"Nate, any more running and this training will do me more harm than good." I panted. It was 6am. Freaking 6 AM! I want to sleep more instead of running for who knows how many laps already.
Nate slowed down a bit and was running backwards to face me. He wasn't even breaking a sweat. He simply gave me a teasing grin. "Rose, you do know that you only did 5 laps, right?"
"Only...five you say?" I glared at him despite how tired I was. "You're saying that as if running five laps is normal."
"It is."
"Admit it, Nate. You're just here to torture me."
"You should be thankful that I volunteered for you. Aside from Ren, who is currently busy with planning his twins' farewell party, there is PRINCE Ace you know. Or would you like for me to call him instead to train you?"
"Oh my! The weather is too great to sleep in. Nate, let us jog some more!" I suddenly felt motivated to run after picturing what kind of torturous training I would get if this bloodsucker decides to call the demon lord. Custard, who was running beside me, whimpered in protest.
In the end, we did 3 more rounds before Nate realized how tired I was. He accompanied me under one of the trees where a picnic blanket and basket was prepared. "Here, drink." He handed me a cup filled with water. I took it and drank it greedily. I coughed when the water went down the wrong pipe.
"And that is why you should drink in sips especially when you are tired." He gave me an amused look as he handed me a napkin. I didn't respond as I took the napkin and wiped my mouth. I watched as Nate took a bowl from the basket and filled it with water for Custard. Custard wasted no time as he greedily drank. "Just like your master." Nate chuckled and I was surprised to see him petting Custard affectionately. Custard stopped drinking his water and stared at Nate's hand. I could just picture the look of surprise on my face when Custard licked his hand affectionately.
"What kind of drug did you feed him? Fess up, Nate."
"How rude. I love animals. You see that my horse is always in a good condition. Even Cloud."
My gaze wandered to the castle. I sighed. "It doesn't seem real."
"What do you mean?"
"Dan. Leaving." I shifted from my sitting position. "I mean isn't it going too fast?"
"Well from what I have heard, it's long overdue. Plus they are mates. It's their tradition."
"It's kind of sad not having him around."
"Peace and quiet for me." Nate mumbled. I reached over and hit him. "I'm kidding! We still have the other twin, who's equally annoying."
I laughed. "Be honest, Nate. You still can't tell them apart."
"How can I even do that when they do their best to confuse everyone? Are we even sure that Dan is leaving and not Ren? Or is Daniel actually Ren? Or Ren is Dan, who is pretending to be Dan? Or-"
Before he could continue, I shoved a sandwich to his mouth. "Just stop talking before you also confuse me?" He nodded and started eating the sandwich.
I got up and dusted my pants. "I think I should go now since we're done with the morning training. I want to help with the party. It's the least I could do for Dan."
Nate nodded. "I'll go too, after cleaning up. See you there." He waved.
I smiled and gestured for Custard to follow as we both made our way to the castle. As soon as I entered my room, the maids hurried and helped me clean up. The bath felt really good as it washed away all of the fatigue and sweat from my body. Once I was done, I picked a light blue dress, perfect for a casual party. It was a sleeveless dress with it's strap made of soft ruffles. The dress doesn't have a corset, but it showed off my curves. For the shoes I wore some short heels since they would be covered with the dress anyway and the queen can't see them.
The maids helped by tying my hair up in a side ponytail with some side braids. Little flower ornaments decorated all around the braids.
"Oh no. No make up." I moved back when I saw one of the maids holding a powder cushion.
"Princess, I'll just put some on your nose since you tend to get oily on that part."
I gasped and covered my nose. "Way to point out my insecurity." I mumbled.
"And since you have no sleeve to rub your nose on, then your nose will remain shiny for the rest of the day."
My jaw dropped. "How and where have you been observing me!?"
"I would also recommend applying some tint and balm on your lips so you would avoid licking them at the sight of food."
"How are you-"
"We should also-"
"Okay fine!" I cut her off before the other maids hear what she has to say. Though I have no idea if the others knew about it or not, it makes me feel embarrassed. Maybe I should lay low for a while.
I let the maid do as she pleased but made sure that she didn't go crazy and start putting some heaving stuff on my face.
Once I was done, I headed to the ballroom where the farewell party for Dan will be held. It was a small party just for us, since we couldn't do a proper one because of the limited amount of time. The ballroom itself was beautifully decorated. There was a space in between and rows of long tables with pastel pink and white table cloths were lined. Pastel blue and purple cloths were hung from column to column adorned with flowers.
Custard saw the setup and yipped happily and ran around to check the room.
So much for a simple party.
I saw Ren standing by one of the tables set up. I headed over to him to see what he was looking at.
"Hey." I greeted him.
Ren suddenly stiffened up. He turned around and bumped the table and cursed. "H-hey! I didn't notice you were already here." He smiled.
"I thought I should come early and help you with the preparation, but I think you had it all figured out. Great job by the way." I nodded in approval at the tables full of colorful desserts, which all seemed to look like flowers with pastel colors. "If you don't mind me asking, does Dan or Liliana into pastel colors and......flowers?" I asked as I took note of the theme in the room.
Ren sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "About that. While I was preparing for a more simple layout, a certain PRINCE told me that it is too plain and he would help out."
I stared at Ren. Something about the way of him saying PRINCE gave me a hint of who it was, but that character of him helping out seemed too unreal. "Is it prince Fred?" I said hopefully.
Ren's face darkened for a second before he bit his lips. "No."
"Prince Nate?"
"He was out training with you."
"It can't be prince Dan. And PRINCE Ace is too prideful to help out."
"What are you doing here?"
I let out a loud and unattractive gasp when I heard his voice behind me. I turned around to see Ace glaring. "Why do you always do that!?"
"I have no time for a stupid plebian like you. Move." He moved past me and headed for the maids who were busy decorating.
"More flowers! Bring in every kind. Light colors are better. If I see anyone putting flowers with colors that don't match the theme, then I would feed it to you!" The maids trembled in fear as they continued to work. Ace kept on barking orders at them.
I leaned in to Ren and whispered. "Is it me or is he taking this a little serious?"
"It makes me wonder who Dan's actual brother is. I mean, he puts more effort into this than I do."
"Maybe he saw your hosting skills as lacking."
"Hey!"
"You two!" Ren and I flinched when Ace turned his attention to us. "If you guys are not going to help, then get lost. This place needs to be perfect!"
"We'll help!" Ren and I said at the same time. Even though Ace scared the hell out of me, I still want to take part in this for Dan. I don't want to send him off without doing anything after all.
A small movement by the north entrance caught my eye. It was Nate coming in. He stopped as soon as he saw that it was Ace who was in charge. Very carefully, he turned around and quietly made his move to leave. The coward!
"Hey, Nate. You're finally here to help!" I yelled and Ace immediately turned and spotted him. Nate flinched and glared at me. I grinned and waved at him.
"You. Hurry up and get in here. You and the mutt will be in charge of the cutleries. As for the stupid female over there, help the maids with flower arrangements."
I wanna argue and make a comment about him calling me stupid, but seeing as though he is in a foul mood right now, I think it won't be a good idea. Besides, this party is for Dan.