Uploaded on: July 8th, 2013

Of Swords, Spells, and Karma

Chapter Eleven: Coronation Events

The castle was busy, people swarming everywhere. Ever since her coronation to succeed her brother was announced, there was a constant buzz of noise in the castle, spilling out to the rest of the country and once word was received, to the other kingdoms. Overall, it was a busy affair, as they planned out how to accommodate the guests and how to arrange the population that was gathering outside the castle. After they decided that she not going to travel out to visit her citizens, people were spread out to help gather and lead them safely to the castle. The ceremony would not start until the last minute, when they were sure that all of them had arrived. That being said, Beatrice was too busy to interact with her brother or keep an eye on Princess Ida, but she was confident that things would be okay.

~x.x.x.x.x~

Ida was not pleased.

When Beatrice's coronation was announced, right out of the blue, she had been shocked. "What's the meaning of this?!" She shrieked at Tyki, irritation plain in her eyes as soon as they were alone.

Tyki, however, was also confused, and showed as much by his expression. "Honestly, I have no idea." He frowned, not liking the idea of being a step behind others.

"Ugh! I can't believe that brat is going to become the heir to the throne! Why is this even happening? Kanda's not dead, just missing. It makes absolutely no sense to decide to crown her so fast! What if they find him tomorrow? What happens then? Are these people stupid?" She raged, and Tyki calmly let her voice out all the frustration she wanted—he had already soundproofed the room beforehand, to defend against eavesdropping.

Tyki was also feeling the same, but he was taking everything a lot calmer than Ida. For one, the coronation of Ida was unexpected, but its occurrence didn't trouble him as much as not knowing it was going to happen. But it would be very troublesome to their plans if Ida was crowned, especially as they had already come up to a backup to Kanda's disappearance—an event that had also been a surprise to Tyki, but at least that had helped them. He could see very little benefits to Beatrice's crowning and he felt his dislike of the Falarons and Ardua itself growing. It held far too many unexpected surprises for his liking, and he absolutely despised not knowing things beforehand. It was too easy to be manipulated, and he preferred to be the manipulator. Nevertheless, he would find a way to handle this, like did for everything else that didn't go their way.

"Look," he said after Ida had calmed down. "We can't let this hinder us. We can still go through with the plan—we just have to find another way."

Ida narrowed her eyes. "So what do you suggest we do?"

"Go along with it. Act like you're fine with her coronation, but also see if you can get them to talk about why they won't wait for the prince or what they'll do if he comes back before then. Snoop around; see what you can dig up. As for me, I shall contact the others and figure out another way to adjust ours plans. I'll see what I can find out as well, and we should reconvene before the coronation occurs."

Ida nodded after listening. "I understand. I'll see what I can find out, but it won't be easy, especially because I stick out more."

Tyki smiled. "Not a problem. I'm certain I can find a way to make you blend in more than usual."

~x.x.x.x.x~

Timothy sighed again. He was bored because his sister was too busy to visit him and he wasn't allowed to leave the castle until after the coronation happened. Sure, he had been surprised when he found out, as Bea had told him directly after it had been decided, but he understood why it was happening. It just felt lonely, all by himself, because they were too busy with preparations. He would have gladly helped out as well, but being as young as he was, there was actually very little he could do, especially when he was just learning as well.

He sighed again. Tsukikami was out again, leaving him in the care of another. When questioned why, Tsukikami told him he was helping Bookman in locating Kanda and Lavi, so Timothy didn't make too much fuss about it. But that didn't stop him from missing his usual caretaker. He huffed, wishing he wasn't nine and that they didn't treat him like a kid so much. He could help, he was certain of it, but no one let him do anything, and he wasn't able to be let out of sight for a moment because coronation times were the highest peaks in assassination or kidnapping, and they couldn't afford to let that happen.

"Hey Otto?" Timothy asked the older boy whose turn it was to watch him. "What do you think about Bea's coronation?"

Otto was surprised at the question. "Well, I was surprised when I heard about it, but I have no objections, if that's what you're asking. I think the princess is a great person and will make a good future queen. And if Prince Kanda returns, I have no objections to him either." He glanced at the younger boy. "What brought on this question?"

"Well, I know people are worried she won't be accepted, but I couldn't think of any reason why they wouldn't, except that she's seventeen, and nine's far younger than that." Timothy cocked his head to one side. "Do you know anything about that?"

Otto considered the question. "I have heard rumors of dissent, but in all honesty, I haven't heard any objections. I think all the citizens are fine with your sister's coronation; it's probably only the foreigners who object it."

