I stared at myself in the mirror. Makeup all over my face. It would be lying if I said I don't like looking pretty but sometimes it is just too much. I want to ride a horse around the village instead of study poems, mastering playing Zither, and... looking beautiful.

I want to be free. In the wind. In the trees. In the water. I want to-

I don't want to be with a man.

All day, doing the same thing all over again just to find a suitable hand in marriage. It's not like I don't want to settle down someday. I just don't need it right now. I need my time with father (even though his interest these days is finding me a husband). But who am I to reject my ladyship responsibilities.

The maids helped me get dressed. I need some fresh air. I slid my door open, ignoring my maids' panicking noise trying to stop me. What now? Since I became a marriageable lady, I cannot do a single thing on my own? This is ridiculous.

I took a deep breath to calm my temper. Feeling a footstep reaching by my side. A familiar one.

"Busy finding husband, milady?"

"You know I don't like doing this, Thu Do." I snapped.

"And that's why I ask." He answered with a smirk on his face, and right before I replied with a punch he offered. "Do you want to have a stroll?"

I arrogantly nodded. Do escorted me out the gate. The smell of sea comforted me in the best way possible. I stole glances at Do. The kid my father brought back as a surprise for me soon has become a handsome young man. Or I should say the most desirable man in the province.

He had rejected ten marriage proposals from notable ladies already. Father didn't pressure him to find a wife because Do expressed that he wants to serve in the court and would consider marriage later. However, just because he is a high lord's adopted son, it doesn't mean that he can disrespect the nobles considering his commoner background. It would bring him no good in the future.

I looked at the sea in front of me. Light shimmered on the surface blinded me. The village children run around the beach. I love how the estate is next to the beautiful coastline. I want to walk in the sand but the maid would probably nag me for dirtying my cloth again. I would rather not risking that.

We silenced for a while before Do started a conversation.

"Have you had any candidates in mind?"

I signed. "Do we really have to talk about that?" I browsed through all the faces I had seen. "Apparently no one caught my eyes."

"Father has been nagging about you being too picky. Even though he is low-key pickier than you." He scoffed.

I found myself doing the same thing. "Well yes. I'm his only daughter after all.... Do, tell me what's on your mind. I know you would never randomly find me to simply have a stroll."

"Still fast as ever, Milady." Do cleared his throat, selecting the right words to say. I saw his Adam's apple bobbed before he opened his mouth again. "I heard that Prince Sam will come today."

"To meet Father? The Royals never bother to come. Why him?" I shifted to face him fully.

"Things in the court is a bit complicated. The King listened to official Pham Du and killed a neutral official, Pham Binh Di. Binh Di's General, Quach Boc held an army to avenge for his lord. Boc attacked the capital and set the second prince to be the new king, though it's not official yet."

"Now that's a lot of info dumping. But what happened to the other royal member?"

"The King, Queen, and Princesses is hiding right now."

I confused. "Then why is prince Sam here? Wasn't he supposed to be with his family right now? Oh!" I frowned when the realization hits in. "Don't tell me Father and Uncle have a part in this."

Do kept a neutral smile on his face, knowing he is unable to reject anything. Or maybe he was hinting that after all. He chuckled as if he just listened to anything ridiculous.

"I didn't say that prince Sam is alone. Only the King is alone in Quy Hoa. The Queen and Princesses are with prince Sam here in Hai Ap. The more in depth information haven't made it to my knowledge. I heard that they are discussing about it so I will know in about a few hours?"

I glared at the smirk on his face. Now I don't even bother to care about my perfect gown. I kicked the little rock into the puddle, letting the muddy water splashed on both me and Do. Maybe it was out of anger. Maybe it was out of vulnerability of knowing nothing.

"We are heading back." I commanded.

He didn't obey. "Why do you even think you are out here for, milady?"

Right. Stupid me. I am out here to stay away from the conversation.

"Then why did you even tell me anyway. It's not like I would dare to do anything to the Royal."

It silenced once again. Do stared into the villagers in the market that I just now realised I'm in the middle of. He took a deep breath.

"You won't. But I will."He murmured.