Chapter 4 Blooming Seed
The prisoner looked up at me and his face dropped with doom. The man quickly bowed his head, forehead pressed against the cold floor.
“Pr—Princess, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean—I never would’ve—“ he stuttered, trembling.
“What’s your name?”
His trembling eased as he glanced up at me with furrowed brows. “H—huh…?”
“What’s your name,” I repeated, crouching down.
He was speechless for a moment, lip quivering as he swallowed and stammered, “D—Dale… Dale Blaker.”
“Dale,” I murmured. “Why did you rob that shop?” I tilted my head. “Was it really for his merchandise… or something else?”
Jackson and Maribel looked at each other.
Dale’s eyes widened, as if unprepared to be asked such a simple question. His teeth ground as he looked away. “He… he drove me out of business! He opened his shop next to my bakery. I was fine with a neighbor, and when he started advertising his food was the best in Embercrest I thought it was friendly competition, until he started spreading foul rumors about my bakery. He would buy food from outside Embercrest, make it look like mine, then claim he was better and that I stole his ideas! I loved my bakery. I lost it, my house, I’ve got nothing. Not even a single coin.”
I knew it. He was wronged, I thought then asked, ”So you thought you’d have nothing left to lose and robbed him out of spite?”
When Dale looked back at me, his eyes dulled with shame. “I never meant to strike at that child. It… I panicked—“
“Shh,” I murmured. “You did wrong by robbing that shop and almost hurting that girl, so you’ll be staying a week here. After that, I’ll make sure you’re given the funds to reopen your bakery and buy another home.”
“Princess—!” Jackson protested, but I continued.
“There’s a street farther north in Embercrest that would be a perfect spot to reopen your bakery. Once you’ve made enough money, you’ll pay for the damage done to the other shopkeeper’s property. Afterwards, live your life with peace.” I touched his cheek, my genuine smile softening. “You’ll be treated fairly in my kingdom.”
Dale gaped before his eyes glistened and tears ran down his cheeks. “Th—Thank you, Princess.” He kissed the back of my hand and bowed his head. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
I stood and returned to Jackson and Maribel. My lady-in-waiting’s eyes were wide, meanwhile, the knighthood’s captain stared at me with disapproval.
“Yes?” I asked.
"That was reckless, Princess."
"And he's a citizen of Embercrest," I said. "A kingdom I'll be queen of someday."
I expect Jackson to lecture me, but instead he sighed, took a handkerchief from his pocket, and then pointed at my wounded arm. “Come here.”
When did he notice my arm?
I was keen on hiding it, even wiping away the blood, but the captain spotted it without effort. I stepped closer to the man, and his scent tickled my nose; musky with a hint of metal, but I didn’t mind it. It was my first time standing so close to another man, even his body heat washed over me. I tried to hide my flushed cheeks by tilting my head down.
Jackson tied his handkerchief around my wound. His big hands were warm and palms covered in calluses. I could feel the strength in his fingers, yet he handled me with gentle care.
“There,” he murmured.
“Th—thanks…” I mumbled, avoiding eye contact.
“Oh crap,” Maribel slapped her hand to her forehead. “Your dinner tonight! You’ll have to wear a long-sleeved dress or your fiancé will see.”
Jackson frowned and grumbled, "That man is too old for you.”
My jaw dropped as I glared up at him. “I beg your pardon?”
Jackson looked away. I fumed, hands balling into fists.
He’s treating me like a child!
“He’s only 2 years older!” I snapped, crossing my arms. “And that’s none of your concern anyway!”
Jackson grinned. “Careful, Princess. Your true colors are showing.”
“I—" My cheeks burned hot as I cleared my throat, held my hands behind my back, and lifted my chin. “Thank you for letting me speak to Dale. I hope the rest of your day is nice.” With that, I grabbed Maribel by the wrist and promptly left the dungeon, almost tripping over my glass heels again in my haste. My long, platinum blonde hair bounced with each stomped step.
“Sheesh”, Maribel breathed once we were back on the street. “Is it just me or was the captain flirting with you? Not that I’m jealous or anything.” Marible mumbled the last part.
“Don’t be ridiculous. He was disapproving of my fiancé’s age when he’s far older than Henry is.” I huffed and glanced over my shoulder.
Jackson stood outside the dungeon, watching us go. Watching me. One of his fellow knights approached him, a young man with ash blonde hair. He looked at me, smirked, then elbowed Jackson. The younger man said something and laughed, earning Jackson’s swat to the head. The other knight yelped with a protested complaint.
“Shut up, Erik,” I overheard Jackson grumble before walking away with his comrade behind him.
I snorted and turned ahead until the memory of the whole reason why I was out here crossed my mind, freezing me in my tracks.
Oh! The book!
Maribel glanced back at me. “Lily?”
I hesitated, and then shook my head. “…It’s nothing,” I mumbled, hiding my disappointment by averting my gaze.
I was really looking forward to that book too... Maybe next time.
Lifting my head, I winced at a more pressing thought. “Oh boy. Mother will be furious. I need to prepare for dinner while I can.”
“You mean prepare of Prince Henry?~”
“Prince Henry?” I stammered, anxiety twisting my gut. "Why must you say his name like that?"
"Why do you look so nervous?" she quipped. "Relax! I've heard nothing but good things and praises about His Highness. I'm sure you'll both have a lovely time."
"Right... A lovely time," I mumbled.
Henry may have rumors about being a charmer, but I had no experience at all. Being next to a man who wasn't my father was jarring. I would want nothing more than to hide under the covers all evening. Instead, I had to impress my in-laws, and meet the man I was meant to spend the rest of my life with.
Here goes nothing... and everything. Whatever it takes to live up to their expectations.
I glanced back at the knighthood patrolliing the streets, paused briefly, and then continued on my way to the royal palace.