The servants cleaned the corridors as they idly gossip about the vomit incident. The queen had stopped visiting only sending letters inquiring about the prince's health.
Asha smiled at the prospect of not seeing his womb carrier for a while. He had been slowly regaining his strength albeit painfully slow. He had been confined in bed for ten days. Reading books and relaxing was nice but the prince soon got bored of the books.
Sitting at his desk, Asha stared at the journal Emily had given him. He had used it to write a list. The list was filled with places he wanted to visit. They were the places that he'd over heard people talk about during his time at war.
He watched as Emily changed the sheets of his bed; remembering how things have changed since he came back to life. Well, I actually went back in time. Asha made a silent vow to himself "to live". In order to do that he would need to leave the fortress which would be nearly impossible. If he wanted to escape, he'll need an escape plan to leave then he would need a location to go into hiding and to wait for the first prince's arrival. Once he enters the capital he can quietly disappear. The next issue would be money. He could use the jewels or the coins in his treasury but royal coins have a special technique and markings only known to Tristan kingdoms royal goldsmiths. Not only would the coins and jewels be traced it would likely cause problems that could lead up to his capture and forced return. On top of his ever-growing problems was the gift they would never let him leave as long as he had it.
At least I have a way to disguise myself. He was taught how to do this while he was in prison by his brother. He groaned. All these problems amounted to him nearly giving up on his plans entirely.
He suddenly sneezed causing Emily to turn. 'I'm okay Emily it's just a light sneeze.'
Emily nodded but silently draped a large pink scarf over his shoulders. 'Alright but you have to be careful, ok?' she said her face showing visible concern.
Asha smiled. 'I'll be okay … besides it's just a light sneeze. I've gotten a lot better and my fever has gone down-' Asha was interrupted by a light cough.
Emily passed a handkerchief. 'I know but I'm still worried about you. You've been sick for 14 days on top of that you were unconscious for the first two days.'
Emily bit her lip. That's not the only reason. Asha you've changed. I thought that you were just sick but after you woke up it's like you've become a different person. I honestly don't mind but it's still worrisome. I'm glad he no longer longing affection from the royal family I wonder what caused him to change. Maybe ...
Emily gently patted his head. 'Asha what are you doing?'
Asha grinned widely as he pointed towards a part of the map near its center. 'I read that in the Celestia Ka Samrajya, they have a large statue of Celestia. I also read that it was the tallest statue of them that had ever been made. I also read that big gigatants. I want to ride some and also...'
Emily smiled as she watched the prince ramble on about the other places on the map. To Emily he seemed like a happy kitten who had just found something interesting.
Asha after rambling gave a sad smile. 'It's a shame I won't be able to see them ... but I'm trapped in this place.
Emily shared his sentiment. If only he hadn't awakened his gift, then we would be living freely… but when had Asha changed so much. 'The main problem now is that you can't leave the castle without permission and on top of that you can't leave especially with the gift and the prophecy on your back. And we're at war'
An idea flashed through Asha's mind. If I'm dead then no one would look for me. He knew the royal family didn't care about him and are looking for a chance to get rid of him. 'Emily what if I fake my death during the war.'
Emily pondered over the idea. 'It would make things easier for you to escape and with your "death" no one would look for you…. There's just one flaw and that would be your gift and the prophet Richard.'
Asha visibly deflated. Richard was a mighty prophet who had been known far and wide as a powerful seer who could see the future and the past. He could find a way to find him any way he was to run to. He sighed he hadn't thought about that. He was also good at solving crimes and even could talk to the dead. So, he would need to convince the prophet to aid him in his escape.
'I can take care of that later for now ... I need money'
'Money?'
'I can't use Tristan currency especially if I need to fake my death' Asha put his head in his hands 'ugh why is this so difficult'
Emily noticed his distress. Was this really the same prince who would train to the point of exhaustion? Something happened during the time he was unconscious. And to add to her ever-growing worries, he had suddenly developed a fear of the dark which was something he welcomed when he was to sleep.
'Asha' she gently called. Asha raised his head from his hands to look at her. 'There's something wrong, isn't there? … you've become a different person over the course of 2 days and it happened while you were unconscious ....'
Asha flinched and Emily noticed. She knelt down next to him and gently grasped his hands. 'It's alright I'm not angry I'm just worried about you … but could you tell me what happened.'
Asha couldn't look at her. Can I tell her the truth? The reason I changed? the reason I'm trying to escape? How would she react if I told her that I'm the reason why she lost her life?
Emily noticed his avoidance of his gaze followed by an anxious yet tired expression. Asha … what happened? 'It's okay you don't have to say anything you can tell me later' Asha nodded a sign that he had heard her.
'Why don't we go for a walk. You've been cooped up in this room for 14 days and it would be good to get some fresh air'
Asha perked up at the mention of this to Emily she wondered why she had seen him with cat ears.
Emily chuckled 'I'm sure you're excited. But first just make suer your dressed warmly. We don't want you to get sick again, now do we'
Asha smiled. I've been thinking to much and besides I needed a break.
