𝖥𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗒𝗈𝗎 || 𝓖𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝔁 𝓖𝓾𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓮

XXXII

Guinevere could only watch her reflection as her lady-in-waiting styled her hair. All she could think about was Granger. Was he okay? Did he survive? Knowing his skills, she knew he'll be alright but by the way the Paxleys talked about the abyss getting stronger worried her.

A knock on her door made her snap out of her thoughts and her lady-in-waiting immediately went to answer it. She curtsied when Lancelot came into view. The prince gave her a nod and walked over to his troubled sister.

"Try not to worry too much. I know Castle Atlas can survive this." Lancelot whispered to her reassuringly.

Guinevere stared at the family crest pinned on his white suit and felt horrible. For some reason she hated seeing it. A crest that will then be disregarded because of the shame the Paxleys inflicted on them.

"If only I can see him again, only then will my mind be at peace." She whispered back to him.

Lancelot sighed and looked to his sister's servant, asking her quietly to leave them be and she instantly understood. She bowed and walked out of Guinevere's room.

"I asked Gusion to go back to Castle Atlas." Lancelot said solemnly.

"What?! Are you out of your mind? You sent him towards danger!" She exclaimed.

"I know but I need you to trust me on this one. Gusion agreed with me and he promised he'll be alright." He replied.

Guinevere blinked back her tears of frustration. It's bad enough that she's worried sick of Granger, now Gusion is added into the mix.

"I'm having trouble seeing the bright side here, brother. I'll be having an engagement ball tonight and I-"

"I know, I am painfully aware of your situation right now. Just please, trust me."

Guinevere bit her lip and slowly nodded. Lancelot placed a kiss on her forehead like what he usually did to calm her down. She let out a heavy sigh.

"I trust you."

~•°•~

The room was packed with guests. She couldn't help but wonder if the Paxleys are more powerful and influential than she expected that people dared to risk their safety knowing the sudden attack in the Atlas Castle.

The thought sickened her. They were supposed to be mourning along with the troubled Capital than party. Guinevere couldn't help but clench her hands into fists.

The ball started a few minutes later with their Father greeting everyone and then introducing the Paxley family. He announced the cancellation of war so happily that everyone applauded.

Guinevere tried her hardest to smile but she couldn't seem to bring herself to do so. She looked to the crowd with a straight face. Just then, Gareth walked to her and reached out a hand for her to take.

Guinevere stared at his hand for a while before looking up to Gareth. He resembled Gusion but he lacked that friendliness in his eyes. Gareth looked so serious and intimidating.

She slowly placed her hand on top of his. She sucked in a breath as the orchestra started to play the moment she stood from her seat.

Gareth led her to the dancefloor and started to dance with her. She looked around her, to the citizens dressed in their best attires, as they danced. This is for their welfare. This is necessary to safeguard their future.

She raised her chin and looked Gareth straight in the eye. This is her duty. They danced until the orchestra started to play a different song to which everyone who was willing, started to join them. Guinevere then cleared her throat and stopped dancing.

"Excuse me, I'm gonna go use the bathroom for a bit." She whispered to Gareth who stared at her in curiosity before nodding.

Guinevere curtsied to which he bowed back.

She then turned around and saw Lancelot looking to her as he talked with their father. She gave him a smile before she hurried off to the one place she can breathe and think.

~•°•~

The garden was quiet and peaceful like usual and she loved it. She let out a sigh of relief and sat down on the bench near their mother's rose bush.

Her thoughts instantly went to Granger.

Her long white gown made the cold night wind penetrate her skin to which she slightly shivered.

"I can never trust your judgements."

She gasped in shock and turned only to see Granger all dressed in a white suit. She could've sworn he glowed under the moonlight.

Guinevere wasted no time in getting up and running towards him, attacking him into a hug. Granger grunted at the impact but chuckled softly before patting her back gently.

"You idiot! You have no idea how happy you've made me just by being here..." she whispered to him.

----------------------------------

AN: HIIII soooorrryyy for the late update, I was very much preoccupied with a lot of things! I'll try to update as much and as fast as I can :) Thank you for the support!