“The Duke of Ashborne speaks the truth, Cordelia. And I also happen to predict that you would do something like this.” Gideon announced. “Hence, Rodrick will be following you and Augustus to the Northern Kingdom.”

　　Cassian frowned. “You said you agreed with me and yet you are only sending one guard with her, Lord Gideon?”

　　“That one guard is a master of the swords and I also agree that travelling in a small group would be easier. We cannot hide your departure from the others for long but at least you will have a head start as well as a safe start to the Northern Kingdom with Rodrick by your side.”

　　I stood up from my seat, not finding any faults with Gideon’s idea. I would feel safer with Rodrick around and I could even train with him if we had any free time in our hands. Everything seemed to be going smoothly.

　　“Well then, I shall head back to my room and make the preparations.”

　　“When do you plan on leaving, Cordelia?” Mother asked me.

　　“Tonight.” I smiled.

　　Their expressions shifted as before but no one said anything. I dismissed the meeting and headed towards the door but then heard footsteps rushing towards me. I looked over my shoulder to spot Aiden.

　　“Is something the matter, Aiden.”

　　“Ah… I just wanted to check up on you, sister.”

　　“Are you still worried? Everything will be alright.”

　　“I know, I am glad that Sir Rodrick will be there with you, at least that would put my mind at ease.” He sighed. I smiled, looking past his shoulder to spot my mother talking to Cassian and Isaiah fondly. I then recalled how Isaiah stated that likes mother and Aiden.

　　“What do you think of them?” I asked Aiden suddenly.

　　“Them?”

　　“My husbands.”

　　“Oh! Well, they are…rather nice. From the times we had spent together, they are very friendly to both me and mother. Sometimes I feel as though I have gained three older brothers.”

　　“Is that so?” I asked, glad that they were at least nice to my family even though they show their true colours to me.

　　“Yes. Lord Isaiah enjoys talking about his kingdom back home, often sharing courageous tales of battles and wars, but he often changes the topic when mother is around. He would talk about the culture and food of the Eastern Kingdom instead. The duke, most of the time tries to give me advice on love…”

　　“He does what?” I gawked, ready to go back inside and tell off Cassian.

　　“Ah, don’t misunderstand! He is just being helpful…”

　　“You are too nice, Aiden.” I sighed. “And what of Augustus? I know he does not talk much, but I’ve seen the both of you together sometimes. What do you think of him?”

　　“Hm. I feel as though I get along the best with Prince Augustus. We have similar interests, and he is a very intelligent individual. I’ve learnt so much from him and he has recommended many books that turned out to be my new favourites!” he beamed.

　　I nodded in understanding, recalling how the books Augustus had recommended to me were incredible reads as well. I just noticed that I never properly thanked him before. “I am glad that they are treating you well,” I smiled.

　　“But are they treating you…well? I am aware that you and your husbands don’t always see eye to eye.” Aiden watched my expression carefully.

　　“They are all troublesome individuals, but they are tolerable.”

　　“You hear that, Isaiah? We are tolerable. That’s the best compliment I have gotten from our lovely wife.” Cassian called out, causing me to jerk back as I had not noticed them by the door at all.

　　“Please don’t say ‘our wife’, it grosses me out to think that I have to be affiliated with you.” Isaiah grumbled.

　　“Ah you wound me, my Eastern Hero.”

　　Isaiah made a face. “What’s with that weird nickname? Stop that or I’ll hit you.”

　　I turned to Aiden and sighed. “Perhaps I should say that they are ‘barely tolerable’.”

　　*

　　After parting ways with everyone, I coordinated with Anne to arrange everything for tonight. She had also informed Augustus of what time we were planning to leave. It was hard to do everything in secrecy, especially since we did not know who around the palace staff was loyal to Lady Marie.

　　Soon, it was dinner and surprisingly everyone was present. I had not seen Frederick for a long time but now as we sat opposite each other, it was clear to me that he had lost weight. Thankfully, no one started any unnecessary conflict, even Elina seemed to have forgotten about what she claimed about Cassian bedding her. She was freely giggling and eating with Lilian about something.

