After a small stroll, the family started to return inside to rest and prepare for the arrival of more relatives. Scarlet handed her gun off to Ian and went to Alana’s side.

"We haven’t gotten the chance to speak since I returned," said Alana.

"You have been busy trying to avoid everyone’s questions about Ian. I wish to know if there is any change to your relationship as well but I can wait. I have not been to one of your family gatherings in years. It is fun," Alana said, enjoying the atmosphere created by how close everyone was.

"It is going to get louder when everyone is here but it is nice to be here. There are a lot of contests so there will be one you can take part in and win. Since you came with me, you are part of my group so whatever I win, you win," Scarlet explained.

"I see. I will do my best so your group does not lose. It will be fun to see what I can do during the contest. Scarlet," Alana spoke softly, looking around to check how close anyone was to them. "Despite leaving the party, I have received a few invitations. There is also a problem. Jeremy is being a little bit of a problem."

"Jeremy? Is this the one who prides himself on being Luke’s friend? What has he done now?" Scarlet asked, prepared to hear of something stupid. Since Luke couldn’t get to Alana, was he going to send his friends now?

"It is a about what I told you when I spoke with Jeremy and he said some things which led to Dawson pushing him. Now he is spreading that I have settled with a guard. It is not false," Alana confessed, afraid of how Scarlet would react. "Something changed between me and Dawson. I’m sorry it had to be your guard."

Scarlet laughed as Alana was late in saying this. "Why are you apologising now when I had already given you my support? Ian thinks he must be rewarded for the two of you being together but I was the one to pair Dawson with you. Is what Jeremy is saying ruining your relationship?"

"I don’t know. When I first saw the paper, Dawson didn’t look thrilled over it. Which is nothing new as he is always so stoic at times. I worry because we have only just started to talk about our feelings and already we have to deal with the town curious about me being with him. I want to deny it," Alana said, but she couldn’t bring herself to.

She explained, "Only because I want to take their attention off of us but I don’t want Dawson to think I am ashamed of him. If I lie about us not being together now and we are seen together in the future, then I will be called a liar and that will never die down."

"Alana, the best advice I can give you is to ignore the gossip. I’m sure no one has ever seen you do anything more with Dawson than any other young woman does with her guard. I have not. Let them think what they want and tomorrow they will find someone else to speak about. There isn’t anyone who will speak about you here," Scarlet said, winking at Alana.

"We are not that far into our relationship-"

"I did not say to sleep with him," Scarlet interjected before Alana got any ideas. "I will not have any of that happening on my watch. I meant that you can go on a walk alone with him and no one will disturb you. You can even request for a private dinner to be set up for the two of you."

"I do not understand. You and Ian share a bed when he spends the night at your estate and I am certain you do when you visit him. I am not interested in being like that with Dawson yet but why can’t I when you are doing it?" Alana asked, confused.

"Because there is much for you two to work out before that happens and when I think about it, you are still the little princess that has always been by my side. And Dawson is my guard. Save me from knowing what you are doing. I am not prepared," Scarlet said, not wanting to see the two so close yet. "You have always been like a sister to me."

"So this is what it is like to have an older sibling who cares. I guess it would be fun to have someone trying to keep Dawson from me until I wed. You were also at the party like an escort for me and you opened your home to me. I have never realised how close we are as a family. It is quite nice," said Alana. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

She would happily disown her siblings and start referring to Scarlet as her sister. Scarlet didn’t have any siblings, which Alana considered to be a wonderful gift, so sometimes Alana would gladly play that role.

"Have you thought about what you want to do? Will you fight to be more involved in the palace or is it still in your plans to work for me?" Scarlet asked.

"After speaking to Dawson, I want to do both. I don’t plan to live in the palace ever again but I want to take part in my duties. Whether it be to attend events where all the Castros are to be present or mention ideas to the issues with the kingdom. The palace is where I am to be just as those two are to be there. I will not run from being a princess," Alana declared.

Along with this, she would work under Scarlet to earn her money and not depend on what the palace would send for her. Luke would continue to be petty as he was now with the money she was to receive already arriving late.

"I will work hard to get out of your estate soon. I can tell from the way Ian keeps sneaking glances that something has changed. You will need your space when the time comes and as large as the estate is, I will need mine. Ian would love this," Alana said as he hated when his time with Scarlet was disturbed.

Scarlet didn’t want Alana to go but it was going to happen at some point. "There is plenty of room for you to stay there but I know how awkward it could be when your relationship grows. I have other homes in Lockwood so you may pick one of your liking. Consider it an early wedding or birthday gift."

"Are they not the homes also owned by your family? Will they be fine with giving it away?" Alana wondered as she was not a Collins.

"I’ve learned from my family and made a few investments of my own. It is my home that I am giving away to you and should everyone know of your troubles with Luke, they will spoil you with everything you need. Maybe it is best that you bring it up," Scarlet considered as there was much for Alana to gain. "You can have a carriage and all that you need by the end of the trip."

"Lady Scarlet," a maid addressed Scarlet. "You have a guest by the gates seeking to speak to you."