Chapter 176: Latrice II
The next day after that, Jackson and his soldiers left the Imperial Capital to return to the duchy. Taking back the nameless lady with him, the crown prince sent them off. Or rather, he personally sent her off, giving her words of promise to see her in the South.
At that point, the crown prince didn’t hide his affection for the lady he met only two weeks ago. One would say they were already lovers. After all, during the duke’s entire stay, the crown prince never missed a day to see her. Even when he sent them off, he held her hands and gazed at her with deep affection.
The crown prince was truly and deeply fond of her.
Staring at the woman across from him in the carriage, Jackson clenched his teeth when he noticed the brief sadness in her eyes.
"The crown prince gave you his word that he would visit the South. He is a man of his word. Do not fret," he blurted out in an attempt to comfort her. "You will see him again once your name is in our family registry."
Latrice slowly gazed at the duke and smiled subtly. She didn’t say anything, and now that he thought about it, she never said a word to him. She only smiled at him and yet, that simple gesture felt like it was enough.
"Soon, you’ll become the crown princess," he continued after clearing his throat. "You’ll learn everything about the Fitzroy and the South. Do you know how to read?"
Latrice didn’t answer as she slowly set her eyes to the window. Her subtle smile remained, admiring the beauty of the capital. Since she didn’t seem interested in talking to him, Jackson decided not to speak anything further. It wasn’t the first time someone didn’t want to talk to him.
’Does she find my face hideous?’ he wondered and intuitively pulled down his headgear. He peeked at her through the gaps of his visor, only to see her still staring out the window.