The last thing the (h/c) haired girl expected was for Haru to feel guilt. Of course, he always had that emotion, but it was few and far between to see him actually giving into it. What was even more interesting was that he wasn't feeling remorse for something he had done to his family (or to her, for that matter). From what she gathered, he was feeling bad about his prejudice against Orion. Though, she supposed it was because he finally figured out that he was deathly ill.

She spent a while consoling him, but, just when she thought it was over, the next few mornings, it was the same deal. He rambled about how bad he felt and how painful it must have been for the prince. And though his father and Sona did their best to ignore him, she couldn't help but listen to him. It was just so fascinating. Haru was talking about his feelings. He wasn't punching a wall or scheming to blow a country off the face of the earth; he was just talking.

"If you feel that bad, just get him a present," the girl huffed, munching on some grapes, "That's what you do with me."

"I don't love him."

"Well, no, but, when you feel guilty about something, you give gifts. Like when you accidentally ripped Bastien's favorite jacket. Or when you stole the last pancake from your father."

"But he's not my family."

The girl sighed, knowing she wouldn't get anywhere with Haru. To him, his family was a different breed. They were something special amidst the simpletons that were "other people", so, in his mind, he didn't have to treat others with the same calliber of consideration. And while the (h/c) haired girl was also a "special person" to him, it was because she would be his family. Of course, there were instances before where Haru had done something wrong and apologized to the other party. Still, it never came from guilt. It always stemmed from necessity.

When he was younger, if he hurt another kid, he didn't care. In his mind, it was an accident and that was that. They wouldn't die, so he didn't have to care, and, in truth, because he was an Akahito, it was so easy for him to get away with that kind of behavior. Not many people stood at his level, including his friends. Though he liked them, only one of them could stand on similar footing. That was because that friend was the youngest son of the second princess. He was Orion's cousin. She took this into consideration when explaining it to the brunette.

"I don't really have any specific examples or anything, but," A pause, the girl crossing her arms over her chest in preparation for the brunette's incoming fit, "just think about Rei."

It was obvious the second she thought of it that Haru would be mad. He didn't like it when she thought about other people, but, even more so when those other people harbored attraction to her. And though the fact was that, now, the blonde prince would kill her on sight if he saw her, he didn't get that. All he understood was that the girl he loved was talking about another male, possibly with romantic attraction to him.

As a result, he moved to grip onto her shirt, only for him to suddenly (and unexpectedly pause). She saw him count to five before following through with it. Though, thankfully, he didn't grab her as forcefully as he would have before counting. It was multi-use. The brunette moved his chair closer to her, but said nothing. He was just warning her. That much was acceptable for her, so she continued.

"Your family might own pretty much everything, but you can't own a person's heart. And, unfortunately for you, a lot of people's hearts belong to the royal family. You can't offend them."

"I can."

"But you shouldn't. If you did something wrong to Rei, you would then apologize to Rei. The same goes for Orion. And though you should think about that for everyone, let's just stick with that, okay? If you do something bad, you apologize."

The brunette seemed to understand a bit better though there was still a sour look on his face. He stopped pouting a bit when she pet his head, but turned to look away. Following his gaze, she noticed he was staring adamantly at the royal palace, probably thinking of the prince. Normally, he wouldn't have cared to apologize, whether her message was effective or not. That being said, Orion perhaps was a very, very special exception, and for that reason alone, Haru thought of him.

"He probably wouldn't even let me see him," he regretfully mumbled, receiving a reward-like kiss for his consideration.

"I'm sure he would. He's not an evil demon like you think he is. He's actually a very sweet boy."

"Then...you go ask for me."

"Sorry? I don't think I understand."

"You're friends. You can ask him if I can meet with him. Then I can say sorry or whatever."

(Y/n) was a bit surprised at the request. Before, he would have sworn never to have apologized if she met with him alone. He was the jealous type, and extremely possessive, so letting her go on her lonesome was a stark change. Then again, it was probably because of the boy's illness that he let her go in the first place. Though Haru was an uncaring, selfish brat, he always had a soft-spot when it came to people that were sick. He would give them as much care as possible and, unlike his usual self, be very considerate. At least, that was if he didn't try to "put them out of their misery".

