The Knights' Departure

"Are we not heading to the drawing room?" Ingrid asked as they passed by the staircase nearest to the room where they usually receive visitors.

"The Grand Commander awaits at the entrance, Your Highness," Christine conveyed.

"Mmm. Is he in a hurry?" Ingrid thought.

The foyer, a grand and expansive entrance area, welcomed Ingrid with its opulent surroundings. Ingrid cast her eyes across the lower floor, searching for the Grand Commander. There he stood, clad in formidable armor, a helmet gripped in his left arm. His dark armor a contrast against a vivid red cape that billowed behind him.

"Grand Commander, it appears our encounters are growing increasingly frequent," Ingrid observed, her vantage point on the grand staircase affording her a regal perspective. Her silver hair cascaded elegantly, and the intricate blue embroidery on her pristine white dress harmonized with the cerulean brilliance of her eyes.

"Greetings, Your Highness. I apologize for taking your time," Caym responded with a bow, his gaze momentarily meeting Ingrid's before respectfully lowering to the floor.

Ingrid's lips curved into a subtle smile. "Indeed," she mused, "a true knight wouldn't be caught gazing at a lady descending the stairs unless she were his lover. Perhaps the knight in the book could take a lesson from the Grand Commander."

Ingrid descended with grace, her every step echoing through the expansive space. With poise, she held onto the grand banister, her left hand moving gracefully with each deliberate and careful step.

Caym's attention returned to Ingrid as she reached the ground floor.

"To what do I owe the honor of the Grand Commander's presence?" Ingrid inquired. Her gaze lingered on the intricate details of Caym's armor with a subtle fascination.

"Wasn't he also clad in armor when we first met? With his built, being in a dark armor makes him twice intimidating," she reflected.

Caym followed the direction of her eyes, glancing down at the armor he was wearing. He raised an eyebrow at Ingrid's undisguised observation.

"I am here to inform you that I will be absent for a week, Your Highness," he declared.

"I see," Ingrid replied, her face a canvas of calm as she looked up to Caym. "But why am I being informed about this?"

Caym tilted his head slightly to the side. "I must inform you that you will have to attend the Moonlight Festival with your maid," he stated.

Ingrid paused, her eyebrows lifting in surprise. "I do not think I am following," she said.

"I was originally assigned to accompany you, Your Highness," Caym clarified, anticipating her unspoken question.

"You were supposed to?" Ingrid questioned, her brows remaining elevated.

"Yes," Caym affirmed.

"Why?" Ingrid inquired.

"Circumstances."

Ingrid furrowed her brows. "The Festival is in five days. Why wasn't I informed until you canceled?" she pressed.

"I did not communicate it to you," Caym replied.

Ingrid held a thoughtful pause, her gaze fixed on Caym. "I have so many questions," she admitted.

"Your maid is permitted to leave the Lily Palace because she was specifically hired to ensure your protection," Caym explained. "Given the uncertainty of potential threats, it's advised not to stray too far from her."

Ingrid couldn't help but hold her breath. "I... am I supposed to know that, Grand Commander?" she inquired, turning to look at Christine, who, much like herself, seemed visibly taken aback. Returning her gaze to Caym, Ingrid's expression was filled with disbelief.

"You would have figured it out anyway, Your Highness. Or perhaps you already have," Caym responded, a sly smirk playing on his lips.

Ingrid stood motionless, her brows arching in surprise as she fixed her gaze on Caym. The amplifying thud of her heartbeat eclipsed the ambient noise around her. "Once more, he speaks to me as though I'm not a hostage of his empire," she mused.

Ingrid lowered her gaze and took a deep breath. "I'll take that as a compliment," she said.

"I will not waste any more of your time," Caym said. "Keep yourself safe while I am away, Your Highness." 

"While I'm away," Ingrid echoed in her thoughts. "I wonder how many women this Grand Commander has misled with false signals."

She clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head with a subtle grace that accompanied her warm smile. "If you say it that way, I'll be doing my best to keep myself safe," she said.

Caym paused, her brows raised. An awkward silence filled the atmosphere while Ingrid remained in her pose.

"Did I overdo it? I just wanted to tease him," she thought.

"You should not do that again, Your Highness," Caym finally said.

Ingrid slowly stood straight, he hands moving to her sides.

"I will take my leave, Your Highness. Thank you for your time," Caym said and executed a respectful bow. 

"Take care, Grand Commander," Ingrid uttered gently.

Caym bowed once more before departing.

Outside the gate, Hector stood with his hand holding the strap of his horse. Nineteen more cavalry members were clustered nearby, preparing to depart.

As the gate swung open, the knights stood at attention to greet Caym, but he raised his hand, signaling them to halt.

"You done bidding farewell to the lovely princess?" Hector teased.

Caym walked past him, heading towards his horse—a majestic black steed.

"What? Did she not say anything?" Hector asked, a mocking smile forming on his lips.

Caym swiftly mounted his horse. "Prepare now, Tassis," he ordered.

Hector, undeterred, flashed a smirk as he climbed onto his horse. As they started to ride off, Fredrik rode up alongside him.

"Why do you enjoy courting death, Lieutenant?" Fredrik asked. 

"Ah, how could I not?" Hector murmured. "When this is the third time I'd seen that one's ears turn crimson after seeing the Ásján princess."

Fredrik raised his brow, but did not ask any further. 

"Open the gates!"

On the 19th day of the ninth month, the Grand Commander, accompanied by his twenty knights, departed from the Imperial Palace.