Chapter 11 : Misunderstanding

The journey to Alburg was long and exhausting. The carriage fell far short of the standards she had expected, it was little more than a military wagon converted into a carriage. While it was certainly better than nothing, it made for a rather poor impression.

I must compose myself... .

The bumpy ride had taken a toll on her back. But at last, they had arrived.

It was a magnificent, imposing castle with a distinctly martial air. Instead of round towers, it featured square ones, lending it a structured, military look. Even the interior corridors seemed better suited for a parade than a ball.

Priscilla was assigned to a wing that was perhaps the loveliest and most feminine of them all. A maid was waiting there.

" I am Berta, your personal maid. I shall show you around. "

The bedroom, the sitting room, and the bathroom were all, to her surprise, very much to her taste.

" It is... . "

" Much livelier than you expected ? Berta interjected immediately. "

" Yes, indeed. "

She felt embarrassed at having made such a hasty judgment, her discomfort was plain to see. The maid shook her head.

" Think nothing of it. Everyone who comes here initially notices the difference between the rumors and the reality. And I am more than happy that the prince has found a woman as beautiful and gentle as you. "

Priscilla could tell the woman was sincere, someone who spoke her mind openly. Had this marriage truly boded ill for her, Berta would have said so. It was intriguing... . The Princess of Elbra clearly held a very different opinion of Prince Leo.

" You... at least you have your doubts, Berta continued. Let me explain things to you. These quarters, for instance, used to belong to Leo's mother. She didn't die, nor did anything terrible happen to her. She simply decided to leave because her father, unlike her, is a difficult man to live with, obsessed solely with victory. "

Even without knowing Alburg’s specific customs, Priscilla could tell that the fabrics and furniture were quite old, as if the room hadn't been touched in years.

" That’s what you think. Prince Leo wanted to keep the room exactly as it was so he could still have a piece of his mother with him. He isn't cold by nature, it’s the upbringing he received that gives him that air. "

A warrior, cold, getting straight to the point without picking up on the atmosphere, that was how Priscilla had perceived him. He had even made obscene requests of her.

He was certainly a man interested in the opposite sex, yes, but he lacked the right approach. Theo, too, had been playful and teased her, but that had been completely different.

Could I have been mistaken ? Does he simply struggle to express his feelings ?

" You mean that deep down... he’s just a lost child ? "

Berta nodded.

" In a way, yes. Even when he issues orders in a cold tone, it stems from shyness. He masks it behind that strict upbringing he received. Never appear weak, never appear to be the loser in a negotiation. Take what you want... . That’s how he was raised, and that’s how he thinks. Did he act inappropriately with you ? "

A flush rose to the princess's cheeks. The maid could read the answer without hearing it.

" Then I suppose I owe him a partial apology. He is a man, after all, and he seems to have fallen quite hard for you, given that he chose his mother’s old chambers. Please forgive him... it’s clearly inexcusable, but bear in mind that he never intended to force you. It’s counterintuitive, but if you refuse, he won’t be offended. "

" Hmm... so, I need to take a different approach with him ? "

" Above all, you have to look past his outward appearance, cold and expressionless, except when he’s with girls. He’s spent much of his life on the battlefield since coming of age. He’s nearly thirty, but deep down, he’s just a child. "

A difficult childhood, and likely a struggle to express his feelings, or even his thoughts. She sighed.

" I’ll do what I can. "

" Thank you... and if he gets a bit pushy in his own way, just tell him no and explain things. "

She hadn't dared to do so before because she had been preoccupied with the welfare of the people. From her perspective, refusing could have been the worst possible outcome. Now that she knew it wouldn't be a disaster, she could likely learn, little by little, how to communicate with him.

" I’ll keep that in mind. "

I don't want to appear so fragile and easy anymore.

A few days went by. There was hardly any interaction between the two parties. Léo stuck to his routine, morning training, patrols in the capital, more training, and official meetings.

There hadn't been any room for it. But, setting aside her preconceptions about him, it was likely a lack of time, yes, but also shyness. If she didn't make the first move, no one else would.

So... she caught him during a morning training session with his men.

" Léo ! "

She called out loudly, looking elegant in a long dress. He stopped, and so did his men. For the first time, he seemed to panic a little. He hurried over, grabbed her arm, and led her toward the gardens.

He was flustered !

Yet, his face betrayed nothing. She realized clearly that, especially when faced with emotions like shyness, surprise, or embarrassment, he showed even less on his face. A defense mechanism.

In war, you have to stay focused at all times. Never show weakness... not even in front of your men. Yet she could hear them laughing, a sign that, to them, this was normal. If he were truly as terrifying as all that, they wouldn't be laughing like that.

He pulled her along, not wildly or at full speed, but mindful of her heels, to the nearby garden. She laughed.

" So, you can get flustered too. I'm glad I came. "

He turned his face away, though no blush appeared. He quickly regained his composure.

" Did you want to ask something ? "

His tone was loud and direct. Priscilla refused to be intimidated by that naturally powerful voice.

" I'd like to ask you out on a date... . "

To get to know each other, they had to start somewhere.

" Yes ! "

No hesitation. He was happy, no doubt. She would clearly have to take her time deciphering his emotions given his lack of facial expressions. She held out her hand, and he took it gently, perfectly controlling his strength.

Not bad for a start.