Chapter 10

Negotiations

Mare felt the electricity surging within her veins. It was fast-paced, giddy, the type of what girls usually felt when going out with their crushes. But Mare was hardly going out with a crush, even if she clung to the arm of the crown prince as they made their way across the residence halls. She struggled to keep up with his steps, occasionally tripping on her high heels.

Cal whirled around to give her a concerned look. "Perhaps we should get you out of those clothes," he whispered to himself.

"Oh, you just thought of that now?" She crossed her arms, scoffing. "It just occurred to you that maybe my family would flip out if they see their pickpocket of a daughter in a purple gown?"

"Don't worry. I have it covered. Come." He grabbed her wrist and directed her to another hallway, this one farther up in the residence halls. It was considerably darker, too, Mare noticed.

"Where are we going?"

"Just wait." His eyes caught the silver moonlight, glinting his red-gold eyes in a soft glow. He seemed to be alert of something that might emerged from the dark hallway, but Mare was not so sure.

Suddenly, from the other end of the corridor, a voice called out, "How now, Prince Tiberias? Sneaking out in the middle of the night?"

Mare stopped short, her breath held tightly. The voice came in a soft whisper, and despite the darkness, she could almost see the curling mischievous smile from the other person. She kept her eyes looking until a dark figure stepped into the light, her long silver hair touching her waist, golden eyes regarding them with earnest curiosity. The girl wore a black dress with loose long sleeves that contrasted her pale complexion.

"Alix," Cal breathed as he nodded.

It's the princess, Mare realized. It's the wraith princess Lucas has been mentioning about. Then she remembered last night during the end of the Queenstrial; there was a girl who danced and had Maven's attention for the whole night. So it is her.

"You two seem lost?" Alix remarked, taking another step closer. She tilted her head to the side, like a curious silver cat. "Or you two would rather elope in the middle of the night?"

"What? N-No!" Cal sputtered, for once at loss for words.

The princess laughed as she approached and touched Cal's arm. She finally turned to look at Mare, whom she observed from the purple-and-white dress to her brown hair and eyes. Something flickered in the princess' golden eyes as she said, "Ah, Lady Titanos."

"You know that's not my name," Mare said defiantly.

"But it suits you," Alix pursued. "A little of a storm and oblivion in you as you fell on that lightning shield. It was a good stunt, I shall give you that; though I would recommend you to blast that lightning of yours next time to Evangeline Samos's face."

The two girls shared a smile, something that Cal never expected. "Enough of that, Alix," he admonished softly. "Nothing good will happen of you keep on fighting with her."

"She started it."

"Well, Evangeline is kind of a jerk," Mare chimed in.

"Enough," Cal said again, his voice louder this time. He tapped Alix's shoulder and looked deeply into her eyes. "I need your help. Do you have anything that could pass for a female servant's uniform? Anything at all?"

Alix blinked. "I don't suppose you are now into cross-dressing, Tiberias. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. With us."

"No!" He sputtered again, while Mare tried not to smile at the ensuing mischief before her. She would never have imagined this stuck-up prince to be capable of handling jokes. "Mare needs something to change with."

"Well," the princess drawled, once again assessing Mare from head to toe, "I have several ladies-in-waiting in these halls. Perhaps one of their uniforms could fit you nicely." She turned her heels and beckoned them to follow her.

Mare glanced cautiously at the black cameras whirring. "They're watching us."

"Oh, they are, aren't they?" Alix sighed. "I insisted that no cameras should be here while I am around. Queen Elara doesn't really like keeping her side of the bargain."

With just one flick of a wrist, Mare noticed that the already dark hallways gradually turned darker. She could barely see her hand in front of her. Her grip on Cal's shirt tightened, willing herself not to trip. If I do, I won't be able to see myself fall. She now understood why Lucas seemingly admired the princess, or rather, her abilities. The shadow dragon from yesterday was still such a fresh memory in her mind, a spectacle that had every Red servant in the Spiral Gardens gasping in awe.

"Where are your Sentinels?" Cal asked.

"I sent them away," Alix answered as she opened the door to her bedchambers. "They're around here somewhere, guarding, watching, as long as I do not feel their presence. It is a nuisance." She left them standing at the doorway while she rummaged through Fiore's closet.

"You can never be too careful. Sentinels are here for a reason."

