209: Arrival

Putting on my formal clothes, when I went to put on the scarf, I saw the piercing green eyes of Lily watching me through it.

“Lily, I’m heading to the royal dinner. If you want to stay close, I’ll have Crisplet and Liane with me, as well as the scarf on.”

The eyes vanished, and I heard a soft thud behind me. Turning around, Lily was sitting on the floor, looking at me.

Turning around to finish getting ready, I happily said, “You’re welcome to come if you like, or you can watch from the scarf. Oh, also! Liane has taken the Ashmoon name now as well!”

Hearing a huff, I turned around to see Lily vanishing with a flick of her tail, which was odd.

“I thought you liked Liane now?” I said, knowing she could still hear me.

There was no response. I wasn’t sure what that was about, but I didn’t have time to worry about it. I needed to get to the carriage.

Heading downstairs, I saw everyone waiting, with Liane fully dressed in her matching suit, a giant smile on her face.

“Ready to go and shake the kingdom, Trev?” Jen said.

“I don’t know about that,” I laughed.

Milo and Hari both tried to give me last-minute tips as I made my way outside.

I wasn’t surprised to see the royal carriage, but I was very surprised to see nearly ten Royal Guards surrounding it, one of them opening the door for me as I approached.

“Lord Ashmoon.” The guard bowed.

I shuddered at that, but I was told this event would be very formal and not to correct everyone, so I made myself comfortable in the carriage as Liane and Crisplet entered behind me.

The journey to the palace was much slower than normal, as the Royal Guard escorted the entire journey.

“Does everyone get picked up like this?” I asked.

Liane shook her head. “The major houses probably do. I doubt they do it for anyone outside of the Lords and Ladies and their guests.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re a lady now, Lady Liane! I need to remember to inform Archie when we get back home.”

“Don’t you dare. You wouldn’t.”

The look of panic on her face had me laughing. I wouldn’t do it, but I knew once Archie learned of it, it wouldn’t matter if I told him to or not.

Crisplet just sent across the feeling of happiness, I’m guessing not understanding the formality and just happy Liane had joined the house.

Approaching the entrance to the palace gardens, I was shocked at the number of guards. It felt like they had every guard in the city on patrol or on guard. The next thing that surprised me was a line of carriages.

“How many people are here?” I asked.

“No idea. I’m guessing the invitation was extended to some minor noble houses, too.”

I felt dread at the idea of having to deal with so many nobles in one place, but I just needed to make it through this one dinner.

As we rolled into the inner courtyard, I saw a small crowd on the stairs waiting for us. At the front were Kathrine and Gerald, both of whom seemed to be in a discussion, which became clear as the door opened.

“…It’s not proper, Princess. It breaks protocol,” I heard Gerald say as I was stepping out.

I noticed a smile on Kathrine’s face as Liane and Crisplet, who was currently larger than normal, followed behind me.

“Welcome, Lord Ashmoon, Crisplet Ashmoon, and Miss Liane,” Kathrine began.

Gerald fell back a couple of steps, clearly going pale as he stared at me.

“Ye… yes, I think it best you take this one,” I heard him whisper, the smile growing wider on Kathrine.

“Welcome Lily, too, it would seem,” Kathrine said happily.

I was momentarily confused before it clicked what must have happened. Lily would have glared at Gerald through the scarf.

“Thank you, Your Highness, though I should tell you Liane has joined my house and taken the name of Ashmoon as well. She is basically family after all.”

Kathrine’s eyes went wide. “Very well, and is Lily joining us today as well?”

“She is here, but she won’t appear unless required.”

Nodding, Kathrine straightened up. “If you’d please follow me. I’ll escort you inside.”

Once we made it inside the foyer, it was a buzz of activity, with house staff moving back and forth while guards were everywhere.

“Where is everyone else?” I asked, not noticing any guests.

“You’re the last to arrive, so we’ll be starting in the throne room for the address. Then the hall and dining room shall be opened up for mingling and dinner,” Kathrine said.

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“I’m late?” I didn’t think I took that long to get changed.

“No, you’re the guest of honour, so you arrive last,” Kathrine smiled.

Approaching the familiar double doors, we were met by another smartly dressed elderly man, who was just reaching for the handles when he was stopped by Kathrine.

“June, slight change. It’s now Lady Liane Ashmoon.”

The man bowed, opening the doors into what appeared to be a packed hall, with nearly every seat filled. At the front sat the King, who was in his full red armour that shone brightly, unnaturally so. Next to him sat Queen Amber, who was wearing an incredibly elaborate red dress. Behind them stood Luis, also now in similar red armour to Marcus, and a man I had not seen before, who likewise was in the same armour.

“Your other brother?” I whispered, getting the slightest nod from Kathrine.