Naturally one does not have contact with a member of those with different status. Only when the occasion called for it. In the years Pupillam served the Queen, she seldom met with other royals alone. The only times Pupillam thought of was when she accompanied the Queen to meetings. But even then, she scarcely had any direct contact other than pa.s.sing on a few messages.

Eating breakfast for the last three days was difficult. Though Prince Allen said, he would let her go after two days. Yesterday, he stubbornly stopped her from leaving. A deep sigh pa.s.sed her lips. When will she escape this situation? Pupillam knew she could no longer suppress her emotions. Especially when the couple displayed their affections.

In the years of her service, Pupillam saw many couples. King Kazuya and Queen Lyn, the Snow Kingdom Queen J and her husband, the head knight, and Princess Shaarya, Lan and Miley. But amongst these the affections displayed by Prince Andrew and Lady Gabriella are different.

It's not overly done and cheesy like King Kazuya and Queen Lyn. Or playful fighting like Lan and Miley. Or childhood love like Arkwright and Princess Shaarya. There was something different about it.

Another sigh pa.s.sed her lips; the current situation was a disadvantage to her. After breakfast, Pupillam escaped into the central library and locked herself away. While she couldn't leave, that did not mean she could spend her days idly doing nothing. While most people would use this situation to relax, Pupillam is doing the opposite. With the current state of the war, Pupillam knew better than to relax.

Then again, this is not unusual. Ever since Pupillam was younger, her Mother and Father said she was too hard working. She would work hard to the point of exhaustion; in their eyes, she and Queen Lyn were the same in that regard. Pupillam couldn't deny those words but later understood. Queen Lyn situation is worse than hers.

Pupillam got lost in her studies and did not notice the doors to the library opening. By the time she realized what was going on, Prince Andrew and his wife had entered the room. They walked over to the couch nearby where she sat and simply laid in each other's arms.

Pupillam did not wish to intrude, but when she saw her large stacks of books from both sides. Pupillam knew she could not leave as quickly as she wanted. That's why she bid time and slowly but gradually removed books from the pile. However, when Pupillam felt Prince Andrew sharp gaze on her, she knew she had to stop.

He must have noticed.

Pupillam found the current situation awkward. Doesn't she look like the third wheel here?

"Did you find out what disturbance occurred in town?"

"It turned out that the name of the woman you suspected is Somina," Allen paused before he added. "From the Snow Kingdom, it's their secret agent."

Yes, Prince Andrew and the Lady aren't an average couple. Most couples would use this time to flirt - and avoid discussion regarding such affairs. They'd typically take the time to discuss more personal matters. But it is not like that with these two.

It surprised Pupillam when she heard the two speak in this manner. In the past, she frequently listened to the two's conversation, so it shouldn't surprise her. However, Pupillam simply thought that was because they were around others. She did not believe their actual private conversations were like this.

Pupillam scolded herself, is there any need for her to a.n.a.lyze the situation? There's no need for that at all.

....

Since three days ago, she seldom had a proper talk alone with the First Prince. For Pupillam that was fine. She did not want to speak with him in private anymore. She wished to leave as quickly as possible. Perhaps if she talked to the lady? Pupillam shook her head; it's awkward - she can't just approach her either.

She tossed and turned in her bed before a deep sigh pa.s.sed her lips. Pupillam used the 'I'm tired' excuse and retired to her chambers. But it was a blatant lie. It was only morning, why would she get tired?

....

When Pupillam woke up a few hours later, she vaguely recalled Prince Andrew words regarding a ball in a building nearby the castle.

That's why she had no choice but to come here.

A certain brunette hair girl wore the dress the Queen gave her. Her hair for once is loose, and the sides pulled back with barrettes. Places like this have always made her uncomfortable for a reason. Now actually attending Pupillam felt incredibly nervous. She felt her hands start to sweat and a deep sigh pa.s.sed her lips. When did she last attend a ball without the Queen? Probably never.

"Hey everyone! His Royal Highness has arrived," somebody announced.

Pupillan turned her head and glanced over at the direction the man who shouted pointed. The rest of the people in the room followed in suite. Andrew… At this moment, she felt like the distance between her and Andrew is like that of her and the sky. The blonde hair prince sat down on the large throne chair.

Whenever she tried to touch the star with her own hands, whenever she remotely get close, something separated them again and increased the distance between the two of them.

As the music played, the people s.h.i.+fted about in the room. Some are getting ready to dance with their partners or look around for partners. Pupillam, however, made herself appear unapproachable by eating a lot. While she didn't leave her manners back home, she knew that men disliked females who ate so much. Sure enough, the crowd that was about to approach her seemed to disappear. A relieved sigh pa.s.sed her lips, like this it's all right, isn't it?

After a short while though she noticed Andrew sending looks at her. She tried to avoid his gaze, but it was difficult considering where Andrew sat. Pupillam discovered the reason for his gaze a few minutes later. According to his messenger, the Prince wishes to dance with her.

When Pupillam refused, the messenger said it's tradition since she's technically the female who accompanied him to the ball. Though they arrived separately, Pupillam knew the guard's words were right. His wife isn't here, and she's the guest in his manor. Naturally, she should be his partner for these events.

After debating about it for a few minutes, Pupillam nodded to herself, all right could do this. Pupillam bravely took a step forward and slowly made her way over across the room, until she

stood opposite him.

"Your Royal Highness Prince Andrew I have a request," Pupillam took a deep breath. Before she asked, "Your Royal Highness, I wish to dance with you."

Even though he was sending her the signs, he seemed surprised by her words.

For once she summoned up the courage.

Just this one dance.

After this dance, whatever is left - she will bury it to the depths of her mind so not even the Queen could tell. She will no longer run away from her responsibility. He is a married man, and she is his sister, the Queen's aide. To protect the Queen properly, she must sever the ties that make her weak.