Timothy frowned at that. "Foreigners… foreigners…" he muttered, and suddenly sat up straight. "Otto," he said, voice and expression suddenly serious. "I need to ask a favor of you."

Otto was surprised by the sudden behavior, but he nodded anyway. "Of course. What would you have me do?"

Timothy watched him very carefully. "I need you to help me keep track of Princess Ida."

Otto was bewildered by that. "Princess Ida? Why? Do you think she'll try something?"

Timothy shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe. But she came here to make Yuu-nii fall in love with her and hopefully marry her." Otto couldn't help the snort of amusement that escaped him when he heard that part. "Of course, we all knew that wasn't going to happen, but that didn't stop her from trying. I think she wanted to be queen, but that'll never happen if Bea-nee becomes the heir, because then she'll be queen."

Otto was stunned by the nine-year-old's sudden insight. "What would you have me do?"

"If you can, I want to you to keep an eye on her. Like, don't let her know that you're following her, and you don't have to be standing right next to her. Just keep an eye on her, and if you see her doing anything, tell me, or Bea, my parents, Tsukikami, or Bookman." Timothy furrowed his eyebrows in thought. "Um, like if you see her snooping where she's not supposed to be, like if she snuck into Bea's room, or acting strangely, anything. Do you get what I mean?"

Otto nodded. One thing bothered him though. "Timothy-sama, if you're so worried about her, why don't you tell anyone else?"

Timothy looked frustrated. "Because she hasn't done anything yet, and I think my parents like her. Also, we're supposed to be nice to foreign royalties. It would be bad if we accused her of anything without proof. She might not do anything, but I don't trust her. What if she had something to do with my brother and why he left? Nobody knows anything about it. Lavi might know, but he's gone too and Bookman is working of finding them. They haven't made progress yet though. Do you see?"

Otto nodded. "Yes, I do. Alright. I'll keep an eye on her, and let you know if I see anything suspicious. But it'll be hard to do this just by myself. Do you have any others in on this plan?"

Timothy shook his head. "No. Not really. You're the first. Who do you think we should include? I don't want any adults yet, because I think they're too busy with the coronation."

Otto thought about it. "What about Tema and Cleo then. They're both girls, so they can follow her more than I can, especially since they can say they're maids. Also we can defend ourselves and detain her if need be."

Timothy nodded. "That sounds good. I'll summon them up so we can talk about it. Anyone else? I was thinking of Serena, but she's in the kitchen a lot and might not see anything."

Otto shook his head. "I think Serena would be a good choice. Since she's close to the food, she can double-check everything before it gets to the table, and switch out anything she thinks has been tampered with. It won't help once it gets onto the table, but she can do something before that."

Timothy thought about it and nodded. "That makes sense. I'll go ask for them now."

Five minutes later, three older girls entered Timothy's chambers, and Timothy quickly filled them in on his request. They agreed, of course—they loved the royal family very much, and weren't too happy with the thought that Princess Ida might possibly try something on Beatrice or had something to do with Kanda's disappearance.

"But we can't leave you alone, Timothy." Serena told him quite seriously. "Even if she doesn't go after your sister, she might go after you. After all, you're only nine, and even if you can fight back, she'll overpower you. She did beat Cleo at your sword lesson." She pointed out in concern and the others nodded in agreement.

"What about Zorro?" Cleo asked but Tema shook her head.

"Zorro's helping to fill in the missing spots with the Black Knights. Half of them left to patrol the land or something. He's helping to protect the castle." She explained. "I was supposed to help them too, but they decided it would better for me to be available to the princess should she require any protection, but Helena is an excellent protector already. In other words, I'm just an extra available hand."

Timothy was surprised. "The Black Knights are out? How come no one told me?" He asked curiously.

"It's supposed to be kept quiet. Only the guards and the selected know." Tema told him. "I believe it was the Queen's orders though."

Timothy pondered that bit of information. "I guess Bea knows then, too." He mused, and then shook his head. "Ah, whatever. We just need to worry about Ida."

"But what about her advisor?" Serena voiced her own worried opinion. "I overheard Bookman and Tsukikami say they were wary of him, and also the princess boasted about his magic when she told your parents she wanted to stay here, remember? What should we do about him? We don't know any magic."

"Bookman and Tsukikami said that?" Timothy's expression grew a little worried. "In that case, it would better to keep an eye on him but to keep out of his way."

