Xinatta
"Your highness!" The servant shouted gleefully while holding a plate with some crumbs. "We found it unwashed! Thankfully Yna didn't do her part yesterday." She then handed it to Xinatta.
Xinatta was overwhelmed. Her doubts and hopelessness came off right away. After receiving the plate, she stopped the servant from leaving. "Wait. What's your name?"
The servant looked back at Xinatta and smiled delicately, her chubby cheeks and small chin made her even cuter, "Jiselle your highness."
Xinatta nodded, "Thank you Jiselle." Jiselle's eyes grew wide and she cried out in excitement, "I can't believe her highness just thank me. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!"
All the other servants stopped and looked at the panicking Jiselle. One guy however calmed her and held her shoulders. "Sorry your highness, Jiselle is just in high spirits." He chuckled awkwardly, "She was really mesmerized by you yesterday and she kept talking about how you're so ki-"
Jiselle covered his mouth, not letting him finish, "Vakk has been very noisy lately. Oh and I just remembered, we still have a lot of work to do. Goodbye your highness!" She looped her arms with his and lead him forcefully into the kitchen.
Xinatta smiled, they're cute. However it faded quickly as she realized she also has a lot of work to do. First off, call a feng or a food examiner to examine this crumbs of "delicacy".
... That's quite a headache. The fengs she knew and trusted are all in Vibonia and she doesn't know who's the food examiner here in the royal palace. That means she has to ask either the strict justified Queen Annalise, the tender hidden-faced King, or their children. Xinatta only met two out of all four. Cliss and Finn.
The Queen is a good righteous choice but she probably won't grant it, considering Xinatta's a suspected criminal from Phoenix Sect. The King is basically unreadable, next. Cliss is a no too. An infuriating playboy. That leaves her with Finn. He has been hostile since their first meeting but he did saved her once. Though she could have save herself without his interruption. Still, she felt grateful for his effort.
"I don't think any of them will do." Xinatta contemplated. She thinks it's better to meet the others first before taking a risk. That means two people to reach out to in just a day. An introvert's fear.
Minutes later, she eventually convinced herself to do so. Just greet and ask a favor. Nothing more. It's not so hard. It's okay. It's going to be fine. Besides, if the first person agrees then there's no need to meet the other one.
She was on her way to the princess' dwelling when she met Finn with a girl assisting him in suiting up his armor. Its flashy silvery thick structure covers from head to toe. So much different in design compared to V'bon. That made her apprehend how unalike their two clans are.
"What are you doing here? Your room is on the other side of the hall." Finn asked while still looking at the girl's graceful face.
The girl looked up and finally noticed her presence. She gasped a bit and bowed, "Your highness."
Xinatta motioned her hand while still holding the plate on the other, "Don't bother, Im just passing by."
She's definitely not disturbed or interested in their relationship. Finn can do as he pleases. The girl too.
Xinatta didn't wait for any further response, she's got a lot of people to meet after all.
She knocked on an elegant door, waiting for the princess to invite her in. A servant opened it and said, "Your highness, is there anything her highness can help you with?"
She nodded with tranquility, "Yes, may I speak with her?" The servant hesitated and glanced on her side. Probably waiting for her master's orders.
"You may come in." It sounded seductive yet fierce. That must be the princess.
She went inside and placed the plate on a table, "I didn't have time to arrange a formal meeting with you princess. Forgive me for this sudden disturbance."
The princess smiled while fanning herself, "I don't mind. What do you need?"
Xinatta stared at the plate and the princess' smoldering gaze followed her's, "What is that for, crown princess?"
"Can you inspect the crumbs or the plate using spells if there's anything suspicious? I suppose you've already heard about your mother's jewelries."
The princess' raised her chin high, "That's right. I did. However, why do you think I'll help you?"
"Don't you want to find the real thief here? Who knows how many things he or she will steal in the future. Also, Im the crown princess. That means I'll be Queen soon. Surely that's enough reasons?"
The princess lowered her chin back and grinned, "Oh? I suppose that's a good deal."
To be honest, Xinatta didn't think she'll get this far but here she is. The princess then casted a spell. It encircled the plate rapidly. After a few seconds, it started to slow down until it disappeared.
"Exint and Kumo herbs were used. Individually, both aren't harmful but when mixed, it causes dizziness and nausea. If in high dosage, it'll put you to sleep, temporarily."
"I see, thank you."
"No problem. I hope you remember this favor when you ascend the throne, crown princess."
"I will."
The two formally smiled at each other and bid their goodbyes. The princess stayed in her room while Xinatta continued to search for evidences.
For now, she's certain that Baozhai has something to do with this case. One question lingered in her mind though, "but why?" Baozhai and her haven't even meet. Could it be that Ether ordered her?
"but why?" Ether and Xinatta also haven't meet. What animosity do they have against her?
Maybe they're just mad that the crown princess isn't from Immortal Sect? No matter how she looks at it, she can't find any more reasonable reason.
Xinatta shook her head. Forget about the motives for now. Focus on finding enough evidence.
The next day, when she's questioning people, she noticed an old lady watching. The lady looks like she wants to tell Xinatta something but felt afraid.
Xinatta decided to approach carefully. However, the more she comes near, the more the old lady shrinks backwards. So she stopped briefly to assure her, "I won't hurt you."
Slowly, the old lady comes up to her, "I- I saw a woman enter your room when you weren't there."
Xinatta's eyes shined, she found a witness.
"What does she look like?"
The old lady thought for a while before answering, "I have a bad memory but I remember her having a blond curly hair that stops right at her chin. Her face was round and her eyes were crystal-like. She was very beautiful."
"Thank you. Is that all?"
"No. No. Im not done yet. She was wearing a lead maid's outfit and she used a hairpin to open your room."
This time Xinatta is sure. It's Baozhai. "Is it alright if I ask you to be my witness?" The old lady nodded, "Yes, your highness."
Xinatta's search for evidence stopped at the afternoon. She's satisfied with what she gathered. Eventually, she decided to explore the garden. There were a bunch of flowers. In front of the royal palace, the Hydrangea flowers were placed in a row. Parallel to each other were Allium and Showdrops, both containing a shade of purple. There were also Daffodils, Garden Rose, Aster, and Zinnia planted by the river.
Xinatta settled on the grass, her one leg laying straight and the other half-bent. While her hands stayed behind, leaning on the grass for support. She relaxed and shut her weary eyes. For a moment, it was peaceful. It didn't last long though. Her senses noticed an aura showing up.
She detected no bloodlust so she remained on the grass and didn't make the effort to open her eyes. Maybe it's just a passerby. However, seconds later a shadow towered over her, blocking the warmth of the sun. She finally concluded to cast a glance at whoever is disturbing the soothing atmosphere.
A man wearing an armor from head to toe. He removed the metal blocking his eyes and its forest-green color became visible, "A discourteous crown princess." Finn said in a slightly annoyed tone. Xinatta stood up and spoke serenely, "What do you want?"
He huffed, "What kind of princess sits like that? Can't believe you're my wife."
Xinatta subdued her anger just incase she lashes out at him, "Did you come here just to tell me that?"
"No. I came here to inform you that I'll be leaving today. Im in charge of suppressing the barbarians at the north. They're numbers are rising, it's critical."
She nodded. Then Finn stared strictly at her, not averting his gaze, "Your trial tomorrow.. You didn't stole the jewelries did you?"
"I didn't."
"Good or I will have to throw you in prison myself."
Just like that, they ended up parting ways. Xinatta went inside and slept in her room while Finn proceeded to prepare his troops for their assignment.