"If that helps you feel supported," she hummed, plopping another grape in her mouth mindlessly.

"Oh, but, if you see that stupid knight, kick him in the balls."

The younger girl chuckled not out of surprise, but, rather, agreement. She didn't like the coral-haired man. For Haru, it was obvious why. The man upheld the idea that no one was above the royal family, not even the most wealthy family in the world. As a result, he liked to make Haru feel as if he was arrogant and undeserving. Worst of all, he mistakenly referred to Sona as a robot and refused to correct the mistake upon several occasions. Though, the brunette's priorities were a mess in that regard. Either way, she couldn't help but agree.

After taking her time with the brunette, she made her way back to the palace. Granted, it wasn't her favorite place in the world, and the looks she was given were far from comfortable. Either people hated her or fawned at her feet. That was what she had learned long before she had ever come to Valiende, and, yet, for some reason, things felt so different. Whether she was adored or not, the level of affection in Vethela was always weirdly religious in nature.

As she walked towards the orange-haired prince's room, the gazes only got more intense. Obviously, with everything that surrounded her, she was well aware of any rumors spread about her. The good came with the bad, but it was the good that was concerning her more. After all, she had no intention to remain close with Orion. Though he was sweet and innocent, he drew far too much attention for her liking. She would have preferred to remain in anonymity for the rest of her life, just so long as it was a long and unbound life.

To no surprise, Presley was standing outside of the prince's room, probably anticipating she or Haru would return to see him. He wasn't fond of either of them and they weren't fond of him. It was a pointless endeavor to try to get him to like her, so she didn't feel like wasting her energy on it. Instead, as she stood there, giving an expressionless face, she coughed, loud enough for the younger boy to hear it inside his room. She didn't need Presley's permission, and as his face warped into one of anger, he began to understand that as well.

"Miss Shiratori!" the orange-haired male beamed, coughing a bit as he opened the door, "Have you come to see me?"

"As a matter of fact, I have."

"Is Mister Haru with you?"

Surprisingly, the prince asked the question with great anticipation. Both a bit of nervousness and excitement in his tone, he, for some reason, seemed to idolize the brunette. Though (Y/n) supposed it wasn't a bad thing for him to like Haru, she somehow felt bad about dismissing that idea. She simply explained she was there in his place. And though Orion's happiness wasn't at all affected by it, Presley continued to glower.

The knight probably assumed she was there to communicate some evil message from the brunette so as to somehow harm the precious heir of Vethela. Of course, the reality was a lot more pure, but she could see how he would think that. After all, Haru wasn't the most gentle with other people and he certainly wasn't "pure" like Orion. For that reason, he turned to enter the room in order to supervise the safety of the prince. However, the male in question was none too pleased about him entering the room, closing the door on him. Though the girl was almost entirely sure the knight was still eavesdropping.

"Welcome," Atlas smiled, the ravenette giving a friendly wave to the girl, "It's nice to finally meet the 'Miss Shiratori'. If you need anything, I would be delighted to assist you."

Though the main servant was largely ignored by her, he continued to smile. She just wasn't sure how to respond to the eagerness, especially since there were more servants than she expected. Obviously, Orion was considered the crown prince, so she anticipated servants. That being said, she figured most of those servants would be doctors. At least, that was all she would see. Then again, seeing the five servants in the room, she couldn't quite claim he was being mistreated.

"Can you get some sweets?" Orion perked up, Atlas pausing for a moment out of confusion before the boy clarified, "Some Athainian sweets?"

"That would make more sense, your highness. Just one moment. I'll see to it myself."

The other servants saw to setting up a nice place for the girl to sit. Since the prince was so precious and weak, he had very few visitors. And since he was completely bedridden, getting worse every day, he didn't sit at a table to eat. Most days, he was just in his bed, laying down and trying to pass the time. That was why the male's attendants were so eager to entertain visitors, particularly because the orange-haired male looked so much better when she came to see him. They stared.