"Ah, now you sound just like your brother. Speaking of the little devil, does Maven know you're doing this?" Alix snatched one of Fiore's many plain-looking dresses, a light brown dress with a slash of white, and threw it towards Mare's direction.

Mare murmured her little thanks. She dreaded the thought of undressing her monster gown. "Is there a place where I can change?"

"Hold on." Again, the princess crossed the room, opened the door to another room that led to her ladies-in-waiting, and clapped her hands. She spared them a few words before the servants scuttled around preparing for what was needed.

Cal noticed the confused look on Mare's face. He bent his head to whisper in her ear, "She'll take care of everything. You'll see."

The ladies-in-waiting arrived, led by the sleepy Fiore, and took Mare's hands. They directed her towards another room where they could remove the gown properly and dress her with the simple servant's uniform. Cal crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall, and was later joined by the smiling princess.

"She seems like an interesting person," Alix said. "For a Red, that is."

"You have no qualms about her being a Red?"

"Of course I have. First and foremost, she has no rights to take up the rank of a Princess of Norta. She can learn how to speak and act, dance probably, but there is something about nobility that she could not learn."

"Give her a chance."

"Secondly, do you think Maven whole-heartedly agrees?"

Cal was taken aback by her question. He looked down at her and met her eyes. "Mavey? I don't think so. But what can we do? Everybody saw what happened yesterday. We cannot simply disregard the incident. We will keep her around until we have figured out why a Red could have Silver abilities."

"What do you think of her?"

"The queen looked into her records. It is certain that her parents are both Reds."

"What about brothers? Sisters?"

"Her three brothers are all at the war front. One younger sister, also a Red."

"Which makes her all the more interesting." Alix straightened herself as Mare and the servants emerged from the dressing room. "But that doesn't make her any more special."

The prince chuckled. "Nobody could ever outshine you."

She looked touched for a moment and attempted to nudge Cal with her shoulder. But Cal noticed Mare coming towards them and he moved forward, causing Alix to hit nothing but thin air and fall unceremoniously on the ground, and with an undignified yelp.

Cal tried his best not to laugh, but failed miserably. "Are you all right?"

From her kneeling position on the ground, Alix glared up at him and started nagging at him. "You were supposed to catch me, Tiberias!"

"I'm sorry!" The prince continued to laugh as he helped the princess back to her feet. He pretended to dust off her black dress and check at her face. "There, better?"

Alix groaned. "Much better."

Mare cleared her throat, standing awkwardly in Fiore's plain uniform. "I'm ready to go," she said.

Cal opened the door and let themselves out of the room. "I owe you for everything tonight, Alix, but I need one more favor from you."

The princess scoffed. "You're asking too much from me, Tiberias."

"Could you darken all the hallways from here to the first floor, one that leads to the garage?"

"I might, but what for?"

"We can't let the queen know of this," Mare interrupted, more than ready to leave the palace and finally see her parents.

"Very well. All for my favorite prince." Alix lifted her right hand and the shadows moved at her will. Outside, the corridors turned darker until not one sliver of moonlight could penetrate the windows. "Will this do, my lord?"

"More than enough. Thank you." Cal smiled and kissed her forehead, as loving as a brother. "Good night, Alix."

"Be careful," the princess called out as the two dashed off. "And come back before morning! Seriously, somebody has to fix the damned light in this place."

"We missed you at breakfast yesterday, Princess Alistrine. You are required to join us today at the Glass Terrace. This is not negotiable.

Her Royal Highness of Norta, Queen Elara."

Alix's eyebrow twitched as she read the contents of the queen's terse letter. She did not expect to wake up from a good slumber only to be greeted by this. Yesterday's breakfast was probably a terrible one, with Evangeline and Mare—oh, Mareena—sharing the table with the vicious queen. She thought by now no one would mind her absence, but apparently, the queen liked setting up the tension between the girls.

For today, she decided to wear the colors of her house: a golden turtleneck gown made from the famous Piedmont silk, and white lace for gloves. She kept her hair in a messy bun, with few locks falling from her forehead and the sides of her face.

"Shall I announce your arrival, Princess?"

"No need, Sentinel Novara." She smiled up at her cousin, a firma from Piedmont. "Surely by now the queen and the prince's betrotheds already know who I am."

