"I'm sorry, Ro! It was a joke! I was kidding!"

"It is Ronan III!" he snaps, unimpressed.

He merely watches as the knight he'd summoned dangles Leda by the collar a good distance from the ground. She wriggles for freedom, much to no avail.

       "Master... Leda..." Orian croaks from his end, currently getting choked by another knight's merciless grip.

"Ro," Leda pleads, feeling herself beginning to lose air. "I meant it innocently! It's my curiosity fuelling me! I only want answers!"

Ro's face hasn't lessened in colour. "If you meant 'getting to know me more intimately' as a casual means of pursuing in-depth information you should've began with that!"

"Like my choice of words didn't get you all excited."

"A-as if! There is no way I would ever get excited over a trivial human!"

"He says that but he's red in the face," a knight whispers.

"Yeah..."

One intimidating glower from Ro shuts them right up.

The knights lower Orian and Leda to the ground, and she heaves out in relief, glad to be on her own feet again. Those in charge of security tend to manhandle her quite often. Sure she gets herself into deserving situations, but the least they can do is treat her gentler—like they would a girl.

Or is it that? They don't view her as one?

For some reason, Leda knows the fact that she's human has nothing to do with why they can't respect her femininity.

"If it was an attempt to convince me to be truthful, you would have a better shot at challenging me to a battle."

Leda's lips whirl downwards. She didn't think convincing him would go so smoothly anyway. "I'm not interested in battling, Ro. I want answers."

"For what purpose? Why all of a sudden? Just yesterday you confessed to wanting nothing more than to 'smack my ass up and down like a volleyball,' which my advisors have enlightened me meant rather disgusting intentions."

Leda makes a face of repulsion, waving a hand. "I assure you I meant it in the least vulgar way possible. And I've learnt you're not evil. So there's no reason for me to feel that way anymore."

Though honest, her sentiment once again triggers his immense displeasure.

It happens fairly quick. His fingers clenching tight enough for his knuckles to blanch. The twitch of his left eyelid.

He slams his fist onto the carpet, inducing a collision thunderous enough to make Leda's heart leap to her throat.

"I am a fool for ever allowing you to appear before me." He sends her the darkest, most bone-chilling glare she's ever witnessed, and all the hairs on her skin dart up instantaneously. "Absolutely nothing has changed from yesterday. I am still the embodiment of the scumbag you have depicted. The entire royal family deserves to burn in the Rehte for ever abandoning its citizens and letting them suffer the way that they have!"

His octave raises higher and higher, filled to the brim with unparalleled rage.

"I am giving you one last chance to apologize for ever believing otherwise. I'm also commanding you to tell me why have you come such a long way to see such a pathetic kingdom—a shameful prince."

His demeanour has shifted in such an vicious direction that's left Leda mute. The easily flustered prince is nowhere to be found. Instead, he's back full circle. Steely, unbudging. If she tries to joke like always, there's no doubt she'll get it. And if she tries to console him, it'll be like adding gasoline to an already heated fire.

The tension is suffocating within the never-ending minute that passes, and continues to be even when the door to the hall reels inward and a sheepish attendant pokes his head inside.

"Prince Ronan III, it is already noon. The townspeople are waiting to welcome you back from your journey."

Ro emits one final huff before he's beckoned to his feet by the very attendant and handed a fresh set of clothes. He's no longer looking at her, simply allowing his attendant to reassess his attire and cover him with even more bundles.

"I told you," Leda finally sputters, chewing the inside of her cheek. "I want to help you—"

"I do not need it," he snaps. "Especially from someone who believes I deserve forgiveness because I am dying as well."

         Her mouth moves but no words surface. With the click of his tongue, Ro slips on a long robe and new velvety blue cape. He's successfully shielded, no traces of his illness for his citizens to spot.

"If the reason you're here is due to pity, I do not want you in the Edaps Kingdom." His black look burns like ice. "Human, I will once again restate my resolution: if you and your friend are not gone from Depree before the sun descends in the west, I will place you under official arrest."

With the sway of his cape, and the dogging of his servants after him, Ro's gone.

She's left alone in this empty hall with Orian, drenched in heavy emotions.

Orian worriedly moves his head to the side. "Master Leda, are you sure we shouldn't hand him the letter?"

"Even if we do I doubt he'd come with us." She stuffs her hands into her pockets. "At least, not now."

"B-but if he doesn't tag along—if we can't do what Master Rhett asked of us—"

"He'll surely slaughter us in cold blood."

