What If?

05

Athy POV

She seemed shy and uncomfortable as she made eye contact then looked away. Then make eye contact then look away again. "Hello," I responded. What does she want?

"H-How have you been?" She continued. Was she serious? I was put on trial for attempting to murder you with everyone hating me and wanting me dead? She must be uncomfortable as that's the only thing that makes sense as to why she'd ask such a ridiculous question.

"Today was good a day," I responded. I almost rather have a conversation with Claude.

"That nice." She smiled as she twirled her fingers watching them. Even though I was sure I knew the answer it was a way to keep this conversation going and not be asked something ridiculous again.

"So, Your Highness, what did you do today?" I asked her. Her face suddenly lit up as she thought about her day.

"Well this morning I had my favorite breakfast and then Ijekiel came over and we spent some time together before he had to leave because of some work. Then father and I went for a walk around the Emerald Palace's garden before finally sitting down to have some tea. That's when I requested that we go to visit you." She beamed brightly. "Sounds lovely." I smiled back at her being polite. Shouldn't she request me to have a visit?

"Do you drink tea?" She asked me. It didn't take much for her to overcome her shyness.

"Of course, I drink tea every day," I answered her question.

"Then would you like to join father and I for tea someday?" She asks me smiling hopefully and grabbing my hands. Lucas was right, she is a pretty naive girl. Couldn't she feel the heavy tension between Claude and I or even between us?

"That wouldn't be such a good idea, Your Highness." Maybe she is mocking me? But she isn't that kind of person. She is the sweet and loving Princess Jennette. Loved and adored by all who lay their eyes on her.

"Why? It would be our pleasure." Jennette insisted. "I enjoy my tea time alone, it is more peaceful." I de

I glanced around. Why do I feel like the bad guy? "Oh, please! Just once! It would be nice for all three of us to have tea together as a family."

A scoff erupted from my mouth as I filled with disbelief. Jennette seemed taken aback by my reaction as she dropped my hands and took a step back. I dropped my gaze to the floor.

"That's very kind of you, Your Highness. But I do not think that us having tea together isn't the best thing right now. I apologize for having to decline. Please excuse me, Princess Jennette." I took a few steps bowing before her.

"Ah! O-okay." She says her voice low and meek once again. With this, I walked away from her.

I walked around the outskirts of the crowd opposite from where Claude stood watching over Jennette. But I was searching for Lily.

"Princess Athanasia." A voice behind me suddenly called my name. I turned around to see the red-haired knight. He was in the traditional knight bow. I couldn't help but giggle seeing him so earnest.

"Please stand up. You don't need to be so formal with me." I continued to giggle as the knight turned slightly pink as he stood up. "Of course I do, Princess. It's my duty." He smiles at me.

"Did you know that it's only a formality for you? It's not your duty to show me such respect. You only have to do that for the Emperor or Empress. Also if you are assigned someone's official knight too of course. But any other time it is only a formality and so actually it is not your duty to do it for me so I kindly ask that you don't as it's unneeded especially for me." I explain to him.