The knight nodded and stepped back. "As you wish."

She walked up to them with her chin lifted proudly, as she found Evangeline and Mareena already at the table. "Good morning, Lady Samos, Lady Titanos. You look radiant, Lady Titanos. Did something good happen last night?"

A smile lit up Mare's face as the princess took the seat on her right. "It was wonderful."

Evangeline tapped her long nails on the table. She wore a black dress with a metallic contraption of the sort around her torso, looking like an armor. "Just after two days and you two are already close to each other? Unbelievable."

"It is easy to make acquaintances when your attitude is not so deplorable, Lady Samos."

A knife rose into the air, its blade pointing at Alix's eye. "Are you challenging me, Caralis?"

"Do you want to settle this later in Training? If so, I hope Prince Tiberias is not around, for surely he would speak against such a match. He would not want his betrothed to lose against a visiting princess, would he?"

Mare's throat was dry at their exchange. She hated Evangeline to the very core, for being rude, arrogant, and overall acting like a conceited person; but here was someone who could dare Evangeline in a challenge, who could meet that glare without options of backing down. If Alix could openly insult Evangeline, then so could Mare, and she actually found the notion satisfying. This Samos girl really needed an elbow to her face.

Finally, the queen arrived with her Sentinels behind her.

The three girls rose from their seats and bowed, then copied the queen as she sank down to her cushioned chair.

Elara seemed to be in a good mood, too, judging at her sweet smile. "How wonderful for you to join us, Princess Alistrine."

You forced me in case you've forgotten, Alix thought and the queen's smile widened.

"I have an announcement for you." Elara gestured for someone to come forward, and all three girls craned their necks to see someone emerge from the flock of Sentinels.

The young man had his silver hair cut neatly, dark eyes looking intensely at the queen, and his black-and-silver military uniform was more extravagant than the others were. It somehow matched Evangeline's metal armor, only this young man's uniform had more scales and spikes around the waist. He bowed once, his hand pressed lightly on his chest, and when he came up from his bow, Evangeline could not contain her joy.

"Brother!" She pushed herself off the table to embrace him.

"How are you, dear sister?" He returned the gesture, smiling as he kissed her hair.

"What are you doing here? You're supposed to be leading the officers-in-training, right?"

"It seems Her Royal Highness has another thing in mind."

Elara smiled and turned to Alix. "I understand that you, as a visiting princess, are Norta's most special guest. However, as it turns out after the Queenstrial, I could have neither Tiberias nor Maven escorting you anymore, as they have betrotheds of their own to take care of. Thus the king and I have decided to let Lord Samos, Commander of Archeon's officers, to escort you for the time being."

Alix just stared at the queen. Wait, Evangeline has a brother?

Yes, now stand up and meet him, Elara whispered to her mind.

Begrudgingly, Alix stood up and waited for this Samos thing to introduce himself properly to her.

"I am Ptolemus Samos, Your Royal Highness, heir to House Samos and brother to the future queen." He bowed respectfully. "It is my greatest honor to escort you while you're here."

Oh good. Somebody taught him well what to say.

You have to thank him and tell him you're also grateful, Elara chimed in.

"The honor is mine as well, uh, Lord Ptolemus." Alix curtsied, her movements ever so smooth. When she came up from her curtsy, she found him looking at her.

Unfortunately, Evangeline was none too pleased, but at least the princess would be out of her way now that somebody would keep her company.

"Shall we have breakfast now?" Elara clapped her hands to allow the Red servants distribute the food. Ptolemus and the Sentinels fell back into the shade and waited as the girls dined together, quiet and uncomfortable at the turn of events.

The queen glanced at Alix and hid her smile behind her goblet. You seem paler, dear. You do not find Ptolemus handsome?

Alix almost choked from her drink. With all due respect, Your Highness, I have a dozen Sentinels with me. I do not need another one to babysit me.

Don't worry. I am sure Lord Ptolemus would make your time worth it.

The princess looked over her shoulder and saw Ptolemus standing obediently at the front of the Sentinels, appearing like a soldier waiting for orders. She reminded him of Cal, if Cal only had silver hair and intense dark eyes. Then, as if sensing her gaze, Ptolemus looked at her, held her gaze for a few seconds, then smirked.

Her cheeks flared up. You could have picked someone else.

