AZALEA

I was in deep thoughts while dressing in a light blue dress. After tying the ribbon on my back, Yumi helped me tie my hair into a half up ponytail and put powder on my face. I had a grave expression on my face as I stared back at my own reflection.

Who wanted me to fail? Was it the queen? Was it one of the candidates? Or maybe, all of them? It was hard to determine who my real enemy was. All of them had a fathomable reason to mess with me. I just couldn't jump into conclusions because I might be wrong.

When I left the room, Gabriel was already waiting outside the side of the wooden door with Aaron.

They slightly bowed to me as a form of greeting and respect.

I was relieved that Gabriel had already returned, unscathed. "What happened? Did you catch the man?"

Gabriel straightened his back and shook his head. "Forgive me, my lady. I failed to catch the man. But I can confirm that he is not from Woodcrest. He fled, heading to the neighboring state. Maybe he will return to report to his master. It seems he is just ordered to spy on you."

My eyebrows furrowed. We could no longer chase the man if that was the case. I noticed how worry seeped in Gabriel's black eyes. Maybe he was worried for my safety? Or maybe, he was worried that I would punish him because he failed? I couldn't tell but it was safer to put my bet on the latter.

"It's alright. We caught someone. Maybe he knows something. Lead the way to the dungeon, Aaron," I ordered, exercising my authority.

Aaron led the way. Gabriel followed behind us.

Our footsteps echoed against the thick brick walls as we went deeper in the dungeon, leading to the prison cell of that man who caused an uproar earlier. The rough floor was dusty and lamps were attached on the brick walls which lighted our path. We stopped in front of the prison cell at the end of the hallway.

The man imprisoned looked up at me with dark eyes, full of hatred. He had bruises on the corners of his mouth. Blood smeared on his brown and worn out tunic too. He had his hands and feet chained without mercy. I couldn't imagine what he went through under Dennis' interrogation.

Count Samuel nodded at me to acknowledge my presence. He stepped to the side and made way for me.

When Dennis saw me, he stepped back from the prison cell and stood behind me. Blood was visible on his knuckles. He definitely did his best to extract information from this man. I entered the prison cell.

"Did you get something from him?" I asked. I turned to Dennis with anticipation although I was actually afraid to know the truth.

Dennis shook his head, apologetic and ashamed, with downcast eyes. "He doesn't know the name of the man who hired him. He was tasked to cause problems for my lady. I don't think he is lying. But he didn't come from this place. He came from the neighboring state."

The neighboring state was Southwoods. The state where Lady Jaera was staying. But I didn't think she was ignorant enough to cause a problem like this. Especially when she would become the first suspect when the plan succeeded. But what if someone was just pitting us against each other? To cause strife and doubt. So we would go after each other's throats? I needed concrete evidence before accusing someone.

"What did they offer you?" I asked, confused. I stared down at the man who frowned at me.

"Money. To get through the winter," he answered without hesitation.

"Some towns in the neighboring states are also as poor as Woodcrest but at least, their towns are not considered cursed," Count Samuel added.

"Did you see the face of the person who hired you?" I continued.

The man shook his head. "I didn't. He had his face covered. But he seemed to be educated... based on the way he speaks."

My eyes narrowed at the man. But I could no longer get any useful information from him. Despite displaying a strong front, I could notice the worry seeping in his eyes. As if he was worried about something but his regrets could no longer save him. Maybe he just realized how foolish he acted.

"Free him tomorrow and send him back to his town. If he causes another problem for me in the future, he will be punished severely," I ordered the knights.

I turned to the man with a warning look on my face. "If you dare to attack me again, I will no longer forgive and tolerate your rudeness. Don't you know? Insulting nobles and attacking them can cause you death."

The man gaped at me with confusion. "Why would you free me?" He couldn't comprehend the kindness I was showing him. Because kindness was quite rare especially when we were suffering under this generational curse.

"I don't want your family to suffer this winter. Maybe you don't love them but they're still your family," I answered directly.

He was stunned and speechless. He lowered his head slightly as if he was so ashamed of his foolish behaviour. "Thank you," he muttered with shame.

