Chapter 5 04 - Ability for Escape

Trisya bowed her head. Trying to focus on the sumptuous meal that was now in front of her. This morning, the atmosphere at the dining table did look so special. A variety of luxurious and delicious food was served in a classy arrangement. This must all be for the sake of welcoming the Prince.

"You seem to be enjoying your meal. So I conclude, you have recovered," said the Prince which made Trisya look up. The girl did not dare to look at the Prince for long. She was afraid of being captivated by the look of the man she was supposed to avoid.

"Trisya, say something to the Prince! You've been silent for so long. You're not sick, are you?" admonished her father - Duke Gerald.

"As you can see, Price," Trisya said as politely as she could. Indeed, what else could she say?

However, it seemed like her words just now were still considered a mistake by everyone there. It was evident from how they were all united in making the atmosphere even more awkward as soon as Trisya finished saying her words.

Trisya looked at each person there except Prince Terry. Realizing that the atmosphere was becoming uncomfortable, she then cleared her throat, making the Duke sharpen his eyes even more.

"Trisya, are you unwell, my daughter?" asked Duchess Amara.

"I..." Instantly Trisya's gaze met the dark bead that was glaring strangely at her - Prince Terry. 'Why is he looking at me like that? Is he blatantly showing his dislike for me or what?'

"I- I mean I'm fine, Mom. But if you allow me, after breakfast, can I just retire to my room? Maybe I really need more rest," Trisya replied.

"Trisya, His Majesty has come to see you. And wasn't your condition better from yesterday?" continued Darian. Trisya must remember. Apart from being her brother, Darian was also one of the closest people to Prince Terry. For this reason, she could not fully rely on her brother.

"I am fine. If you don't have time to talk to me, I can still go around the Lovatta residence to pass the time until it's time for me to return to the palace," Prince Terry continued.

'Oh dear. Why doesn't he just go straight home?" Trisya complained to herself.

Although Prince Terry had an extraordinarily handsome face surpassing the members of Trisya's favorite Korean boy band, but still that person was destined to be Trisya's real angel of death in the novel. So as much as possible, it would be better if Trisya tried to avoid that bad fate if she didn't want her second life to end tragically.

'Oke, after I tragically died as Milla, falling from a building while trying to break up a fight with my friend, here I still have to die ridiculously at the hands of a man who is my fiancé?' Trisya thought.

Trisya shook her head. After that, she accelerated her eating. Although she couldn't leave before the other members finished, at least she could say goodbye immediately before anyone interrupted her later.

"I'm so sorry, Your Highness, Dad, Mom, my brother, but can I go to my room now?" Trisya excused herself.

"If you are sick, you can immediately ask Layla to prepare your medicine, Trisya. But certainly you can't just leave today, because here is His Royal Highness the Prince who came especially for you," explained the Duke.

"Eh?" Trisya was about to protest. However, her voice was already muffled by Prince Terry's voice.

"It's alright, Duke. For now, Lady Trisya's health comes first. I don't want my arrival here to only make her situation worse," Prince Terry continued.

Trisya nodded her head. It was only right that Prince Terry helped Trisya to escape this situation. After all, the man wouldn't want to spend time with Trisya either, right? 'Same. I also don't want to talk to you for too long. I'm afraid I'll lose my mind,' Trisya cried inwardly.

"So, I can go straight to my room, right?" asked Trisya impatiently.

"Let me take you, Lady," said Prince Terry which made Trisya's eyes bulge.

"Uh, no need," Trisya refused with a forced smile. Realizing her words seemed too casual, Trisya quickly corrected herself, "I- I mean, you don't have to escort me, Your Highness. Don't you want to go around? Then it's better if you go around immediately accompanied by my brother," Trisya suggested.

"Hm. And we can start the tour from Lady Trisya's room, right, Darian?" asked Prince Terry.

"Huh?!" gasped Trisya. Didn't she hear wrong? What exactly was the handsome prince up to? Why this sudden 'kindness' and 'care' to Trisya?

"Of course, Your Highness," Darian replied. Trisya gawked at the people at the table one by one, and ended up with a glare that she threw at her brother. 'You're not reliable at all!'

"In that case, please, enjoy your time here well, Prince! And if you need anything, don't hesitate to tell me or Darian directly. We will always try to provide the best service while Your Majesty is here," the Duke said in response.