Elara laughed aloud. Your escort is not negotiable, dear.

After what seemed to be the most uncomfortable breakfast for her, Alix was finally given respite by the queen. Elara did not give her any more tasks for today, except to appear later in the afternoon for Training. The downside, however, was that Alix had a new guard in her flock, one that was unfortunately called Samos.

They walked in stride with each other. Ptolemus did not seem to understand the idea of "ranks". No one was allowed to walk beside a royal unless that person was a royal himself. But rules and norms were not Alix's highest priority right now. She needed to get rid of her escort.

"I heard you have been to Summerton only twice, Your Highness?" Ptolemus began, his eyes on the road up ahead. They trekked the abandoned corridors behind the palace, one that would eventually lead to the briar labyrinth and Grand Garden.

So it begins: the idle conversations.

"Yes. First for King Tiberias's coronation anniversary and now for Cal's Queenstrial."

"Then you have barely seen the beauty of Summerton at the peak of the season." He turned left, followed by the princess, then the two Sentinels from Piedmont. "At this time of the year, rare flowers bloom so beautifully, the nobles are seeing each other again, and Reds are all over the place."

"They are?"

He nodded. "Have you been to the Grand Garden? It is the center of their little business world. Some Reds are quite fortunate to have business of their own, given the chance to earn money."

"I was there once." She remembered that day when Maven took her there. That seemed like a lifetime ago.

"And what did you see?" He stood almost a head taller than her, prompting him to look down every once in a while.

"Quite a number of Reds working."

Their group reached the briar labyrinth, the sunlight pouring all its warmth across the field. Alix flinched and moved back, one hand covering her eyes. She had been too engrossed in that conversation that she did not realize they were upon the gardens already. Her eyes hurt again, her head swimming, and suddenly there was a gentle hand on her back. For a moment there, she thought it was Cal, or maybe even Maven, but it was Ptolemus.

"Your Highness, you are all right?"

"Don't touch me," she whispered meekly, breathlessly. "You're not allowed to touch me."

Ptolemus checked himself and removed his hand. "Forgive me, Princess."

She opened one eye and looked at him. "Well, that's one Samos who knows his manners."

"Truly?" He chuckled and waited for her to adjust from the blinding sunlight. "I heard from Evangeline that you are quite a force to handle. She is not quite fond of you."

"Tell her the feeling's mutual."

"Nevertheless, I do admire what you've done in the Queenstrial. That shadow dragon was exceptional." He checked at her again. "Ready?"

Nodding, Alix accepted the offered arm and walked with him again. For once, she welcomed his presence, so that he could be someone to lean on while they crossed the field. She could feel Ptolemus's shadow moving, along with the two more Sentinels behind them. All the birds fluttering nearby, the leaves in the wind, the marble columns, she could feel their shadows.

Sentinel Novara then opened the gate that led to the farthest part of the Grand Garden.

"You may stay here," Alix told her guard. "Lord Samos and I could go alone."

"But Your Highness," Novara found himself disagreeing, something that never happened before. He did not trust anyone from the Samos brood, especially this young man with a curled smirk.

"Are you disobeying me, Sentinel?" Her voice was sharp and demanding.

His shoulders slumped. "No, Princess."

She laughed it off and tugged at Ptolemus's arm. "We would be back soon."

With that, the two left the premises of the castle and plunged into the Red territory. It was the same as Alix remembered: bustling, so full of life and people. Wherever you looked, there were both Silver and Red. Though they were not talking, it was nice to see them mingling. Despite herself and her dislike for the Samos brood, she found herself tugging once more at Ptolemus's arm, dragging him towards a silver fountain with young little nymphs playing around it.

"I am glad to know you enjoy yourself, Princess." Ptolemus chuckled.

She never expected him to be one for smiles. First time she saw him, he sneered and dared anyone who would challenge his sister's claim to the throne. She thought he would be just like Evangeline. "I have never been outside of palaces that much in my whole life."

"Really?" His brows knitted together. "Princesses from Piedmont are not allowed outside?"

"Not allowed to mingle with the Reds, no. But if it is a tour around the kingdom, then I am obliged to come. Mine is a house that would not miss the flash of the cameras." She sighed. How she missed her family, but at the same time, dreaded the day she needed to come back, only to complete the matched set her family had made over the years. Her brothers were probably pulling their hairs out while she was gone.