Not long after noticing, however, the prince made an embarrassed face. They knew him well, most of them having served him for their whole lives. That expression meant he was getting bashful, and the reason behind it at that time was because of the older girl. With much understanding as to his interest in her, they wisely chose to give them distance. Though they could not provide privacy, meant to protect him no matter the circumstances, it was the next best thing. That being said, they all snickered at one another as the prince pouted. Then they snickered more as he became docile when she started speaking to him, even if he was coughing the entire time, trying to catch his breath.

"I'm surprised you actually came to see me at the door. Are you sure you're doing okay?"

"I'll be fine!" A few more coughs. "I mean, this much isn't - isn't bad."

Despite what he said, he seemed to get a little worse. At least, the coughing became more prominent, particularly as some blood came from his lungs. He looked at the liquid with confusion before wobbling a bit. Though he flinched at her assistance, she helped him lay down, the prince clearly touched at her care. The male then had some difficulty breathing, to which he gripped onto her hand.

"Does he...need doctors?" the girl questioned, turning over to the other servants.

"If his highness felt uncomfortable, he would have rung for someone," one of them shrugged, pointing to a button on the wall, "Otherwise, we would call when he shows signs of blacking out."

"I could always come back later."

The suggestion was met with puppy dog eyes. She flinched. Orion was gazing up at her with very somber, very hopeful eyes. He didn't look like he expected anything, and she was sure his perception of her would be harmed, but, for some reason, it was hard to look away. Things like that made her wonder if he really was of the same kind as her and Celith. However, as he made the expression, a strange taste found itself in her mouth. It was off, and it wasn't just because he wasn't pureblooded. She doubted he even knew what he was.

"You said you were - ," the male paused, taking in a deep breath to fill his trembling lungs, "here for Mister Haru."

The curiosity he had was also a trait she and Celith shared, but it wasn't exclusive to them. Either way, she supposed what he was didn't particularly matter for that task. The brunette wanted to show his repentance and she wanted to help him do that. It was all the better for her if he learned to say he was sorry. As a result, though the orange-haired male was not in the best of states, she figured that time would be just as good as any other to tell him.

"Yes, I guess I did say that," she sighed, ignoring the fact that the prince was holding onto her hand or that he remained dizzy, "Haru wanted to ask if he could meet with you. It wouldn't be for long, and he could come right to you, if you needed."

"Mister Haru...wants to see me?"

It was kind of sad to see just how moved the prince was by the thought. Though she wasn't sure he knew what he wanted to meet for, he just seemed elated at the fact that someone wanted to see him. Of course, with how protected the male was, it must have been hard to meet people. In that regard, she saw two earths of a difference between him and his youngest cousin. Orion was very pure.

"He's not used to guilt, and he treated you so badly. I think he's sincere in wanting to apologize to you."

"No, I - "

The orange-haired male jolted up without regard for his health, resulting in him coughing up more blood. Worse still, he was wheezing in an attempt to get air into his lungs. He placed his hands on his heart and began to listen to his own heart beat, attempting to determine just how far away he was from passing out. She could see tears pricking at his eyes, the boy trying anything to keep them from falling. He was frustrated with his own body. That much was clear.

The sight was disconcerting for her. Air was important to have, but, when it didn't come so easily, it could easily kill. In fact, she knew a lot about the particular element's capabilities for killing. Whether it was pushing someone off the edge of a mountain or cutting off airflow, it was so easy to end someone's life with such little effort. And with the element's full capabilities, there were worse things that could happen.

She usually had her eyes forcefully closed, but she did remember a time where she was met with the sight of an entire acre covered in blood. She didn't know what happened. A much younger her remained still, playing with the silk butterfly while her father went foraging. Then there was a scream. She ran. And, before long, she looked down from the mountain just a bit to see blood everywhere. It was amazing what a vacuum could do to a living body. Safe to say, she ran back to where she was, pretending she hadn't seen anything when her father returned.