"Thank you, Duke. Then, please excuse me. Come on, Lady Trisya! Come on, Darian!" said Prince Terry, inviting the siblings to join him.

Trisya chose to walk behind Prince Terry. She looked down awkwardly with her heart still in her throat. "Lady, is it okay?" whispered Layla.

"I just want to get to my room soon, Layla," Trisya replied.

"Lady Trisya," Prince Terry called out.

"Yes, Prince?"

"Why have you been silent all this time? Are you sick?" asked Prince Terry as he turned his head.

"Yeah, Trisya. You look different today. Are you sure we don't need to call a physician?" continued Darian. Trisya just rolled her eyes lazily.

"Walk here, Trisya! Not in the back like that. You'll find out too late if you faint." Darian led Trisya to walk beside Prince Terry. Darian held her sister's arm - always trying to make sure that Trisya would not suddenly collapse unconscious on the road.

"I'm fine, Darian" said Trisya who was getting annoyed with her brother's treatment.

"I just want to take care of you," Darian replied. Finally, Trisya could only surrender, letting her brother lead her like a sick person.

Arriving at the door of the room, Prince Terry turned his body to face Trisya causing the Lady Lovatta to raise her eyebrows. "You don't intend to come inside, do you? I know you're a prince - even the crown prince in this kingdom. But it's not nice for a man to just walk into a woman's room, without any relationship between them," Trisya ranted.

Darian chose to remain silent, as long as what his sister said was not wrong. He was worried that his fragile sister would get hurt if he engaged her in an argument now.

"I can wait for Darian here. Let him escort you in and make sure you are well rested first," Prince Terry said.

'Well, how come it's good?' Trisya thought. As Trisya recalled, Prince Terry in the novel had always been cold to Trisya, who knows when.

Trisya turned to her brother, and Darian nodded his head, indicating that he also wanted to escort Trisya inside.

"Okay. Then, please excuse me, Your Majesty. Once again, I apologize for not being able to accompany you longer, even though you have taken your precious time to visit me," Trisya said half-sincerely.

"No problem. There will be another time," Prince Terry replied.

Didn't Trisya hear it wrong? Another time? Who would still want to meet that man after this? If possible, Trisya wanted to run away immediately. Live in a city far away from the palace so that she could never see Prince Terry again. But unfortunately Trisya couldn't do that, because it would be very difficult for her to get permission from the Duke, considering she was the youngest daughter of a high-class nobleman here.

"Are you daydreaming? I'm getting more and more convinced that you're not okay," Darian commented as he helped Trisya lie down on her bed.

"What's wrong with me? I'm fine. I just want to rest, Darian," Trisya replied.

"No way. Even if you have a high fever, I'm sure you won't waste this golden opportunity. The Prince is here, Trisya. Isn't that what you wanted? And I've managed to bring him here for you. But why won't you accompany him?" probed Darian.

Trisya cast a deadly glare - a pitying one. Darian could only let out a long sigh. "I'm just worried that something has shifted in your head. You're very strange, Trisya. You're not usually like this to the Prince," explained Darian who immediately changed his tone to be more subtle so that Trisya would not take offense.

"Trisya, the Prince must be waiting for you right now. So, can-"

"Okay, okay. I know you're trying to get rid of me right now. Whatever. But, I think you really need to rest, Trisya. So, rest well! I'll be back when I have time," Darian said as he rubbed the top of Trisya's head.

Trisya just nodded her head. After that, the man went out to go back to the prince who was waiting outside.

"Did you make sure she will rest?" asked Prince Terry.

"I have, Your Highness."

"Are you sure she doesn't need a physician?" asked Prince Terry again.

"I don't think so. It would be best if she rests completely for now. And the arrival of a physician might just disturb her," Darian replied.

Prince Terry stared at the door of Trisya's room which had closed again. For some reason, there was something nagging at his heart. Was it just a feeling, or was there something strange about the girl? 'She is very different from the Trisya I saw last time. This isn't one of the signs of an imminent death, is it?'

Prince Terry recalled his grandmother's words when he was a child. His grandmother - the late Queen Mother had said that people sometimes behave strangely when they are near death. Actually, Prince Terry didn't care much for Trisya. But, imagining such a young girl being so close to death, it was enough to make him cringe.