The Legend of Fatality

Gentlemen and ladies can never be alone. When talking or walking, they should keep a certain distance so that if each of them stretches out their arms, their fingertips will not be in full contact.

——Modern etiquette and behavior, Percy-Bexton

This was Catherine's first morning in Lancasterburg, and it was a clear day, with clear skies and sunshine. Catherine got up early and was about to see Prince Lothal. She changed her hair twice and changed her clothes three times. Now she was almost late. When she hurried to make her fourth choice, she suppressed the rising panic and asked Nia: "What do you think?"

"I think he will be as nervous as you are. As for the dress, Your Royal Highness, the first one fits your figure best."

Catherine put on her first dress. It was a new dress, a very pale silver-white dress, simpler than others, and the slashes on the fabric did not expose the skin, but pure white silk.

As the nine o'clock sounded, Catherine and Nia walked to the balcony together.

Prince is not there.

Catherine's face was tight. This is impolite. Men should wait a long time in advance to avoid this embarrassment, even if this person is a prince, this meeting is ... doubtful etiquette. Then it should be more so!

Catherine smoothed her clothes and waited.

The garden is neat and well taken care of, although she can't see the gardener anywhere, nor can she see anyone's shadow.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Catherine asked.

"I think yes, Your Highness. May I check it?

Catherine sighed. "Ok."

Prince Lothal apparently did not want to see her. He made her wait on Somerset's pier, and now he was too lazy to attend even the meetings he had arranged himself.

When Nia returned to the house, Catherine walked over to see the roses. Just a few months ago, she was taking a walk in her mother ’s rose garden to talk about Queen Valeria and her upcoming departure. Many things have happened since then, but the situation remains the same: Tomorrow she is going to marry a man who does n’t even care about her, and has n’t even spoken to him.

Damn, where is he?

Then she heard footsteps, turned around, and saw the prince slowly walking towards her along the path among the rose bushes. He wore unusually simple clothes, but it was clean, and the most striking thing was the old sword hanging from his waist. Catherine didn't understand why he also brought a sword when he met in the garden.

He bowed to her. She bowed her knees. They stood awkwardly, and no one wanted to break the silence.

Catherine looked at his face, half scarred, half handsome, not sure how this changed a person.

"So, we meet again." Lotel's voice was low and flat.

"Isn't this what the knights said to each other before the duel?" Why should I say that? Catherine exclaimed.

Lothal raised his eyebrows, at least the side that was not injured. "I can already see where your Bill Bally expertise is."

"Your Highness, what is your specialty? Will it be dancing? Maybe fashion?"

Catherine hadn't had time to stop herself, and she said it. She saw Lothal's face twitching.

What are you doing, Catherine?

I waited so long to talk to him, and played this conversation a thousand times in her mind, and now she is insulting him.

"Oh, I don't have expertise in this area. I'm useless." Prince Lotaire took a few more steps and said, "Shall we go and see the flowers?"

Catherine knew she should wait for Nia, but Lotaire had already set off. Catherine caught up with him. He pointed to some plants while walking and said, "Rose ... bush ... another rose ... Look, Your Highness, although I am not an expert, but I know my plants."

"Yes," Catherine said. "But I think I can recognize it myself."

Is he kidding? Is this a Burtanian sense of humor? Catherine glanced back, eager to get Nia to come over to help, but no trace of her. Catherine took a breath and told herself to relax and be herself.

He will be as nervous as you are. Of course he will ...

"His Royal Highness, do you like the reception banquet last night?"

"Oh, it's really pleasant." Lothal's voice was flat. "His Royal Highness, do you like it?"

"Everyone is charming."

"It is true that‘ pleasant ’and‘ glamorous ’summed up the night perfectly.”

Catherine decided to take risks. "I did find that you were not completely sincere."

Lothal stopped. "Did you discover it?"

"Yes," Catherine replied. "Are you still uncomfortable?"

"I am fine, thank you."

"So, can I ask you what happened?"

"Call me the spoiled prince-I should tell you in advance that my father used to say this many times-but I am not used to being forced. Especially the princess. I know this is not your fault. Yours The situation is the same as mine, after all ..., but this kind of thing is still ... it's annoying. "He continued walking.

