Not a human

Esme had a hunch that all these matters were related to each other but how?

And apart from everything else, she did not want to leave that person…

Esme closed her eyes as soon as that thought crossed her mind.

''Pretty lady…'' 

Arlan's voice snapped Esme out of her daze. 

She found him looking at Duchess Flora who smiled sweetly at him, ''Have we met before, little Prince?" 

''I am just a few years younger than my sister. How am I little?" Arlan's whined, ''Oh, I remember now. I saw your portrait on the Castle wall and I was thinking who this pretty lady could be.''

''Don't be rude, Arlan,'' Marlene narrowed her eyes at him. 

''I complimented her. How was I being rude?" Arlan rolled his eyes. Their Aunt had a problem with everything they did. 

''Then I shall thank the Prince for his compliment,'' Duchess Flora smiled.