16 — She Isn’t Like a Lady!

"Leave the girl to us, and we will let you go," one of the men standing before the large carriage door said with a grin.

As if anticipating the attack, Cynthia crossed her arms and glanced at the man at the entrance of the carriage, who held a sword in his hand.

Meanwhile, a few other men surrounded the carriage, ensuring no escape was possible.

The silver-haired woman's indifferent expression made the bandit angry. As he was about to point his sword at her, Lucian had already pulled it out and held it near the princess's neck.

Cynthia gulped, trying to keep her distance from the sharp blade. She knew Lucian would do this; however, she admitted it wasn't easy to remain calm when the man who hated her and truly wished to kill her held the sword, despite knowing what was to happen.

"Step away from the carriage, or else I will kill her," Lucian threatened.

The men dressed in black glanced at each other and, to Lucian's surprise, stepped back.

Keeping Cynthia close to him, he slowly guided her out of the carriage.

Once they stepped on the ground, Lucian carefully watched his surroundings, searching for his men. It seemed the carriage that was supposed to follow them hadn't arrived, and those before them had already been slaughtered.

Gritting his teeth, Lucian tightened his grip around Cynthia.

The young woman hissed at the pain in her arm but quickly bit her tongue to keep herself from making any unnecessary sounds.

Loosening his grip from around Cynthia, Lucian swung his sword in a downward arc at the man on the right. In the blink of an eye, the man lay on the ground, groaning in pain.

The others started to attack Lucian simultaneously, and with a sideways stroke, he had slashed their skin open, causing them to fall to the ground, cradling their wounds.

The remaining men stepped back in awe of what they just witnessed. Just then Lucian's knights charged in from their flank taking them by surprise. In just a few moments the remaining men were all subdued and at the mercy of Lucian and his men.

Cynthia was standing, leaning against a tree as she watched the fight, unfazed by what was happening before her.

Seeing her calm attitude, the soldiers whispered among themselves.

"She isn't like a lady..."

"How come she is so calm in such a dangerous situation?"

"She really—" the man halted, feeling Cynthia's intense gaze fixed on him.

***

When the carriage arrived in front of Selvarys's border, Lucian was asked to prove his identity. Then, the guards opened the large iron gates around which red-coloured lights hovered. They were magic gates that could be opened only by those in charge of protecting the border.

As the carriage started to move, Cynthia spoke for the first time in almost a week.

"Your Highness, why aren't we using the teleportation portal?"

"..."

Lucian clenched his fist. Her tone seemed to be filled with mockery regarding his status in the country— an illegitimate price who wouldn't even use basic magic allowed even to knights. 

Did she think he didn't want to? However, he couldn't disobey the king. The king had spies planted around Lucian, and he wouldn't know who would be the one to report him. After all, even if he fought battles with his men, he couldn't vouch for their loyalty to him apart from his close subordinates.

"Never trust anyone related to the imperial family," a voice echoed in his mind. 

"We can't," Lucian simply responded. He couldn't unveil the truth to the woman seated across from him—she was from the enemy kingdom.

Tilting her head back, and resting her head on the carriage seat, Cynthia sighed. 

What was I expecting? His reply remains the same. 

By the time the newlyweds arrived at their castle, the sun had set, and night had descended, casting a dark, inky hue across the sky and only the moon and the stars shone in that darkness.

The horse-drawn vehicle came to a stop and the horseman opened the door for Lucian. 

The dark-haired young man stepped on the ground and then opened the door for Cynthia who waited inside. 

He extended his hand for her to hold. 

With a stained smile, the silver-haired young woman placed her hand on his and exited the cart. 

Lucian could not understand the reason behind her smile. He did not return it, however. He couldn't smile at her. 

Without sharing a word, the couple headed towards the large building. Its exterior was a light beige colour and the roof was dark brown. A few large towers could be seen at each side of the main, rectangular building. 

The yard in front contained merely green grass— there were no flowers like the vision Cynthia had. However, she could faintly recall instructing servants to plant flowers. They ignored her for a long time until one day, they did it— right before her death. 

Cynthia sighed deeply as she recalled the horrible attitude the servants had towards her. She was from an enemy kingdom. However, wasn't she a part of them once she was married to their beloved prince? 

Despite being an illegitimate child, the king treated Prince Lucian well. He granted him private audiences and he even gifted him a piece of land right before his wedding! 

The king's beloved son... 

A line of servants bowed to the couple, greeting them. 

"Welcome home, Grand Duke and Grand Duchess," he spoke in unison. 

Cynthia didn't seem as pleased to hear their greeting. She was too concentrated on searching for those who had made her life hell in this large house. 

A lock of red hair caught Cynthia's attention. 

There you are, Elise! 

With a grin on her face, she turned to Lucian. 

"I don't have a personal maid who came with me. Can I have one among them temporarily?" 

"... if you wish so," Lucian said although he was slightly conflicted by her smile. 

Wasn't she supposed to be a woman who showed no affection? Well... not as if I know what noble women could be like if not for those scheming and vicious ones at the king's parties. 

"We should get a proper bath and get changed, Your Highness. After all, it's our wedding night tonight," Cynthia curled her lips, grinning at her husband who sensed shivers running down his spine.