I stared at him for a while before I turned around to leave the prison cell.

"You shouldn't be soft, my lady," Aaron reminded me as we walked out the dungeon.

"The knight is right. Since you are a candidate for the Crown Princess position, you will have several enemies. You can't just forgive them like what you did to that man," Count Samuel followed.

I sighed. "I will deal with my enemies through my own ways. Since they failed, I don't think they are bold enough to further cause problems. And the Crown Prince will be visiting soon. They will be afraid to make their move. It won't be good to involve a royalty in this mess if they don't want to expose themselves."

~~~

Days passed and everything went smoothly after the incident. I was right that my enemy won't dare to involve a royal in this case. No one dared to mess with me anymore. And the people of Woodcrest no longer showed their disgust and doubt on me. They are finally warming up to me. They no longer watched me with wary eyes.

I was not sure if I finally cleared the worries in their hearts but I was glad with the subtle and small changes.

Inside the room prepared by Count Samuel, the seamstresses were busy sewing winter clothes, socks and gloves made of animal furs and skin. The thick fabrics I donated were also a big help on the production. Some ladies from each household even volunteered to work which made our work easier. I also taught them some sewing techniques to ensure that the clothes would last longer throughout the winter.

The idle men repaired the holes in each house and my knights helped them as we went around the town to monitor everyone's progress. Everyone was cooperative which kind of surprised me.

On the other hand, the hunters already gathered enough meat from deers and rabbits and the group to preserve and dry the gathered meat was quite busy. Some already preserved meat was moved to the food storage in the basement. Almost everyone had a designated task to do. I was happy that everything was so organized and they didn't give me a hard time upon supervising them.

"The owners of the lands and some of my relatives agreed to sell the grains, vegetables and livestock at a lower price," Count Samuel said while we were walking around. "They will deliver our orders one of these days. We are also expecting the fruits and vegetables to be delivered a day before the first fall of snow. We don't want the vegetables and fruits to rot before the winter comes. When the temperature finally drops, we can preserve their freshness."

"That's good. Please thank them for me. We will send the payment to them as soon as possible. We just need an inventory of the livestock, vegetables, fruits, and grains. We must ensure that the amount is enough for every household this winter. We had a little budget, that's why it's necessary to hunt as many as possible," I said.

There were only two thousand silver coins on our remaining budget. I must use this wisely from now on. Everyone was busy but I was glad everyone was enjoying their jobs. The residents even worked without payments.

We continued to work together and as per the queen's word, the Crown Prince really came to visit and inspect after a week.

A carriage stopped in front of the Count's mansion. Prince Dion descended from the carriage and we greeted him courteously. Even the workers stopped and paid him respect with a slight bow and curtsy.

"You may rise," Prince Dion said in a formal tone. "Continue with your activities." His ash blue hair was slicked back giving him a classic and dignified look while dressed in a brown trench coat, white double cuff shirt, black formal trousers and black leather shoes.

The workers slightly bowed their heads again, bidding their goodbyes, before leaving one by one. I was left with Count Samuel and his family. My knights and maids stood a little far from us, patiently waiting for my orders.

Prince Dion approached us. His lips curved into a small smile as he casted a glance upon me. I secretly frowned because of his subtle carefree demeanour. My heart felt a little threatened. We were here to work so I hoped he wouldn't mess things up. Or maybe I was actually wishing for him to not mess with me—with my heart.

