Chapter 20: I have felt trapped.
Have you ever felt trapped, Cassian?" She asked with a voice barely above a whisper. "As if, no matter what you do, there's no escape from the life you're forced to live?"
Cassian was momentarily shocked that the princess was asking him this question and that it was actually during their first meeting.
Is this kind of test for him? but it doesn't look like it. like it. He could hear a genuine intention behind it. It looks like this question has been bugging her for some time, and she needs someone to help her. But he was unsure how to respond—should he say what was on his mind or just simply give a formal reply, according to a dutiful servant?
He looked at Lora for some help; maybe she would give him a hint as to what kind of response Princess would like. But Lora was lost in her thoughts; her expression almost looked like she was on the verge of crying.
And Cassian realized the gravity of the situation—that it was just not some question to test him. But there was something entirely else, and he was not quite sure what it was. And without anyone speaking, the chamber fell into deadly silence.
As Cassian was contemplating how to respond, he heard Princess's gentle voice once again. Ahh! Never mind. You don't have to answer it. Princess Aurelia said it with a forced smile on her face. She chided herself for accidentally saying what was on her mind.
To ease the awkward situation, Princess Aurelia continued, So Cassian, I hope you will help Lora and the other maids in my palace.
Cassian looked at the princess and how she was trying to change the awkward situation but failed terribly, and he also complied with her and said, Yes, princess, I will do whatever I can. And will not give the opportunity for any complaint. He said this and deeply bowed toward the princess.
Aurelia nodded. I hope you will stand by your point and don't disappoint me, Cassian. And remember, if you work here, your loyalty lies with me and not anyone else. Princess said, trying to sound stern.
Cassian instantly tensed up at the princess's words and replied with a genuine tone, all he could muster: "Yes, princess, I swear my loyalty will lie with the princess, and I would never dare to betray my master. Cassian said all of it in one go.
He had heard about the fact that loyalty like this matters to all nobles, and it could cost him his life if he dared to betray their master and try to sell their information. So that's why he made it clear to the princess that there would be no room for doubt in the future. After all, it's better to be clear and say they're sorry. And he didn't have this type of intention of betraying their master. He wants his dear life intact.