Orian squeals at the notion. "Wh-what should we do?"

"What else can we do?" Leda makes eye-contact with the knight peering into the room. He immediately stiffens, armour clinking together as he hides. She can only smile as she faces Orian. "Let's get going."

Shock etches its way onto his features. "But Master Leda! You can't mean we're going to visit the next kingdom! We can't! Master Rhett says he needs all four—"

"Huh? How'd you reach that conclusion?"

Orian flinches. "Y-you said..."

She heaves loudly, shutting her eyes from the dizziness the world around her has become. She speaks, quieter this time, "First, we should try asking these knights if they have any fairy meat to spare. I'm barely keeping up as is... Then, from there, we can secure a proper disguise."

"Disguise? Y-you can't be—"

"I've made up my mind," she asserts. "Plus,  I need to fulfill my promise to Annika and Adi."

"But, Master Leda—"

"I thought it was odd that we haven't heard anything from the king, queen or the other princes despite being in the palace. It's almost as if Ro is the one doing everything around here, which is odd considering he's the youngest."

Orian gasps at her implication, his eyes bulging from their sockets. "Then, that means..."

She grimly nods. "He's hiding a huge secret from his citizens so he doesn't worry them. And I have a bad feeling that the rest of his family have something to do with it and this strange illness. Even as we speak, they may already be..."

She swallows hard, banishing the notion.

"Even if he doesn't wish for it, we're staying in this kingdom," she says. "We're going to find a cure no matter what."

♥♦♣♠

DAY 47: GAMBLE

Although they've been searching through the extensive library of Depree for nearly a day, there isn't an answer to be found. Medical books, records, history—there exists not a single indication of solving this misfortune.

Like the rest of the capital, this building is empty with the exception of them. Most of the citizens are too ill to move and are cramped up on the Eastern side of city, quarantined and tended to by the adults who are still able to move.

Even with a simple glance at Naka and Nara the other day, the condition of Depree's people is far severe than the other Spades around Edaps. Much less a holy capital, it's more synonymous to a cursed one.

"Despite being such a beautiful place and abundant with countless blessings, it's all meaningless here," Leda groans. "What's the point of immense fortune if you're going to die anyway?"

Orian's tail whips back and forth as he runs his eyes across the pages and foreign texts with ease. "Do you believe this is why Master Ro is lying to his citizens? Because he knows it's all meaningless?"

          "Even if they are suffering, all of the citizens have hope when they think of the royal family or Depree," she agrees, resting her chin on her palm. "If Ro—a member of that royal family—were to take away that hope from them imagine how powerless they would feel? He probably thought convincing them they've been abandoned instead is a lot less painful."

Orian sniffles. "Master Ro has been suffering so much. I want to help him, Master Leda."

She trains her focus onto the book in front of her, the words giving her a headache. It's gibberish, which is why she's just been staring at the images in these things, but...

"Ugh!" She musses her curly hair. "That's what we're trying to do! But this is impossible! Not only am I an outsider, but I'm not a doctor either. Magic does work in this world but even Spades' supposedly strong bodies aren't worth shit to this disease. What do we even know about this disease, anyway? That it's incurable? That it somehow only affects Spades and nobody else?"

Orian shuts his books, setting them onto the table she's sprawled on. His steel helmet falls over his eyes, arms and legs simultaneously clanking. It's identical to Leda's armour, considering they talked the knights into 'lending them a suitable attire for their journey outside of the capital.' They bought their lie easy. Most likely because only an idiot would stay after a prince outright threatened to arrest them.

         "Maybe we should head to where the citizens are?" Orian offers. "If we see them again, or even talk to the doctors treating them, there's a chance we can find out more about this all..."

         "We tried that yesterday after leaving the palace, remember?" she reminds him. "But they're just as clueless as we are. We're at a dead end."

         Orian frowns as he reclines into his seat. Only after a short interval of silence does his face brighten. Puzzled, Leda swirls to face him but Orian's complexion falls to one of discomfort as he turns the other way.

         "Wait, do you have an idea?"

        Orian sweats buckets. "N-no," he feebly denies. "Forget it, Master Leda."

         "Yeah, right!" She clasps his shoulder, forcing his gaze to hers. "There's no stupid idea in this kind of situation, Orian! What did you think of?"

         "It's truly impossible, Master. I'm serious!" Though Orian protests it, she doesn't allow him to look away. Already used to her stubbornness, he succumbs rather easily. "I... I was thinking of the Land of Straeh."

