132 Chapter 132: Festival Madness-2

That isn't true at all. She has seen with her own eyes how worried her father and brother have been over their citizens. How her brother prepared plans to lessen the taxes. They only care about their people.

Audrey patted her hand and said, "I know it's hard to believe but it is the truth."

Hazel lowered her eyes to the buildings and shook her head, "They are good people."

Audrey sighed, "Looks like your Aunt has introduced you to a few royals."

"You knew?"

She nodded, "Everyone knows the maids or guards working in the castle. They think it's something to be prideful about but I don't agree."

She chuckled, "Did you fall in love with the Crown Prince? I saw him once, he is handsome."

Hazel widened her eyes in shock as she knocked her head, "Stop spouting nonsense."

Audrey rubbed her head and said, "Fine, I take it back."

Hazel shook her head at her ridiculous question. Then she heard her say, "I hope you don't fall in love with him."

"Huh?"

"They aren't good people. You are too good for them, Freya"

Hazel understood her message this time and she couldn't help but smile stiffly at her.

'She hates my family...'

Then she heard Audrey say, "You need to return now. Your guards might be looking all over the city for you."

"You might have to help me get back"

Audrey chuckled and stood up, "Come on, Princess"

Hazel froze and looked at her in shock which made Audrey laugh, "I was just joking. I know you are no Princess."

She saw Hazel let out a relief which made her smile.

"I didn't think you hate the Princess as I do"

Hazel stiffened as she asked, "You hate her?"

Audrey shook her head which made Hazel's heart relax but not soon after, she heard her say, "Not really... I just hate all of them."

"I won't forgive them for all the things they did even if it's not intentional."

Hazel bit her lip as tears welled in her eyes. She didn't know what to do. It looked like she would lose her first friend. 

She didn't want to...

Hazel was lost in her thoughts when she heard Audrey announce, "We have reached. It's already late, would you be able to find your guards?"

Hazel nodded her head stiffly and looked around until her eyes narrowed down to one figure who was busy shouting at another person.

Audrey followed her gaze and whistled, "That guy seems to be powerful. Look at him ordering everyone around him. Now, I can leave you in peace"

Hazel gulped nervously and asked anxiously, "Audrey, we will meet again, right?"

Audrey tilted her head and looked confused.

"Sure. Why wouldn't we meet?"

Hazel shook her head and mustered a smile.

"I am leaving, Audrey. See you!"

Audrey waved at her and watched her walk towards her guards.

She saw her brother taking his hoodie down as he glared at the person in front of him. She heard people gasping before moving away from her brother. She wanted to tell her brother to put his disguise back but she couldn't find her voice. His hands shifted his cloak showing off the sword which had the castle's emblem on it. 

Hazel froze midway as the color drained from her face. She felt her hands turn sweaty as she stared at her brother blankly. Her heart increased in pace as she thought of what Audrey would be seeing now. She didn't want to turn around and face her shock.

Her hands clutched her dress tightly as her vision blurred. She felt the entire world spinning in front of her and shook her head to regain her vision. 

Suddenly she heard a shout, "Hazel?"

She looked up and met with her brother's worried eyes. She saw him throw the person away and hurry towards her.

She could hear the whispers among the crowd, "Princess Hazel?"

"Isn't she the one who danced with us? That was the princess?"

"No wonder she was very graceful and beautiful."

These voices buzzed in the background as her gaze was solely fixed on her brother who had reached her now. 

Hezekiah cupped her face as his eyes scanned all over for any damage. But upon seeing that there was no damage, he sighed before kissing her cheeks.

"You scared me"

Hazel's throat constricted as tears flow down her face. He glanced at her and wiped away her tears, "Don't cry, you big crybaby"

He buried his head on her neck and wrapped her in his tight embrace and whispered, "You are safe"

Hazel felt the tremor passing through his body. She closed her eyes as she lifted her hand and hugged his huge back tighter. She buried her face in her shoulders at the grief and fear of facing her.

"Let's return now."

Hazel nodded and took a step when she swayed making Hezekiah widen his eyes. He caught hold of her before she fell down.

"That's strange..."

He shook his head and lifted her in his arms. Hazel wrapped her arms around her older brother and thought of what she said. 

She bit her lip and mumbled, "They are good people"

She lifted her face from her brother's shoulders and glanced at the spot and instantly pain coursed through her heart.

She saw the ugly shade on her face, the very same disgust she had when she explained her hatred. Her hands were clenched tightly that her veins protruded from it. 

Hazel implored her through her eyes to which she saw her turning her head away and walking off. 

Not even once, did Audrey glance at her.

Hazel's tears fell as she turned away from her and buried her head in his neck. Hezekiah could feel her tears which made him worry and hug her tighter.

She lost her.

She lost her first friend.