Catherine was almost stunned by the prince's frankness, and could hardly feel the sting of the hidden insult. Yes, it is really annoying!

"We must all do what our father ordered," she said politely. "I am very happy to join our two countries--"

Lothal smiled. "I believe you are always happy. Happy and intoxicated."

Catherine felt her blood was burning. Is this just a joke for him?

"Okay," she said sharply, "I will always be happy and obsessed to do as you ordered. Just like I had to do when we got married."

Lortel glanced at her, and it is commendable that when he saw her barely suppress her angry expression, his laughter disappeared. "I think you do have a Billy-Balley fighting spirit. But I assure you, Catherine, although I like people to do what I commanded, but when we have children--" Her steps Trembling, he stopped— "This idea seems to shock you, but I think that is exactly what this marriage is all about. That's exactly what my father wanted ... you probably also want it. The family must Keep it up. "

"I rarely determine my father's goals in anything, especially about myself," Catherine replied coldly.

Lotaire looked at her for a while, and then went on. "In any case, if we have children, I will not force them to experience this absurd arranged marriage."

Catherine was silent. Is he serious?

"Your Highness, am I too blunt to you?" He asked.

"I thank you for your frankness, Prince Lothal, but I do n’t know what other options you have."

"Did you know? I have been called a prince more times during this time than I added up before. But this question is well asked, I think I will stay out of it."

Catherine gave a startled laugh. "Even if your daughter wants to marry your biggest enemy son?"

Lothal smiled, this time there was only a hint of warmth in his expression. "We are in Burtania, Your Highness. We have no enemies here."

Catherine smiled cautiously. "I'm glad to hear that." Then Catherine asked curiously. "So what did other people call you before?"

"They call me a jazz, because this is the title I have won by myself, not the pedigree." Lothal said lightly, then he turned and asked Catherine. "Do you want to see the water garden? Just behind the hedge."

"That's great."

————

Catherine and Lotel spent half a morning exploring the garden. Nia finally found them and followed them from afar. They stopped in a gazebo, drank some elderberry juice, ate some fruit, and wandered to the wall, looking out over the city and the land in the distance.

After going through the first difficult start of their meeting, Catherine was pleased to find Lotel was smart and polite, and their conversation involved their education, involving him to all parts of Burtania and Marnus The journey of the empire, her journey to Burtania, and the inevitable comparison of food and clothing.

When they returned to the castle, Catherine was almost at ease with her future husband. Of course, this does not mean that she particularly wants to marry him, but she thinks that the situation may be worse. He can be like Peverley. Thinking of this, she said: "Last night you seemed to be having an in-depth conversation with my brother."

Lothal smiled. "I think Prince Peverly will be interested in how they make silk for my clothes. I started with silkworms in the first course and ended with the eighth course, leaving only the detailed process of making dyes. The next time I When I was fortunate to have dinner with him, I had to finish my explanation. "

Catherine nodded, feeling once again unsure how serious Lothal's attitude was.

"I would like to add that UU Reading www.uukanshu.com" Lotel explained, "When I visited the Duke of Peverley in Billbury, he spent a whole night with his lovely and charming friends. Time, tell me the details of their hunting deeds in incredible detail, and repeat it many times, detailing their weapons, best spears, best horses, best saddles , Boots, leggings, etc. I think this must be a way of talking about Bill Barry. You can choose a topic and then discuss it over and over again. "

Catherine laughed after listening, and now she fully understood what Prince Lothal really meant. "In fact, many Bill Bally men are like this."

While chatting like this, they returned to the balcony, and Catherine was surprised to see Sarah pacing up and down. When she saw Catherine, her hands suddenly turned into a vague symbol.

Slow down, Catherine responded with a gesture. what's up?

Sarah answered only four words.

Ambrose. it's here.

Catherine felt the ground under her feet move. Noyes said he was caught and killed. Of course it was a lie! She felt she couldn't breathe. Tears filled her eyes. Ambrose is still alive!

"Catherine?" Lothal's voice was worried.

Catherine did her best to control her emotions. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I'm afraid I have been exposed to the sun for too long."

"Come on, Your Highness." Niya said comfortably. "You shouldn't get too much sun before your wedding." She bowed to Lothal and led Catherine's arm into her.