"It's an honor to be graced by your presence, Your Royal Highness. We prepared simple refreshments inside. You're probably exhausted from the long trip. Please rest inside," Count Samuel nervously greeted and offered.

"It is a pleasure to see you and your family again. That will be nice. Please lead the way, Count Samuel," Prince Dion answered. We went inside the mansion and headed to the sitting room where the tea and the simple snacks were prepared. Count Samuel and I went inside the sitting room with the Crown Prince.

We sat on the cushioned couches as the servants poured tea in our silver teacups. After serving us, they left the room with a slight bow.

"I will be staying here for the next two days before moving to the next state," Prince Dion informed.

"We already prepared the room where you will be staying, Your Royal Highness," Count Samuel immediately said.

"Thank you. On my way here, I noticed that the townspeople are all busy with their preparations for this winter," Prince Dion stated.

Count Samuel smiled. "It's all thanks to Lady Azalea's ideas. She helped us with the preparations. She even managed to encourage everyone to help."

Prince Dion turned to me with an amused gaze. "I would like to hear the details about that."

"It's nothing big. I just gathered people to preserve meat, sew clothes and hunt. But they did all the work here. I just supervised their work and inspected the final products. We also ordered the grains, vegetables and fruit using the budget provided," I answered. "The remaining budget will be used to buy some cheap blankets."

"That's a wise move. I want to see how the preparations are going. You can show me around later," he said with a smile. I noticed the admiration and awe in his gaze. It was terrifying that I immediately put my guards up.

I nodded sternly. "And also, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Sure. Anything within my power. What is it?"

"Please send knights to monitor how the portions are being distributed. Since I will only stay here for two weeks. I won't be able to monitor the distribution of foods and clothing this winter. I know Count Samuel will definitely and honestly do his job but the residents of Woodcrest want a guarantee," I explained.

Prince Dion nodded with understanding. "That's easy. We will send some knights to monitor the distribution. It seemed you finally gained their trust. That's wonderful," he said with a small smile. I hated how he was smiling like everything was just normal—as if I wouldn't break my heart if I accidentally fell for him.

Damn! His smiles were dangerous! Even his eyes seemed sincere about his awe and admiration with the way I handled the winter preparation in Woodcrest.

"I don't think that's the right way to put it. Maybe they are just desperate to survive this winter that they are putting their trust in a red-haired girl," I answered with a shrug. I didn't think it was trust. I would prefer it if it was desperation because that was more acceptable and understandable.

Prince Dion smiled and raised the silver teacup near his lips. "But all in all it's still good. It was better than what I expected."

"So you expect that I will fail?" My eyebrow was knitted. I was secretly annoyed. I was not really fond of failures. Despite being a girl, I was quite competitive.

"Not really. I expected you would encounter some problems but I also believed you could solve them. Guess, everything was resolved peacefully," he answered with honesty.

I wanted to beg to differ because of my enemy who was spying on me, who hired someone to attack me and cause an uproar but I didn't want to involve the Crown Prince. I didn't want to be dependent on him. I was actually afraid that my opinions of him would suddenly change. I kept my silence and I even casted a warning gaze to Count Samuel to keep the incident a secret. Count Samuel tightly bit his bottom lip to keep himself from speaking.

Prince Dion silently consumed his tea. After sipping from the teacup and putting it down the saucer, he finally stood up. "I will rest in my room and change. I will find you later, Lady Azalea."

I nodded. Count Samuel stood up as well. "I will guide you to your room, Your Royal Highness."

Prince Dion nodded and left the room. It had been a while since I last saw him and it seemed he was acting like a proper prince now. Maybe it was due to the fact that his father would no longer last for long.