          "Straeh?" she echoes.

         "They're an extremely advanced kingdom of magic and medicine," he responds. "I've heard many rumours that they have caused miracles to occur time and time again. Sickness has never been a problem there, so—"

          "Why haven't you told me of this place sooner?" she demands, springing to her feet. "Let's go there immediately!"

          She reaches to recollect their belongings, which is hard in her tightly-fitted armour, but Orian tugs her arm before she gets too far.

"W-wait, Master Leda! It isn't that simple!"

Discontent plasters her previous excitement. "And why is that?"

"I've already told you how isolationist the Land of Edaps is. They don't trade with anyone and they don't like to rely on other lands either—especially the Land of Straeh. The two have been enemies for a very, very long time."

"That's ridiculous," she says.

"You may think so, but Spades would literally die before asking the help of a Heart. Trust me, whenever they cross paths it's always a fight to the death. Towns and even cities have been destroyed in the crossfire!"

She frowns. "Even still—"

"You don't understand, Master Leda!" It's the first time Orian's ever appeared so freaked—so scared. "Nobody outside of Edaps knows about the sickness here, or its weakened citizens and royal family. And if of all the people of Annadia, the Land of Straeh were to learn of it, they wouldn't dare help! They're more likely to see this as a chance to invade. They'll instantly declare war on Edaps!"

Her stomach bottoms out. "Do they hate each other that much?"

Orian vigorously bobs his head. His hold on her falters. "The Spades are already weak enough as is. Their renowned military must've also taken a heavy toll. We can't put them through war on top of that." He shuts his eyes. "Even if we want to help, that's the deadliest gamble we can think of. I'm so ashamed that it ever crossed my mind."

Orian's shoulders tremble, and all of Leda's previous determination vanishes. She places a hand to his shoulder to comfort him.

"What about the Land of Dia? Can we go there?"

"It takes twenty days to get there from here," Orian snuffles, covering his face with his arm. "By the time we get back we'll have wasted forty days and I am unsure if my people even have a cure to this kind of illness."

She grits her teeth. "And we won't have enough time to stop Meisyr from falling to that jinx. Is there really no other way to help Ro?"

"I have already told you I do not need your help."

          The blood drains from Leda's skin, and is replaced with ice. She lurches sideways, bumping into Orian and nearly taking him down with her. More so, upon finding the owner of the voice resting calmly against a bookshelf.

         "Ah!" Orian screams, latching onto her. "It's him!"

         There isn't an inch of amusement evident in Ro's gaze as Leda attempts to remain balanced with Orian's grip around her the way it is.

         Avoiding his gaze the best she can, she gathers the best excuse possible. 

          "Y-your Highness, you're here." Deepening her tone, she breaks into a bow, dragging Orian's head with her. "Wh-what an honour, Prince Ro. I mean, Ronan. I mean, Ronan III..."

         Seriously, her mind screams. Way to give herself away. Maybe she should run before he captures them—

         Ro extends his arm before she can, successfully blocking off the exit and instilling more panic inside Leda than she thought possible.

         "Do you believe I'm that ignorant?" he finally says. "I am well aware of your identities, Human, Mond."

         "I'm a Mond! He knows I'm a Mond! What do we do, Master Leda? I'm too young to get arrested!"

          She inches back. "Quick, make a portal and let's get out of here. I think we can easily outrun his sickly butt—"

          "As if I'll let you try!"

         Before she can come to terms with what's happened, Ro has taken hold of her hand, whisking her from Orian. Her eyebrows skyrocket on her forehead as she cranes her neck to meet his eyes. Great! He got her!

          "Master Leda!" Orian is biting through his nails, a quivering mess. "Oh no, oh no..."

          She narrow her eyes into slits. "Look, I don't care if you arrest me! I'm not leaving this kingdom!"

Ro's hold constricts. Her heart rate spikes. She anticipates being blasted away by some crazy magic, or even his uncontrolled fury from yesterday.

But he only does the opposite.

"I hadn't believed for a single moment you would."

He liberates her, as if in defeat. Startled, Leda takes her wrist in her other hand, but Ro's guard doesn't ease in case she tries fleeing again.

          Her lips flatten. All right... this is slightly odd. He isn't going to arrest them?

          "I'm sorry for ever suggesting such a thing, Your Highness!" Orian squeals, dropping into a bow. "I didn't have any ill intentions!"

