141 Chapter 141. Raising suspicions

Indeed Aeinshia isn't in her quarters, or else, Peter won't be so idle moving around all the quarters of palace to search for Aeinshia. So he did bought her story for now, but that doesn't mean he isn't suspicious of her. The moment she caught him eavesdropping is enough for him to know she isn't as simple as she is portraying herself. 

He is a perfectly trained knight. Not many in this whole empire could notice his presence when he is trying to hide it. Not to mention, Shirley caught him as soon as he came close to them, even though his steps are very light as feather. Which shows, either Shirley's ears are very sensitive to any sound or she must have got a good training to increase her hearing ability. He cannot accuse someone of course, but somehow he knew, something was definitely wrong with this maid. 

However, for now he need to let them off the hook to know what is the truth these two were hiding. Not to mention, her story is also perfect without any flaws in it. 

Peter nodded his head in acknowledgment, " Then shouldn't you be waiting outside princess room? Ok, let us say you really were hard pressed, then I don't find any reason for you to question someone standing this close, with hands like this, " He spoke, while gesturing.

He found the situation interesting, and he was curious to know what she would say, this time. They seemed to have a comeback for his every word. 

The young maid face turned into red hue due to embarrassment, while Shirley still got the composed look on her face. The young maid's reaction sure made him amused again. 

Before the young maid could say something stupid, Shirley took the lead, " It's so happened that this maid here and I were friends. So I am just playing with her, " She curtly replied, not giving much information out. Well, that would really be a lose for her if she spoke alot. 

" It's better be that situation then, " Saying that in a serious tone, he turned around to take his leave. Finally deciding to stop wasting his time with them. 

The young maid, who got zero role in the whole conversation gave a confused look. That's when she understood, the young man before them played with them. From starting, he didn't really get much information out from their talk. A part of her was angry, while a part of her was feeling ashamed for getting played by a child younger than her. But whom could she blame? Only herself for not been careful and tacit all along. 

Peter directed his gaze to the young maid and not to Shirley, that's when the young maid finally spoke, " W...wo..Word was that, the princess was seen with her Highness Princess Lucia, in the princesses quarters. But, the current location is unknown. I don't know anything further than that sir Peter, " She initially stuttered, but soon gained control over her speech. 

Peter nodded his head and left the two ladies, minding his work. He need to let them be as they are and eye at their activities later. He shouldn't alarm them at least for now. 

" Don't worry, I will soon get to know everything," He spoke out. 'About you and your friend and your words', Peter thought inside his heart and made a mental note to himself, finally on his way to search for the princess. 

Now, he had to search for someone, who would probably have information about the princess. 'This harder than what I thought.'

Peter was walking down the hallways. The previous events clouding his mind. The maids fight he saw earlier was making him a bit uncomfortable.

His suspicious mind was sending tingles, that something wrong was happening with the whole conversation. But, he couldn't pinpoint it nor see it. Its not like, he can just go around accusing everyone just like that. Everything here runs with proofs, and not by instincts or mere words. So he could do nothing or accuse someone without anything in his hands against them. After all, the life of a person depends on the step he takes and he can't just do anything recklessly. 

He is in a respectful position and never would Peter, ever, blame or talk against people without a solid proof. But, neither can he betray his senses that were saying that something was wrong with Shirley.

He sighed heavily as he continued on his way. He suddenly remembers the original purpose of him going around the Palace. He was planning to visit the gardens, where he thought Princess Aeinshia would probably be, but got stuck at the end of servant quarters.

The gardens were open from all sides of the Palace. The servant quarters were connected to the far corner of the Palace, so that the maids and servants could easily make their way into the Palace, at any time of the day.

Peter quickened his pace, while glancing at the sky. The sun was high up in the clear blue sky, spotted with occasional clouds. Its meal time. So, he guessed, the princess would either be in the princesses quarters or in the dining room.

The closest he was to is dining room. He decided he would check in the dining room first and then, proceed to the princesses quarters.

'Ah, this is hard. I can't seem to locate the princess and it would be hard for me, if I'm appointed in some duties or if I've to go. Wouldn't it be better if I placed someone to watch over the princess. Yes, I think that would be good. I will consult one of my guards after checking up on her.'

Peter made a mental note and proceeded to the dining hall. When he was almost near, he could see the maids and servants were cleaning up the table. Peter was well aware, that the Emperor always ate all of his meals for the day in the dining room. It's like, he never skipped his meal eating in the dining room. Well, that's what he remembered from his childhood. 

The maids were picking up the used dishes, so that means one thing, the Emperor had already taken his second meal of the day.

Peter sighed. 'Off I go to the princesses quarters, then.' He thought to himself.

Before, he was going out, he stopped one of the maids. "Excuse me, have you seen her highness, Princess Aeinshia, anywhere?" Peter inquired. He wanted to know the exact location from the maids. Because, he would be damned, if he didn't find her again in the princess quarters. Because, this time if he didn't find her in the princess quarters, then he didn't find energy to search for her around the entire palace and he already made a good trip along the whole palace, after many years. 

The maid bowed at him, "Sir, Her Highness Princess Aeinshia, just went on her way towards her chambers to rest. Her highness spent her lunch time with his highness, the Emperor and both of their highnesses parted ways, a while ago." The maid said, formally to him.

Peter's face lit up, when he heard that. Finally, he was going to see the princess. He smiled at the maid and dismissed her to complete her chores.

"Let's go to the princesses quarters to check on the princess, then." He mumbled to himself. He looked down at the ground and started walking. But, as he stepped out of the dining room, he was stopped by someone infront of him.

He could see their shoes and by one look, he knew he was doomed. The polished dark brown shoes, which were almost shining, made Peter shake with nervousness.

He wanted to look up, but he could already feel the heavy gaze of the person land on him, fixing him in the position against their strong and indimidating eyes.

Peter kept his head bowed and uttered the sentence, "Greetings, Your Highness."