"And he proceeded to say it was my fault!!!" I yelled out, almost making the maid drop the hairbrush she had been using for my hair. Yes, I was ranting about her prince in front of her. How could I not? Lizza was busy with preparations, André was, like me, prettying himself up for the dinner (not that he wouldn't be too busy anyway), and apparently talking with Shane messes with the royal image! I sighed and rubbed my temple after seeing the girl's awkward expression through the mirror "Sorry, Gilda... I'm just upset."

"It's alright, I am currently at your service, and you may use that in any way you please." The maid, who I had learned to be called 'Gilda' showed a half smile to my reflection before continuing to decorate my hair "It wouldn't be any good if you carried this aggravation with you during dinner."

I stared down at my lap, "No, I guess not..."

"Well, on the bright side," The maid began as she began styling my hair into a braided bun "That knight of yours will in fact be attending the dinner; the king wants both Belliak visitors to be present for the event. In fact, I sent him to the tailors almost immediately after Lady Elizabeth came to escort you. I doubt you'll be allowed to converse, but your chairs are right next to each other, so you'll at least be close."

Despite my sour mood, the news did make my painted rouge lips curl slightly "That does put my mind at ease..."

Smiling again, Gilda picked up a beaded hair ornament from the table and slipped it into my bun. "You're all done."

Knock knock.

"And not a minute too soon," she seemed to wipe some sweat from her brow as she moved towards the door. I hadn't realised how tight on time we were "My apologise, M'lady, I would have finished with you sooner if you weren't dragged off."

"Oh! T-That's not your fault, Gilda!" I insisted, my voice straining as I stood, as my corset moved and tightened around my frame with my movements "It was that spoiled brat and his unnecessary concern—,"

My words caught in my throat, as said boy was revealed as soon as Gilda opened the door. Crimson eyes met mine for a second, but I tore away from them before I stared any longer. How the heck was he able to change so fast?

At the corner of my eye, I noticed him extend an arm to me "The king requires that I present you to the nobles as my fiancé. Everybody else is waiting in the dining hall, so we best not stay tardy..."

My jaw clenched. It's like that conversation before never happened...

Gilda secretly sent me a smile as I walked past her. I tried to return it, but it only came out as a grimace. My hand placed itself on Alexei's arm, and immediately he began to lead me down the candle lit hallway. Not a word was spoken, which I was grateful for, but I doubt he wasn't at all fazed by my speaking ill of him.

"You..." I flinched at his hesitant, yet monotone voice as we neared the dining hall doors. My eyes flickered to the side to glance at him, but he was still focussed dead ahead. However, I did hear him swallow faintly when making out his words "...You clean up decently..."

My eyebrow twitched; was that his attempt at a compliment?

"And you clean up like a prince." I retorted behind clenched teeth. I hated how I was forced to be with him at a time like this, and on top of that exchange small talk with him.

Nothing else was said after that, but the awkwardness remained lingering until we stopped at the double doors. From the other side, I could hear king Albert giving a speech of some sorts to the guests that awaited, which for some reason made my heart begin to pound inside my chest. Behind that door we're many nobles, nobles that would be made aware that I would be their future queen, and the wife of their prince. So many things could go wrong as soon as those doors open...

Don't forget what we talked about in Belliak, about what I can do if you ruin this.

A hand was suddenly placed over mine, which unbeknownst to me was beginning to squeeze Akexei's arm as nerves slowly took over. I slowly glanced over at the prince next to me, only to notice the sweat forming on his brow. His hand lightly squeezed mine as he took a breath, feigning a neutral expression when realising his father's speech was coming to an end. Of course, he didn't want this anymore than I did, but still...

Shaking my head I faced the doors and held up my chin, to try and appear as confident as currently possible for those waiting for us...

"Without further delay, let me present my heir; Prince Alexei Charoice, and... his chosen suitor, Lady Cynthia Livius of Belliak."

The doors opened in an instant. In this case, I was grateful Alexei was holding onto me, otherwise I probably would have taken off in the other direction. All eyes were on us as soon as we stepped into the room, and they remained that way as we moved across the room with harmonious footsteps. It was obvious we both wanted the same thing; to get to our seats as soon as possible. When we reached the end of the table, Alexei stopped the two of us and turned towards the prying eyes. The nobles...

