Chapter 46 Bud before the Wither

Chapter 46 Bud before the Wither
The autumn, amber-colored sky gradually darkened as the sun lowered. Stars dappled half the sky. I walked down the street with Maribel. My friend, and lady-in-waiting, groaned in frustration as she swung the heavy bags full of books at her sides.
“Gods, Lily, I’ll never understand why you need so many books!” Maribel complained.
Books full of adventures were my only escape beyond the palace walls, to live the life I couldn’t have. Yet, I kept that thought to myself.
“Hmm,” Maribel hummed, tilting her head. “What’s on your mind? Oh! Could it be your betrothal?”
I winced at the reminder, my shoulders sagging. “I’m only 16. I never expected to get so many marriage proposals so quickly… let alone my parents choose the crowned prince from another kingdom, and definitely not Drakeveil. Our kingdoms used to be at each other's throats way back then.”
“Yeah. WAY back then. Things are different now, and your marriage will symbolize that. Besides, you both won’t technically be married until you're of age. You probably won’t even meet him until then either.” 
My lips pursed, somewhat thankful. My body was looking more like a woman’s—slender frame and small waist—but still dainty, and my breasts were smaller than most. 
I might as well still be a girl.
“What was his name again?” she asked.
“Prince Henry Barren.”
Maribel grinned. “Do you think they’ll let me take your place?”
“Maribel!” I stammered. 
“I jest! I jest,” she giggled. 
I sighed, shaking my head until the sound of rowdy men caught our attention. I glanced over to the tavern. The building was filled to the brim with drunk men, laughter, and cheers. Interest intrigued me, and I made my way over until Maribel jumped in front of me.
“Whoa! Where’re you going?! We’re heading back to the palace, remember? It’s getting late.”
“I just wanted to peek,” I said, giving her a puppy look with my big silver eyes. 
“Peek?? Lily, you just want to—oh…” Maribel perked up when a man stepped out. He leaned his back against the wall and crossed his arms, his breath fogging in the chilly air. “Well, I guess we could stay for a while,” she said.
I squinted at her. “Hey… you only get those rosy cheeks when you gush over someone.”
Maribel looked at me wide-eyed. “You don’t know who that is?!”
I glanced back at the man and examined him closer. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing multiple scars on his muscular, tanned arms. An honorary crimson sash rested on his broad shoulders. The tall man’s black hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and his sharp jawline well-defined his prominent features. 
“That’s…”
“Captain Jackson Hayas,” she squealed like a fan. “Can you believe he became captain just six months ago and is already claiming the battlefield like a wild fire? Let alone the youngest person to ever become captain! Everyone says he’s like a storm and crazy talented! How have you not heard of him??”
“Of course I’ve heard of him!” I grumbled. Truthfully, I always kept tabs on the knighthood as a hobby. “The knighthood must be celebrating another victory.”
“Do you think he’s married?” Maribel asked.
I gaped, round silver eyes wide. “Wh—Maribel! He’s a grown man and you’re the same age as me! You’ll ruin his reputation!”
Maribel shrugged. “A girl can dream.” 
Jackson glanced at us. Maribel gave a dramatic gasp and whispered in my ear, “He’s looking at us! What do we do?”
“I—I don’t know!” I stuttered, face flushed from the embarrassment of getting caught gawking. 
“…We should go say hi,” she whispered.
“What?!” I squeaked. Then again, running off would make things more awkward. 
“Let’s go!” she said, leading the way.
“Maribellll,” I whined. With a deep breath, I regained my composure and followed. 
My waist-length hair flowed in the wind. Jackson’s gaze stayed fixed on me as we approached, making my knees want to buckle. “Your Highness. Miss,” he said, dipping his head. “How can I help you?”
“Enjoying your night, Captain?” Maribel asked. 
“It’s rowdy… but nice,” Jackson said, his gaze still on me.
I should probably say something…
“That was quite a victory. You and your knights are valiant,” I said.
He smiled and said, “We’ll do whatever we must, Princess.”
