...Exchange..
Without hesitation, Rose turned around and left the room while everyone was in total denial about what they witnessed.
- Did she say that she quit? What's wrong with her all of sudden?
Hans and Yvine followed her till the entrance of the house
- ROSE, WAIT...ROSE...
He grabbed her hand and stopped her.
- WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?
- Shouldn't I know the reason for your sudden quit?
- Why are you asking? Shouldn't you be happy about it?
- Why should I be happy?
- You have been ignoring me for days and acting like I don't exist, I can't bear with that anymore. I didn't do anything wrong to deserve such treatment.
-.....
Rose was waiting for an explanation, but Hans didn't say a word. She bowed her head while holding herself from crying:
- It has been an honor to serve this empire as a knight, but I can't do that anymore, goodbye...your highness.
She turned around and walked away from him teary-eyed and Yvine ran after her. Hans wanted to hold on to her, but he prevent himself from going after her.
He just stood still watching her getting away from him:
" Maybe, this is better for everyone"
Then he returned to the house.
No one dared to ask him about what did happen. It was clear from his facial expressions that she left.
- Miss Rose, can I ask why you suddenly decided to quit being a knight?
- Because what I am going to do will tarnish that name. Replied Rose with eyes full of anger.
- Listen to me Yvine what I am going to do is very dangerous, I advise you to go back to the chief's house.
- No, I'm coming with you, you will need my help.
Rose went back to the grand merchant house, this time she didn't make a fuss, instead, she sneaked in.
- Stay hidden well, no one must find us.
She climbed to her sister's room balcony, then she opened slowly the door and entered.
The room was so big and fancy, Rose got closer to her sleeping sister.
" Don't cry sister, I will definitely save you from this golden cage"
She woke her up gently
- Melissa, wake up.
- SISTE....
- Shut don't make any noise.
- How did you get in?
- That's not important, let's get out of here.
- Wait! I can't.
- Is it because of father and Monica?
Melissa seemed surprised.
- How did you know?
- When I came last time, I figured that something was wrong. He is using them to make you accept him, right?
Melissa nodded her head while starting crying.
Rose hugged her.
- You were holding a big burden on your own, I'm sorry for being late.
Melissa cried her heart out. Rose waited until she calmed down, then she held her hands:
- Are you okay?
- Yes...I'm fine.
- Good. Now, tell me everything...
Tomorrow Morning was the wedding day. The maids went to Melissa's room to prepare her for the big day.
Meanwhile, The Prince and his knights are about to leave the town.
- Sir, are we really leaving without miss Rose and...Yvine? Asked David.
- They choose their own path, we can't force them to come with us.
- But.. they are part of the troop how can we abandon them?
- Let's go we are already late.
The battalion headed to the border of the village. The Prince looked like he didn't care, but he was hoping that Rose shows up again.
" I shouldn't let her go yesterday, she seemed very angry I thought she will cool her head and come back. why she didn't come back yet? did I offend her that much? what if I won't see her anymore?"
Hans suddenly stopped and turned around
- I think we will be delaying our leave for some time. Let's go back, we must find Rose.
They started searching for her in different places, but they couldn't find her anywhere.
- Where is she? Did she already leave this village?
Suddenly they heard a screaming
- YOUR HIGHNESS...HELP....ROSE IS IN DANGER.
It was Yvine, she came running towards them.
- What's wrong? Where is Rose?
Asked The Prince.
Yvine was out of breath
- SHE.....SHE IS.....SHE IS GETTING MARRIED.