Chantel

"Why did you say that I am your wife?" Evelyn asked after the woman exited the room. Her eyes blazed fire as she looked at Elric who appeared to be unconcerned by her question. She put her hands on her hips, waiting for him to reply.

"Do you want your identity of being a princess to be revealed?" He asked in a calm manner.

She then understood his intention behind saying that. She was well aware that it's not safe for a Prince or Princess to wander out without any adequate safeguards.

"It would have been better if you had stated that we are coworkers or friends." She persisted in her argument with him.

He caught her off guard when he said, "I see the princess likes to argue with me."

"No, it's not like that!" She said sharply, scowling at him.

"How is it then?" He asked, teasingly.

She stuttered a little and said, "Never mind," believing that retorting would make him tease her even more. She pouted angrily at him and turned around. Listening to his chuckle, she gave him a side glance.

Her eyes were drawn to the colour of the walls. She realised she hadn't checked the room yet. Glancing around she saw there wasn't much furniture. The centre was occupied by a double bed and next to was a small wooden desk on which a lamp was placed. Left to the bed was a centre table and a cupboard placed at the corner. The cupboard was old and dirty.

The colour of the walls appeared to be dull, as if they had been painted the year the building was built and the owner had forgotten to repaint them.

"Would you like something to eat for breakfast?" He asked.

She nodded, feeling hungry.

"Let me ask them to prepare as we are already late for today." He then walked out of the room, leaving her alone.

Evelyn sat on the bed making herself comfortable. When she trailed her palm across it, she realised it wasn't quite as soft as her bed. She looked at the cupboard, unsure where to put her things. In spite of all of these drawbacks and flaws, she left pleasant. The room was warm and comforting. She leaned her back on the bed pondering how she will get used to staying here.

*****

As he proceeded towards his room, Elric murmured, "I figured the woman would say no because it was past their breakfast hour."

"I've made an order-" He said while opening the door but then paused and looked at Evelyn, who was sleeping peacefully.

He smiled gently gazing at the furrows on her forehead and wondered what she was worrying about in her sleep. He slid the door shut slowly and returned to cancel the order.

*****

Evelyn opened her eyes slowly. Her eyes were swollen due to extreme sleep. She slowly glanced around with her half open eyes to see no one in the room.

Wondering where Elric was she got out of bed and realised it was evening already. The sun had set already as it was winter nights. She wondered when she fell asleep. Nevertheless she felt refreshed after a long nap.

She heard the door being opened and glanced in that direction only to see Elric enter. He had changed his clothes, she observed. A smile appeared on her face as looking at him.

"Where did you come from?" She asked in her voice drowsy.

"Went to investigate about Mr Hall. You were sleeping deeply so didn't wake you up," he replied.

She nodded in understanding and asked, "Found anything?"

"Nothing yet,"

She sighed deeply.

"There are two more inns to investigate. Maybe we could find something from there," he said.

"There's still time for dinner. Shall we check those two inns as well?" She made a suggestion. Elric gave a slight nod.

Before they departed for the investigation, she hastily got herself ready and changed her clothes.

One of the two inns had no information about Mr Hall. Disappointingly, they left for the last inn, hoping to find a clue.

"Excuse me, we are here to get some information about someone. We would be grateful if you could help," Elric said to a young man behind the desk.

"Of course, how can I help you?" The man inquired.

Elric took out the picture of Mr Hall and asked, showing it to him. "Do you have any information about this person?"

"Who are you two?" the man asked, staring at them and the picture.

"We're councilmen on the lookout for information on him," Evelyn explained.

"The man did stay here for a few days back then," he said solemnly, "but I don't have any new information or any facts that would help you."

Evelyn thanked the man and began walking out of the inn, disappointed. She wondered where he might be living if not in the inn.

"Excuse me sir!" She heard the young man calling Elric.

He sprinted towards them and continued, "I remember this man. Don't remember where but he was with Chantel."

"Who is this Chantel? How does she look?" Evelyn inquired.

"Miss, I honestly don't know. When I spotted her, she was wearing a mask. I am certain, though, that I have seen the man with her." He responded.

Evelyn nodded in understanding and noting down the name mentally.

"How did you figure out she was Chantel?" Elric questioned him.

"I..umm...I overheard their private conversation," he said feeling embarrassed.

"Anything else that you forgot to mention?" With a serious expression on his face, Elric questioned the young man.

"Not really," he replied with a nervous smile.

Evelyn thanked him for the information and strolled out of the inn.

"We will look for her tomorrow. "Now, let us return to the inn," Elric stated.

Evelyn nodded, agreeing with him, and mentally repeated her name, "Chantel"