Rihannan slept through the night alone and with a heart full of worries.

And then night passed and morning arrived peacefully.

Rihannan journeyed to the princesss palace. Inside the walls of the palace was Helena wrought with considerable shock. Soon as she saw Rihannan, the girl who looked confident, Helena immediately rushed towards her and wrapped her arms around the silver-haired girl for a tight hug.

You heard the news last night, didnt you? Helena said. What do you think will happen to us now?

Dont worry too much, princess. Arundells king must know that its dangerous to turn Chrichton into their own enemy. Hes not a fool. Rihannan patted Helenas back and comforted her gently.

Do you really think so?

Yes, and above all, the threat of the Toulouse Empire hangs above us. In the first place, he never liked Chrichtons constant interference in Arundells internal affairs. Waging an all-out war provides no benefits to both parties.

Rihannan did not console the princess with words of lies for she believed it herself. She saw no logical reasons for Igor to wage an all-out war with Chrichton for their conflicts would only benefit the Toulouse Empire. Arundell had given Chrichton enough shame by crushing their ego and confidence. Igord surely step back and give Chrichton face and possibly a letter of apology.

Helena recovered from her anxiousness and looked at Rihannan, her gaze profound and deep.

Rihannan tilted her head. Why do you look at me that way, princess?

So thats what you think of yourself all this time.

.What?

Rihannan was confused.

I mean Chrichton. You dont believe youre a Chrichton.

It was a mere thought. Rihannan looked at Helena and sighed.

Princess, thats

Rhia, its not that I blame you. I know youre not an Arundell but a Chrichton you keep repeating this far too frequently, but I feel as if you dont think you belong anywhere. And Im afraid youll end up leaving solely because you dont know where you fit in

Rihannan smiled bitterly. Where would I go? I have nothing in Arundell. I feel more at home here.

Then get married! Helena raised her voice a pitch higher. Marry a man from Chrichton and settle down once and for all!

Rihannan laughed. You keep pestering me about this. I dont want to get married.

Rhia, why wont you marry? Theres a whole line of noblemen anxious to speak to you! Or do you have someone in mind? Let me know. Ill drag him to you and have him get on his knees asking for your hand in marriage!

Ill be counting on you. Rihannan chuckled.

Be prepared. Once all this chaos is over, Ill introduce you to a new man every day until love blossoms in the air. Helena snickered.

Yes, yes. Now come here. Your hair is messy. Let me comb it again.

Rihannan picked up the comb resting on the table as Helena sat down on the chair. The princess, she loved when Rihannan brushed her hair. She was like a meek puppy who loved to be petted. With her voluminous platinum hair combed, Helena closed her eyes and enjoyed the pleasant feeling.

You know, Rhia, I feel like youre much older than me.

Really?

Yes. I dont think its about personality. Youve always been like this. And a little bit weird.

In what away?

Always aloof? Its like you dont look forward to what tomorrow will bring and what the future holds.

Rihannan paused for a moment then continued brushing while a bitter laugh escaped her mouth. She did try her best to act like a child of her own age, but she failed. She could not perfect it for she had already experienced a lifetime of pain. Fortunately, the people in Chrichton helped to ease the pain that was caged in her heart. Though most think of her as a child mature far beyond her age, but in the past, she was just a normal child, one much more timid, weak, and tearful.

Rhia, I wish I could stay with you like this for the rest of my life.

At the princess words, Rihannan burst out into laughter. Didnt you urge me to get married right away a little while ago?

Helena snorted. Well, if you get married, you wont need to go to a faraway place.

But what if the princess has to go far away because of her husband?

Impossible. Mother, father, and brother wouldnt do that, would they?

Rihannan nodded. Helena was right. The king treasured her and her brother loved her dearly. Theyd never do such a thing.

Finishing up, Rihannan and Helena heard a clamor outside and the door suddenly burst open. It was the princess nanny. She looked rough and haggard.

Nanny? Helena said.

Princess! the nanny cried.

Nanny, whats wrong? Whats going on?

Princess, what should I do?! The old nanny dashed towards Helen and burst into tears.

Rihannan knew something unusual had happened and so she approached the old nanny and asked, Whats going on?

The nanny looked at Rihannan with tearful eyes and said, Arundell has demanded a state marriage to the princess in return for the loss of this naval battle