21 Lakeside

That evening princess Nataliya was taking a stroll across the garden when Elizabeth, her lady in waiting suggested that they should go to the lakeside for a change.

"You should take one last look at it before the lake freezes up, your highness." said Elizabeth.

"Hmm, when did you begin to notice such changes in nature Elizabeth? You have become more interesting these days." Remarked the princess.

Nevertheless, the princess agreed that they should go take a look at the lake.

When they reached there, Nataliya was surprised to see prince Edgar resting near the lake.She looked at Elizabeth questioningly, "You planned this?"

Elizabeth looked away.These days she had been working in cohorts with the prince's aide to get the prince and princess alone together.They had taken Sam's advice to heart.

When prince Edgar saw Nataliya he got up and greeted her.She went up to him.

"I did not know that this was your resting place your highness." princess Nataliya apologized.

"I come here sometimes after my sword practice.If my lady wishes to spend time alone then allow me to take my leave."

"That's not necessary, you came here first your highness. But now that I think about it we have been meeting each other a lot these days, I don't think it is by coincidence,"said Nataliya.

"It could not be that the elder princess suspects me of planning these chance meetings?"asked Edgar

"It's not you that I suspect." said Nataliya. Edgar immediately understood who she was referring to. He looked away into the lake.

"I heard that you have been supporting my sister these days,I must thank you for your kindness." said Nataliya trying to read his expressions

"It was not out of kindness.Her cause is just, she wants the good of the people." said Edgar

"Even though she spent most of her life in the sea, her love for her home country is still strong." said Nataliya.

"It is true that I pressured his majesty into giving his consent for the war with the rebels, but now that the plan has been set into motion I cannot help but worry." said Edgar

Nataliya nodded her head. She had been worried about Sam too.

"She doesn't have many supporters as of now."The princess thought out loud.

"Which minister do you think is likely to support her?" Edgar asked thoughtfully.

"The minister of agriculture maybe. His daughter is Sam's old friend. But he is not very strong in court."

"It seemed that the minister of finance is rather neutral, maybe we could rope him to our side." said Edgar

"You should also try the minister of foreign affairs, he might support her if you hint at it." said Nataliya.

"Thank you for your advice princess.Even though you do not actively participate in court, I see that you are a keen observer." said Edgar

"Yes, I see everything." said Nataliya looking at Edgar.

Edgar felt as if the princess was reading his mind.They did not continue their conversation further and soon parted ways.

On their way back Elizabeth jokingly asked princess Nataliya what they had been seriously talking about.

Nataliya sighed and said. "Whenever we meet we discuss only one person."