To their astonishment, Ro sighs, again. "It is fine, Mond. It is not as though the very idea hasn't crossed my mind."

          Leda perks. "Wait, so you'll go to the Land of Straeh—"

         "Over my dead body. Those buffoons are enemies to my father's citizens, and to myself. I'd rather kill myself and my people than succumb to shamefully begging them to save our lives."

         Despite comprehending why from Orian's earlier explanation, Leda can't help but glower. She surges forward.

"And what's so shameful about wanting to live? If you truly treasure your father's citizens, and he, for whatever reason, can't change anything right now, you really won't let a little grudge slide to save your people?"

          Ro pauses, amber eyes searching her and leaving her exposed. But she doesn't falter under his scrutiny, nor does she plan to. It's almost as if she keeps speaking out like this because she's waiting for him to change his mind. They aren't the same person so obviously they'd disagree, but Leda still has hope that he can at least empathize with what she's saying.

"Human, you puzzle me."

      She bats her eyelids, frazzled. "What?"

"First you hate and threaten me," he elaborates, "then you tease me—and now you are entirely convicted on aiding not only me, but all of my people despite my brash actions toward you. Why do you care about my kin as if they are your own?"

She straightens her posture. His curiosity is almost innocent, imploring. Orian nearby appears interested in the reason as well. Not enjoying that they can't decipher it, Leda bites on her inner lip.

"Do I need a reason to help you?"

Ro, caught off guard, loses his composure. "You... do not?"

          She shrugs. "Yup."

"You risked getting arrested, and gave your all in assisting my people because you... want to?"

"Exactly," she declares, regardless of his wide-eyed state. "But you just said you're willing to kill yourself and your entire nation because of some honour. I'm sorry to say it, but that's stupid. As much as I can somewhat understand, you're prioritizing the wrong things. I don't see what's wrong with asking others for help in times of need, even if it may be from your enemy. For all you know things may even work out."

Ro reels in shock. "H-huh? Stop fooling around! There is no way that is the only thing driving you!"

"It is," she counters. "I just want to help you, Ro, so let me. Let's go to Straeh together."

          Ro is nowhere near calm, let alone level-headed.

"I-It is Ronan III!" he shouts, pink consuming his cheeks. "And stop uttering nonsense. There is no way I am journeying to such a horrid place."

She purses her lips and pivots on her heel. "Orian, are all the princes in Annadia such cowards?"

          Ro recoils, issuing a dirty look her way. "You dare call a royal prince a coward?"

"Depends if I'm talking to a royal prince or a royal baby," she snorts, rising to her tip-toes to haughtily lessen the distance between their faces.

He reddens more from the proximity than her provocation. She simply leans closer until he finally stumbles against the bookshelf, left without an opportunity to escape.

"So?" she coos. "You coming or not? And I'm telling you right now that I'm going without you if I have to."

"M-Master Leda really is amazing...!" Orian gushes from the sidelines.

Ro can't relate, and is fuming despite his embarrassment. "You humans are truly..."

Taking that as his approval, her lips stretch as far back as possible. She flashes a giddy Orian a thumbs-up. "Yes! It worked!"

          She forfeits Ro his personal space. He's a lot more relieved as he goes to fix the collar of his attire.

"Before our departure, I suppose I should answer your questions," he says.

Leda hitches her chin. "Wait, so you are a royal baby?"

         "About my family!" he yells.

She sheepishly recoils. Oh, right.

He promptly clears his throat. "But if I tell you you must also tell me why you journeyed here."

"Sure," she responds.

She outstretches her hand only to have him blankly stare at it. Her face falls in distaste.

"Do you guys not know how a handshake works either? It's to make things official. To honour the deal we've made."

Ro's eyebrows furrow as she clasps his right hand in hers. She tightens her grip to give it a firm shake, and Ro retreats in both surprise and awe at the gesture. She titters as she withdraws her palm.

"Then, we'll head out as quickly as possible," she beams. "And don't worry, Ro, I'll try to protect you the best I can against these Hearts."

Ro tinges further. A huff leaves his mouth as he spins around, his cape flowing after him. "As if I need a human's protection."

She sneers. He's quite the figurehead, isn't he? She glances at Orian who's begun gathering their materials. She smiles, an expression he returns in a heartbeat.

"Prepare for tomorrow morning," Ro commands as he turns for the exit.

"Are we leaving then?"

"Not exactly." There's no longer any nonchalance reflected on his features when he disappears from her sight. "I'll be taking you to see the king."