Bonus chapter

Antonia could not count the numerous times she pleaded with Olivia to take off her frock. It was wrong for her to dress in this manner. What would she say to Master Reginald if he ever walked in on them, and saw her dressed as this?

It would surely land her in trouble. Antonia did not dare think about the head maid. If the woman should see this... she was done for!

"Your Highness, please..." She walked to Olivia who stood before the mirror. Her hands held the hem of the frock, and she spread it on her body.

Her gray eyes glistened as she admired the new look on her. "Just perfect."

Olivia took off the silver hair accessory and had her hair in a low bun. Then after, she took the hat servants placed on their heads. This was because, since she couldn't find a perfect plain dress, this was her only choice.

After tying the straps that held the hat on her head under her chin, she raised a brow at her reflection. The hat concealed her brows and made her eyes cast under its shade. This way, no one would recognize her.

This was more than perfect than the gown she imagined.

"You would land me in trouble if you ever step out in this." She followed behind Olivia who walked to her wardrobe again. She grabbed a dark pouch of silver coins and threw it in the air. Olivia was quick to catch it, and the air around her changed.

It suited the way she was dressed. The Princess felt like another person in this kind of attire. She felt invisible chains loosen and fall off her limbs and she stretched her body.

"Lord, it feels so comfortable dressed this way. Okay. I'm heading out." She shrugged and headed toward the exit only for her to feel something heavy obstructing her movement.

"My Princess! You'll get us in trouble!" Antonia's amber eyes were wide with horror. She shook her head as her eyes started to brim with tears.

"Would you rather let us get caught or you guide me to the market?" Olivia's head rotated to the maid who grabbed her ankle.

This was the first time the air around her Mistress wasn't overbearing. This was also the first time it felt as though she had known the Princess for a long time. Her mouth slacked open once she realized Olivia's innocent intentions.

Did she want to step out? Why didn't she order her to get what she wanted from the market?

"B-but... What if we get caught??" She blurted out. Then after she squeezed her eyes because of her attitude.

"Who says we'll get caught? It seems you don't know how to blend in, Tonia. Besides, this is my first time heading to the market. I'm curious as to what it looks like. Since you're here now, I would like us to go together."

Antonia was left speechless. In defeat, she agreed to Olivia's suggestions and helped herself up. A small smile appeared on her face because this was the first time the Princess was loosening up around her.

It seemed like what happened three days ago was an eye-opener for her to get to know her better.

___

"I still cannot believe that you would disagree with his demands." Zain shook his head. He couldn't stop thinking about the conversation they had with General Hayes three days ago.

It was something that was bound to change their lives forever. Besides, they were not even ready for it. Reginald did not seem to even want it.

"It's better than gaining a lot of enemies." A nonchalant look was on his face, while he squinted his eyes. Their horses were heading back to the Hayes' mansion when a brooding silence fell upon them immediately.

"We are back. And we have too much to solve. At this rate, my Father might stop me from coming here. You don't even look at half of these scrolls!" Zain complained bitterly, his voice sounding like he was whining at how little his milk was.

Reginald never paid attention to him. He was stunned because before they got into the mansion, his eyes fell on two maids who were walking off discreetly.

They were not aware he stood by the entrance and had taken another portal.

He cocked his head to the side. The other maid looked back as though she never wanted anyone to see them. It spoke suspicion.

The other maid ahead of her never bothered to look back. She was in a hurry to bother about being caught.

"You're not even paying attention to what I'm saying. That's a total disrespect, my friend. One day, you'll realize how much importance I have been to you. You nitwit!" Zain was on the verge of pulling his red hair from its root. It felt as though he was talking to a statue.

But he realized that Reginald had his attention somewhere else. And he followed his eyes in that direction. He suddenly noticed Antonia.

"Isn't that Electric Eyes' sister?" He cocked his head in curiosity before blinking. There was something fishy going on. Why was she heading out of the mansion in such a sneaky manner?

"Arya? That's Antonia... the Princess's..." Reginald answered but he trailed while his eyes grew wide in realization.

He didn't want to cuss out, but he tightened his grip on his horse's reins. It took Zain by surprise.

Reginald turned his horse to the direction they were going and the animal neighed, following his orders.

Not wanting to be left out, Zain followed suit in doing the same and he trailed after his friend. Inwardly cussing at his luck for not resting earlier when Reginald told him to.

Meanwhile...

Her ears picked up the sounds of distant gallops and she pulled Antonia toward her. Lucky for them, there was a small corner that could fit them.

Olivia and Antonia hid themselves and waited for the horses to pass by, before coming out of their hiding place.

"Your Highness, why did you have to hide that way? You said no one could recognize you." Antonia forgot her manners and asked cautiously. Realizing her mistake, she bit her lips and was about to apologize.

"We can't take risks. That might have been the General." Olivia breathed out, peeking from the corner as she watched the horse riders become smaller with each distance that increased.

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A way to wish y'all happy weekend!

I hope you enjoy it to the fullest!🤭