Still The Same

Princess Rizelle was always firm in what she wanted since she was just a child. She was always cheerful and positive; the traits that earned her the love of her people in Linolia. However... she can also become very stubborn if necessary.

Even before she met Prince Nicien Vamieres, she came to the conclusion that it would be best for them to keep their distance and lived their own lives. However, now that it was slowly replaced by a new mindset, which was a rare occurrence to her who was always firm once she made up her mind; she was determined to see it to the end.

The fact that her husband was currently giving her a strange look... didn't faze her at all.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Nicien Vamieres said after what seemed to be forever. His confusion was still evident in both his face and voice.

Why did she suddenly say that? She even asked him if she was allowed to know everything about him!

"Why?" Rizelle inquired, curious.

Nevertheless, she sounded so calm and somehow, it made Nicien Vamieres feel the pressure.

What had suddenly gotten into her?

"I think you already know a lot about me, Princess," he earnestly replied as if he was trying to reason with her. "You shouldn't get too close to me. You won't want to get hurt."

"That's my problem, Your Highness," Rizelle simply said. "I will take care of myself."

The look on the Prince's face when he heard her was nothing like Rizelle had witnessed before. He seemed to be in disbelief at what she said as he opened and shut his mouth again.

"I thought that you're asking me if you're allowed to do that," he pointed out as if this was his last resort.

The helpless Nicien Vamieres? The sight somehow amused Princess Rizelle!

"I'm only doing that out of courtesy," Rizelle Vamieres mused. "I already know what I want and... you don't know me at all, Your Highness."

Nicien was really at a loss for words now. Though he knew that Princess Rizelle was loved for her lively nature in Linolia, she was so quiet since she arrived. It must be why this kind of talk was so unexpected for him.

"You don't have to feel bothered, Your Highness," Rizelle simply spoke up again when her husband didn't say anything. "I can just try to know you better on my own even if you don't tell me.

She was too simple-minded, or maybe naive. This was what Prince Nicien thought. Her words made him recall the first time that he saw her and... he concluded that she haven't changed at all.

She was still the same.

While the Prince was occupied with his thoughts, Rizelle had her gaze on him all the while. Despite being a royal, the Linolian Princess was always honest and she was never scared of speaking her mind or showing her interest, just like she did now.

The two were interrupted when they heard the sound of knocking on the door. Being snapped out of his thoughts, Nicien Vamieres promptly responded and a servant walked inside.

"Your Highnesses, dinner is ready," the servant informed the couple.

As per the custom, Nicien and Rizelle didn't have to eat dinner together in the dining room. They can eat lunch and dinner alone in their own chamber, but...

"Serve it here. I will eat with my wife."

Rizelle darted her eyes to her husband, taken aback by what he just said but when he turned to her and calmly met her gaze, a subtle smile was formed in her lips.

Just a while ago, he sounded like he didn't want to do anything with her yet here he was, trying to have dinner with her while he wasn't even required to do so.

Once again, he was so hard to understand.

Though the servant also seemed to be flustered, she was very quick in regaining her composure. "As you wish, Your Highness." She curtsied and then walked out of the chamber.

Even when they were alone, his wife was still giving him that confused look.

"If I'm not attentive while you're sick, my mother won't let go of it," he explained and he hated how awkward he felt to do so.

Much to his surprise, the Princess smiled at him.

"That's good enough," she remarked and added, "At least, you listen to your mother like a good son. I like to look at positive things rather than being bothered by the negative ones."

Nicien Vamieres couldn't help but wonder how unpredictable his wife was. She was quiet but the next second, she said many things while flashing a bright smile at him. Thinking of this, he unconsciously smiled to himself, unaware of how Rizelle was still gazing at him.

His small smile... Rizelle thought that it was very pleasant to look at.

Was it because his smile was so rare? She had seen him smiling once or twice before but... it was always when the Supreme Princess was around.

Then... did he just smile because of her?

Why?

Nevertheless, Rizelle Vamieres didn't say anything and quietly stared at her husband who was too occupied by his thoughts to even notice her gaze. And in no time, the servants came and served dinner at the table which was placed in the left of the room. This finally snapped the Prince out of his stupor once again.

"Let's eat," he said in his usual calm voice and rose from his seat. Though Rizelle insisted that she was fine, he helped her get off her bed and led her to the table. He only took his seat after making sure that she was seated on the chair comfortably. Then they started eating.

Like always, silence occupied the chamber as both of them quietly ate the dishes. However, both their minds were occupied, and especially for Rizelle, an idea crossed her mind. Then she decided to break the silence.

"Will you go to the camp tomorrow?" She asked her husband who appeared to be surprised by her question. However, he still nodded right away.

"Yes. Why are you asking me?" There was a hint of curiosity on his face and Rizelle liked the fact that he didn't look that emotionless anymore.

"Then... can you take me with you?" She asked; surprising him again for the many times in the night.....