10 The First Day

"Next time she dares to insult you, you need not to be patient with her."

Hanson told Kaia as they walked out of the main hall.

"She's still your grandmother though, Your Highness. Is that really alright?" Kaia inquired. She looked up at him and her eyes caught his beauty mark that she was really attracted to. The light from the corridor fell on his visage making his countenance look a little dark from his anger but at the same time ethereal. 'Like a fallen angel...' she thought involuntarily.

Hanson still held her hand as they walked down the corridor. The warmth emanating from his hand was really comfortable. The slight tingles felt in her fingers haven't ceased till now from the moment he held her hand.

Kaia's heart felt an inexplicable feeling. She wasn't naive, so she knew exactly why. She didn't want to fall into the abyss again; neither she felt she was worthy. She was a murderer, murderer of her own beloved person.

Kaia made a decision at that moment.

Hanson was surprised when Kaia withdrew her hand from his hold. He wasn't aware that he still held on to her and he felt a little awkward. Both of them acted as if nothing transpired as they headed towards Kaia's chamber.

After escorting her to her room, Hanson bowed lightly to Kaia. "Have a good day Princess, I shall take my leave now."

"Take care, Your Highness. And thank you for today" Kaia smiled at him. Hanson felt a slight flutter in his heart, he was a little hurt when she pulled her hand away but it was washed away with her smile. It was not often something he did was appreciated. "It is what I should do." He smiled lightly at Kaia. He then turned towards Catherine. "Give the Princess a brief account on the guests invited to the ball."

"Yes, Your Highness." Catherine saluted in acceptance.

Hanson nodded back and turned around striding away followed by his knight and aide who left after a bowing to Kaia.

........

The Wedding banquet was to be held that night and a ball was to follow for two consecutive nights thereafter till the official wedding that Friday. Only the banquet is conducted on the first day and all the higher ranking Nobles of Clarines were invited. The royalties of foreign nations will arrive by their convenience during the three days time prior the day of the wedding.

Hanson strode into his study, followed by Calvin and Stefan. He walked to his table and sat down on the chair and began flipping through the numerous papers arranged over the desk.

"Is the guest list confirmed?" he asked as he checked through the list.

"Yes Your Highness" Calvin answered. "I received message that, The Princes of Steins will be arriving in a few hours."

Hanson nodded. "Send word to Sir Dolomore. Inform him to receive them with due respect."

Calvin responded in affirmation.

"I heard the younger Prince Garnet is your fiancée's ex-fiancé." Stefan piped in as he casually walked to the sofa placed a little away from the table. He unceremoniously dropped on the sofa with a loud thud ignoring the glare from Calvin.

"It doesn't matter" Hanson replied perfunctorily as he looked through the papers.

"You are not bothered in the least? You are marrying her in four days!"

Calvin sighed in exasperation. 'That guy never knows when to shut his mouth.'

"I heard his preferences are the same as yours. Why don't you try him? Maybe he might take you as his husband." Hanson quipped as he checked the reports.

Stefan ignored the sarcasm and raised an eyebrow. He knew Hanson was closer to the older Prince Garnet even more than Calvin. They knew each other since childhood. Although the four of them hung out together, Hanson was still closer to Christian rather than Calvin and him. It is weird as Christian is seven years older than Hanson, compared to that the younger brother was closer to their age being two years younger.

Prince Christian is just as taciturn as Hanson, maybe, even more so. They never met the younger Prince, Florien Garnet other than one brief introduction when they were eleven. Stefan had heard that he liked to stay long term in Wales and he was engaged to the only princess of Wales since childhood as their mothers were close.

"Oh? That's surprising. Did your dear friend not have any qualms over it? Ain't their family strict?"

"He's the youngest, so he can do as he pleases." Hanson replied not bothering to look up.

Stefan was surprised at that.

Calvin knew Stefan was never fond of Christian. He was like a child who had his candy stolen as he looked at Hanson hanging around with Christian whenever they met. He was quite possessive of his important people and Calvin knew his innate character well. He's the most ruthless one in the group as well as the hardest to please.

"Prince Christian is not as cold as he seems." He said to appease the red head.

"I still don't like him" Stefan snorted as he folded his arms behind his head and leaned back on the sofa.

Calvin can only shake his head in resignation.

Just then there was a knock on the door.

"Your Highness, it's Fresher"

Hanson nodded at Calvin who then called out. "Come in."

Sir Fresher entered the room and paid his respects before reporting. "Your Highness, news was received that there are movements at the border."

Hanson paused in his work and raised his head. He narrowed his eyes and a cold storm seemed to be brewing in his unique hazel eyes.

"Inform Dolomore to increase security around the castle. Inspect everything that comes in and goes out, including the personal belongings of the royals staying in the castle." Hanson gave his orders as his fingers moved the quill smoothly over the paper. "Send troops over to Guilly town, you take charge of them."

Hanson finished writing and stamped the seal, before handing the paper to Calvin. He tied it up and handed it to Fresher, who left after paying his respects.

Fresher wasn't any noteworthy in strength but he is a skilled strategist and has excellent riding skills. Moreover he is trustworthy. Hanson expended quite some effort to make him the head of cavalry despite the King and few nobles' opposition as the man was from a family of lesser nobles. The corrupt nobles preferred bloodline over talent, which only served to weaken the country.

"If only he can tone down his promiscuity~" Stefan drawled out after the door closed behind Fresher.

Calvin chuckled at that. "Come to think of it, I saw that he even eyed the Princess, when we first met her. He really does need to tone down."

"He is someone who knows not to over step his bounds." Hanson added as he stood up after arranging the papers.

"Well, he knows he won't have his head over his shoulders otherwise." Stefan added as he got up to follow Hanson out of the room.

"Where are we heading to Your Highness?" Calvin asked as he knew they soon had to prepare for the banquet.

Hanson's eyes flashed. A hidden ruthlessness brewed in their depth as he uttered the three words that made the two other men forget all their playfulness.

"To the gorge."