The Crown's Obsession (WN)
chapter-582

Music Recommendation: Lord M by Martin Phipps

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Lucy walked in the corridors with her maid Amice who walked right behind her. Humming a tune as she moved from one corridor to another without a care about the world around her and not caring about who was going to get the throne. It didn't matter to her, which was why, out of all the Hawthrone family members, she was one of the only members who had the least of worries right now.

"Did you hear how the soiree was, Amice?" questioned Lucy, her eyes catching sight of the little birds that chirped on a nearby branch.

"You have been quiet today for a long time, milady. Is there something that is bothering you?" asked the maid, her hands folded at the front, and Lucy smiled.

"I didn't realize that. I was thinking about how nice it would be to visit Aunt Patricia. It has been a while since I last saw Aunt Monique, too," said Lucy. Aunt Monique was her father's half-sister, who was strict, but at the same time she was kind.

"Do you think you can ask your mother to allow you to visit her?" asked the maid, her eyebrows knitting together, and Lucy shook her head.

"Grandmother would not allow it. I think Aunt Monique has been ordered not to return unless she is called," Lucy then turned to look at her maid, meeting her eyes and said, "I heard they have had her fixed in the town near the West of Rudhall. Keeping her busy," she whispered. "It has been long, but I think she will come back soon. Say Amice, have you met a vampire who wears glasses?"

Her maid looked perplexed by her questions, "Glasses?"

"Yes, on the face. Spectacles actually. The person I met in the alley wore it. I wanted to thank him for his bravery," stated Lucy, "I thought of going to the town-"

"Oh, milady! Do not do that! If the Queen finds out, you will land yourself in big trouble," whispered Amice while looking here and there to make sure no one was there to eavesdrop at them.

"Don't worry, Amice, I won't get into trouble," Lucy assured her maid, "I wonder if I will get to see him again."

The maid then asked curiously, "Was he handsome to look at, milady?"

Lucy's thoughts went back to the stranger who had helped her in the alley. She didn't forget the way his hand had caught hold of her hand, and with one swift movement, he had sliced one of the thug's neck with her dagger.

"I think so," answered Lucy, and then said, "He had eyes hidden behind the glasses that he wore, so I cannot be sure."

Lucy spent more time out in the garden, listening to the birds sing until she felt her skin start to prickle under the rays of sun as she had stayed outside the castle for a long time. While heading back towards the castle's inside, she saw a young man standing in the corridor and speaking to one of the ministers.

"Ethan!" Lucy called him out of excitement, and her feet quickly moved to where he was. Ethan Moryett was one of her distant cousins, a person who was of decent height. His brown hair had been combed to the side and his red eyes that were mild in nature looked at her.

"Good afternoon, princess," Ethan bowed his head deeply, and so did the minister who had been talking to him. The minister didn't stay and left the two young people in the corridor as he had important work to attend to, that was given by the King.

"Did you come to visit grandmother?" asked Lucy, and he nodded his head.

"I did. How have you been doing, milady?" asked Ethan, his words were polite.

He had hoped to see the princess before leaving the castle, but if he specifically asked about her, it would throw a bad impression on both him and her. Compared to all the people he had met, Lucy Hawthrone had a pure heart, and it was obvious that her actions were all pure without asking for anything in return. The truth was that the princess had stolen his heart.

"I have been doing well, Ethan. I told you, you should call me Lucy. Even though we are distant relatives, we are cousins," said Lucy, with a smile on her lips.

"It would be rude of me to address you in such a casual way," and to his words, Lucy shook her head.

"I won't take it that way. We have known each other for years, yet you address me formally," Lucy offered him a smile, and she said, "Are you heading back to your place now?"

"Yes," Ethan nodded his head, "I came here to deliver some of the papers that Queen Morganna wanted to have in her possession."

"Let me walk you to the carriage," she offered and Ethan couldn't refuse such an offer that the girl was giving him.

"I would be more than blessed to have your company," the vampire bowed his head in gratitude.

Both of them walked slowly towards the carriage, Lucy chatting with Ethan and when they arrived near the carriage, Lucy was still speaking. They turned to face each other, and Ethan bowed his head,

"I should get going now...Lucy," said Ethan, and Lucy gave him a nod.

"You've turned so busy. I hope you get some time off from work. We still have to finish the game of cards," she reminded him. "I think you will be more busy once you get married."

Ethan chuckled at this, "I think I will have more time when I get married to the girl who is on my mind."

Lucy tilted her head, and said, "I didn't know you like someone. Does she know?" she asked in curiosity. Lucy's maid, Amice who stood a few steps away from the couple could hear their conversation, and she couldn't believe how oblivious the princess was regarding Ethan Moryett's feelings.

Ethan stared into Lucy's eyes, and with a smile, he said, "I plan to tell her soon."

"Good luck," wished Lucy, and she saw him leave in the carriage.