor's engagements, and Vance also asked how things were in the palace if there were problems that arose or visitors that came to visit. Amelia, in return, was beyond ecstatic to share what happened during the tea party, about the ladies that she met and the rumors going around town.

Aside from what happened, there was nothing of note that was worth sharing. But Amelia and Constance had a mini-heart attack when Laila almost slipped and mentioned the Duke of House Clement, where Arabella and Vance listened attentively.

"Did he come here?" Arabella inquired after she swallowed the chicken she was chewing.

"Ah, no…" Laila's eyes quivered, and Constance looked anxiously at the duchess, then to the advisor, then to Arabella. "He just sent a… gift. A small gift. That's all…" the lady-in-waiting finished her sentence with an awkward laugh which wasn't necessary.

"A gift? What is it?"

"Oh, it's nothing… it's just something small. You know, probably one of his whims again like that carriage full of gifts last time." Amelia couldn't help waving her hand around.

"Like what small gift?" Laila looked at the other ladies across her as Arabella's nonchalant questions continued.

"Uhm… a… small… small golden rose brooch." Amelia simply answered then she gave her youngest lady-in-waiting a warning look that meant not to answer anymore. Laila then nodded discreetly and brought her food in her mouth to nibble on.

"Oh, I thought it's a ring." Amelia choked on the fresh juice she was sipping, and Arabella was quick on her feet to assist. "Goodness, duchess! Are you okay?"

"Wh-where did you get that idea?" the duchess wiped the side of her mouth and then drank a little water.

"Rumors," was the lady assassin's nonchalant response when she got back to her seat.

"Rumors are just rumors," all heads turned to the old advisor. He took his cup of coffee then took a sip before saying, "Isn't that right, your grace?" Amelia gulped. There was a hint of warning and seeking assurance in Vance's voice. When the duchess looked up, the first thing she thought of was that the advisor already knew.

After she refilled her glass with water, Amelia gulped it in one go. She avoided her advisor's gaze and tried to change the subject. When it seemed as if she'd run out of things to say, a maidservant approached them and excused herself.

All eyes were on her as she informed the duchess that Ms. Sybil Beauchant was waiting in the parlor room.

"Tell her I'll be there shortly."

Grateful for the interruption, Amelia took the napkin from her lap and lightly tapped her mouth. She then placed it on the table and pushed her chair out lightly.

"I must attend to my guest." The duchess stood up and curtsied to her advisor. Her ladies-in-waiting were preparing to come with her, but she stopped them, saying that they should just enjoy breakfast. Instead, she called for a nearby knight who she commanded to escort her back to the palace.

The knight bowed his head and led the way.

********

A couple of feet away, Amelia puffed out some air, relieved. She's never been nervous in a conversation before. Good thing that Arabella's mind was still occupied by the position she gave up to her brother, so she wasn't as sharp as she used to be. And Vance, Amelia wanted to tell him about the engagement, but she couldn't find the right moment to say to him. Especially now that he acted as if he knew about it all the while.

It couldn't be that Alexander already beat her to it, right? He didn't even write her a single letter since. How could he be so rude as to go behind her back and tell her advisor himself?

Amelia shook her head. It's not the time for her to have any mental conflicts of any sort. Straightening the fabric of her skirt, she glided her way to the parlor. When the knight guarding the door opened it, the duchess was greeted by the brightest smile she's seen since she woke up. Sybil was like a ray of sunshine, saving her from the dreaded situation she was forced into.

"Duchess!" her visitor sprang from her seat and came towards her with open arms. Though Amelia's taller than girls her age, she was able to talk to Sybil eye to eye.

"Sybil," the duchess let out a short laugh as she let her visitor hug her. "And call me Amelia. We're practically the same age," she said at arm's length. "What brings you here?"

"Well, I heard that you haven't been out to town for a long while because of the—circumstances. So, I'm here to invite you on a date!"

"A date?" Amelia tilted her head. A date between two ladies? Wouldn't that turn heads?

"I know what exactly you're thinking," Sybil waved her hand. "In Toutis, a date means going out. Not the romantic kind, but just plain walking around in pairs or a group."

Amelia nodded. The Kingdom of Toutis was more liberated than Creador; it shouldn't come as a surprise if her guest were taught their kingdom's way by her mother.

"I'm not sure about that. Mr. Vance just got back, and I don't think he'd be happy if—"

"Oh, pish-posh! Mr. Vance is just Mr. Vance. You are the duchess, Amelia," Sybil cut her off and placed her hands on the duchess' shoulders. "Tell him that you're coming with me. You might be surprised to know that you'd be allowed."

The duchess hesitated. It's true that she's the current ruler—duchess—of Osmea, but on paper only just until her birthday this coming winter. After her birthday, when she's had her proper debut in society, only then would she be able to claim her status fully. But in the meantime, she's to be guided by her legal guardian, Vance Thomson.

