Chapter 45- Palace

(SAGE P.O.V)

When it became morning, Rosie and I were still suffering from our mothers' crazy attempts to keep us alert. Today was the day, I'll be going to the palace for the tea party. After breakfast, Nashi and Duke Vernon gave us Intel about the rest of the noblewomen who would also be attending the party. I was a little relieved to know that more people were coming. I was still feeling skeptical about going to the palace, when the king is around, it made me a little nervous.

There were still three hours until It was time for me to leave. I sat in the chair while one of the maids did my hair, and the other was doing my nails.

"What do you think about this necklace?"the maid asked, while showing me different types of jewelry.

Lately, after Nashi and I relationship became known to the staff. Some of them became closer to me, while the others seemed a little hesitant.

I couldn't blame them though, having an exiled prince and his fugitive family inside the villa would make anyone nervous as well.

"It's pretty", I said looking at the diamond necklace.

"I think it'll go with your dress really well", she said, in a genuine tone.

"Lacy", I said, calling the maids' name. I decided to learn the names of the maids who were close to me.

"Yes My Lady", she answered.

"Would you like to come with me to the palace?"I could really use another maid", I asked.

Her face brightened and she nodded her head, "I would love to accompany you Lady Sage", she said.

After my make up was done, the maids helped me get dressed. I'm still not used to the whole nobility dress code. I wore a very elegant light blue dress, and a diamond necklace and earrings.

"Are you ready yet?"I heard Rosie ask as she opened the door.

"Almost", I replied.

Rosie walked over and stood on the side of me.

"Wow Sage you're looking more and more like a noble everyday", she said.

"We're done now Lady Sage", the maid said.

They helped stand up and Rosie held my hand as I walked over to the mirror.

"Wow", I said, looking at myself.

(PRINCE MOISES P.O.V)

I sat inside the office with Duke Vernon and Nashi. We were going over some information that Nashi had collected during his meetings with the neutral parties. Since they were once my subordinates, I wonder how they would react to me joining the rebellion.

"How about contacting Marquise Lombard, I'm sure he would lend us some of his knights", Nashi said.

I placed my hand on my chin while thinking about it.

"How about setting up a meeting, I'm sure he'll be surprised once he sees me", I said.

"Okay, I'll contact him, now we just have to focus on the meeting with Count Vaughan and Viscount Podgorica." Duke Vernon.

"Okay, sounds good", I said.

I look at the time and realize it was about time for Sage to leave for the tea party. I'm sure she will be fine since I told Hannah to watch over her. The problem is my father. He usually doesn't visit the tea parties but he still shouldn't be underestimated.

"I need to go see my daughters off", I said, while getting out of my seat.

Nashi got up as well and followed behind me. We walked down the hallway and I could tell he wanted to say something.

"What is it?", I said, looking towards him.

He laughed nervously.

"Sorry your highness, I'm still amazed you allowed me to be with Princess Sage", he said.

"You're a decent man, and have a wonderful family. I'm sure you'll treat my daughter well if you love your life that is.", I said in a serious tone.

"Yes, I'll do my best to protect her", he said.

I continued to look at him, "That isn't all you wanted to ask right?", I asked, seeing the concern look on his face.

He sighed, "I'm just worried about her being in the palace", he said.

I stopped walking for a second and stood in front of him

"Sage is stronger than you think and will have some people to support her. I'm sure my mother will protect her", I said.

I turned around and continued to walk towards the dressing room. When I got closer, I saw Sage, Rosemary and Natalie talking in the hallway. I don't want any of them involved in this situation, but I know my girls are strong.

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"Sage you look beautiful sweetie", I said, as I walked up to them.

"Thank you father", she said, while smiling.

I looked over at Rosemary and Natalie, "Are you two getting ready to leave as well?", I asked.

Natalie nodded her head, "Yes, once we get there, we plan to disguise ourselves as maids again" She replied.

I walked up to Natalie and kissed her on her cheek. I went over to Rosemary and kissed her on the forehead.

"Please be careful", I said, looking at them.

I looked over at Sage and placed my hand on top of her head. I leaned down and kissed her forehead as well.

"Stay safe and be cautious no matter what", I said.

She nodded her head and I reached up my arm.

"May I escort you my dear," I said looking at Sage.

She smiled, she nodded her head and grabbed ahold of my arm. I walked her down the stairs, while everyone else followed behind. When we made it to the front door of the villa. Sylvester, Asiana and another maid were standing there waiting. I escorted Sage to the car.

"I'll allow you to hug my daughter", I said and looked over at Nashi.

Nashi walked over and hugged Sage. When he kissed her, I balled my fist up. I still have to get used to all the skinskip these two bastards keep doing with my daughters.

Sylvester got into the driver seat while Asiana and Lacy helped Sage into the car and started to drive off. After that Natalie and Rosemary were also getting ready to leave.

"Try to contact me once you get there", I said, while they were getting into the car.

After they left, Nashi, Yeshiva and I walked back into the villa.

(ROSEMARY P.O.V)

Mother and I were headed towards the eastern region of the kingdom. After finding out the Count moved there after the fire. I still was worried about Sage going to the palace. While thinking to myself, my mother handed me a file as she was driving.

"I need you to study this map while I drive.", she said.