"Curtsy on three..." he whispered to me, but it went unnoticed. "One... two... three."

His head dipped down for a formal bow, and I panicked. I did manage a curtsy, but it was clumsy and tense, and obviously not received well by the ones it was for. The eyes watching me had grown harsher, the judging glares were like daggers piercing through the small amount of confidence I had left... It only got worse when I looked over at the king... nothing but disappointment and resentment from him, which only made me feel smaller. Andrè was next to him, a frown of pity apparent on his face. I know he didn't mean to, but it still made me sink even lower.

Alexei's arm slipped away from my hold, bringing an unexpected wave of loneliness upon me, but it lessened when his hand placed itself on the small of my back. Since when was his presence calming to me? Perhaps it was because we were in the same boat. But regardless, feeling his contact did remind me that I wasn't the only one feeling singled out. Alexei led me to my seat and pulled it out for me, waiting patiently for me to lower into it completely before taking his own seat next to me. One thing I had noticed was that he wasn't sitting next to his father; but André was. But why? André was the king's nephew, wasn't he? Why wasn't the direct heir sitting at the end with the king?

Apparently my confusion was showing - A hand placed itself on my knee from my other side. I looked over to see my childhood friend staring ahead, but his eyes slightly on me as he gave my knee a reassuring squeeze.

"Are you alright?"

I smiled slightly, and gently removed his hand "I'm fine, don't worry."

I did feel better knowing he was there, but did he know about Alexei's decision yet? What if something happened today that would result in Shane being taken away from Roseya?

I mentally shook my head; I can't think about this now. I had to make sure nothing else would go wrong, so I didn't have to worry about Shane or my parents.

Everyone began to converse. Some nobles asked me questions, and I would answer as calmly and properly as my current etiquette skills allowed. I couldn't tell if it was working or not, but at least they weren't glaring at me as harshly anymore.

Until one question came up.

"What do you plan to do with Roseya once you are crowned?"

My eyes snapped wide open. I hadn't even thought about that, which definitely wouldn't look good. As future queen, of course I was expected to serve and take care of this kingdom... but it hadn't even crossed my mind until now.

What should I do? They're all waiting on an answer...

Luckily for me, I wasn't left in the pit of lions for too long,

"That information is classified for the royal family only." André suddenly spoke up, surprising even the king "Whatever Lady Cynthia plans to do when she's crowned, it shall not be discussed here."

The nobles suddenly grew nervous, and the one that asked the question bowed his head apologetically "O-Of course, my prince, I apologise for prying..."

"I'm not the one you need to apologise to, Sir Gareth."

The man turned to me again, still scowling like I was a stain on his carpet, but still bowed his head to me. I waved it off with a forced smile, but still...

Did I even have the freedom to make decisions for the kingdom?

Suddenly a butler was let in. He was carrying a bottle of wine as he approached our table, stopping at the end far from the king and presenting it. Albert waved his hand dismissively, which signalled the boy to begin pouring the nobles their drinks. However Shane and Lizza, who was sitting on the other side of Alexei, were given a beverage of water instead. It came to me, and the butler filled my goblet up without even asking me. I suppose it really was required for us to drink at this dinner... speaking of which, as soon as the male servant left, trays of food began to roll into the hall, pushed by many maids and kitchen staff who carefully placed the many plates onto the table. The display was absolutely jaw dropping - I had never seen so much food in my life!!!

Conversations started up again, food began to be served, and soon enough no attention whatsoever was on me. I sighed and sunk back into my chair; I really had to learn how to answer questions of higher ups if I even wanted to hope I'd survive long enough to be married. Well, not hope, but you know what I mean.

Reaching for my goblet, I began to swish the fine red liquid around it, still unwilling to drink alcohol. However, Shane tapped my knee again, signalling me to look down at his hand. He was holding his goblet to me under the table, offering it to me instead of the wine. I smiled and took it graciously, making sure no one saw of course, and gave him my goblet of wine in return. Luckily for us, every goblet on this table looked the same. Now comfortable with what I was to ingest, I placed the cup to my lips just as Shane did.

The doors slammed open.

