บท 32: Sound of Silence

The sun shone in the sky as everyone got ready to move places.

Sir Kit stood beside Princess Eleanor as he waited for her order.

They haven't talked a lot yet yesterday and since the morning there was only the sound of silence between them.

"Don't you have anything to talk about?" Princess Eleanor asked as she looked back at Sir Kit, who shook his head in confidence.

"No Princess, there is nothing to ask." Sir Kit's tone was filled with confidence.

Princess Eleanor could not help but sigh. It was just in the morning that she had seen her eyes filled with water. She knew that she might have had a nightmare at night that she could not remember.

When Princess Eleanor woke up she asked Nia who had confirmed what had happened. Princess Eleanor was grateful that she had someone who was there for her. Noia came in time and relieved her. But what surprised the Princess was Sir Kit's indifferent behavior.

Princess Eleanor was expecting to hear a few words since morning, asking her about her situation but Sir Kit stood beside her like a knight. Even now when she asked him directly, the man did not reply.

"Why has Sir Kit been following me since morning?" Princess Eleanor asked as she took a deep breath to calm herself but the effect did not last long. As soon as the words were said Sir Kit replied.

"I am your escort. Wasn't it Princess Eleanor who wanted me to protect her all the time?"

Princess Eleanor's lips twitched as she repeatedly told herself. 'Sir Kit is a good man. I cannot kill him. Definitely not kill him.'

Princess Eleanor endorsed her discomfort as she looked at Lady Gisella who walked toward the Princess with a smile. But Princess ELenoar could see that Lady Gisella's eyes moved towards Sir Kit from time to time.

'Does Kady Gisella want to talk with Sir Kit?' Princess Eleanor wondered. She was sure that Lady Gisella did not find her of good character. The Lady initially doubted the Princess of having an affair with Duke Felix and now she might be afraid that Sir Kit would be entangled in an unwanted rumor with the Princess.

Princess Eleanor smiled as she maintained the smile on her face. "Lady Gisella looks healthy now. Has the medicine worked?"

Princess Eleanor's voice was soft and tender. Although she asked as if she cared for the Lady, the question was directed towards her lady in waiting, Nia.

"I have recovered. Thank you for allowing your lady in waiting to take care of me." Lady Gisella said. Her eyes stared at Princess Eleanor as she continued, "As my health is good, I would like to return to my carriage."

Huh?" Princess Eleanor raised her eyebrows. "Lady Gisella wants to return to her carriage. But I am afraid the Lady will feel uncomfortable during the journey. Why don't you travel in my carriage? It is large and will give you enough space to rest as well."

Lady Gisella shook her head as her eyes were filled with determination. "I am honored that the Princess is so concerned about me but I would like to return."

Princess Eleanor understood the stubbornness in Lady Gisella's tone. She was sure that no matter what she said, Lady Gisella would not listen to it.

Princess Eleanor sighs as she says to Nia. "Make sure that Lady Gisella is not uncomfortable in the remaining journey."

Nia nodded her head. She had understood since yesterday that Princess Eleanor wanted her to stay near Lady Gisella. Although Nia did not know the reason for this nor could she understand it, she agreed without any opinion.

But Lady Gisella did not want to give Princess Eleanor any more chance to stay with Sir Kit. Although she sympathized with her bit Lady Gisella was also aware that the Princess was a candidate for the Crown Princess. The temple would not be happy if they knew that one of their prospective saviors had a questionable relationship with a knight.

Lady Gisella did not want to say anymore. She trusted that there would never be anything going on between the two but rumors do not take much time to destroy a well-built reputation. Just a few words and an earned reputation is ruined.

Lady Gisella took a step forward but before she could say her opinion, she heard Sir Kit's voice. "Everything is arranged. Lady Gisella should have a seat first. We are about to leave."

Sir Kit did not say another word but his eyes looked at Lady Gisella before he turned towards the Princess. There was a slight warning in his gaze that made Lady Gisella swallow hard.

"Princess, shall we." Sir Kit asked to which Princess Eleanor nodded. She had no opinion on this. She felt secure when Sir Kit was with her. After all, seeing the unsatisfied gaze of the knights from the Angevin Kingdom, Princess Eleanor was a little frightened.

The journey went smooth and no one talked. Princess Eleanor looked outside the carriage from time to time. Although her carriage was big, seeing Sir Kit sitting in front of her, Princess Eleanor felt like it was still small. The air between them was awkward as no one said anything at this point. Only silence remained.

Princess Eleanor could not take it anymore. She did not know how much time had passed but she was getting frustrated by the quietness.

"Sir Kit sure is heartless. A true knight of the Roulux Empire." Princess Eleanor complained. Her eyes were staring at the man whose face was covered with the mask.

Sir kit raised his eyes in confusion, "I don't understand what Princess Eleanor is trying to get at."

"You don't …" Before Princess Eleanor could understand what was going on the carriage stopped abruptly. Her body moved as she tried to stabilize herself, but Sir Kit was faster. His hand held Princess Eleanor by the shoulder and supported her. "What is happening?" Princess Eleanor murmured.

"STAY ALERT. WE ARE UNDER ATTACK."