　　It was starting to annoy me how Lady Marie and the others who openly cause trouble to me and the others never seem to get any form of punishment but then again, the lack of evidence was stopping me from even starting an investigation. I immediately excused myself after eating, knowing that it would be best if I snuck off to where the carriage was as soon as possible. I bid everyone a farewell and goodnight and prayed that the night continued without any hassle.

　　After sneaking from my room to the waiting carriage, Rodrick was already waiting for me disguised as the coachman but there was someone else there with him.

　　“Anne?” I called out in a hushed voice. “What are you doing here?”

　　“She wants to come with us,” Rodrick sighed.

　　“Yes! That’s right. I believe that I would be of much help if I were to follow you, princess! Do you not need your lady-in-waiting to be by your side?”

　　“It’s dangerous, Anne! Just stay here.” Rodrick huffed. She glared at him.

　　“I wasn’t talking to you!” she grumbled. “I wanted to discuss this with you since earlier today, but we were both so busy and—”

　　“And she tried to sneak onboard the carriage.”

　　“I asked if I could sit next to you. I wasn’t trying to sneak anyway!”

　　“And when I asked you if the princess knew you wanted to come, you avoided my question.”

　　“That’s hardly sneaking behaviour.” She scoffed. Rodrick’s frown deepened at her.

　　“Please stop arguing!” I told both of them as I recalled this familiar feeling. It was as though I was dealing with Isaiah and Cassian all over again but thankfully, without the name-calling and profanities. “We don’t have much time left; Augustus should be here soon so I’m sorry Anne, but you’ll have to stay—”

　　“Let her come.” A new voice said. I turned around to find Augustus. “We will not be allowed to stay at the main palace. The manor I reside in has very little staff, and I do not have anyone to attend to you. Bring your lady-in-waiting if you want convenience.” Augustus stated before pulling the carriage door open and stepping inside.

　　The three of us were rather surprised as for a moment, all we did was stare at the spot he was standing earlier.

　　“Prince Augustus is so nice!” she declared. “Thank you, Your High—mmf!” Rodrick covered Anne’s mouth.

　　“You are being too loud, Anne!” he scolded. Anne struggled to get out of his grip and when she finally did, she glared angrily at him.

　　“Don’t do that!” she hissed.

　　“Are you forgetting that we have to be silent?” he hissed back.

　　I cleared my throat, catching both their attention. “Please you two, I would appreciate it if the both of you would try to get along with each other throughout this journey.”

　　“Yes, princess.” They said in unison, bowing their heads slightly.

　　“Thank you.” I sighed. “Do both of you bring enough warm clothes? I heard that the North has cold weather throughout the year.

　　“Do not worry about me, princess. I am very well acquainted with the freezing weather the North has to offer.” Rodrick said proudly.

　　“M-Me too! I lived up North for 3 years with my sister, so I am used to the cold as well!” Anne stated, trying to reassure me that she would not make any trouble for us throughout this journey.

　　“Very well then, but please keep yourselves warm and do not hesitate to enter the carriage if the weather gets too cold.”

　　“We could never!” they exclaimed. They reacted like I had told them to do something unlawful.

　　“Well, it’s only the four of us together and I think of you two to be my closest confidants. And surely Augustus would not mind if the both of you wanted to warm yourself up in the carriage.” I said before peeking into the carriage. “Right, Augustus?”

　　“Hm.” He replied, and I took that as a confirmation.

　　“See?” I smiled back at Anne and Rodrick who were clearly unconvinced. “Anyway, let us begin our journey to the North!” I said eagerly as I made my way to the step of the carriage.

　　Before I could even step up myself, two hands appeared from either of my sides. Both Rodrick and Anne offered their hands for me to take, and neither was backing away as they just glared at each other. I giggled before I grabbed both hands to help me up into the carriage.