“Sir Nickolas, the group had an argument and commandant is not there, would you come and look into the matter, please?” a new recruit came running towards us as he looked at Nickolas with a pleading face.

Nickolas was still holding me by shoulders as he was taking me towards the palace.

He looked at the man with a worried face and then looked at me reluctantly.

“Go and look what happened, I will go by myself”

“Are you sure, wait! Let me take you to your chamber first and then i would join them.”

“No, Nick, i am fine. You should look into the matter before it turns into a big argument.”

He looked at me and then at the men who were pleading with his eyes, torn and sighed.

“Alright, but go straight to your room, I will come to look for you once the matter will be solved. Beth, take her properly” he warned and I nodded like an obedient girl.

“Yes my lord”

He slowly let go of my shoulders and Beth took me in her arms, he stood there for a minute watching us move and I shook my head.

He worried just like mother.

As we walked in the sound of music filled the air. I looked at the corner only to find Isabella sitting in the middle while four other ladies were sitting on the sofa listening to the flute she was playing.

It was a picture perfect scene where a demure young lady was playing music while looking down and the elders were encouraging her.

I tiptoed to cross silently as I was covered with mud and smelling like rotten eggs.

“Ah, mother look, sister is here. I forgot to tell you that she plays better flute than me” she announced and I cursed.

“Abigail, come and greet the guests, darling. Don’t be shy.” said my step mother and now I had no choice but to meet the guests.

I tried to concentrate hard but I did not remember any of their faces. Another first hand embarrassment.

Their face turned into a frown and their noses wrinkled once they saw me. I could not blame them, i did look unpresentable as the elder daughter of duke palace.

“It’s my honour to meet you all, my apology as i am not in a presentable condition, ladies” i said bowing my head and it instantly pained hard in my chest.

“Sister, what happened to you. Oh my! Is this smell coming from you.” she said as she pinched her nose from one hand and used another hand to clear the air in front of her.

‘Could this princess not see me that I was covered in mud from afar!’

“Ah, I was training on the ground. I apologise. Let me leave so that i can take a bath first.”

“Oh, yes, please” they said as if they were trying their best to speak without taking breath. I could only sigh at their exaggerated behavior and curse Carl once more for his aggressive moves.

“Beth, try to give bath without putting pressure on my chest”

“Yes my lady”

She took my clothes as gently as possible and then soaked me in the pool as her hands started cleaning me. I sighed and closed my eyes as I remembered the smug face of my mother and the disgusted face of those ladies.

“My lady, the doctor has refrained you from training for a week”

“I know”

“Then, my lady, why don’t you go and meet the monique and duchess again”

‘Oh so they were all higher nobles! Damn, i really need to go and apologise!’

“Alright, since we have time, let’s greet them again.”

I walked out and wore a fancy gown after the whole three days. But the memory looks too distant to me. My hairs were braided in long fishtail, adorned with ornaments.

But just when I walked out of the room I saw Carl walking towards the stairs on the opposite side that leads to my father study.

I hesitated for a moment but then curiosity got the better of me and I waited for him to pass from there.

“Beth, stay here i am coming in a minute”

“But where are you going my lady?”

“I am going to my father’s study to submit my leave application. He did not like too much disturbance so you better stay here and wait for me.”

She looked hesitant but at last nodded,

“Yes, my lady”

I walked as slowly as possible to muffle my footsteps on the carpet.

“Your attacks were too aggressive, Carl.”

“She is the one who challenged me, commandant.”

“I was present there, Carl. So, you do not need to tell me what was the cause.”

Carl stood there silently and so did i.

“She is not the part of the noble whom you hate. She had never done anything to you. Don’t be blind in our hatred, even though I am part of the nobility.”

“I understand, commandant. but since she wants to be the knight, she should be aware of its consequences.”

“Since when Kicking a 15 year old girl on her ribs has become part of her training, don’t try to cover your hatred with her foolish acts.” this time his voice was sharp and authoritative, clearly indicating that he would not take any excuses again.

“I apologise, commandant. I will take care of this in the future.”

“You better be, either train her without prejudice of being a noble, or deny her and Nickolas would handle her.”

“I never go back on my words, commandant. I will treat her fairly.”

“Good, you may leave now”

I smiled at the thought that he was ready to train me but I still did not understand why he had so much hatred for nobles! He had never hated me in the past…

“By the way, Carl, how did she know your real name?” asked my father once again when he stood up ready to leave the office.