Chapter 26 - Mysterious And Cold

"After that day in the market, I thought if I should come and visit you but I don't want to get too ahead of myself. Now that you came, I finally feel at ease." Lady Vienna said to Iria with a little smile.

"When the Crown Prince asked me if I would like to come along, I thought it would be great to meet you. I'm glad you feel the same way." Iria said. She was sitting on the small pavilion opposite Vienna Mareyi.

Lady Vienna thought of Crown Prince Arin who never talked much. "You came to a faraway place to marry His Highness. Is he good to you? If you want someone to chat with or to spend time with, you can call me anytime, Your Highness."

As a woman herself, Lady Vienna put herself in the Crown Princess's shoes. To marry to a faraway place without knowing anyone and where everything was foreign to her would be like a nightmare! She wanted to befriend Iria so that she wouldn't feel lonely here in Qalagon.

"That's so kind of you, Lady Vienna. You are kind and elegant just like the rumours said." There was a genuine smile on Iria's face when she talked. "His Highness is very good to me. You don't have to worry."

"That's great to hear, Your Highness." Lady Vienna promptly said. Though the Crown Prince was aloof, she knew that he was a good person. She didn't know him well but she trusted in what General Hanson told her. What's more, the Crown Prince was a great friend.

Iria briefly glanced at General Hanson who was standing a few steps away. She asked him to sit with them before but the latter refused, saying that it's inappropriate and that he tagged along to keep her safe.

Turning back to Lady Vienna, she said, "I think the ornament on General Hanson's sword handle is very charming." She kept her voice low not to let the General hear her.

Her words made the young lady blushed. She still remembered that it was the Crown Princess who helped her chose the ornament. "It's all thanks to your great taste, Your Highness. I have no idea when it comes to that kind of ornament."

"I love to train ever since I was young." Iria paused and laughed when she said, "Though I'm not that good." She observed the noble lady before her and said, "In other things, I'm sure that you will have better taste than me."

"You're the Princess of Jerivia and the Crown Princess of our kingdom. How can I even compare to you when I'm just a mere noble lady?" Vienna Mareyi promptly said. The angelic smile on her face made Iria narrowed her eyes.

After maintaining her silence for a while, she finally turned back to the Prime Minister's daughter. "You can come to meet me whenever you like. I will be glad to see you again."

At her words, Rion who was standing a few steps away raised a brow. Didn't the Commander wished to not get involved with anyone here, let alone make a friend?! What made her say that?!

However, the exact words made Lady Vienna smile widened. "Thank you, Your Highness, I will come and visit you soon."

Iria Alewine nodded. "Do you want me to help you out a bit?" When Vienna Mareyi stared at her with a confused face, she turned to General Hanson Lorin.

"I want to take some rest, so I will return to the palace first." She said to the General.

Through Rion's gesture, she knew that Prince Orius had already sent someone. She had to meet the Prince now.

"I will escort you back," Hanson said and it was just as she expected.

"I can return with Rion. You can stay here and inform His Highness when he is finished." She turned to Lady Vienna with a little smile. "You know Lady Vienna well. I would be glad if you can accompany her in my place." The Prime Minister's daughter smiled back at her.

Hanson Lorin had known and loved the Prime Minister's daughter ever since he was young but he never got to see her often as it wasn't appropriate given the era they lived. However, he was a responsible man just like his friend, the Crown Prince. He always prioritized his duty. Even this time, he felt that way. "But Your Highness -"

"Just do as I say, General Hanson. I will be fine. The palace is not far from here." Iria firmly said. She briefly turned to Lady Vienna one last time and quickly left with Rion, putting the General in a dilemma.

"Will General Hanson follow us?" Rion asked Commander Iria as soon as they left the Prime Minister's mansion.

Iria mounted her horse and looked at Rion. "He won't. Let's hurry. We should return to the palace before the Crown Prince does."

Rion nodded and they left for the address which Prince Orius sent to them.

*

Iria and Rion entered a huge inn called 'Hudale' which was very famous in the capital. Walking past many rooms, they halted when they reached a certain room. Then Rion knocked on the door. Instantly, the door was opened and Kerin, the personal attendant and guard of Prince Orius appeared. He bowed when he saw Iria. "Please come inside, Commander."

Walking inside the room, they saw Prince Orius who was sitting on an armchair. Then the two knelt to show their respect. "Greetings, Your Highness. Do you have a safe journey?" said Iria.

"Rise." Prince Orius commanded and rose from his seat while Iria and Rion did as they were told. "I have a pretty smooth journey. Is everything going well, Commander Iria?"

"Yes, Your Highness. There is no problem." Iria formally replied.

Prince Orius slightly smiled. "That's great. It seems like you're doing fine, so I wonder why father wanted me here."

"Your Highness, it's -"

"You don't have to explain," Orius said which interrupted Iria from talking. "You never say or do anything against my father. You don't have to remind me that."

Iria could never understand this second Prince and she was never close to him either. He was always so mysterious and cold. What's more, he loved to provoke others. They were never on good terms but still, he was the son of the King and a royal. She couldn't let her personal matters get the best of her while carrying out an important task.

"Then tell me, Commander Iria." Prince Orius said. "I heard that Crown Prince Arin Helev is the pillar of the Qalagon Army and the kingdom. That's what the people here said."

He glanced at Iria and took a few steps towards her. There was a menacing smile on his face when he said, "Rather than fight him later, would it be great to just kill him now?"