"You're majesty!" A guard yelled as he sprinted in, followed by a rather familiar looking maid. Of course, she was familiar because she was Gilda.

King Albert stood, angry with this interruption "What is the meaning of this?!"

"My apologies, sire," the knight bowed, before gesturing to Gilda "But I've been informed by this maid of something rather shocking. Apparently she saw someone in the kitchen tampering with one of the goblets."

André, who still looked rather shocked, leaned forward in his seat and frowned at the armoured man "How do you mean?"

The guard nudged Gilda forward, signalling her to start talking despite seeing how nervous she looked. She gulped, and began to play with her fingers "T-T-They seemed to... c-coat the inside of it with some kind of substance, your h-highness..." she managed to get out "I don't know which one it was, but I doubt they were up to any good..."

Murmurs began around the table, and one by one everyone slowly placed their goblets down. Not that it would do anything; they had already drank the liquid.

"Ridiculous." The king suddenly scoffed, and Gilda dove behind her guard friend in shock "Do you see any of us sick? We are in no danger, and you are wasting our time. This is why I don't listen to servants, off with y—,"

"Uncle, wait." André intervened "What if she's telling the truth? Shouldn't she at least be allowed to prove herself?"

Surprisingly enough, Alexei spoke up to agree with him, even though he had been glaring daggers at him throughout the dinner "André makes an interesting point, father. I hardly find it fair that she's being dismissed so carelessly."

Albert looked between the two boys, eyes narrowed "And how do you suppose she proves it? Is she to take a sip from every goblet here? That would be wasting our—,"

Cough.

Everyone froze.

Cough cough.

My eyes widened in horror.

"S-Shane?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine," The boy laughed sheepishly, his hand rubbing his throat "I just *ahem* got a small... tickle—"

He suddenly bent over his plate, and bile began to pour from his mouth onto his food. He pushed back from the table, his chair falling to the ground as he stood. His hands were around his neck as strangled coughs escaped his throat. His face changed colour, and his footing became wobbly, until he fell to the ground, motionless.

"Shane!!!" I shrieked out, already feeling sick to my stomach. I stood and ran to his side, falling to my knees and grabbing his already paling face. I yelled for him to wake up, but my pleads were drowned in the screams and accusations from the nobles. Before I knew it, two more people were at my side trying to wake the boy. Lizza and André.

"We have to take him to the infirmary." André claimed, trying his best to sound calm over all the panic, "Elizabeth, help me carry him."

"Yes, of course." The redhead slung Shane's arm over her shoulder, André doing the same on the other side, and pointed to the guard "You come with us, and bring the goblet, we need to investigate this further."

"Yes ma'am!"

I rose with Shane as they lifted him up, my legs shaky and my vision blurred with unfallen tears. How could this happen, he was just fine a moment ago?!

"Cindy," Breaking through my swirling thoughts was André's voice, who placed a gentle hand on my shoulder "I know you're scared, but we'll do everything we can to help your friend. All we can ask you to do is leave the rest to us. Gilda will take you back to your room."

"But—,"

He leaned in closer, so now he was whispering near my ear "I saw you two swap your drinks. This wasn't meant for him... so you may be in danger. This is to protect you."

I felt sick again. Shane drank from my goblet, so whatever was happening to him, was really meant for me?

....Or was it really?

I turned my head to look behind me, where the king was doing his best to calm his guests, and Alexei was talking rather urgently to the guard holding the goblet. He seemed to notice my staring, and turned to face me. A part of our previous conversation popped into mind.

—-

"dinner tonight will include the finest wine my father could get his hands on, which is close to the finest in all of Roseya. All the nobles will be having at least one goblet-full."

"Well," I began, and stared down at my lap "I'm sure Shane could have mine, he definitely wouldn't mind."

—-

He knew Shane was going to take my goblet, and I already know how badly he wanted to get rid of the knight apprentice...

My face twisted into a scowl, as tears began to roll down my powdered face. He seemed taken aback by my sudden expression, but I didn't see how he reacted after that, as Gilda approached and gently led me out of the room. André and Lizza had already left with Shane, so it was out of my hands, now...

"M'lady?" Gilda called out to me "Are you alright?"

