THE Knight’s Hidden Princess

I spent the rest of the day locked up in my room where I had servants secretly attend to my wounds. Luckily, there was a salve that we use. It was very scarce and only available to royals and according to rumors it was made from a mermaid tears which had the ability to heal. It was also believed that the raw tears of a mermaid has the ability to also bring a person back to life.

It was ridiculously expensive which is why only the royals could afford it and it was also scarce. The salve covered up my wounds perfectly, after a week, the scars become faint and after a few days, it was almost like it was never there. This was how my father chooses to use something as precious as tears of a mermaid, to cover up his evil acts.

Madam Heidi stayed behind to oversee the whole process. She's been my mistress ever since I've been born. Teaching me ways on how to be a proper lady, taking care of my needs by day while tending to that of my father's by night. Ever since the death of my mother, she's been prancing around, hoping my father would elevate her status from ordinary nanny to an official concubine, but that didn't work in her favor.

That was honestly the best and smartest decision my father has ever made in his life and hopefully it stays that way. I packed my bags quietly, taking small steps while being careful not to strain the stitches on my legs.

The door opened and Reagan came inside, just as I was shoving my clothes inside my bag. He shut the door not saying anything to me, simply standing there to assess me with his dark eyes and did I mention that I found that action of his to be infuriating?

"Your father seemed pleased with Miguel's ideas." Reagan finally spoke.

I didn't bother to look at him and just focused on packing the last bit of my clothes in my trunk. "Good." Came my response.

"His ideas were actually surprisingly good." Reagan said, "Meet with the head of the rebels, speak to him like an equal, no status required and offer him not money but enough supplies to last them because offering them money would look like you were bribing them and that would mean utter disrespect to them."

I hummed while nodding my head, appearing intrigued. "A brilliant idea, is it not?"

A scoff came from the corner of the room, "Brilliant indeed, except I know my brother well enough to know he couldn't come up with ideas like that." Reagan said and I couldn't help but glance up at him.

"Well, aren't you glad he finally did?"

Reagan arched a brow up at him, "His original plan was to request for four thousand gold pieces but he changed all of a sudden, coming up with idea that made your father proud and even acknowledge him. Bjorn also seemed a little impressed with him."

Heaving out a sigh, I stared at Reagan. "What are you getting at?"

"You know damn well what I'm getting at." Reagan hissed through his teeth as he walked closer towards me, "You slipped something into Miguel's hands this afternoon, before your father summoned us."

I swallowed knowing fully well what he was talking about. Immediately after my punishment, I had moved to the dresser, bringing out my quill and a parchment while scribbling out quick ideas. I went out and intercepted Miguel before he could head to the throne room where the meeting would be head.

Miguel had been so sure his plan of getting my father to give him the gold coins would work but I grabbed him by his hand, squeezing it tightly while whispering furiously that for once in his goddamn life he should his brain and that if he ever had any plans of desiring to be a lord in my father's court, he was going to use this.

I had been so certain no one had seen me, but it would seem that nothing gets past Reagan. Still, I feigned ignorance. "I have no idea what you were talking about. I've been in my room all day just like I was supposed to my lord."

Reagan narrowed his eyes at me, "Are you okay?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?"

His gaze assessed my face, then his gaze dropped lower to my body. "You look a little pale, but it must be the lighting in the room."

"Of course my lord." I said through a tight strained smile, "The lighting." Doesn't have anything to do with the fact that my legs were actually killing me.

"The carriage is ready, if we leave now, we will get back home by dawn." Reagan stated and without another word, he turned to leave shutting the door firmly behind him.

It was only when he left did I finally collapse down on the bed. I hiked my gown up, wincing a little when I saw the slight tear in one of my stitches. Mentally cursing myself, I drew open the drawers and picked up the salve inside of it. I applied a generous amount on my leg, wincing a little when it burns. It was almost like adding salt to a wound, but the pain was gone almost immediately.

When I was done, I grabbed the salve and threw it in my trunk, I stepped outside while signaling the maids to get my trunk. I walked downstairs only to meet my Bjorn and his wife waiting downstairs.

I stepped forward, curtsying a little bit while putting extra care in not resting my weight on my leg. "Your highness."

"We missed you throughout today." Bjorn said, "Are you okay?

A slight smile graced my lips, and I opened my mouth to answer but Reagan beat me to it. "That would be my doing, Your Grace," He declared, stepping boldly forward. His deep voice carried an air of shameless confidence, drawing every gaze toward him. He turned his head slightly, meeting my gaze with a look so daring it made my pulse quicken. "I fear I am to blame for the princess's weariness," he continued, his tone equal parts charm and impudence. "I could not allow her the rest she deserved, for she proved far too irresistible to me."

Fucking bastard_

Bjorn rolled his eyes at the same time Amelia released a sigh, "Thank you for that information Reagan."

"You are welcome." Reagan returned with a smile, except he was staring at me.

I forced myself to smile through the whole thing while committing hundred murders in my head and each time the victim was Reagan. My brother suddenly heaved out a sigh and I turned to look at him.

"The children will miss you, you couldn't say hi to them." Bjorn said.

Right, my nephews, Asher and Elliot! "I will be seeing them some other time." I said, "But do well to give them my regards."

Bjorn nodded his head at me, then he stared at me for a minute not saying anything. Then before I knew it, he was dragging me for a hug. I was a little surprised at the movement and my gaze darted around, hoping any of the servants weren't watching. But they weren't they all looked away, averting their gazes away from us.

"Bjorn…" I whispered, awkwardly hugging him back.

"I'm sorry." He whispered in my ears, his voice carrying a tinge of guilt, "I'm so sorry." He responded in that broken voice and all I could do was just stand there. The only thought that also echoed in my mind was that…

He knows! He knows everything!

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