Chapter 39: Flame under the blade
Princess Emily decided to leave after seeing her brothers and informed Prince Dante, "I will be returning to the palace now, Brother Dante."
Dante nodded and said, "I will have my men accompany you."
"It is fine. The palace guards accompanied us here, and I have Anna with me," Princess Emily turned to look at Anastasia, and suddenly, the latter felt Dante’s gaze that burned more intensely than the sun above them.
"You speak as if your maid has the ability to turn into someone else," Dante briefly paused his words before continuing, "One who has skill in combat."
Anastasia felt sweat trickle from the nape of her neck and down the back of her dress. She felt like a mouse constantly being dangled above the fire at the mercy of this person.
For a moment, Prince Aiden leaned closer, wondering if his brother had caught on to the maid’s lie. But that was not possible. If his older brother had found out, the sword would have already been pressed against the maid’s neck by now. He said,
"You are right. Lily needs someone capable to escort her back to the palace. I will make sure to personally see my sister back safe and sound." Dropping his sword on the ground, he quickly made his way in the direction where the palanquin was waiting.
Dante’s eyes narrowed at his younger brother, and he muttered, "I will have someone drag him back here later." He then turned back to look at his sister and said, "Don’t wander around at your brother’s or anyone else’s words." His eyes fell on Anastasia as he ended his sentence. "You don’t want to get into unnecessary trouble."
Princess Emily bowed and said, "Yes, Brother Dante. I will see you later." She looked at the tent behind which her brother Maxwell had disappeared, but not seeing him, she smiled at Dante and walked back to the waiting palanquin.
With the palanquin having only enough space for one person to sit in it, Princess Emily made her way inside and sat down, while Anastasia and Prince Aiden walked at the back.
"So your name is Anna," Aiden stated, who had finally found the opportunity to talk to this mysterious maid.