"Given the princesss urgent need for my service, I must take my leave, Your Highnesses," Claire said, her voice trembling slightly. With a swift step, she joined Jane and hurriedly left the garden, her heart pounding in her chest. The encounter with Prince Jamie had been too close for comfort, and she feared any further delay would only invite more trouble.
Jane, witnessing the strained expressions on both princes, couldnt help but inquire, "Did I interrupt something? Whats wrong with you two lords..."
"Thank heavens for your quick thinking," Claire said, her mind racing. "Where is the princess?"
"Ah? In the palace..."
Claire bore a striking resemblance to Princess Isabelle, but where Claire was described as beautiful, Isabelle was considered a vision of loveliness, the most stunning in the Phoenix Nation. All who beheld her were left in awe of her breathtaking beauty, a true treasure to the royal family.
Yet...
"Claire! Claire!" The disheveled figure rushed towards Claire as soon as she approached, her hair in disarray, her palace garments torn, and her makeup smeared.
"Princess, Im here, dont fret..." The frantic woman before Claire was none other than Princess Isabelle, the apple of the king and queens eye, the epitome of beauty in the Phoenix Nation. But alas, fate was envious of such perfection, for Isabelle had been born with a childlike mind, her speech and actions akin to that of a three-year-old. Claire had grown up alongside Isabelle, and the princess regarded her with the affection of an elder sister, never wishing to be parted from her side. Thus, the king and queen held Claire in high regard, entrusting her with the management of the Purple Hall.
"Where have you been, Claire? Ive been waiting for you in the palace for so long..." Isabelle nestled into Claires embrace, her voice trembling with emotion.
Claire soothingly patted Isabelles shoulder and whispered, "I went to pick osmanthus flowers for the princess. Didnt you say the other day that you craved something sweet?"
Isabelle remained silent, clinging tightly to Claire, her world revolving solely around her. In her eyes, the palace was a vast place, and Claire was the only one she could rely on.
"I left instructions for you to be well taken care of while the princess was asleep. How did this happen?" Claire scolded the young maidservants attending to Isabelle. She knew Isabelles childlike mind made it difficult for the palace maids to attend to her properly when she was not around.
"Upon your departure, the princess woke up and demanded to see you. We couldnt stop her, and we feared for her safety if we tried to restrain her..."
"Enough, leave us," Claire said, dismissing the maids. "Bring a basin of warm water and fetch the princess a clean garment."
"Yes, maam..."
Claire helped Isabelle back to her chambers, gently cleansing her smudged makeup, combing her hair, and changing her clothes. Staring at their reflections in the bronze mirror, Claire couldnt help but feel a pang of sorrow. Isabelles beauty was undeniable, yet...
"Claire, what shall we do now? Lets go pick more osmanthus flowers!" Isabelles spirits lifted in Claires presence, and she was eager to engage in any activity.
Claire took Isabelles hand and led her outside, smiling, "No more playing today, its time for the study."
"Must we?" Isabelle detested the study, despite her royal status as a princess of the Phoenix Nation. To be illiterate would be a disgrace to the nation. King Edward had arranged for a learned scholar from the Imperial Academy to tutor Isabelle, but her attachment to Claire made her refuse to budge from her side. Eventually, it was decided that Claire would learn first and then teach Isabelle, a slow but effective method.
"Alone without shame in the presence of ones shadow, alone without guilt in ones solitude. Claire, what does alone in the presence of ones shadow mean?" Isabelle asked, holding a scroll of poetry.
Claire glanced at the text and explained, "It means being by oneself."
"By oneself... Are you saying its like me? Everyone ignores me, they all avoid me..." Hearing Isabelles words, Claire felt a sharp pang in her heart. Looking into the princesss forlorn expression, she softly comforted, "But you have me by your side, so how could you be alone?"
"Yes, I have Claire," Isabelle smiled, and in that moment, she noticed the hairpin in Claires chignon. "Claire, that pin in your hair is truly beautiful."
Claire instinctively touched the hairpin and smiled, "Its just a small trinket, a gift from someone."
"Then this person must care for you deeply to give such a lovely gift," Isabelle mused.
Claire smiled but remained silent. Everyone thought Isabelle was simple-minded, but to her, she was just like a child, too innocent for this world.
"Miss Claire, please step outside for a moment," a voice called from outside the door. It was Uncle Matthew, a eunuch who served in the Chengqian Hall.
Claire put down the poetry scroll and walked out of the room.
She was greeted by the king of the Phoenix Nation in a side chamber. Unaware of the kings presence, Claire immediately knelt to pay her respects, "I did not know Your Majesty was here, I beg your forgiveness."
"Rise, I purposely kept my visit discreet, knowing you understand protocol and wont blame me," King Edward said.
"Yes, Your Majesty. How may I serve you?" Claire asked, her head bowed in respect.
King Edward picked up his teacup, contemplating taking a sip before setting it back down. He spoke slowly, "The western border is plagued by continuous warfare, causing much suffering among the people. I intend to propose a peace marriage to alleviate the conflict. Peace between our nations would be a blessing, but you know about Princess Isabelles condition..."
His words hung in the air, and Claire, being astute, understood the kings implication. "Your Majesty, you mean for me to accompany the princess on this journey?"
"Accompany the princess and see her off on her journey," King Edward confirmed.
To leave with Princess Isabelle to Summerland was akin to receiving a banishment decree, signifying that Claire would never be allowed to return to the Phoenix Nation, destined to live out her days in Summerland, far from home.
Claire hesitated, thinking of the one she cherished, not wanting to leave...
"I understand your reluctance, and I acknowledge the injustice in asking this of you. Take your time to consider it, and rest assured, you will be well taken care of," King Edward offered.
Claire bowed her head in gratitude, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
As King Edward rose to leave, he caught sight of the begonia emerald jade hairpin in Claires chignon. His brow furrowed slightly, and he inquired, "Claire, youre not young anymore. Is there someone who has captured your heart?"
Claires heart skipped a beat. If the king were to discover her relationship with Edward...
"No, Your Majesty, I have no one in my heart," Claire replied, her voice steady despite her racing thoughts.
King Edward gave her a meaningful look before taking his leave. Lost in thoughts about the kings request for her to accompany the princess, Claire paid little attention to the deeper meaning behind the kings words.