Dedication to DarkConscience because of her honest, detailed comments throughout the story c: Really, thanks a lot. And hope you read this chapter too! XD

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 EDITED

   "What do you mean by 'she didn't die'?" I asked, barely audible, not quite believing what I heard.

   "My daughter..." he trailed off, looking uncomfortable at the subject of our conversation. "Disappeared. She didn't die. At least, that's what I think."

  I took my time to digest his words. "You mean she ran away?"

   A curt nod was all I could get from him even when I literally begged him to tell me more about her. Something told me that the disappearance of Princess Elizabeth had something to do with me. I don't understand why this princess would have anything to do with me but it felt like a piece of my memories would return to me once I figured this out.

   At least that was what I thought.

   All too soon, Liliane and Lincoln arrived along with the maids. I sneaked a look at Lord Marcus before focusing on the infamous twins. A nearly silent sigh escaped from my grandfather's lips at the sight of Liliane and Lincoln. I am so eager to skip the topic, I grumbled inwardly. Pouting, my eyes did a quick scan on their outfits.

   As usual, they wore formal attires that looked suitable for attending funerals. Lincoln had a single white full bloomed rose on his black blazer while Liliane proudly placed several silver colored feathers on her hair. I hated to admit it but I thought the only person who could pull off such a Gothic dress was Liliane. She wore a corset, buttoned up by red skull-shaped buttons. The skirt flared out and finally ended with soft black frills.

    Jealousy rose within me. The only outfit I owned was plain white T - shirts that were obviously too big for my size and a couple of worn jeans. The sound of Liliane's high heels clicked on the marble floors soon became annoying to me. As if she's taking her own sweet time to get to the god damn chairs, I grumbled mentally.

  Once everyone was ready, the dinner officially began. There were so many dishes to start with. Buttered prawns with mint on top of them were expertly placed on top of the dish. And then there was Fontina which is an Italian cow's milk cheese stuffed bacon wrapped dates and so much more. So many different kinds of smells wafted through the air, making my mouth water with anticipation.

  Even though the appetizers sounded delicious and palatable, everything on the table had blood mixed in it so that the food wouldn't taste like cardboard paper. Or anything tasteless. Grabbing my fork and spoon, I quickly took a chicken drumstick and wolfed it down. The activities around me were on hold as they gave me shocked stares.

   "W-What?" I asked with a mouthful of semi-raw meat.

   I felt a kick under the table from my right side. I glanced up and saw Lord Marcus sending me daggers.

   Mind your manners, Artemis! He scolded inside my mind. Stop eating like a barbarian!     

   I'm just hungry, Jesus! I snapped back mentally. And I'm not a barbarian! 

   Someone in the hall cleared their throat uneasily. Furious, I turned my head around to see whoever that was. It just happened to be the Lincoln the Brat. I shot him a glare before scolding everyone.

   "Mind your own business!" My voice was heavily laced with anger and embarrassment.

   The maids quickly resumed to their tasks, fearing my wrath. However, the twins remained emotionless and stared at me with their crimson eyes. The gap between my eyebrows ceased at the sight of the snobbish kids. "Eat your own goddamn food." I warned them, pissed off with their attitudes; especially when they had this connection going on. Freaking incest!

   Liliane seemed to give up and munched a slice of beef silently. Lincoln, however, skewered his eyes on me as if he was trying to belittle me. I opened my mouth to spew some "disgraceful" words, but was quickly cut off by Lord Marcus' sudden question.         

   "Lincoln my friend, have you decided to become Artemis' tutor?"          

   No words could describe my feelings. Tutor? What is the meaning of this, grandfather?! I mentally shouted using telepathy. Lincoln looked deadpanned at Lord Marcus' question. I couldn't help, but feel satisfied with his expression. It was obvious that Lincoln hated the idea of him tutoring me, anyway and chances were that Lord Marcus cancelling this whole silly idea.         

   "I thought Picasa was my tutor!" I complained, losing my appetite to eat.          

   "Yes, but Lincoln is an excellent killer." My grandfather reasoned, inspecting his wine before taking a sip. "Excels in both defense and attack."         

   "Lord Marcus, I understand your well-intention, but I'm afraid I won't take up the offer." He said in a monotone voice.        

   "I see," Lord Marcus gave a curt nod towards his direction. "How about you, Liliane?"         

   Lincoln and I snapped our heads around and focused on Liliane. I had no idea how Liliane would teach me how to fight. She never acted like a fighter either. Time seemed to slow down as her mouth opened to say something.         

   "Don't involve her," Her other twin interrupted, staring at Liliane with such intensity it made me worry for her slightly. "I will become her tutor - for fighting only."         

   The corners of Lord Marcus' lips were tugged at his response. "You made the right choice, Lincoln."     

   "When we will start training?" Lincoln asked, his crimson eyes were anything, but elated. After a moment of consideration, Lord Marcus asked, "Why not tomorrow?"         

   "I think you guys should stop treating me like I'm invisible!" I shouted, standing up from the chair so quick that it nearly toppled over.            

   Huffing, I turned around and stomped away angrily. What saddened me was the fact no one bothered to try to chase me. Not Lord Marcus. Definitely not Lincoln. Having one tutor is annoying enough for me already... Now I have to get another one? My thoughts wandered restlessly. Especially when it's someone I despise!        

   It took some time for me and Picasa to form a friendship or at least acquaintance. I knew that won't happen between me and Lincoln though. It was a big fat "no" right there. My hands turned into fists at the thought of Lincoln teaching me how to fight. His level of patience must be lower than my own. He would probably end up killing me instead of teaching me how to kill anyway.        

   I mean, look what happened when Lord Marcus tried to teach me how to draught. I grumbled to myself. Even after weeks, I still suck at it.          

   Yep, it's confirmed. Lincoln would kill me before the lesson even started. Just to make things easier for him to handle. Several maids walked to my direction, carrying white fluffy towels. Their happy chatters reminded me of sparrows chirping. In a good way, I suppose. Even though I decided to stop eavesdropping on people's conversations, I just couldn't help myself.         

   "...Yes, Lord Marcus has a surprise for our princess!" A girlish voice whispered, excitement was clear in her tone.          

  "...Can't wait to find out what!" Another voice giggled.         

   Grandfather has a surprise for me? Maybe that's the reason why he insisted on me having another tutor. But that's not a pleasant surprise. It must be something related to fighting though. As I passed a line of tall, French windows, the amazing view reminded me that it was night time already. Shiny, sparkling stars were sprinkled all over the black sky and a crescent moon appeared high up in the night sky.       

   "I guess I should sleep now." I murmured to myself.

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A/N

I'm sorry that this chapter isn't long enough - I just don't know how to make it longer. Sorry, peeps :c Anyways, the good news is... *drum roll* Next chapter will be action packed! :D Yep, finally some action going on ! ^_^ Remember the drill, peeps!

Vote and comment if you thoroughly enjoy this! :3