I simply offered her a weary smile, discreetly sneaking a peek at Frederick as he instructed several knights to finish loading cargo onto the cart with supplies.
When his eyes met mine, he returned the gesture with a mischievous smirk. His gloved finger pressed against his lips in a playful shush, eliciting a blush I couldn't hide. Quickly, I turned away, hoping to conceal my embarrassment.
Instead shifted my focus to Damian and two other knights, their expressions serious and focused as they prepared for the journey. I noticed that Mael, the swordsman I met last night, was missing.
If he was Frederick's protégé, why wasn't he here?
But my thoughts were soon distracted by Frederick once more. Despite being busy and likely having minimal sleep, Frederick appeared composed.
His undeniable aura and irresistible charm was enhanced by his now disheveled hair, which added a hint of ruggedness to his demeanor, making him even more captivating.
I was keen in noticing that instead of his usual princely attire, Frederick wore something similar to what he had donned when I first arrived.
His attire was distinctively rugged, practical yet with a noble charm, reminiscent of a Robin Hood-esque ensemble.
He wore a forest green tunic made of durable, woven fabric that hugged his form, the deep hue blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings of the forest. Over the tunic, he donned a dark brown leather vest, adorned with subtle, intricate stitching that hinted at his royal status without being ostentatious.
A wide, sturdy belt cinched at his waist, from which hung a small, finely crafted dagger in a leather sheath. His pants were a practical shade of earthy brown, made of a tough yet flexible material that allowed for ease of movement. Tall, knee-high boots of worn leather completed the look, their soles thick and reinforced for long treks through rugged terrain.
To top it all off, he wore a hooded cloak in a darker shade of green, the hood casting a shadow over his face when pulled up as protection against the sun.
The cloak fastened at the shoulder with a simple yet elegant bronze clasp, emblazoned with a subtle crest symbolizing his royal lineage.
"I can't believe you agreed to come on this mission," Irene grumbled breaking my focus as we settled into the carriage. "You should be back at the palace, writing ballads and sonnets like the other brides." She sighed, casting me a pleading look. "You're not making this easy for me, are you, Berlin?"
