Sage offered his hands to support her exiting the carriage. As Sloan looked up, she saw the big mansion owned by her grandfather where her mother was living right now.
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There's security personnel's outside, guarding. When they saw who came, they all bowed their heads. Perhaps, Sloan thought, they have heard the news. It was never a secret to her mother though. Three months ago when she's come to know she's marrying the prince, Sloan rushed to tell her.
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"Miss, welcome back," The butler smiled at her after greeting the prince. "Madam is inside,"
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Sloan rushed excitingly to see her mother. Prince Sage understand her excitement to see her and walk pace beside the butler.
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"Sir," Sage called the butler.
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"Y-Your highness, you don't need to call me that..."
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Sage ignored it and said, "I assume you've all heard about us?"
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The butler slowly nodded. "It's an astonishment for us all, Miss' grandfather almost lost his conciousness hearing that..."
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"...I see."
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When they entered the mansion, Prince Sage saw Sloan and her mother hugging.
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As far as he remembered, her mother's name was Gale Fairbourne. Sage saw her once at the palace, but that was two years ago. She looks like she hasn't aged at all. Together, they look like they were just siblings.
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Sage knew about Sloan's family situation, that her parents were separated. He never knew the reason why. But he's certain that Captain Shae, the captain of the blue knights and Sloan's father, loved her from all his heart. You'll see all the painting of her and Sloan from his house. All this years he continuosly visit that house, there was never a difference. He'll still say and introduce the woman as his wife. Over this years, he never find someone to be with. It seemed that Gale Fairbourne is the only one he's taking as his other half.
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But...what about her?
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Sage thought, forming conclusions in his head.
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"I greet your highness, the prince," Gale greeted.
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Sage bowed his head too. Sloan held his arms and invited him to the drawing room.
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"Mother, I'll live...at the palace from now on." Sloan informed.
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Gale sighed and smiled. "I expected this, Sloan..."
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Sloan looked up. "But I'll still going to find time to visit or stay here..."
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Gale slowly nodded, smiling. "Have you informed your father?"
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Sloan nodded. Prince Sage narrowed his eyes as he heard her mentioned Shae.
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"Father already knew. I just thought that you would be disappointed if I wouldn't tell you the news personally."
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Gale looked down, "I see,"
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Prince Sage interrupted, metioning something, "Madam, there will be an engagement banquet for the next two months about our marriage. Can you...perhaps come? It's a special celebration for the both of us,"
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Gale lifted her head and slowly nodded. "That would be great,"
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"Ah, you should come with Father..." Sloan suggested.
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Gale smiled, "I'll try to talk to him."
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Sloan couldn't help her watery eyes to form when she left the mansion, thinking about her mother. She's looking away at Sage, who hasn't failed to notice her.
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"What are you crying about?"
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Sloan snorted. "Thank you for noticing, your highness. I really wanted to leave there so mother couldn't see."
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Sage looked down, hinting a reason why she's tearful. "Is it about your father?"
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Sloan's mouth fell slightly open, slowly nodding. "I know she can't talk to him. She's still holding the guilt and grief why she left. I can't just be blunt to ask her why she can't be with him now that after all these years she's deciding to be ready."
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Sage gazed at her with pity in his eyes, "Perhaps...we'll never really understand someone. Even if it's the one closest to us,"
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Sloan somehow get what he meant as she looked away, restraining her tears.
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The carriage stopped at her place, Shae's house, where she was currently staying.
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Sloan was about to go inside when she heard her name being called.
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"Sloan,"
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It wasn't the first time he called her name, but everytime he does it, it gives her an unknown bliss feeling.
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"Your highness?"
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Sage breathed. "Next week...I'll fetch you."
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Sloan nodded. "Then..."
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She was about to turn around again when she stopped.
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"Ah, your highness!"
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"Hm?"
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"Thank you for today, I'll see you next week."
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Sage grinned. "Then..."
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He watched her back fade out of his sight, slowly smiling.
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