~~~

Accompanied by the knights, Prince Dion and I walked inside the sewing room. The seamstresses wiped their sweating forehead as they cut and fastened fabrics to be sewn together with the animal furs and skins.

Prince Dion checked the finished products and he seemed impressed as he nodded with satisfaction.

"You're more attentive than I thought," he said with a small smile as we went around. He was visibly happy with how everything was being done. The workers were greeting him but he was waving a hand to dismiss them and to tell them to continue working—to not pay attention to him.

But how could they not pay attention to the Crown Prince?

"I just thought these would help them survive the winter. I'm not that attentive. It is just a logical thing to do," I defensively answered.

He just smiled but didn't argue. As if he knew how I really felt.

We visited the basement's food storage and the grains we ordered. The meat was preserved through fermentation. Some of the meat was dried. The fresh meat gathered on the day before the winter would be preserved when the temperature dropped to its freezing point.

"It's amazing how you managed to handle such a tight budget. I'm amazed. With the grains and meat stored here, Woodcrest will definitely survive the winter. Tomorrow let's visit the town," he uttered. "I want to see the changes in this once dead state."

I nodded. It was actually refreshing to witness the positive changes in this state. I was kind of proud about it.

~~~

The next day, we visited the towns in Woodcrest and most of the houses were already fixed. Most of the people were busy helping each other to fix houses. Some were offering simple refreshments. Other men went to the forest to gather firewoods to be stored before the winter.

If our hearts were not made of glass, I would definitely refer to this kindness as an act of love.

Prince Dion looked around with an amused look upon his face. We both wear simple clothings and cloaks to hide our identities. The knights were on stand by and were secretly following us. As Prince Dion instructed, they kept their distance.

"What did you do for them to work like this and help each other? I remember this is an almost dead town. I mean the people here no longer care about their lives. As if they have already given up on life," he muttered.

"I didn't know. I just expressed my thoughts. Maybe they realize they can do something to make their lives better than before," I answered with a shrug.

"What did you tell them?" he asked with interest. He turned to me with curious blue eyes.

"At first, they didn't want to listen to me because of my red hair so I told them that they shouldn't destroy their lives because of those petty myths and beliefs. And if they want better lives, they must do something worthy, something to prove they can live better lives than their current state. I just encouraged them to help each other since we are not heartless despite our glass hearts. I personally think it's more pitiful to die of cold and an empty stomach than with a broken heartglass," I answered quietly.

Prince Dion grinned. His blue eyes looked satisfied as if he really expected this outcome from me."You did a great job, my lady."

I hated it when he was openly complimenting and praising me although it was only natural because I really did a great job. But I didn't like sweet talks.

"I also created a winter plan and handed it to Count Samuel. I want them to continue this operation until the first day of snow. To ensure that everything is adequate for their needs. Since I will be leaving this place next week to return to the palace."

My eyes wandered over the streets and houses. When I first arrived in this place, exhaustion and hopelessness were visible in the eyes of the residents but now they were finally smiling as they helped each other. It was a warm sight to see. As if their worries were finally lifted away from their shoulders.

"How are the other states?" I asked.

Prince Dion smiled. "Are you interested in the states of your rivals?"

I frowned. "I'm not competing with anyone. I just want to know if all preparations are going smoothly. I didn't want anyone to suffer the harshness of winter."

Prince Dion chuckled which secretly annoyed me. "Everything's good so far. You're the first candidate I visited since you're the nearest to my location. I will visit Lady Jaera next since she is also in the southern part of the kingdom."

"I see. Then you will be busy until the start of winter..."

Prince Dion smirked. "Why? You gonna miss me?"

My eyes narrowed at him. "Please stop being delusional, Your Royal Highness."

Prince Dion chuckled. "What a savage. You're so cold. But I like that about you. Let's continue our stroll around the town, my lady."

I frowned but I followed his steps. He went to the marketplace, checking the goods from each stall. Some carts sell street foods and fruits. The aroma of freshly baked bread even reached my nose.

The smell was mouthwatering and my stomach growled softly. Heat travelled to my cheeks because of the faint noise which came from my stomach. I was so ashamed that I wished I could just evaporate.

Prince Dion chuckled. "Let's buy some bread to eat."

I nodded in silence with a flushed face. I didn't reject his offer because it would be more embarrassing on my part.

He bought a bag of bread and we quietly sat on an empty bench. I silently ate the bread he offered. And I was right. Despite the lack of ingredients, the bread was still delicious. I wondered what they added to the bread to make it satisfying.

I remembered something while eating. "By the way, won't you resolve the issue with the Cursed forest? I mean the roses are already unruly that no one can enter the forest."

"Hmmm... I'm not too sure since no one is brave enough to enter that forest. But let's see after the winter. I will try to send people who are willing to clear the forest," he answered.

"But what if no one is willing to clear it out?" I asked with knitted eyebrows.

Prince Dion chuckled. "Then do you want to send this prince? I am willing to test if it is really cursed... just for you." His lips curved into an amused grin as he gazed at me.

I frowned. "No need."

So that meant the roses in the Cursed Forest won't be cleared out anytime soon.

Because no one is brave enough to prove that the forest isn't cursed at all.

***