Chapter 18

Without waiting for a reply, I ran back into the palace, kitted the prince up for a trip, took the coin purse I stored and a few things, running back to the stables. Thankfully, there was a carriage waiting there with a very impatient driver. He seemed more annoyed we were late than the fact that he was carrying the prince. Apologizing briefly, we entered the carriage.

"Your highness, we're going to buy a lot of things today."

"Buy. Buy."

"Yes. Hold on to me so you won't get lost. If you get lost, you wouldn't see me again."

"No." He pouted, shaking his head.

"Would you stay beside me?"

He nodded vigorously, holding to my skirt. I smiled and pat his head.

**

The town market was abuzz when we arrived. The cacophony of voices and sounds made the first few seconds disorienting for both of us. The carriage found a place to park and just seconds after we disembarked, left without a word. Our ride back, at the very least, wasn't guaranteed.

"Ellie. Ellie. Buy... buy."

"Alright your highness, let's go buy what we need."

We roamed the town market searching for the many things we would need for winter. The prince was constantly distracted by the shiny ornaments and toys on display. It made the search a lot harder but everyone was encouraging, smiling and even giving him some treat to eat.

Seeing the ornaments, I was reminded of the occasion. When winter rolled around, there was a special celebration for the people of Casella. The time the kingdom was founded was on the third day of the 12th month and was celebrated widely as Casella day. They hung dragon ornaments everywhere, organized festivals and parades all month long. At least, they tried to before the winter came along.

People were nicer in the winter since Casella day was advertised as the day the gods came down to bless the people. If you wanted the blessing of the gods, you had to be courteous to your family, friends, neighbors and even strangers. You also had to give gifts and celebrate with everyone.

We finally got somewhere, buying various things. However, the lighter my coin purse became, the heavier my heart. It took me years to earn the money and just a day to blow it. Seeing Prince Miyon fiddle around and smile widely, it made it somehow worth it.

We finally got to seeing the firewood we came for. It was priced lower since Casella day was drawing near so I got as many as I could. I handed the seller the last gold piece I had and negotiated the price for taking it back to the palace. It was going to hard but I was prepared for it.

While I was haggling, I heard the sound of a carriage nearby and thought nothing of it. I held on to the struggling Prince and continued what I was doing. Out of nowhere, a gloved hand held on to mine, forcing me to turn around.

"Miss Greycastle?"

My eyes widened when those soft blue eyes narrowed in on me. The tufts of red hair peeking from his hat was far too unique for me to mix him up with anyone else.

"Lord Erik? What a surprise. Good day my lord."

His hand tightened around my hand and I got no reply. Prince Miyon stopped struggling, looking at us. Lord Erik's hands never stopped tightening around mine and it began to hurt. I winced, wiggling my hand. The seller watched us, backing away.

"Lord Erik, you're hurting me."

"Oh my, I'm sorry."

He dropped my hand, apologizing again. His eyes wandered to the child beside me and an unreadable expression filled them. He ignored the boy and turned to me.

"I went to Lady Andrella in search of you but she said you had left. Where have you been?"

"I went to work in the palace," I replied with a smile.

"Oh, does it have anything to do with the prince with you?"

"Yes" I replied, surprised. In time, it faded away. Why wouldn't the duke know of the prince?

"I see..."

That unreadable expression was back. He looked at the pile at my feet and back at me, suddenly smiling.

"Since I'm fortunate enough to run into Miss Greycastle today, would you do me the honor of having tea?"

"I'd love to, my lord but I have to finish shopping and get his highness back to the palace. There is no one else to watch over him but me. I'll have to decline future offers too... I'm sorry."

Despite his strange violent outbursts, I didn't dislike Duke Erik. His face was definitely the reason.

"I can give you both a ride to the palace later, with all your goods intact. I'll also reimburse you three times the amount. I just want to get to know you."

As tempting as the offer of three times the amount was, I still couldn't accept it. How could the nurse of the prince goof off, with a duke no less? He was a man with a fiancee, one that was very... territorial.

"Please Miss Greycastle. I've really been meaning to talk to you."

"Well... What do you think, your highness?"

As expected, having the attention of three adults on him was overwhelming. He immediately hid behind my skirt, clutching my hand tightly. Before I said anything, Lord Erik crouched and faced the prince. He dug his hand into his pocket and brought a piece of wrapped candy. He unwrapped it and stretched it forward.

The sweet aroma drew the prince from his hiding place. He peeked a little, staring at the candy. He reached his hand out and just before he touched it, withdrew it.

"It's safe. They're actually for a particular lady with a peculiar taste. She would whack me with her fan if I didn't have any at hand so I always have this in my pocket. You can eat this one. I have plenty more at home."

Lord Erik's voice was gentle, soon luring the prince out. The chubby palm reached for the candy and snatched it, tentatively tasting it. Once he got a taste in, he gobbled the whole thing. It was adorable to watch. Soon, the candy was all gone. Realizing that, he pouted, preparing to cry.

"Your reactions are so similar, it's remarkable," Lord Erik commented, chuckling. He brought out another one, unwrapping it and handing it to him. He was less hesitant with this one, finishing it soon. He stretched his hand for more. Lord Erik shrugged.

"I have no more at hand. Unless you'll follow me. There's a lot more at home."

Prince Miyon's eyes lit up, his whole body trembling with excitement. He lurched forward but stopped, most likely remembering I was there. He gave Lord Erik a long furtive glance before taking a step back, clutching my skirt. He looked very pitiable.

"His highness wants to visit. What do you say, Miss Greycastle?"

To go all this way, tricking the prince with candy, his desperation was amazing. At this point, I couldn't say no.

"Alright your highness, we can go. You cannot have too many though."

He was all smiles again, tugging my skirt. The older male was smiling too, calling for his servant. Soon, all our goods were tidied up into the duke's personal carriage, which made me feel embarrassed. I almost backed out but one more look at the prince's face, I relented.

Reaching the carriage door, a gloved hand reached out for me. He gave an expectant look, waiting patiently.

"There's really no need for that, my lord -"

"Miss Greycastle, I insist."

Hiding my burning cheeks, I take his hand and let myself be lifted into the luxurious carriage. The prince entered after me, settling beside me excitedly. Lord Erik offered him another piece of candy and I could swear the little prince made the duke his idol.

I chuckled lightly, cleaning his mouth. The man in front of us both watched with a gentle smile. It took me a while to realize we looked like a family. A mismatched one but a young family of three nonetheless.