Apology After Correction

All eyes were on the young lady whose relenting yet piercing gaze was focused on the man named General Migo.

All the leaders there didn't even dare to look up anymore and General Migo who was brave enough to question the Prince was no exception.

Sitting still on the chair, Nicien Vamieres glanced at his 'older sister' who always possessed a formidable aura. He knew that of all the people there, he was the only one who can step up in this kind of situation but... he chose not to.

He won't interfere.

"If you can't respect my brother as the Master and accept his every decision without complaint, then you can leave." There was a cruel smirk on the lady's lips when she added, "But you know the rule. You will never make it out alive."

In an instant, General Migo's eyes went wide in both fear and disbelief. However, when he noticed that the lady was serious, he dropped to his knees. "It was wrong of me, milady. Please forgive me! It will never happen again!"

While their friend was pleading, some of the other leaders glanced at the Prince only to notice that he had no plan to get involved. He was always like that! No wonder they were siblings!

"Why are you apologizing to me?" The young lady sarcastically asked the man who was old enough to be her father. When the General understood what she meant, he was about to turn to the Prince and apologize, but...

"Save that for later," the lady interrupted and declared, "An apology should come after a correction."

Everyone including Prince Nicien knew what she meant but there was no protest. When the lady turned to Rafe, the latter quickly stepped up and brought the General out of the tent for the 'correction' that the lady mentioned.

Nicien Vamieres narrowed his eyes and shut them for the briefest of seconds. When he looked up again, he noticed his sister dismissing the others; and soon enough, they were the only ones in the tent.

Prince Nicien met the gaze of his older sister who was now standing a few steps before him. "I don't know that you've returned to Esriven," he pointed out in a calm voice; making no comment on what she just did.

"I told Rafe and others not to let you know in case you might be distracted," the young lady named Avilina responded. At 28, she was 8 years older than the Prince.

Standing still in her place, Avilina let a few seconds pass before she added, "I was also in the palace yesterday."

All at once, the Prince's eyes grew wide in shock and he abruptly rose from his seat. "That's too much of a risk, Avilina. What if the King or someone else spots you?"

"I already spent two decades of my life in hiding, Emer. Do you think it will be that easy to spot me?"

Whenever he heard her calling him with that name, something always hit Nicien Vamieres.

Emer. Emeric.

He never really think like the name belonged to him. Maybe because he lacked the most important thing to feel that way - memories.

"No matter what the reason was, it's your wedding," his older sister continued. "I don't want to miss it."

"Aren't you curious too?" Prince Nicien muttered. "Now that I think of it, you never ask me anything about the alliance marriage."

"I trust in you." Avilina's response came faster than ever. She walked towards one chair and sat down while the Prince's gaze trailed her all the while. Then she looked at the Prince again when she added, "I believe that you have your reason and that you won't let me down."

At one point, Nicien Vamieres wondered how she always managed to trust him without asking anything. Won't that be hard? They might be siblings but... he refused to think further. There was no point in that.

"It's getting late," he muttered, breaking the silence that occupied the tent for around a minute. "I will return now."

Avilina appeared a bit surprised but she still nodded. "Alright. Be careful and inform us if anything happens."

Prince Nicien nodded his head in response and made his way towards the exit of the tent. However, he halted his steps when one thing crossed his mind. Then he turned around to look at his older sister who was now standing. "Rafe and Imayne came to the palace unannounced the night before the wedding. Please take care of that for me."

He didn't even wait for a response and left the tent right away.

* * *

When Nicien Vamieres was back to the palace, the sun was very close to set now. He entered the Candor Palace and Captain Villiam was the first to greet him.

"Your Highness."

"How is the Princess?" was the first thing that the Prince asked the guard.

"Her Highness regained her consciousness at noon. She's feeling a lot better now but... " The Captain's voice trailed off but when he noticed the Prince's impatient gaze, he quickly continued by saying, "The Supreme Princess came to visit the Princess when she heard about what happened and now, she's in your chamber, waiting for you."

Nicien Vamieres knew right away that he was up for an earful and he let out a breath. "Alright. You can go now."

With that, the Captain bowed and walked away while the Prince made his way to his chamber despite the reluctance that he felt. Just as expected, the disappointed face of the Supreme Princess was what awaited him the moment he entered his chamber. Though he felt the pressure, he tried his best to maintain his composure.

"Mother."

"Come and sit here." Supreme Princess Selova gestured for her son to sit on her right which Nicien complied without complaint.

"Where were you all day, Nicien?" The mother asked. Though her voice was calm, her displeasure was more than evident in it.

Nicien remained silent as he struggled to respond. As he couldn't bring himself to meet his mother's gaze, he had his eyes lowered all the while; making his mother sigh.

"Do you meet your guild members again?" Selova Vamieres asked and firmly added, "Your wife was still unconscious when you left. Can't other matters wait just a few hours?"