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I have no idea what’s going on.
Suddenly, a man who claimed to be my cousin appeared. He showed me a national emblem of a kingdom with a two-headed dragon. I’ve seen it before. It was the national emblem of my mother’s homeland. Of course, making copies of it isn’t allowed. Only the current king could make one. I knew then that he was a member of the royal family of Estoria.
He looked at me and frowned, as if in pain.
“Dahlia. Forgive me for being late. I’m taking you now to Estoria. I don’t have the permission of the duke, but I do have the permission of the king of Woodria. So unless you insist on staying here, you can come with me. What do you say?”
He seems to honor whatever decision I will give him. My answer, of course, was obvious. I have no reason to stay here.
“Please take me with you.”
Prince Curtis smiled at my answer.
“I was told that you’re sick. Are you okay? Try not to strain your body as much as possible. If you need anything during the trip, don’t hesitate to tell me.”
“Alright.”
“And please, call me Curtis. You and I are cousins. There’s no need to be formal.”
I became a bit confused by what he said. I was indeed his relative, but I was only a daughter of a duke. He’s a royal member of Estoria. I’m out of his league. Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping.com.
He looked at me with a gentle smile as he stroked my cheek. His hand was warm.
“I’m giving you permission so you don’t have to worry. You can call me by my first name as long as you don’t mind.”
“I’m not accustomed to such treatment. I don’t do that very much, but I’ll try.”
“I see. You’re right, it would be hard for you to suddenly get used to it. I understand. I’ll do my best to help you adjust as quickly as possible.”
He seemed very kind.
“I’m going to pick you up. Is that alright?”
“Yes.”
He embraced me very carefully. I wonder if he knows about the scars on my back or if it was just a coincidence because his arms around my body completely avoided them.
“I’m sorry, I showed you something hideous.”
“They’re not. They’re proof of your hard work. They’re beautiful, Dahlia.”
It was the first time someone had said something like that to me. I felt both happy and embarrassed, almost to the point of tears.
“Garusia.”
“Yes.”
As if he’d already seen through his master’s intentions, Curtis’ knight brought me a sheet just as he called his name, and draped it over me.
He hid the wound on my leg so no one would see it.
I left the ducal house with him holding me in his arms. Behind me, Betty and Andrea were screaming about something. Curtis glared at them to shut them up.
After that, I could see the two glaring at me but I didn’t pay attention to it because it was none of my business anymore.
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