“Your name is undoubtedly going down in history. You’ll be admired for generations.”
Jackson glanced away with a silent shrug.
I paused, and then murmured, “I think you’re brilliant, Captain.” 
His gaze returned to me with a gentle smile.
Maribel looked between us before clearing her throat. “Well, these bags are getting heavy, sooo I’m heading back.”
My face dropped, hissing under my breath, “Maribel!”
“I hate being the third wheel.” Maribel winked, returning to the palace.
Third wheel?!
Jackson and I stood in silence. I peeked inside the tavern.
“Yes, Princess?” he asked.
I forced my innocent smile. “I wanted to congratulate the other knights too.” 
“No. That’ll have to wait another day.”
My smile flipped. I knew he’d say that.
“Why not??”
“It’s unbecoming of a princess. I don’t want disrespectful rumors about you to spread.”
He’s treating me like a child!
My hands balled into fists as I snapped, “You’re the disrespectful one!”
Jackson grinned, and my cheeks warmed.
“What’s so funny??”
“You’re showing your true colors.”
“My… true colors?”
His grin broadened, eyes smiling as he said, “Feisty.” 
My face burned hotter. Before I could retort, two men burst outside. Jackson quickly moved in front of me, hiding me from view. My head pressed against his chest as he wrapped his arm around me.
“Hey! Watch it!” he barked.
I barely heard him, distracted by his loud heartbeat. His masculine scent was intoxicating, a scent I’ve never smelled before. Jackson’s big hand slid down my back, and my face reddened. 
“Sorry, Captain!” they stammered, dipping their heads.
Jackson grumbled under his breath. He turned to me, noticed my tomato-red face and where his hand was. Jackson jumped back, his face mimicking mine. 
He cleared his throat. “You should go home, Princess.”
“R—right.” I stiffly turned. 
Before I got far, he spoke up. “Wait.” I glanced back at him, and he murmured, “Can I escort you?”
My tension eased, smiling with a nod. Jackson joined my side as we walked down the empty street. Night had fallen; street lanterns lit our path.
“I heard you’re engaged now,” Jackson said, breaking the silence. 
My gaze lowered. “Unfortunately.”
He glanced at me, brow lifted. “You’re unhappy?”
Oops. I didn’t mean to say that out loud.
“I…” I hesitated. “I was never interested in courtship.” I forced my practiced, pretty smile. “I’m okay, though. It’s for the good of Embercrest.”
Jackson grimaced, looking away. My brows furrowed. 
“What’s wrong, Captain?”
Jackson peeked at me. “You… just look like you’re having a hard time.”
My fake smile faded. The smile I’ve practiced in the mirror hundreds of times, fooling everyone, was immune to this man. My chest stung as I fought back tears.
He’s right. I’m not okay.
The autumn breeze made me shiver, and he wrapped his crimson sash around me. “Thanks,” I whispered. We walked in silence. His scent and presence eased the pain inside. 
We reached the royal palace, and I grabbed the sash, but he gripped my wrist before I could pull it off.
“Keep it. I’ll retrieve it another time,” he murmured. 
I pulled the sash to my chest. “Thank you…”
Heading to the palace, I peeked back at him. He watched me go until I went inside—instantly facing Mother.
“Liliana Ray!” she barked.
Uh oh.
“You know not to stay out so late!”
Maribel joined me. “Princess Amina gave us permission to go to the bookstore…”
Queen Victoria narrowed her eyes sharply, making Maribel flinch. “Then you knew to bring her home quicker!”
“Mother, please,” I stepped forward. “Maribel advised me to go home, but I didn’t. The fault is mine, not her’s or Amina’s.”
She frowned, glancing at my sash. “What’s this?”
“Oh… It’s Captain Jackson’s. He walked me home.”
Victoria’s tension eased with a sigh. “Well, at least he was with you.”
“Even so,” King Austin said, walking over. “Don’t do this again. Your every action reflects your reputation when you become queen. Understood?”
“…Yes, Father,” I whispered, squeezing Jackson’s sash.