Chapter 454: : Advice from the Crown Princess
I glance at Princess Paislee, hoping she will take action, but she remains expressionless, as if she doesn't care what happens between the two Princes.
So, I have no choice but to take matters into my own hands. If she won't do something, then I will. I can't let them argue and risk ruining the storyline.
Prince Fraser raises his fist to strike Rufus, but before he can land the punch, I quickly block it with my hands. The force behind his punch leaves my hand numb, and I wince in pain.
"Purplany!"
"Csille!"
Rufus immediately holds my hand gently, as if he's afraid he'll hurt me. "Why did you do that? Let me see your hand." He then checks it to see if there is any wound.
I try to take my hand back, but Rufus won't let me. "I am okay, Prince Rufus. Please let my hand go."
But he continues holding my hand, glaring at Prince Fraser, who is currently staring at us.
I can still see the anger in Prince Fraser's eyes, but it has subsided. It is now replaced by fear and guilt.
Rufus scoffs. "Are you happy now, Prince Fraser? You've hurt Csille again, just like you always do." He shakes his head in disappointment. "If you want respect, then act in a way that deserves the respect you seek."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Rufus then drags me out of the cafeteria. I hear Prince Fraser call out my name and Rufus's, but Rufus doesn't stop, pulling me away from the scene.
We only stop once we reach my office, which is opposite Prince Fraser's office.
He looks at me with guilt in his eyes. "I'm sorry, I should have restrained my anger. Look at what happened to you," he says, shaking his head. "Let me check your hand. Is it hurting now?"
I shake my head. As much as I want to reassure him that everything is okay, they both need to take responsibility for their actions.
They are not children anymore, yet they still behave as if they are. I know Prince Rufus is only trying to protect me, and it is Prince Fraser who should be more responsible, but Rufus could have handled it more calmly.
"I'm okay, Your Highness. You don't have to worry about my hand. You should focus on having a proper conversation with His Highness, Prince Fraser. Arguing won't help our current situation."
I was startled when Rufus cursed Prince Fraser out. "To hell with that Crown Prince. He is being too much. How can he say such words to you?" He slumps onto a sofa and shakes his head in disappointment. "And here you are, defending him again, Purplany."
I sigh and sit in my chair. "I'm not defending him, Your Highness. I'm just worried it will affect everyone working here. Instead of running away from the problem, why don't you two talk about it? You're both the future leaders of the Vrawyth Kingdom. Do you think it's good to argue like this?"
Rufus scoffs. "And what? Let him do whatever he wants without taking responsibility? Csille, if he wants to be a rightful ruler of this kingdom, he needs to be responsible for his actions. No Vrawyth King would let his judgment be clouded by his temper. That's something he needs to work on. So, no. If you want me to talk to him and smooth things out, I won't do that."
I just stare at Rufus and sigh. I knew he wouldn't agree, but I had to try. Arguments like this aren't part of the storyline.
Yes, they will have differences, but not to the point of physically harming each other.
And I know I can't force my opinion on him because Prince Fraser crossed a line too. How can he slap to Rufus' face what is his current standing in the monarchy?
"Apologies, I shouldn't have said that. I understand what you're trying to say, Your Highness, and I do agree with you. His Highness, Prince Fraser, needs to work on his temper." Rufus stares at me intently. I can't read his thoughts, but I see a mix of emotions swirling in his eyes. He then shakes his head. "If only I... you. Things would be better. At least, I wouldn't have... and he'd be happy with her."
I frown, unable to catch everything he said because he spoke so softly, as if he intentionally kept those words from me.
"Apologies, but were you saying something, Your Highness?"
Rufus shakes his head and stands up from his seat. "Forget it. I was mumbling nonsense." He then looks at his watch. "I'll be taking my leave now, Csille. If you feel any discomfort, just ask someone to find me, okay? I'll check on you once I'm done with my work."
I was about to tell him not to bother, but he had already left the office before I could say anything.
I slump in my chair and sigh. "Everything is getting messier, and we're not even at the climax yet," I mumble to myself.
A knock on my door interrupts my reverie. I was so engrossed in thinking about what would happen after that argument in the cafeteria that I didn't notice Sela standing in the doorway. She's holding the documents for the workshop and storage room request.
"Why do you still have those? Didn't I ask you to take them to His Highness's office?"
apologizing here.
"May I know why you're apologizing, Sir Farren?"
Princess Paislee shakes her head. "I am the personal knight of His Highness, yet I let things escalate that way. I should have intervened before it got worse. Also, if not for me, you wouldn't have been forced to stay with us earlier, which also means Prince Fraser wouldn't have gotten mad at Prince Rufus. So, I apologize for my lack of consideration."
She really deserves to be the female lead. How can the female lead take responsibility for the male lead's actions? They're really disappointing me.
"Sir Farren, I know it wasn't your intention for things to escalate that way. So, you don't have to apologize. If anyone else, their Highnesses are the ones who should be taking accountability for their actions."
I give her a reassuring smile. "But it made me wonder, why did you stand there and watch? Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing you for what happened. I just thought it's out of
character for you to let that slip."
Princess Paislee stares at me for a couple of seconds before sighing heavily. "Just as you said, those two Princes should be taking accountability for their actions. So, I was hoping they'll remember what they should and shouldn't be doing. However, I had a lapse in judgment. I forgot that it's also my responsibility to ensure that their Highnesses have an amicable relationship with each other."
I nod my head. She's right, but I do think she's putting too much responsibility on herself. With the personalities of those two Princes and their current situation? I doubt she can do anything to fix their relationship.
"It's not your fault that those two aren't getting along. Ever since we were young, they've always argued about every little thing. So, don't stress yourself too much. Let them deal with their problems, as long as you're still keeping them from harming each other." I smile reassuringly at her.
"Thank you for your kind words, Dame Csille. I know you're only saying that to make me feel
better."
"You're putting too much responsibility on yourself, Sir Farren. Those two might act like reckless kids, but they also know boundaries. So, don't fret. You're doing a good job. Ha-"
I was about to say something more when I heard a familiar voice nearby.
It's Prince Fraser!
And that's my cue to leave. I don't want to meet a Prince Fraser in a bad mood right now.
"Apologies, Sir Farren, but as much as I want to talk to you, I remember I still have other things to do today. I'll be taking my leave first."
I didn't wait for her response and was set to run away from that place. However, Princess
Paislee's words left me frozen on my feet.
"Don't do it, Dame Csille. It'll only make things difficult."
I turn to her and frown. Don't do what? Leave? "Pardon? I don't think I'm following what you're saying. Don't do what? Leave?"
Princess Paislee stares intently at me, her eyes full of emotions I couldn't name. "Don't
make that big decision."
My heart races as I wait for her to continue her words. There's no way Princess Paislee knows
what's happening.
She can't know. She shouldn't know, no matter what!
"Don't betray..."
I couldn't hear what she said because she whispered the words to me. I was about to ask her
more, but Prince Fraser's irritated voice was getting nearer. So, I had no choice but to leave without being able to ask all the questions I wanted to ask Princess Paislee.
What does she mean by saying don't betray? Don't betray who? What does Princess Paislee
know?