<h4>Chapter 140: No Title</h4>


    I turned to see Ge standing behind me. For once she did not forget to call me by my title. I was ashamed to admit that Ge looked phenomenal in the dark green hues that stood for the mighty n of Wolves. It might be a betrayal to the goldenrod hues of my own n''s standard.


    "Ge! I did not see you there." I was truly shocked that my childhoodpanion approached me after the reception I received the night before. Ourst few meetings were not exactly ideal.


    "Please allow me the honor of introducing Princess Alina. Princess Alina, this is my old friend, Ge."


    The instant my stupid mouth said the word old, I regretted it. What I meant to imply was that Ge was not a girl I formed an attachment with during my time in the city this trip. How it seemed to be taken was that she was a matronly middle-aged hag.


    Alina looked at me in mock horror for a moment before smoothly covering up my outrageous mistake. "Unless my eyes deceive me, your old friend is actually a very lovely youngdy. The pleasure is mine, Young Ge." Thest phrase was exaggerated to further embarrass me.


    Ge curtsied in a deep sweep. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I did not mean to intrude on your time with the Swordsman. You see, I did not see you there.." Ge looked panicked.


    "She is easily overlooked, being the Princess and all. It is amon mistake." Calista and Lord Jacobson joined the group with Cali being the one to make the joke.


    Ge gulped while turning white. "I beg your royal forgiveness."


    "It is quite alright, sweet Ge. Lady Calista just wants everyone''s mood to be as sour as her own." Alina offered graciously.


    "Thank you, Your Highness. I will take my leave." Ge almost backed out of the conversation.


    "Please wait. Lord Holden, If you would like a moment with your friend, I am sure my mother would not object to Lord Jacobson and Lady Calista acting as my escorts for a moment." Alina turned to face me. With part of her face hidden from Ge, she gave me an inconspicuous wink.


    I swear the entire city is just one long romance novel waiting to be written.


    "Thank you, Princess Alina." I replied since I felt my dismissal was an order.


    "I won''t go far. Hopefully that will ease your mind." Alina smirked. She just wanted to be within earshot. What good is gossip if you''re thest to know.


    I offered Ge my arm and walked her part of the way down the refreshment table. I hope prying eyes and eavesdropping ears would be distracted. I could feel Ge''s arm tremble in the nook of my elbow.


    "Are you alright, Ge? You look uneasy." I broke the tension.


    "I will be quite alright, Holden. I mean Lord Holden. I have never met our princess before and that is not exactly the best first impression," Ge said


    "I do not think she would consider it a poor first impression. I have seen a lot worse conversation during a Sword Ceremony reception," Iughed trying to calm her nerves.


    Ge took a deep breath. "I am afraid that I am not done making apologies yet today. I am sorry for my behavior the other evening when you helped with a delivery."


    I was stunned. I knew I thought her behavior was strange, but I also thought I had misstepped along the way. My mind was a nk canvas of responses. Ge saw my hesitation so she continued forward with her own thoughts.


    "I made an assumption that Sir, I mean Lord Carrion and Princess Alina both wanted him to propose. I had not considered that it might not have been the wish of both parties. After it was announced that Lord Carrion was going to take on the mantle of Swordsman for the n of Wolves, I stopped to consider that it might have been moreplicated than I originally considered."


    "I see." That was all my mind let process through my lips.


    "Of course you would not stand up for a marriage that both parties were not amicable too. Especially if the proposal was, how did you put it? ''well intended but unwarranted''. I should not have doubted your honor, Lord Holden." Ge stared at her shoes.


    Ge had overheard myst statement to the princess, even if she had not realized until afterward that I was speaking to Alina. I wonder if she heard anything else.


    "Thank you." I managed. "I think Princess Alina would find your passion for her future very ttering. Our princess should feel honored to have such a loyal subject."


    "It is easy to be loyal when you can rte to a perceived plight," Ge shrugged her response.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Oh, it''s nothing. I just hope not everyone''s parents dictate their futures." Ge said vaguely.


    "Lord Holden? Lord Holden''s friend? If you both are done, Princess Alina says I need to apologize." Lady Calista cut in.


    Ge''s arm was still through mine, so I guided her back toward my babysitting charges. Ge stopped mid step.


    "They won''t bite. I promise." I smirked.


    "I apologize for being unkind, Lady Ge," Cali mustered out an insincere coerced apology.


    "Thank you, Lady Calista. It is just Ge. I have no title." My neighbor blushed deep red.


    "Oh really?" Cali''s interest was piqued. "What is that like? Want to trade?"


    "There he is! And with a young woman on his arm! I knew he was keeping something from me!" A boisterous voice rang out behind me.


    I turned to see my mother, with Sir Gavin and Sir Balor in tow. One of them seemed thrilled to shake hands with acquaintances as he walked through the crowd. The other just looked pudgy as always.


    "Lady Evalyn! What a pleasure to see you!" Princess Alina started.


    "Likewise, Your Highness!" Evalyn bowed low. "Now who is this beauty on my son''s arm?"


    It was my turn to be crimson.