Then, of course, the element could force one's lungs or intestines out, pop and rupture organs and blood vessels, burst eyes out from their sockets, etc. Safe to say, she dreaded the element. And when Orion was suffering from a lack of it, she didn't particularly want to see a new method of death. Because, as much as she dreaded the element, if she was forced, she would use it.

"May I open the windows?" she sighed, clenching her fists in anticipation, "It might do him some good to have some fresh...air."

The servants all gawked at one another, whispering "discreetly". Though it wasn't really permitted, the boy's doctors all having previously urged him to keep them shut, Orion seemed to want it. Though they were hesitant, one of them nodded, allowing her to push the things open. Of course, nothing would really have happened, but, since she was there, the wind came rushing in. She shivered and suppressed her usual urges. Putting on a smile, she turned to the prince, still wheezing and choking.

"Take a deep breath. It'll make you feel better."

He tried very hard to believe her, but there was still doubt lingering in his gaze. Regardless, he did as she suggested, the girl placing her hand on his back. For a moment, she had to remember how to do it. With what little aptitude she had for the element, there wasn't much she could do. However, drawing air into his body was doable for her. Immediately, relief came surging into his body, a smile on his face.

"It worked!" he beamed, holding onto her hand tightly with excitement.

Though she tried to convey her own joy at his recovery, she could only manage to say the word "glad". Gradually, her head lowered, her body drained of energy. She felt completely drained. Obviously, she knew she would, but it didn't make it any less overwhelming, the girl groaning as she laid her head on the male's bed. It was embarrassing to show such weakness, not that Orion minded.

"Are you tired, too, Miss Shiratori?" he hummed quietly, furrowing his eyebrows in concern, "If you want, you can have a pillow."

As an attendant placed the soft thing under her head, as per the boy's order, she blushed. Turning her face into it, she tried to hide her expression. It was a very, very foolish thing she had just done. She would have liked to have done it because of fear, but that wasn't the truth. For no reason other than her inability to see him in pain, she had made herself weak on purpose. And though she knew that there wouldn't be any intruders there to take her away, she still hated the feeling of being defenseless.

Fortunately, Atlas returned with plenty of sweets in hand, setting them down in front of her. Wasting no time and disregarding any image she might have had, she scarfed down the sugar like it was energy itself. For her, it might have been, but it was really the fruit that gave her some strength back. It was nowhere near enough for her to be completely at 100%, but it was enough until she returned to the embassy. As she munched on the last dessert, she glanced up at Atlas, who gave a very concerned and conflicted expression. He probably didn't expect her to eat an entire sweet, let alone devour them all. Very awkwardly, he handed her the flowers he had picked up.

"Would you like some more?"

She should have said no. She should have. And, in fact, she tried. However, no words escaped her mouth. Coupled with the dumb look on her face, the male took that as an affirmation and went out to get more. Once again, she buried herself in the pillow, not knowing why she was acting so weirdly that day. Especially as she heard Orion giggle, she tensed up, beginning to pinch her wrist to gain back her sanity.

"I guess you really like sugar," the prince commented innocently, not knowing the effect it would have on the girl.

"It's an Athainian thing!" she defended fiercely, eyes wide and fearful, as if he, of all people, would figure out her identity, "We just love sugar a lot!"

"I know. I didn't mean for it to be embarrassing or anything."

Again, her face flushed red. This time, it was because of her overzealous response, something that could have caused suspicion. Thankfully, he had no indication he was not human, and, as a result, he wouldn't have known what she was either. Though, she would have to remain careful if his father ever returned. She had no confidence in being able to fool another of her kind. Even Celith figured it out after only a few moments within meeting her. She couldn't imagine someone older would let it slip past them.

"Do you have a favorite?" the boy inquired shyly.

"Does hot chocolate count?"

"Of course! I know someone else who really loves hot chocolate. Do you like fruit, too? You seemed to like the strawberries."

