Meanwhile, on the other side of the capital, Prince Alaric led the way, his strides confident and unhurried, as if the cobbled streets of the bustling market bent to his will. Lara and Peredur walked alongside him, weaving through clusters of merchants hawking their wares.
Agilus and Aramis followed closely while Redon and the few others followed secretly.
After navigating a series of winding corners, Prince Alaric stopped in front of an impressive two-story building crafted from timber and stone. Its gothic roof soared gracefully, adorned with intricate carvings. The first floor buzzed with life, featuring a vibrant array of shops. The warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from a bakery, its windows gleaming with delectable pastries. Next door, an eatery beckoned patrons with a welcoming sign swinging gently at the door, hinting at the culinary delights that lay within.
"Edesia’s Kitchen," Lara read the sign aloud. It sounded homey, but when her gaze landed on the two guards standing at the entrance, their armor gleaming, spears crossed, she thought it was ironic.
The two guards recognized Prince Alaric. With a snap of their boots and a respectful bow, they stepped aside and opened the door for the prince and his companions.
Inside, the air was cool and scented with lavender. A grand chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft amber glow over wooden tables with porcelain dishes. Attendants moved gracefully between patrons, balancing trays of food and drinks.
A semi-spiral staircase led to the second floor, where a few private rooms were located. Prince Alaric led Perdur and Lara to the stairs when a sweet voice called them.
"Peredur, Sister," Mira called from a table in the corner and enthusiastically waved at them. As if not content, she stood and approached them at the foot of the stairs.
Amelia and a few others Lara saw during her birthday were with her.
"Sister," Peredur greeted her cheerfully. "Are you here with your friends?"
"Yes, Bro." Mira smiled. They are treating me to lunch...as a birthday treat." Her gaze landed on the imposing man beside Lara, and her breath hitched. She had heard about Prince Alaric and seen him quite a few times from a distance. But now, seeing him up close, she thought he was the most handsome among the princes.
"Prince Alaric invited us for lunch," Peredur said when he noticed Mira had zoned out.
"Then can we join you? These are Lara’s friends, after all. They didn’t have a chance to talk during my birthday," Mira shamelessly suggested, her smile bright and her eyes hopeful.
Lara and Peredur looked at each other. Peredur coughed awkwardly. Could he even say yes? If it were anyone else, there shouldn’t be any problem.
"Perhaps another time, Mira. I would love to join you along with your friends." He lowered his voice and added, "I feel it would be inappropriate for you to accompany us, as the prince specifically invited me for Lara’s sake." His tone was gentle, meant solely for Mira’s ears, as if sharing a secret in a crowded room.
When Mira heard about it, she looked hurt. "Sister, what do you think?" If she declined, wouldn’t her friends think lowly of her?
Lara glanced at Mira, then her eyes moved to Amelia, whose eagerness was written on her face.
"It is up to the prince. He is the one who invited us, after all," Lara commented nonchalantly.
Amelia’s gaze dimmed. She felt Lara had become like a stranger, aloof and distant.
"Come with us upstairs," Alaric said, his voice deep and commanding.
Mira, Amelia, and the three other women were elated as they scrambled to climb the stairs.
A row of attendants was waiting on the second floor. They greeted Prince Alaric with a respectful bow and led him to a private room with a view of the bustling street below. The table could only seat four people.
"Lead these ladies to another private room and put their food under my tab."
Mira’s eyes widened when she heard the prince’s instructions, and then they turned to disappointment. She looked at Lara, who met her gaze indifferently.
Mira felt resentment bubble inside her, but she could only follow the female attendant, who led them to a private room beside the one Prince Alaric, Lara, and Peredur entered.
The moment they settled into their seats and placed their orders, she commented drily, "Don’t you think my sister did not make any effort to convince the Prince to have us join them?"
The four women murmured their agreement.
"Amelia, you are like a sister to her. She is even closer to you than I. You should have convinced her more," Mira said bitterly. She wanted to spend more time with Prince Alaric.
"Lara has changed. She has become someone I do not recognize." Amelia said bitterly.
"Do you think she was just pretending? I don’t think she lost her memories when dealing with my parents and brothers." Mira subtly created a discord between Lara and Amelia.
Amelia looked down. She looked hurt and disappointed.
"I trust this place is to your liking?" Alaric asked, glancing back at Lara and Peredur as an attendant guided them inside the private alcove near a latticed window.
Lara hesitated but nodded. "It’s lovely."
Peredur, far less reserved, beamed widely. "I’ve never seen a place so fine. When I go here, it is always on the ground floor," he admitted, eyes sparkling with wonder as he took in the ornate carvings and the beautiful paintings on the wall.
They settled around the oak table, soft cushions cradling them as an attendant poured fragrant tea into delicate cups. Alaric’s gaze flicked over to Lara as he lifted his cup. "How are you doing?" he asked, his tone genuinely curious.
Lara’s fingers curled around her cup. "I am well, thank you. ... It has been a whirlwind of change. I am still getting used to being addressed as Lady instead of Miss."
"I imagine it would be," Alaric replied, eyes sharp with understanding. "Titles are a burden as much as they are an honor. I am pretty sure your father would rather that he be called General instead of Marquis." He sipped his tea, his gaze never leaving hers.
Lara looked away first, focusing instead on the steam curling from her cup. "The king’s decree, your highness," she said, not answering him but throwing him back a question. "Are you moving to Calma?" she asked, her voice steadying.