Crushing the obstacle

After a brief back and forth, Princess Rose was escorted to the ceremonial hall to see how the preparation for the big day was going before being shown around the various inns housing the patients.

The princess looked disinterested in learning about the hospital, nor did she meet the physicians caring for the patients. Still, she did get along well with Loren as if they were acquainted.

Thankfully, the visit was short, and Princess Melissa escorted her back to one of the royal family guest houses in the city. Jess was elated when Princess Rose finally left; she heaved a sigh of relief as her senses had been on high alert.

Jess could not forget the look in Princess Rose's eyes as she passed by her before entering the carriage.

The chariot pivoted off into the distance, stirring dust as it rode away at full speed. Jess turned to Walker Lane, who had a smile on her face.

You are learning the ropes pretty quickly.

She praised while patting Jess on her shoulders.

But where is Christine?

Walker Lane observed the absence of the brunette.

We were together before the princess arrived, but she scurried off without any explanation.

Jess explained, wondering where Christine was.

Hmm!

Walker Lane nodded, her eyes furrowed in displeasure.

Paul informed me that you fainted.

Walker Lane stated, concern lacing her words.

Jess nodded, hoping to put the incident behind her and move on to the next stage of her plans.

You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow; you should retire early and not bother with trivial matters that will only lead to a dead end.

Walker Lane advised, leaving Jess alone with her thoughts.

Jess pondered on her words and wondered if Walker Lane was warning her to abandon whatever she had planned. She waved the thought away as there was no way the crown prince knew of her intention to escape.

Jess made her way to the room she shared with Lucia but found it empty, which was strange as the helpers were usually in their quarters by this time. The entire quarter was empty, with the torches illuminating the entrance blown out.

Jess felt a chill run down her spine as she heard footsteps behind her but saw no one when she turned back. She hastened her footsteps and heard several other steps on the cobbled floor following her.

Afraid to sleep alone in her quarters, Jess ran to the outer gate that led to the crown prince's quarters. The footsteps retreated when they saw her enter the private quarters.

Jess was panting when she entered the four walls of the familiar room she had left earlier; she crumpled on the floor as her feet buckled under her and started crying.

Who were those people, and what did they want with her?

That was the question swirling in her head.

She remembered the frosty look on Princess Rose's face and shivered at the thought the princess might be behind it as she saw her as a threat.

The sun had turned dark, and the frosty night air nibbled at her skin. Jess immediately discarded the gown in favor of the nightgown she woke up in, as the gown had brought her nothing but trouble. She folded the expensive royal gown and put it in the closet Christine opened earlier.

She folded her arms around her body, hoping to shield her body from the cold, but her hands alone were not enough for the strong winds. Just then, Christine entered the room and gasped when she saw a shivering Jess on the bed.

What happened?

She asked, rushing to her bedside.

You are cold, and this light material is too thin for you.

She stated. Christine pulled out a duvet from a box under the bed and covered Jess with it before going over to light the four candles at the post of the bed. Jess felt the humid air seep through her body as the clanking of teeth and shivering dwindled.

Are you okay?

Christine asked, coming to sit beside her on the bed.

I guess I overestimated my body.

Jess giggled. 

She could not tell Christine what happened without looking like a crazy person. But she still found it strange that the helpers' quarters were empty at this time of the night.

Where did you go to?

Jess asked curiously.

I had forgotten to inform Paul to tighten security around the capital as the crown prince and Princess Rose would be dining out in the open, which could be dangerous if the enemies got wind of it.

Christine replied.

Jess nodded.

She felt drained after running, like her life depended on it. Exhausted, her breath evened as she succumbed to the tiredness in her body.

A soft knock on the door broke Christine out of her trance.

A maid entered the room with a bowl and tray; she was not dressed in the attire of the physicians or helpers but wore an ash gown that reached her knee and tied around the waist with a rope.

Who are you?

Christine asked as she had never seen her before.

The maid took out a seal and showed it to Christine, who gasped in shock.

Forgive me, my lady.

Christine said as she stood, allowing the woman to replace her on the bed.

I will look after the lady; you can retire for the night.

The lady commanded, and Christine nodded.

In the quiet street of the capital loomed a shadow dressed in black and covered with a hoodie. A man could be seen walking towards the person in black and bowed his head in greetings.

We did not capture the lady as she ran to the private quarters of the crown prince, which is heavily fortified.

The man reported.

Keep an eye on her, but I want her dead.

The voice said, removing her hoodie.

Your Highness, we must return before Princess Melissa wakes up and starts looking for you.

One of the bodyguards said, gaining the attention of the princess, who was clenching a piece of fabric in her hand.

Meanwhile, Rose was determined to crush anything or anyone that would stand in the way of her childhood sweetheart. If Daniella did not stand a chance against her, then who is Jess who thinks she can stand in her way?   

She thought with a mischievous smile.