"Strawberries are good, but my favorite fruit is beesee."

Orion paused. He strained his mind to think of what kind of fruit that could be, but, for the life of him, he didn't know. Turning to the attendants, he received shrugs from each of them. And since he hadn't heard the fruit name from his cousins, he had no idea what it was. So, when he turned back, he didn't expect the (h/c) haired girl to be having a meltdown. Her entire face was red and she was mumbling something under her breath, the prince not understanding.

"What's 'beesee'? I've never had that before."

"Y-You wouldn't know about it. It's a super rare fruit that you can only find in certain p-places, so...Well, it's just rare. Anyway, what about you? You must have a favorite dessert or fruit or something?"

"Me? I guess it would have to be watermelon. But I don't like the red part, so I usually give it to Presley or my cousins."

"You just eat the white part?"

"No, I like the rind, too."

The orange-haired male began to enthuse about the snack, almost drooling at the thought. It had been some time since he'd last had it, considering it wasn't the right season. And though Vethela was able to grow produce all year round, watermelons always tasted better in summer. Now that it was winter, the fruit just didn't taste as satisfying. Realizing he was getting lost in that regard, he chuckled nervously and focused on his breathing again. The male somberly smiled, knowing he couldn't last for much longer. It was only a matter of time before he passed out.

"I might be at my limit for today," he admitted, unable to look her in the eyes, "but I'd still like to meet with Mister Haru. Is the day after tomorrow okay, maybe around noonish? I think I'll be feeling better by then."

"Of course. I hope you get some rest."

"I appreciate that a lot."

Orion sincerely thanked the girl for visiting him, a bit sad to see his only guest go. Either way, they both knew he was already pushing himself. If it weren't for her little trick, he would have likely had another seizure, or worse. It was no secret that he was on the cusp of death but it didn't make it any easier to face him. She just kept being reminded of how frail people could actually be. The small amount of pity she was gaining for him was dangerous, particularly because she was in too deep to retreat.

On her way out, she made sure to send Presley a look out of nothing but spite. He gave her a similar expression but did nothing. All talk and no action, his bite was nothing more than a whimper. Perhaps he could hold his head high because of his position within the castle, but to her, he was nothing more than another human playing make believe. He had no idea what she could really do if she wanted, with or without any abilities.

On a different note, she also passed Atlas, carrying desserts. Immediately and with no words to him, she lifted the plate out of his hands and ran off back to the embassy. As she passed a specific corner, the sight of her stuffing the sugar-filled treats into her mouth made Verona hold back a laugh. Of course, she thoroughly enjoyed the ridiculous sight, not having seen such attachment to sugar since Celith first discovered the substance. She was certain if either Celith or (Y/n) found an unattended bag of sugar, they would have just devoured it. It had happened before.

"Is it really that funny?" the blue-haired entity huffed, crossing his arms over his chest with great irritation, "No one would laugh at one of you if you began chugging water after a workout. It's only natural for the body to crave it."

"I wouldn't expect you to get it."

"If you say so."

The woman could only snicker some more as the younger girl became visible from the window. She was fleeing back to the embassy, but had seemingly finished the desserts on the way. Something about the mannerisms she was showing insinuated she was displeased with that though it wasn't out of the ordinary. It hadn't occurred to the princess before that she would enjoy sugar. However, upon realizing it, she smiled, wondering if it would be possible to bribe her with the substance.

"I should make some cookies."

The male flinched a bit at the sound of that. It was obvious what was written on his face. He thought it would have been better to just hand the sugar over to the girl rather than waste it in some fiery explosion. Verona was known for a few things. The first was being the eldest princess of the Vethelan royal family and the second was her fights with her sister. However, to him, he knew her best for butchering any and all foodstuffs, enough to make them forever unenjoyable to anyone who tried her "experiments".

"No wonder everyone calls you a demon," the woman chuckled, prompting the sulking male to disappear from her sight, "I guess you won't get any cookies."