I looked at the file and inside had a map of the eastern part of the kingdom.

"The whole map?", I asked curiously.

"Do you see where the x is?", she asked.

I looked closely and saw different places marked with an x. One section was a town with mountains surrounding it, while the other looked to be an estate.

"is this the Count estate?", I asked.

"Yes, and he's the lord over the town of Lonsdale, we can tour the town and possibly find some useful information", she replied.

"How long until we get there?", I asked

"About seven hours", she answered.

I sighed, what a long drive, I thought to myself.

I studied the map for over three hours as we continued to travel towards the eastern side. After I remembered the entire map, I moved on to the other documents, it about the people who work under the Count. I was honestly amazed that Sylvester had collected all this information in such a short time.

"I wonder how your sister is making out, she should be approaching the palace soon", mother said.

"Do you think she would be okay?", I asked.

"I'm sure Sylvester and Asiana will do the best they can to protect her, but if anything goes astray Sage can handle herself", mother said.

I nodded my head, with all the recent training we've been doing. Sage has become more confident and stronger. After all the combat and swordsmanship sparring we did, I'm sure she will be fine, I thought to myself.

(SAGE P.O.V)

We had another hour until we reached the palace. My nerves were getting the best of me internally. I kept my composure and hoped Sylvester and Asiana wouldn't notice.

"Do you know any of the women who would be attending?", I asked, looking at Asiana.

"I'm not sure about all of them, but I know Lady Nidia will be there," she replied.

"Who's that?", I asked.

"She's from another Duke family and is obsessed with Sylvester", she answered.

"Please don't mention her, that chick is a stalker", Sylvester said, as he sounded frustrated.

Asiana started to laugh and I giggled a little.

An hour passed, and we finally made it to the palace gate. I showed the guard my invitation and he nodded his head and turned to the other guard and the gate started to open.

"Enjoy the tea party Lady Sage '', he said, as we started to drive through the entrance. I looked around and saw other women walking into the palace.

"Once we get out of the car, you have to behave like a noble, even if other women try to disrespect you", Asiana said.

I nodded and Sylvester got out of the car and opened the door to escort me. Asiana and Lacy walked behind us, and the moment we entered the palace, And Asiana started to act like an actual maid with her gestures.

When we entered the palace a guard came up and gestured for us to follow behind him. After a couple minutes of walking, we entered an indoor garden, and continued to walk until we reached the area where the tea party was taking place.

"The Queen will arrive shortly", the guard said.

He gestured for Asiana and Lacy to follow him to where the rest of the servants were waiting. While Sylvester went inside of the palace.

I sat at one of the tables and there were three young ladies around my age. I greeted them and only one greeted me back while the other two clearly showed disdain.

"Aren't you the commoner that was young duke Nashi date for the ball?", one of the two ladies asked. She was caramel skinned with short straight black hair and dark blue eyes.

"To correct you, I'm Nashi fiance", I said as I sat down in my chair.

"I'm surprised the young duke would lower his standard for a lowborn", she said as she scoffed.

"Why should I explain myself to someone who hasn't even introduced herself." I said.

She started to glare at me.

"You can call Lady Nidia, it's a pleasure for you to meet me", she said in an arrogant tone.

Ah, the stalker, I thought to myself.

Before I could say anything to her, the queen walked into the garden and princess Kalia walked beside her. Everyone got up to bow and greet them.

What happened next surprised me, the queen gestured for me to come over and I could hear the other women whispering.

"I would like to introduce someone to you all", The Queen said.

She gestured for me to stand beside her, opposite of princess Kalia.

"I would like to introduce my oldest granddaughter Princess Sage, she's the daughter of my son Prince Moises", she said as she introduced me.

I heard the other women gasp, and I looked over to the woman who insulted me and saw her face had turned pale from shock.

"Wasn't her father exiled, why is she here?", I heard them whispering.

I looked over to the Queen and she looked at me.

"I know you're wondering why I introduced you", she said.

I nodded my head, "I wasn't expecting to be introduced as your granddaughter, after all I disguised myself.

She gave me a warm look, "I'll explain in due time, for now let's enjoy some tea." Queen Malaysia said.

She gestured for me to sit next to her and Princess Kalia. When I sat next to Princess Kalia I could feel the women staring at me the whole time. Once the tea party ended, the women started to leave.

The Queen, princess Kalia and I remained sitting inside the garden.

"Your majesty, why did you introduce me as your granddaughter, when the king is looking for me?", I asked curiously, facing her direction while frowning.

She sipped her tea and placed the tea cup back down before speaking.

"I would like for you to enter the royal family, as Moises daughter you are still a halfblooded royal." She said, looking directly at me.

"Wouldn't that get me killed faster?", I asked while frowning.

I was confused about the situation and why would she want me to enter the royal family, I thought to myself.

"I have a request for you", she said, turning her head in my direction.

"What's the request?",I asked curiously.

"There's a way for your father to return to the kingdom and back into the royal family and a way to get your mother and sister accepted by the king.", she said, looking at me with a serious expression.

"What's the request?", I asked again.

I noticed her expression started to change. She reached across Princess Kalia and placed her hand on top of my left hand. She looked at me with eyes filled with desperation.

"Please marry the neighboring kingdom's crown prince", she said.