................................................….
After dressing warmly, the walked through the halls with Asha leading in front and Emily not far behind. The servants didn't seem to notice their master while gossiping. Emily was irritated. It seemed that whoever trained these servants needs to be punished. They walked along both annoyed with the servants and their blatant slander and disregard of the prince.
Asha wasn't interested in mild gossip. He had always been the center of them. However, it still bothered him how the servants were the basically arrogant. None of these servants despite working in his castle still couldn't tell the truth when needed. Although he would like to fire every single one of them, he doesn't have the power to do so. And he was planning to leave anyway. But that doesn't mean I'll let it slide.
'You!' Asha stopped and pointed at the maid who was quietly sweeping away from the other servants.
The maid looked up shocked. Trembling, she came forward and bowed to the prince. 'Y-y-yes, your highness'
Asha smiled gently. 'What's your name?
'M-m-misty' she stammered through her thick rural accent. Asha noticed that it seemed that she was 13 or 14
Asha grinned. 'Great then from now on you are now a senior maid in this castle you would be in charge of bringing my meals every morning as well as cleaning my belongings. You are to move to the head staff quarters tomorrow and you would also be trained by miss Lauren is that clear miss misty'
'Yes, your highness'
This left the entire room silent. In order for servants, whether it be a maid or a steward to be promoted to senior rank they have had to be working hard and cross from junior to regular. And they also have to had recognition from the noble they're serving as well as the head maid and head steward of the house or castle. And it takes 10years for the promotion of junior servants. For a junior maid to a senior was unheard of.
'Your highness I must object' an older maid who seemed to be in her early twenties spoke up. She pointed at the young newly appointed senior maid. 'She's to young and it's not fair that us regular servants have to train for ten years before we could even get normal work and wages.'
The prince just sent a chilling glare to the other servants while maintaining a polite smile. 'Well, it seemed that she was doing a good job and having proper manners despite being younger.' Asha gave a puzzled yet innocent look. 'She served me well. Is that not a reason not to promote her?'
The servant's fell silent. The ones who had worked in the fortress knew that this was an insult to them basically saying that they could not do their jobs. Asha found their expressions amusing. They'll lose their jobs anyway once I runaway. But this was fun.
Asha smiled watching the scene and simply walked away with Emily not looking back at the chaos he caused.
................................................….
Emily followed behind Asha amused by the whole scenario. It won't stop the rumors from spreading. She gave a small smile. He's just like her.
'Asha, should we move to the gardens it's nearly summer and the weather is much nicer now.'
Asha nodded. He thought of the young maid he had helped earlier. Her uniform was much dirtier than the others. It seemed that she had been working much more than the others. It seemed more of a case of abusing the fact she was a rural resident. Isn't Emily from a small town far east? He snuck a glance at Emily remembering how his grandmother told him about how other people looked down on her since she was a rural resident as well as an orphan. But with her brilliance she rose to the rank of lady in waiting where she got a title as a baroness. That was around the time the current king took the throne.
'Asha?'
Asha snapped his head towards her. 'Sorry. I was lost in thought.'
Emily nodded. 'Are you alright? It seems those servants don't know what they're doing'
Asha gave a devious grin. 'It seems as though their training is unprogressive. It is a pity that replacement is too much of a hassle. So, instead their seniors should Solely focus on education especially on work ethic and appropriate manners.'
Translation: torture them and you guys should take a break.
Emily gave a strikingly similar smile as the prince. 'Of course, I will personally oversee the castle staff and their lessons we shall make sure that they'll be learning from dusk till dawn.'
Translation: they'll be working and grinding from morning till late at night.
They both shared chilling smiles as they continued to walk. All the gossiping servants got a sudden chill running down their spine.
'Pfft!'
Asha froze. He spun around so fast that he startled Emily.
'What's wrong?' Emily asked.
Asha remained silent. He stared at the glass chandelier hanging from the ceiling. I'm sure I heard laughter… 'Nothing … I thought … I heard something' Asha turned around and continued walking.
Emily looked concerned. 'Should we head back? We could go another day if you're not feeling up to it'
'I'm okay. I just thought I heard something … and no I'm perfectly fine I'm not hallucinating.'
Emily looked shocked 'why would you think I would ask that question my prince that question?'
Asha blinked 'I can never win against you, can I?'
Emily gave a teasing grin. 'Nope'
Asha sighed and pouted as he began to speed up his pace. Emily chuckled as she followed behind him. I don't know what secret he's keeping, but at least he's starting to act like his age.
................................................….
'How did he-'
'I don't know how … he shouldn't have been able to hear us'
The beings went silent.
'What should we do now xxxxxx'
'I don't know. I can't seem to see if this is a good or a bad sign for now, we should watch and see what happens'
'I see. I should go back to xxxx she's probably going to have many questions'
'Alright stay safe and be careful. We cannot let those bastards find out about these two especially those in that fucking council'