Princess Thief [✔]

15. A Price To Pay

After confirming there was no one around the garden, I was about to push the door open but Crown Prince Lander was faster with his chivalry act. He rotated the knob but it wouldn't budge.

"Allow me, Prince Lander," I said and slightly twisted the knob before pressing my hand to the door.

It opened and we were welcomed by the sight of the lavenders splendidly in full bloom, matching the vibrant color akin to the eyes of the people who tarried in this secret garden.

"How did you do that?"

"I thought you know about Cindra." My brows wrinkled, suddenly becoming skeptical.

"Of course."

My frown deepened. "Then why are you asking the obvious?"

"I thought it was an ordinary door but when I passed through, it's obviously a portal. What I want to know is, how did you open it without any key?" clarified Crown Prince Lander, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Before I could even answer, Cindra arrived.

"Ace, dear! You bett--- What are you doing here? How did you even know about this place? That brat must've told you right?" Cindra stopped in her tracks and followed by questions after questions.

She was apparently flustered by the guest. He told me Cindra called for me and but the current situation told me he was lying. Nevertheless, seeing her reaction, they really knew each other.

"No, it was not him. I was sent here by Night. He owed me so he told me to go here," answered Crown Prince Lander, both hands on his pockets as he leaned on the pavilion's entrance.

"And how did you even manage to get a favor from him?" asked Cindra with a doubting look.

"He wanted a dagger made and you know how Grandfather could be stubborn so he asked for my help. In return, I would see his protégé. It was really quite a surprise that the hidden princess of Ezriel and the infamous thief, Ace, which is also the student of Night are all one and the same. No wonder no one could catch you. Is this why he is captivated by you?"

His gaze locked on me and I stared back at him.

"What are you talking about, young man? Ace is her second name as one of us. She is not a thief," declared Cindra.

"He knew, Cindra. He was the one who told me."

"How did he even know it when he never leaves the cottage?" Cindra retorted.

"He has his ways, of course. Anyway, I am amazed you were able to make a personal portal with no key needed," said Crown Prince Lander.

"It was just a fluke. This was the only door that it was possible to do so. I tried several times but it didn't work," explained Cindra.

My gaze went back and forth between them. I absolutely had no idea what they were talking about. I checked my pocket watch to know how much time I could spare and decided to intervene.

"He told me you asked to meet in the garden."

"I did not. I came here since you passed the portal with someone. I was frankly alarmed. Thank heavens, it's just him." She paused and faced Crown Prince Lander. "Why did you even come here?"

"For this," Crown Prince Lander mumbled as he pulled his pants up to his knee and there was a dagger tied to his leg.

"This is from Night. It is a dagger made by Elkan, my grandfather. He is not just an ordinary craftsman since he could make anything he wanted."

He handed me the weapon and I gladfully accepted it.

"Thank you, Prince Lander."

"Please do call me, Blaze, since I will probably refer to you as Ace," he said with his lips upturned.