22 Chapter 22: The Palace

Ervea. A name she hasn't heard in a very long time. That was what the used to call her before she had left the castle. Lady Ervea Trittania Amerthyshia. Her real name. The name and title she had despised for so many years.

The name she was given by her cold mother and indifferent father who cared for nothing except power and riches. It disgusted her to her core.

She might've even turn out exactly like them if she wasn't raised to be so close to her cousin, who was born and raised with compassion and kindness.

She pinched the bridge of her nose as if it hurt her, trying desperately not to let the memories of her past cloud her mind.

"Ervea, are you alright?" Terlan asked as he looked upon her with worry.

"I'm fine. It's just....been quite sometime that I was called by that name. It sounds strange to my ears now, which is quite bizarre."

"No. I don't think it is at all. You lived a new life outside the palace. A completely new life, thinking that you'd be leaving the other one forever. Forgive me once more, for having you relive your other life."

"Its alright. It's the responsible thing to do. And by the way, now that we are reverting back to our original names, is it safe to call you by yours, Ethros?"

Terlan, no Ethros, chuckled lightly.

"Yes. It's been a while as well that you called me by that name."

It was through their first letters to each other that they have agreed that any letter to be sent to him that she would address her by Terlan, to protect his identity as the crown prince.

Crown Prince Ethros Petrigaldon Topizath was his full and true name which the whole kingdom knew. It would've been dangerous to simply use his original name as they exchanged letters and someone intercepted them.

She remembered how she was already living in the walls of Garuh for several years when the first letter from Ethros came. She cried when she read and received the letter as she was sure that he would never forgive her.

She tapped her foot on the floorboards of the carriage in anxiousness. The carriage was moving at a steady pace and they have been I the carriage for several hours now. It won't be long until they arrive at the palace gates.

She hoped that she wouldn't have to meet her mother and father on the way to meet her uncle. Ethros's father and rightful king of Topalia.

"Are you nervous, Ervea?" he asked with pure concern on his features.

"Yes. Undeniably so. I...how is...mother and father?"

She dreaded asking, but she needed to know nonetheless.

"Lady and Lord Amerthyshia are...well. After you left, they were quite furious though. But, they were more furious that you embarrassed them than because they were worried about you."

Ervea scoffed.

"Well, those are my parents alright...by the goddess, I hate them. I just hope that I wouldn't have to meet them when we both ask an audience from your father."

Suddenly, the carriage stopped abruptly.

She looked outside and saw that they were now in front of the palace gates. The coachman was currently talking to the guards at the palace gates and showing their papers as they stopped. She gripped the skirts of her dress tightly, her knuckles turning white.

They were here.

She heard the loud, thunderous creaking sounds of the gates being opened and the carriage proceeded to enter the palace.

The carriage stopped right in front of the plaza of the palace. She took a deep breath in and out as the coachman opened the carriage door for her and she stepped outside.

The servants greeted them as they stepped out and their trusted butler, Thetio, bowed as they greeted them as well.

Thetio was probably only a few years older than Ethros's father. He had silver hair from old age, and his face was withered with sagging lines that told him of his age.

Despite that, he looked healthy and was always standing upright. Ervea practically sees him as her grandfather, as he helped raising her and her cousin.

"Lady Ervea, Prince Ethros, please follow me. The king has been expecting your arrival. He is also anxious to meet you after such a long time, my lady."

"Yes. I suppose he would be. Uncle has been trying as well to get me back to live in the palace."

After their greetings, they went inside and they followed Thetio silently. They had entered the large palace doors and were now heading to the guest rooms. The palace hasn't changed much, she thought as she passed by the hallways with the past rulers of Topalia painted in frames on its walls.

They still looked like they were looking at you, their intimidating gaze was something she hated when she was young. They all looked serious, like they found her lacking and was ready to reprimand her unladylike ways.

She looked away and focused on the other decorations adorning the palace as they continued to follow Thetio.

"We have prepared a room for you, my lady in preparation to meet the king. The king will be available for audience at dinner. It will be a private dinner with only you, Prince Ethros and his majesty will be present. An attire suitable for the meeting has been prepared as well."

She smiled fondly at Thetio, and Ethros chuckled good naturedly as well.

"Ever efficient, are you Thetio?" Ethros said as he smiled.

"Why, of course sir. I live to serve with the utmost efficiency to the royal family."

"How have you been while I was gone, Thetio?" Ervea asked.

"I've been well, madam. Though, I quite missed the sound of you playing the lute. It's been awfully quiet as well since you left."

Ervea smiled sadly at Thetio as she followed him.

"I missed you too, Thetio. It's good to see you again."

"It's good to see you again as well, madam."

After a few minutes of walking, Thetio stopped short in front of a door.

"This is the room I have chosen for your stay, madam. I hope it is to your liking." Thetio said.

"If it was chosen by you Thetio, I'm pretty sure it would be." she replied.

"Thank you, madam. The attire chosen for the meeting this evening is in the closet, if you ever need help in preparing later or need any kind of assistance, there are always a maid nearby to assist you. If you have any need of me, please ask for me specially whenever you wish. I will be taking my leave."

"Thank you so much for all the help, Thetio." she said as she watched him bow and leave silently.