129 Chapter 129: Protect her happiness (1/2)

Somehow she had turned a little cold and indifferent to whatever happened, unlike her usual self. The Princess now had a close resemblance to the Crown Prince. Even though she graced them with her kindness and a smile, she didn't have the usual cheerfulness.

And, the most important fact was that she had stopped bothering her with her usual question. Even when people mentioned the activities happening in the city, she remained mute as if she accepted the fact that she was meant to be only a beautiful vase.

Hezekiah slammed his pen on the table thinking about his sister's actions. His guards were unperturbed as it has become a usual occurrence every day since the day Princess returned after her little adventure.

The Crown Prince had a dark expression on his face when he remembered his sister's actions. She was doing nothing yet she was making others worry about her. He sighed when he thought of what she said when he asked her

”Would you like to accompany me to the annual festival?”

Hazel raised her eyebrow and stared at him making his lips rise slightly. She looked around the dining table and asked softly, ”Am I allowed to?”

Her question stunned everyone inside the hall that they didn't see her excuse herself and return to her room.

Gritting his teeth, Hezekiah barked his assistant, William to come inside who bowed respectfully and waited for his orders.

Even after minutes passed, William didn't hear anything letting him take a peek at the Crown Prince.

William heard the prince whisper, ”Do you think I'm wrong?”

William didn't need any more details to know whom the prince was referring to. The only person who could make the prince worry was his sister.

He shook his head and said, ”No, my Prince. You have only been protecting her.”

Hezekiah muttered, ”But she's suffocating”

William sighed and said, ”We have received news that the enemies have started to move. Most likely they would act on the day of the annual festival. It is only safe to keep the princess inside these walls lest they should know about your weakness.”

Even though Hezekiah knew what his assistant said was the truth, he couldn't quite forget the image of her indifferent look.

”But she is sad. She must be hating her life as a Princess of this kingdom.”

The assistant lowered his gaze and remained mute. It was obvious to everyone that the Princess has changed. No one could make her return to her old self. She was like a lost soul wandering in the beautiful garden.

”Prince-”

Hezekiah interrupted him and asked, ”I will be going to the annual festival too. Make preparations.”

William gaped at the Prince before his eyes shifted to the pile of paperwork on his table. He cried in his heart and looked at the Prince, ” We can't take the chance -”

”I will protect her.”

William rubbed his temples and said, ”I'm not talking about the Princess, Hezekiah”

Hezekiah turned towards his old friend and glared at him.

”You can't go to the city. Not now...”

Hezekiah rolled his eyes and said, ”Just assign a few more guards and I will be armed too. I want to see if they can take me out that easily.”

William frowned and was about to reprimand him when he heard the Prince say, ”It's decided already, William. I will make her happy.”

He left the room with his words echoing, ”Even though I promised not to show her the ugliest part of the world. I also promised not to make her unhappy.”

....

Hazel was inside her room sketching while basking in the sunlight through her window. Her lips pressed together once she perceived that she had drawn Audrey again. She couldn't understand what made her rebel against her family.

Even when she knew she couldn't blame him. But when she looked outside her window, she was reminded again of her duty - to be a beautiful vase. Angrily, she crushed the paper in her hands and destroyed the beautiful sketch.

Sighing heavily, she threw the paper into a basket that held a lot of her crushed drawing. She started to sketch again when a knock was heard disturbing the silence inside the room.

She looked at Delia who was waiting aside in her room. Delia nodded and answered the door while Hazel continued drawing.

Delia opened to see the Crown Prince standing in front of the door. When his eyes glanced over to hers, she flinched and staggered a step back. Even though the Princess had protected her last time, the fear she experienced that day was instilled deep within her.

Hezekiah looked at Delia amusedly before shifting his eyes towards his sister who was sketching by the window. Hazel frowned when he felt a deep gaze and looked up to meet her brother's eyes.

Almost suddenly she raised her eyebrow and tilted her head at the clock which said it was almost dusk.

'Isn't he supposed to be in his study?'

Shaking her head, she bent down and continued with her sketch. She waved her hand towards Delia who instantly got the hint and left the room. Hezekiah smiled before he approached her and looked at her sketch from above.