As soon as she asked, my hands flew up to my face... and I began to bawl in anguish for my friend.

—-

I sat in my room, on my bed, in almost complete darkness as I had pulled shut the curtains in my grief. It had been almost two hours, and still no news on Shane's condition. I lifted my legs onto the bed and pulled my knees up to my chest, feeling nothing but hopeless in this situation. Why wouldn't they tell me anything, my friend could be on his deathbed right now!

As tears began to gather in my eyes again, a knock came from the other side of my door. I stood quickly, thinking it was the news I was anxious for... or the news I dreaded. However, the only one that entered was the dark haired boy I definitely didn't want to see. Upon seeing my harsh expression Alexei flinched, but he continued through the door anyway and shut it behind him. He glanced around the room, at the unlit lamps and the closed curtains.

"Would you like me to—,"

"No."

The boy flinched again, much more noticeable this time, and even opted to awkwardly mess with the cuffs of his shirt as we stood in silence.

"He's stable, for now." He finally said, breaking the silence, and I did perk up slightly "But... We're still unable to identify the poison, and the maid insists she didn't see the culprit's face..."

My stare hardened again "Well, maybe we're asking the wrong person."

"But," he trailed off, confused "She's our only witness."

"Yeah, well, it's lucky for you that she didn't hear our conversation, isn't it your highness?" I spat, walking around my bed so I sat facing away from him. I heard him approach, but made no move to address him.

"What are you suggesting, Cindy?"

Oh so he's back to calling me that, now?

"I'm just saying, this is what you wanted, isn't it?" I answered, a slight hiss in my voice "You wanted to get rid of him, so us conversing wouldn't mess with your family image anymore... I guess a boat wasn't good enough, was it?"

This time, I actually heard his breath hitch "You can't possibly think that I—,"

"Why? Why can't I think that?!" I turned my hip, twisting my torso until I could look at him "It makes sense. You knew we were going to swap drinks, so it was an easy and clever way of executing the plan of 'Shane goes bye bye'. You said you wanted to get rid of him, and do you know what the best part is? You'll get away with it! A Roseya prince kills a Belliak guard? The marriage deal will be off instantly - so you're not going to get blamed for any of it!!!"

I turned away from him again, my head in my hands, tears of anger falling onto my lap as I tried to control my breathing. The sudden sink of the bed next to me told me Alexei had sat down, but I wasn't going to acknowledge him. Until he spoke up, that is.

"The poison was in your goblet, so why on earth would I put you at risk like that?" He seemed hesitant "What if you drank the wine instead, what would happen then?"

I clenched my jaw. Didn't he think I already considered that?

"Then I suppose you wouldn't have such a disappointing fiancé anymore."

"What?? Cindy, no! I wouldn't ever think—,"

I slapped his hand away just as he touched my shoulder, baring my teeth at him as I pointed to the door "Don't you ever touch me! Leave!"

The boy stared at me, holding his smacked hand to his chest. Once again, the prince I knew him to be was gone, and all I saw in his place was a dejected child, staring up at me with wide, vulnerable eyes. But right now I couldn't care less about what he was... I turned my head away from him, and let out a long shaky breath.

"Just... leave..."

Slowly, but obediently the boy rose from the bed, his footsteps light and hesitant as he approached the door. It opened, then closed, and then all I could hear was his boots fading down the hallway. I was alone again...

I connected my hands together and began to pray.

Shane... please, please be okay...

—-

Alexei walked silently down the hall, his form tight and his head down, his hair covering most of his face to hide it from anyone that walked past. But no one did. Soon enough, he stopped in front of his room, and wasted no time entering and slamming the doors behind him. The structure shook as he did so...

"You really have to stop doing that, the castle might end up collapsing."

The boy gasped and turned around, only to see his personal guard leaning against his bookshelf with a fictional novel in hand. Her face was blank, which made him worry that she accused him of the same crime. He did his best to hide his shaky hands, but Lizza could still notice the slight quake in his shoulders.

"I didn't do it." He muttered, bringing Lizza's attention directly on him.

"No one thinks you did, Al..." She claimed, slightly confused.

"...She does."

Oh.