Ptolemus only nodded. "I understand. Reds could be quite dangerous if not handled properly."

"They cannot be harmful." She observed the ornate carving of the fountain, as more nymphs splashed water at each other. A Gliacon boy, perhaps around seven years, froze the water and laughed. "Even if they are, what could Reds do against the strength of a mighty magnetron?"

He grinned. "Or against a powerful wraith?"

"Ah, yes. Wraiths, always a wonder to the kingdom of Norta."

Before he could answer, something crashed several feet away from them. A middle-aged man, dressed in tattered grey fabric that seemed to pass for a clothing, dashed away from the scene. He cradled something in his arms as he evaded the numerous officers running after him. The Silver ladies shrieked and pointed dainty fingers at the man, the Silver lords shouting orders to apprehend the thief. The man bumped against a fellow Red, then he scrambled back to his feet and dashed towards the fountain.

In an instant, the nymph and shiver children ran away, calling for their parents. One of the nobles present brought a horse from an auction. The horse reared from the commotion and bolted off, and the running man made a grab for the reins, heaved himself up on the beast, and continued his escape.

Alix was amazed at the fast turn of events; it was already late when she realized that the Red was riding towards her. She would have been ran over, if not for Ptolemus grabbing her by the waist. They both fell on the floor, she landing on top of Ptolemus, her face pressed against the crook of his neck.

No, no, no, this can't be happening!

She immediately sat up, concerned about the images the cameras could catch, but that was the least of Ptolemus's concerns.

Without looking at her, he growled and stood up. He extended his right arm and curled his fist. Despite being so far from them, the horse still reared and felt its reins tightening around the neck. It collapsed on the floor, throwing the thief aside. Slowly, Ptolemus approached the culprit and made him writhe in pain.

"My good… lord," the Red begged, wheezing as he tried to breathe. "No… more…"

But the Samos commander was not convinced. Gone were his charming smiles and chuckles. He curled his fist tighter and the man spasmed, kicking his legs vigorously.

"P-Please…"

Summerton's officers finally arrived at the scene.

"My Lord Samos," one of them panted, "thank you for the assistance. This man has been found guilty of stealing jewels from Lady Louise Haven. Stealing and for, um, property damage." Around them, the center of the Grand Garden was a mess of broken vases, uprooted plants, and scattered chairs and tables. His wary eyes landed on the princess. "And threatening the safety of Her Highness."

The commander remained silent. His cold dark eyes pierced the Red man. With an effortless wave of his hand, the Red was forced to his feet and the metal wire around his neck loosened. The officers surrounded the man and dragged him out of the scene.

"What a day."

Ptolemus blinked and turned beside him, where the princess stood with her hair disheveled from the commotion. His voice sounded concerned as he asked, "Your Highness, are you hurt?"

"No, but what would happen to him?" She nodded towards the thief.

"Imprisoned, sent away, probably to the war front. One of your Sentinels is a skin healer, yes?"

"I am really fine." She gave him a dismissive shake of head. "What happened here will not reach the queen's ear, would it?"

"By now I think she has heard of it." And the princes will kill me for bringing you into this mess. He sighed. Maybe it was time to return to the palace. That way he could see Evangeline and spend time with her. "We have taken too much of your time. Your Highness should return now and prepare for Training today."

"Oh yes, Training," she grumbled, but still followed him from where they came. She was not looking forward to spend another session with Evangeline and her lackeys, but at least she would get to see Cal and Mare. Maybe Maven. Come to think of it, I haven't seen him today. All this deal with Ptolemus Samos made her forget about the prince. "If you are now my escort, would that mean I would see you most of the time?"

"All the time, my lady."

Even if Evangeline was a stuck up, there was something about her brother that incited Alix's interest. "Then you and I would have a lot of time together, Lord Samos."

Smirking, the magnetron only said, "Please call me Ptolemus, Your Highness."

House Samos lived in a dark mansion, located at the outskirts of Summerton. Its black spiky roofs and towering pillars indicated that this place was not one for children. Gates, fences, and even the fountain were made from polished black metal, and a banner striped with black-and-silver hung at the center of the mansion. Members of the family went to and fro, locked in conversations, somehow wearing the same kind of uniform that soldiers and officers wore.

