Isadora inserted her hands inside her pocket and removed another piece of rod that looked like a golden staff. This was one of the many precious things her uncle gave her. Magic wand! With this, she could change her appearance and disguise as everyone else. That would at least help her to be unrecognizable for now since the spell could not last for long.

She stretched her arms and something shiny flickered on the rod before she started mumbling some unknown words. Her black-blonde hair turned a bit white and her face altered a little making her look like another version of herself. She didn’t want to assume someone else’s shape lest she collided with the same person. It would be chaos. That’s why she opted to alter her appearance instead.

******

Princess Roselyn had cried her heart out before she walked out of the room to meet her parents. And as expected, her mother showered her with kisses and hugs, almost crushing her as she caressed and assessed every corner of her body.

"I am fine mother," she assured her and nodded at her father who was standing calmly as he watched the drama unfold. He walked closer before he wrapped his arms around Roselyn.

"I hope you are doing fine?" He asked breaking from the hug.

"Yes. You and Mother look fine as well," she added.

"How are things between you and Alex?" Her mother asked.

Roselyn opened her mouth to say something but no words came out. How could she even explain this to her parents? Her gaze shifted to her father’s and his probing gaze almost made her heart cease beating. If there was anyone she wanted to see worried last, then it was her father. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him so her gaze darted between the floor and corridor.

"Be honest with us dear. We are your parents after all. There’s nothing we can’t understand."

Roselyn looked at her mother surprised by what she had just said. Could they even understand? The pain and agony of being rejected by someone whom you loved? No, they couldn’t. They were just a happy couple and though she knew they wanted the best for her, the best they were offering now didn’t bring happiness to her.

"You and Alex grew up together so I presume it wasn’t difficult getting along with him," her father said. ’only if you knew,’ Roselyn thought.

"Yes. We are getting really well. But he isn’t fond of talking about the marriage issue." She gave a hint, and her father was the only one who understood the emotions on her face. And as blind as her mother was, she didn’t notice a pained expression on her daughter’s face as she said those heartfelt words.

"Okay, darling. Let’s forget about that for now. We are here today because of my friend’s funeral. Where’s Alexander by the way? I’ve not seen him since I came here," her father asked turning around as if Alexander would appear in the hallway. He didn’t notice the look of surprise on his daughter’s face when he asked that question.

Now Roselyn was confused. How was she even supposed to answer that question? She had lied once and she was not planning to do the same again.

"Alex is sick," she blurted the words as fast as she could. And when she saw the confused look on her parents’ faces, she knew an interrogation would follow.

"How? When? Why didn’t you tell us?" Her parents asked simultaneously.

"It was secret. I... Everyone was told to hush the matter. Only a few people know about it." She explained.

"Really?" Her father asked. "Why would they keep it a secret? Is he alright now?" He asked.

"He’s still in his bed but he’s doing fine now," she said. Her father nodded his head in understanding. But he noticed something had happened to his daughter. It was like she was not enjoying her stay in Valoria. Maybe he would talk to her about it later.

"Your Highness?" A familiar voice called in the hallway and the couple turned to see a surprised Lord Richard. He was stalking toward where they were with open hands. "Welcome home brother."

Roselyn’s father smiled at him before the two men drew into a hug. "When did you arrive?" He asked breaking from the hug.

"Hello too queen Felista," he said extending his hand to greet Roselyn’s mother. She gladly took his hand into hers as she smiled at him. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"We arrived just a while ago. In fact, the only thing we’ve done is to meet our daughter," he said gesturing towards where Roselyn stood.

"Let the men talk alone. Let’s have a walk," Queen Felista whispered in Roselyn’s ear and she nodded, though she didn’t want to leave, especially not with her mother. She could only guess what she would face. But the risk was worth taking. She had made up her mind. She must lie. If she said the truth, her father would not hesitate to send her back to Arcadia. If that happened, then her hopes for a brighter future would crumble to dust.

But she neither wanted to stay close to where her father was. The way he had looked at her told her that he knew something he shouldn’t have. ’As expected from a wise king,’ she thought. After weighing the matter in her mind, she decided to follow her mother. She was now reciting lies as she branched from the group, trailing closely behind her mother.

"Phew! I’m so tired. Can you get me a drink?" Her mother said as she stood a safe distance from where the men were talking. And judging from the way they were laughing, they seemed to have a good time. They were long-time friends after all.

"I’ll tell a maid to get you a drink. Do you want water or wine mother?" Roselyn asked.

"Water will do." She said as she searched for something in her bag when Roselyn caught sight of a maid crossing through the hallway in a hurry.

"Hey? You. Come here!" She called and saw the maid stiffen. This made Roselyn crease her brows. Why was a maid reacting this way? And that face! She stepped closer to where the maid stood, her heart beating in anticipation with every step she took. The maid was looking down making it difficult for her to make her face out.

"Show your face!" She demanded.