"Well—" Amelia played with her fingers, reluctant to give a direct answer.

"Why don't you go? It would be a great change of perspective. And I know that you miss the town," tears almost welled in Amelia's eyes as the familiar voice of her advisor rose from behind her. She almost hugged him when she turned around to see, but she had to control herself because it wouldn't be duchess-like in front of Sybil.

"Good morning, Mr. Vance." Sybil curtsied beautifully despite her slightly rough behavior earlier—as expected of a daughter of a respectable family.

"Good morning, Ms. Beauchant. Looking elegant as usual. How's your father these days?"

Even the way Sybil opened her fan with one hand without making a sound to cover half of her face amazed the duchess internally. As she always kept a straight face and only showed little expressions during meetings, Amelia gave up on bringing a fan with her.

"I'm flattered that the duchess' advisor thinks of me that way," Sybil's lashes fluttered as she slightly bowed her head before bringing her gaze back to Mr. Vance, "My father is doing great, thank you for asking. I will inform him that you asked about his health. I am sure he will be overjoyed."

"Give my regards to your parents, Ms. Beauchant. And do tell your father that I enjoyed his company the last we met, and I hope that we could accompany each other soon."

"Yes, I will." Sybil closed her fan and showed a slight smile after a short curtsy.

"Duchess," Amelia flinched at the sudden attention that she couldn't help but stand in attention. "Have Esdras accompany you to town."

"Esdras? But I was thinking of bringing Arabella with me."

"Arabella has some other things to attend to since she got back just recently. I'd be more comfortable thinking that I have someone I trust around to keep you safe."

"Yes, I understand. Thank you, Mr. Vance."

"Anything for you, your grace."

"Would it be all right if we went with my carriage instead? Just to lessen unwanted attention." Sybil suggested. Vance looked in the young lady's way and gave an approving smile. Not long after that, the advisor excused himself.

"That. Was. Nerve-wracking!" back to her old self, Sybil flopped to a nearby couch.

"That was amazing!" Amelia clapped her hands, "I should take a lesson or two from you."

"Well, if you're always surrounded by high-class ladies like me, you'd catch up on their habits soon enough." Sybil fanned herself. "Plus, you're great at socializing too. I've seen you at some important occasions in town, and you always looked so regal and—and so put together."

Amelia blushed. Since she was little, she's been taught how to project herself to the citizens. It's been engraved in her very core. But as she's been sheltered most of her life, Amelia still struggled with her image sometimes. She wanted to be like any other noble her age—to have fun, roam around, and make mistakes—but at the same time, her responsibilities as an heir always called her back from her daydreaming.

"I don't want to keep you waiting any longer, so I'd excuse myself to change then come back as soon as possible. I'm sure that Constance and Laila will be here any minute." Sybil nodded and told the duchess not to worry about her too much and just do what she needed to do. With a smile, Amelia left the parlor and hurried back to her room.

**********

Waiting at the entrance was Sybil's carriage with the young miss already inside. And as soon as Amelia got in, she saw her guest red as a beet.

"Sybil? Are you alright? Do you have a fever?" the duchess placed the back of her hand on the Miss' forehead and then held her hand, "Would you like to call the doctor? Your family?"

"He's gorgeous," Sybil whispered, looking out the window.

"Wha—huh?"

"He helped me get into the carriage earlier. We held hands for a brief moment then our eyes met. His soulful eyes poke my heart, and now I think I'm in love, Amelia."

"I'm not following you. What are you talking about?" the duchess said, looking out the window Sybil was looking at, confused.

"Him…" together, Amelia and Sybil looked back. And there Esdras was, mounted on his black horse with his fur-lined dark-colored cloak covering the casual white tunic inside and his sword belt. His hair was ruffled to highlight a slightly rugged look. Any girl sane enough would fall for his looks at first sight. His looks were not to be taken lightly.

"You mean Esdras?"

"You mean the hot and gorgeous gentleman? Yes, Esdras."

Gentleman? Amelia thought. There was nothing gentle with how he manhandled and stared at her early this morning.

"Oh," was all Amelia could answer back. She's had these kinds of talks with her ladies-in-waiting before, but it's still hard for her to develop a more sympathetic response.

"Oh? Just oh? Well, I couldn't blame you for not noticing his greatness since Duke Clement's also second to none when it comes to his looks."

Amelia's eyes widened as her gaze slowly turned to her companion. Aside from breakfast, Alexander's name hasn't come up in any of the conversations she's had recently. Her ladies-in-waiting were considerate enough not to include him, but Sybil didn't know that.

Before the duchess could open her mouth, the coachman sounded in front, and the horses started to strut towards the palace gates. Finally, after so long, she could indulge herself in the town's atmosphere.