【The Hearsay】

˚*＊✿❀༓❀✿＊*˚

╰┈➤❝It's nothing to be worried about, your majesty. Just petty thievery,❞ Soobin, the Antheia's treasurer apprentice speaks, voice loud and clear for the king who was sitting silently behind the desk, hands clasped together while eyeing the young man.

The sun had already risen, blessing the kingdom with the blinding white and yellow rays followed by a scorching heat as the people started to run the city for the day. A sunny Friday for Antheia indeed, mentally reminding himself that he needs to go through the weekly report after this. From the king's study, he got an advantageous view, seeing his people running through the street, walking back and forth filling the empty street with their chatter and footsteps. 

Even from afar, he can listen to his people, horses' hooves clicking to the ground and the seller screaming their price on the top of their lungs, trying to attract their buyers. He likes the sound of his kingdom, it's alive and living.

"Say Soobin, what do the people mean to you?" he asked, eyes still glued to the window, staring at the view. There was a few seconds of silence before the young bachelor gave his answer, finding the right words for the question.

"It's your people, your highness. The ones who I need to treat rightfully with justice and care," confidence lies hidden between the words. The superior hum, approving the answer. He then turned to face the apprentice, his left hand flailing in the air. "Then tell me again about this petty thievery, what did they just steal and get away with?"

Still confused about where does this conversation go, he answers "Five sacks of gold coins, your highness,"

The king hum again. "And who do the gold coins belong to? Who has rights on the coins?"

At this, the bachelor's eyes went wide in realization. "The people," his answers went to whispers.

Satisfied with the young apprentice's reaction, the elder straightened his posture. "You see Soobin, one thing about running a kingdom is that a king is nothing without his people. A reason why I still have this throne is that the people trust me to be their king, to be their ruler. And if there are words spread around about me letting the pathetic thieves run away with my people's money... Soobin, the people won't be happy," He stands from his seat, followed by Soobin as they both walk towards the window, staring at the people. They stay silent for a while.

"I want you to investigate this thievery. Asks the Lord Warden for help, I'm sure Taehyun will be a handful at the moment,"

●∘◦❀◦∘●

Deep breath.

One thing that Elyse has learned through her life as the crowned princess is, it's important to set a goal. Even if it is the simplest thing in your life, you need to set a goal. Whether you want to tidy up your bed for the day or spend your day walking in the garden. You must always have a goal to set a purpose in your actions. Aimless actions bring nothing but a detriment, she says.

Then, after setting your goal, all you need to do is focus on your action and...

"Bullseye!"

Loud cheers and inaudible praises fill the archery court as the young princess puts down her bow. A small trace of smiles lined up on her face when she saw her arrow hit the target right at the middle, a sense of pride spread through her chest. It felt good to achieve your target. A trophy of satisfaction to be proud about.

"That's wonderful, your highness. A perfect aim I must say," Taehyun, the Antheia's Lord Warden speaks, walking towards the princess with a few servants behind his trail. "With the few sessions I had with you, I must say... I'm a proud trainer," he continues, taking the heavy bow from the girl and giving it to one of the servants.

Elyse chuckles, hands dusting dust from her navy blue archery dress; flowy fabric stops right on her knees secured with a leather belt on her waist. She's wearing matching brown trousers and high knee boots, completing her appearance, "Well, a talented one at that," she said with heavy breaths, chest falling up and down in a flat-out rhythm. One by one the servants start to occupy her, wiping her sweats, fanning her face, and fixing her hair. Having enough, she raised her left hand, signaling them to stop and they did, bowing slightly at the process. All of them then stand behind her, each on stand-by. "I hope this is enough for me to move to the fencing session next?" she asks, eyes looking expectantly at the young knight.

The knight heaves a heavy sigh at this, lips pursed together as he moves his head slightly to the side.

Taehyun was dressed in a simple emerald tunic with a leather belt on his waist, a sword tucked in and brown trousers matching his boots. A casual uniform for the knight out of his armor and tunics for bed. He's a fine man.

"I'm sorry, your highness, but I need to cancel our next session as I need to organize the guard selection. It will be in a few days," he states, starting to follow the princess steps towards the castle. Elyse hum had been expecting the answer.

She has heard the news going around the castle for a while, about her father wanting to hire some new guards in the castle. Her lady's maid always makes sure to keep her updated. Speaking of which, she saw the girl walking in fast steps, approaching the retinue as she bowed slightly at both of them. "Your highness, Sir Taehyun,"

"I apologize for my absence at the archery court, your highness. I need to help the maids to clear the west wing chamber for the participant's arrival," she uttered, eyes glued to the ground because she is well aware that she is supposed to be with the princess all the time, fulfilling her job as the princess's lady-in-waiting. "Do take note to give me a heads up about your whereabouts, Ariel. You are dismissed,"

"Will do, princess. Thank you,"

Elyse is a person who works with rules and conditions. Not by meaning, she is a ruthless princess who wants everything being done in her way. No. Call her stupid or anything but for her, rules are rules. You like it or not, rules are the ones to obey. She believes in the consequences of careless acts. Everyone is bound by certain rules, and so is she.

Her father always taught her that the royals couldn't give their amnesty freely like everybody else. A royal amnesty is a sacred thing that only a certain person deserves to be given. If you ever make a mistake towards the royal, you need to bear the consequences and an amnesty for some careless mistakes just sounded wrong.

And from that moment, she's well aware that forgiveness is worth more than a mountain of jewels.

Forgiveness comes with trust, but giving trust... that's another whole chapter to bear.

⑆ 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦.〢

Months worth of treasure came out like this ☺
This fic will go slow, im warning you