Unprepared

"I was just trying not to get you upset, my lady." Veda fidgets with the hems of her apron.

"Well I am upset now, and very, VERY unprepared." Siv is livid. She paces back and forth in her room while her maid just watches nervously.

She still can't wrap her head around how nobody thought it necessary to inform her that the Vying Ceremony is tomorrow and that her five rivals are already at the palace.

'Ugh.'

Siv has no idea where to start. She needs a dress, she needs to learn more about the event and what she is expected to do, and her anxiety has reached new levels.

"I need you to call for Lady Ring and ask her to bring her best dresses before sunset." Siv orders.

"Yes, my lady." Veda bows and hurries out of the room.

She flops on her bed trying to catch up with her racing thoughts. She needs someone who is an etiquette expert and who knows about the ceremony.

'Colby could have probably helped a little, but I can't rely on him anymore.'

Siv feels sad that he won't be around anymore. She really liked being able to be herself with him. She stares upside down at the wall behind her when Shelby's face comes to mind. She jumps off the bed regretting it immediately. The wound is still a little sore so she takes a moment until the discomfort passes. Then, she rushes to the door and pulls it open. She yelps. She finds a shocked Erling in front of her, her balled hand is hanging in the air, ready to knock.

"Lady Siv."

"Captain… Please come in." To her surprise, Erling is not alone. Tove is on her heels.

"How are you feeling, Lady Siv?" The captain asks while walking to the window.

"I am alright, the doctor said that we will remove the covering soon." Siv answers following her guest. "Would you like to have a seat, Captain?"

"No, I'm alright. I am going straight to the point." Erling faces Siv with her stern face which makes her gulp. "Let me start by saying that just because His Highness and His Majesty are not punishing you, it doesn't mean that I won't. We will discuss it after your full recovery."

"Yes, Captain." Siv answers as goosebumps spread across her skin.

"Now, you remember Lady Tove?" Siv nods, her eyes travel to the girl looking down to the floor. "She needs a place to hide, so Prince Bjarte decided that she would be staying with you for the time being."

'That little-'

"She will be your maid, as a cover, until we have a more elaborate plan."

"But I-" Siv jumps when Tove gets on her knees and grabs her leg. "What are you-"

"Lady Holmen, I am so sorry." She cries. "You were hurt because of me and Bjarte... Bjarte… you saved him. Thank you, I will do anything to repay your kindness. Please, my lady." Siv looks down at the desperate woman. For some odd reason, she reminds her of herself.

She sighs.

"First of all, you need to stop calling him Bjarte in front of other people. And please let go of my leg and stand up." Tove obeys. "I will let you stay, but you cannot under any circumstances meet with the prince or even show that you know him."

"Yes, my lady." She wipes her tears.

"Great." Erling says a little louder than necessary. "I will take my leave now." She takes long strides to the door. "Lady Siv, please ask the doctor when you can resume training."

"Yes, Captain."

'I'm totally going to die.'

"Oh, and good luck tomorrow."

'Wait, was that a smile?'

The captain disappears as soon as her lips curl up, leaving Siv in shock. It takes her a few seconds to get over her astonishment. She looks at the nervous girl and feels pity for her.

"I have to take care of something. You can stay here until Veda, my maid comes back. She can tell you whatever you need to know."

"Yes, my lady."

Siv leaves her room, walking with purpose. She prays that Lord Benson can help her. He helped her last time with the training request.

'Let's hope he helps me this time as well.'

As she passes by a window in the hallway, her eyes catch the prince and his assistant walking outside toward the back gate. They look like they are going somewhere.

'Oh crap. I have to catch him before he leaves.'

Siv pulls her dress up a little and starts sprinting in the direction of the garden doors, then toward the back gate where the royal carriage comes to view. She pushes her legs as fast as they can run. She reaches the carriage as Brandt is climbing in.

"Lady Siv?" He hears Shelby utter in confusion. The prince turns and finds Siv breathing hard and holding her left side.

"Your Highness." She gives him an inadequate curtsy.

"What is it, Lady Holmen?" He frowns. "Is there anything urgent you need to tell me?"

"Actually." She pauses and takes a deep breath. "I need to speak with Lord Benson."

"Me?" Shelby pales.

"Oh." Brandt feels a little disappointed, but he dismisses the feeling. "Make it quick." He says with a clipped tone before he enters his carriage.

"Lady Holmen, how can I help you?" Shelby keeps an eye on the carriage window. He can feel the prince's glares.

"I am sorry for the inconvenience, Lord Benson, but I was wondering if you could teach me about the Vying Ceremony. I have no idea what to expect and I am afraid I will make a fool out of myself."

"I am afraid the prince's schedule is quite congested until the event." Disappointment washes over Siv.

'Well, it can't be helped I guess.'

"I understand. I am sorry for keeping you." She turns to walk away.

"How about tonight?" Siv spins around. "After I finish all the prince's business. It might be really late, though."

"Really? I don't mind, I can skip sleep tonight." Shelby chuckles.

"Alright, I will see you tonight then."

"Thank you so much, Lord Benson."

Shelby hurries back to the carriage.

"About time." Brandt comments impatiently.

"Are you mad, Your Highness?" Shelby smiles inwardly.

"Why would I be?" He spits.

'Yes, why would I be? Why the bloody hell am I?'