Pretending To Be Gilead's Prince and Master Wizard

The general's words stunned me for a bit that it rendered me speechless for a few seconds.

"But I see you are a busy man right now. Apologies for my sudden intrusion once again--"

"No, it's fine… really. And yes, I think I could spare some time to speak with you in private."I cut her midway before she thinks it is her fault for my silence.

"Would you mind if we will have our conversation at the place where you brought me last time?"she asked, which kind of startled me but I fought the urge to crease my forehead.

"Sure."

Deep inside, I was a little bit scared of messing this up with the general, but I managed to conceal my anxiety with a smile.

I started to stand up from my seat and followed General Rosa to wherever she will take me.

Moments after our brief conversation at the office, she brought me towards a mini door that could be found somewhere in the hallway leading towards the lobby that seems to be camouflaged with the color of the wall paint, that's why it can't be seen immediately.

This is my first time seeing something like this.

General Rosa opened the door for me, and I went inside first before she did and closed the door behind us. I was surprised to see a spiral staircase leading somewhere upward. I started climbing when my companion did so.

"I was surprised you found a hidden place such as this."

Before I could stop my mouth from babbling nonsense, I can't help but mentally smack my face with my right hand for saying such a thing!

Geez! Me and my big mouth indeed!

"Your Highness…." my companion said, sounding as surprised as I was.

"You were the one who first led me here. Have you already forgotten?"

Oh shoot! I need to think of what to say next! Fast!

"Uh, yes! That's right! Sorry, I was just a little bit swarmed up from all my duties, you know… that I intend to forget things such as this." I said, trying to sound so natural as I could.

"I could see it as well. It must have been hard for you for managing such a large country in your early years."

"No. Not at all."

After trying to spark a small conversation as we continue to climb up the stairs, we have finally reached the end of it, which leads us again to another mini door. General Rosa opened it for me to enter, and I immediately went inside after she did.

The strong afternoon breeze was the first one to greet me upon going outside of that mini door plus the breathtaking view beneath us, showcasing the whole country of Gilead from up here..

Soon, I realized that we are now standing at one of the castle towers. If I was dressed as the normal 'me', I would definitely scream my heart out in here and enjoy this spectacular view. Yet I know I can't do that right now.

Again, I tried my very best not to look so surprised and energetic about this.

"Remember the last time we went here?" General Rosa asked once again. Her shoulder-length chestnut hair is swaying behind her.

Now, I'm starting to wonder if something is going on between the prince and this lady standing in front of me right now.

Or maybe… the prince is having a secret affair with General Rosa?! I couldn't believe it! Prince Arthur is a womanizer after all! That explains why girls are into her!

"Prince Arthur?"

I immediately snapped out of my thoughts when General Rosa called out my attention once again.

Ugh, I wanted to smack my forehead.

Focus, Krisela! Focus!

"I-I'm really sorry. I am just trying to reminisce the last time that we've been here. Apologies for my rudeness." I responded, then forced a smile at her.

"Anyway, what is it that you wanted to talk about?"

"Ah, I just wanted to check if you're alright. When Lady Catherine said that she wanted to visit you, I also took that chance to personally check if you have indeed returned to Gilead."

She paused for a moment, before proceeding...

"The last time we've been here, you said something that got me worried for several months now. And the fact that I've been hearing these rumors about your sudden disappearance got me more worried about you, your highness."

I wonder what it was that the prince said last time… I wish I would know.

"Well, I do apologize for causing so much worry to you and to everyone else as well. But rest assured, General Rosa, that I will not be going anywhere for now. I'll make it up to my people for my sudden disappearance."

After my last statement, General Rosa still kept her silence and I was suddenly conscious if I am doing this right.

Wahhh! Someone, please save me from this awkward situation!

Heaving out a sigh, I decided to continue.

"And as an ally… I hope our countries continue to have a strong bond with one another as what we've already talked about previously."

That statement surprisingly just popped out of my mind and I suddenly felt the urge to say it out loud.

"Of course, your highness." Finally, General Rosa responded. "As long as I live, our countries remain allies for the years to come."

---

-General Rosa-

Two years ago, the prince and I were standing at the same place as where we are currently standing right now. I can't bring myself to forget his final words before he was rumored missing for a year.

The prince brought me here that day because he has something urgent to say to me.

"I pray that you would look after my country even after I'm gone, General Rosa. Consider that as one of our agreements when we pledged our alliance with one another." the prince said.

His amber eyes are glistening under the afternoon sun, and his lips curved into a meaningful smile… as if he is already bidding his farewell.

"W-where are you going, your highness?" I dared to ask, but the smile on his lips never left his angelic face.

"Somewhere far away." was all he said to me that time, leaving me confused and worried for his welfare at the same time.

Now, back in the present, I was so glad to see the prince in front of me right now in perfect shape.

As Lady Catherine and I went back to our carriage, I took one last glimpse of the prince who walked us outside together with his confidants, who were smiling widely at us.

I don't know why, but I suddenly got this impression that something is not right about him.

Like… something is telling me that the prince, whom we met today, is not the real prince and master wizard of Gilead.