The woman closed her book and approached him, a hand on his shoulder, though the way he flinched concerned her even more. "She's worried, Alexei. Her friend has been poisoned, and unfortunately that does usually result in pointing fingers. And unfortunately, since she isn't your biggest fan, she's pointing at you. She'll come around, I'm sure of it." 

"....Right, of course." Despite not feeling assured, the boy straightened and walked over to his bookshelf, beginning to scan through them "Well, I suppose I can help by looking for poison treatments. You'll help too, won't you Liz—,"

The woman's hand reached over him and pushed the book he had grabbed back on the shelf, meeting his eyes directly after. She stared at him sadly, which made him want to break through his stoic mask once again.

"You don't have to be a prince right now, Al... no one's looking."

"I... don't understand what you..."

Lizza sighed and grabbed his hand away from the book, only to pull him towards her into a tight comforting hug. It had been forever since he had allowed her to do this... he didn't realise how much he missed a gentle comforting touch.

Why were his cheeks wet?

Oh... he was crying. How long ago was it since he last did that?

Alexei let out a sniff and wrapped his arms around Lizza's waist, his face burrowed in this chest as he allowed her to soothingly run her hand through his hair. He was shaking, but he didn't know why.

Perhaps...

Perhaps it was because for a moment in the dining hall, he had seen his mother lying on the floor instead of Shane. Why was that? She was long dead...

—-

"I refuse!"

"But your majesty, if we don't get a doctor soon, the boy won't make it!"

"That is not my problem," Albert's fists pounded the arms of his throne "I will not have the news of someone being poisoned in my castle spread around like wildfire. It could be seen as a lack of control! And I most certainly will not pay a fortune for the treatment of a peasant. Better him than one of the nobles, I'd say."

I clenched my fists at my side. So, he was just going to let Shane die?

"But my king—," the court herbalist was shut down immediately

"And if you question me one more time, I'll have your head!" The king snarled "My answer is final!"

I opened my mouth to speak, but I was shut down immediately "You can shut your mouth, girl, you have no authority here!"

I sunk back... how can he be so cruel? An innocent person was dying, and he didn't care because they weren't of noble blood...

A hand was suddenly placed on my shoulder, and I looked over to recognise André's blue eyes and frown.

"What were you going to suggest?" He asked, "Maybe I can help."

"How?" I asked, my voice getting smaller along with my hope "He won't listen to me."

"Yeah, he's a bit of a git... but I might be able to convince him." He leaned down and pointed to his ear "Come on now, we can at least try, right?"

"And furthermore—," the king halted, when he noticed André and me talking amongst ourselves "Excuse me, is there something you want to share?"

What, is he a teacher or something?

"Actually, uncle," André suddenly spoke up, once again holding my shoulder as he confidently straightened before the king "Lady Cynthia brought up a good idea, if you're willing to hear it."

Albert looked over at me, sharp eyes narrowed as if challenging me to back down. I didn't, because André stood by me for support. After a moment, the king only sighed and sat back in his throne "Go ahead..."

Wow. Looks like someone has a favourite...

André nudged me forward "Go on, it's alright..."

Gulping, I stepped forward and bowed slightly before the king. All eyes were on me again, but this time I knew I had to speak my mind. I mentally slapped my cheeks and straightened "Sire, what if we called for a doctor outside of Roseya?"

"Bah!" He threw a hand to the side "That's even worse! The expenses and chances of news spreading will increase like tha—,"

"It's free!!!"

This time, it was me who silenced him. Slowly his eyes scanned my tight form for any sign of deceit "What was that?"

"I-I said it's free, highness..." I bowed my head again "There's a professional travelling herbalist that jumps from kingdom to kingdom,curing the sick, and she does it for free too! And best of all, she may sign a contract to keep any patient's symptoms a secret - as some people are rather mortified about theirs, so it also works in our favour!"
.

.

.
Albert hummed, eyebrow arched "And who is this travelling herbalist?"

"You're interested, sire?"

"If her methods work - that boy will be the test of that, we may be able to do trade with her. So, who is she? What's her name, girl??"

Don't get me wrong, I was happy he was agreeing, however his reasoning wasn't exactly the most agreeable. Regardless, I gave him the answer he needed.

"Millicent..."