Up in Volo Samos's room, his children were gathered before him for an important meeting.

"I am surprised the queen allowed you such honor," Volo mused, his boney fingers taking up the queen chess piece from the board. "Never would one imagine that House Samos would be honored to escort the Piedmont princess."

Ptolemus flashed a curling smile as he puffed his chest in confidence. "The queen trusts me so."

Evangeline scoffed from her position beside the window. "She's just toying with you, with us."

"Still," their father pressed on, eyes dark as night boring through both of them, "this opportunity can make us one step closer to another crown."

"Exactly." Ptolemus nodded.

"With Evangeline next in line for the throne, we can have Ptolemus next in line for Piedmont."

"But she's not the heir!" Evangeline screamed, standing up, clutching her black dress in frustration. "She has four older brothers, all next in line for the crown! How can Ptolemus aim for something so farfetched?"

Volo clicked his tongue, which made his daughter think twice about her outburst. "It seems your Lessons should might as well go to waste, Evangeline."

Before she could make another point, he added, "The princes of Piedmont are not all wraiths. Only one, the second eldest, Prince Umberto, inherited House Caralis's abilities. The three others, Rainier, Victor, and Francis—firmas like their mother Queen Margaux. The next wraith would then be Princess Alix, and Piedmont has different rules of succession. They value ability more than the order of birth, and by all means, it makes Princess Alix second-in-line to the throne, after Prince Umberto."

Evangeline could not believe this. She never knew such rules existed in Piedmont. It sounded ludicrous, but somehow it worked. Ability before birth.

"She makes an easy target for the crown," Ptolemus agreed.

"But of course, someone needs to make the proposal." Volo directed his gaze back to his son. "At this rate, with Prince Tiberias and Prince Maven engaged with others, the Lakelands or Prairie would make an offer the princes of Piedmont could not resist."

"Not while we are here," Ptolemus said, tapping his nails against his black armor.

"You are aiming to marry that wench?" His sister laughed at the absurdity of the plan. "I would never think she's capable of falling for you."

Ptolemus narrowed his eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Alix will see through this at once."

"Not unless I give her reason to. I have spent the afternoon with her, and I could deduce that winning her over is a simple trick—not even a trick, really. If you show her kindness, she returns it. Give her attention and she revels in it. Treat her wrongly or disrespect her… she would not take it kindly."

"I trust your ability in this to handle the princess," Volo said.

With one hand against his chest and a quick nod, Ptolemus answered, "Leave it all to me, Father."

Author's Notes: Hello again, everyone! It's nice to be back, especially when we all know that King's Cage would be released soon! Can't wait to see what happens next, though I did read some teaser chapters published in the internet. While we eagerly wait for King Maven's return, how about we enjoy ourselves in fanfictions, too?

Here, Elara's little plan finally comes into action. Apparently, she sets Ptolemus Samos to be Alix's escort. I believe she's doing this out of pure hostility, but somehow also an amusement for herself (especially if Maven finds out). I decided to include Ptolemus because he is such an interesting character in the books, though VA never really expands his characters other than being Evangeline's aggressive and somewhat protective brother. I have always wanted for House Samos to play a larger role in the books, so I decided to give them roles in my story. In here, House Samos aims for two thrones: Norta and Piedmont. It may or may not go according to plan, but that depends on how Ptolemus and Evangeline play the Game of Thrones. (Oops, wrong fandom!)

I hope you guys enjoyed this sort-of-a-long chapter. I did quite enjoy writing it, since writing Cal always amuses me for some reason. XD

*Lalola - Thank you so much for the two consecutive reviews! Let me hug you through the internet! In regards to Maven and Alix, I think they would be too stubborn to admit their feelings (if they would ever come to that). Maven has his duties and Alix respects that. As for Cal, he makes a good big brother for everyone. LOL at Elara being the she-devil! She truly is someone who gets on anyone's nerves. In the books, she has a natural deviousness in her and I actually like it. She makes up plans that she knows would benefit her and Maven, but would also be for her amusement and Maven's exasperation. Her latest plan that involves Ptolemus might end up with Maven throwing more than fireballs at her. XD

Anyway, I thank everyone who has read this chapter. You guys rock! Now join me in the darkness as we wait for King's Cage to come.