The others nodded in agreement. It was a sound plan, and a few minutes later, they left Timothy alone but promised to report back anything they thought was suspicious, leaving Timothy to pray for things to go smoothly.

~x.x.x.x.x~

Tyki sat alone in his room with a frown on his face. He had just finished communications with his brother, Sheryl. The reason why he had such a headache was because the other thought he knew where Road was, but Tyki didn't. And that bout, they got down to business concerning the princess's coronation.

"It can't be helped, if we can't find the prince. Are you sure you don't have any leads?" Sheryl asked with seriousness, observing his brother's face closely.

Tyki shook his head. "Ida's snooping around but I seriously doubt she'll find anything useful. I'll take a look around, but I can't say that I enjoy dirtying my hands any more than I have to." Tyki waved a gloved hand for emphasis. "Have you asked the Earl what to do? In one sense we could use the girl—she's fairly more reasonable than her brother. On the other hand, we would have to contend with Ida should that happen."

Sheryl made a small hum of agreement towards that statement. "That's for sure. The Earl said to change nothing. Proceed with the plan. Drugging would be the best way towards subjugation—we need them alive, but separated."

Tyki nodded. "Of course. Have you heard from Wisely or Lulubell yet? We'll need them soon, I think."

Sheryl nodded. "The Earl's got them on different assignments, but they can all be reached."

"Good." Tyki stretched his arms. "Well, I'll get to work now. Have a good day, brother." He made to switch off the connection, especially as Sheryl began to say something in regards to finding Road's location.

"Ida had better found something useful," Tyki muttered darkly and made his way towards the door. "While she's being useless, I'll see what I can do about their magicians."

~x.x.x.x.x~

Ida wandered around the castle, irritated. So far, she had not found any clues anywhere. 'Come on, there has to be something on them that I can use as leverage!' she thought as she peeked into room after room. Normally, she would be surrounded by her maids, but in this case it would be better to travel alone. She was wearing an enchanted bracelet that didn't make her invisible, but made less of an impression of her to those who saw her. It was so that even if anyone saw her, she would be overlooked, and it would be hard to remember that she had been there in the first place. When she took off the bracelet, she would be visible and no longer overlooked. All in all, it was a very useful tool, especially for a princess like her. Too bad Tyki didn't have invisibility jewelry, but she would take what she could get.

She wandered and snooped and wandered and snooped, and soon, she had no idea where she was, except that she was standing on stairs.

"Great. I'm lost." Ida debated whether or not to keep going to head back to where she came, but before that, footsteps arrived, and she stood stock still, waiting to see who it was. A young boy, dressed in servant clothes and humming a little ditty was walking towards her. As she was wearing the bracelet, his eyes slid right past her. But Ida had no intention of hiding anymore.

Slipping off the accessory, she cleared her throat loudly, and the boy turned in her direction, startled at the sudden noise.

"Oh!" As soon as he registered who she was, he frantically bowed. "Princess Ida! What are you doing here?"

"I seem to have lost my way," Ida said and bestowed upon him a smile. He was immediately enamored by it. "Can you please help me out?"

He nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, of course! Right now, you are near the royal rooms. It's straight up ahead, and I'm going to dust the hallways." He turned around to where he had come from. "Back there, going straight will lead out and eventually you'll run into some people or most likely the kitchen."

Ida beamed at him, pleased with the new information given to her. "Thank you, ah… I'm sorry, I don't know your name."

He blushed. "It's Tommy, my lady."

Ida smiled. "Tommy, thank you very much. If you don't mind too much, would you be willing to show me around some more? I could really use your help."

"No problem at all, ma'am!" Tommy saluted enthusiastically. "It would be my pleasure! Right this way, please."

~x.x.x.x.x~

Tyki soon arrived at his destination—the third town of Ardua, where the bookshop that held his butterfly was perched at. He spotted the owner through the side window and decided to take the less shady route of action. The bell on the front door sounded as he entered the shop and the woman looked up from where she sat at the front desk.

"Hello, welcome to the White Fire Bookshop. Is there anything in particular that you're looking for, or are you here to browse? I would be happy to assist you."

Tyki smiled in return. "I'm just here to browse, thank you. Do you have any recommendations?"

Fou got up from her desk and walked over to him. "That depends on what you're looking for. Do you have anything particular in mind?"

"Oh, just something for my niece. She's a teenager now but still acts like she's five. I thought it might be good to train her intelligence, but I don't want to bore her. Do you have some good fiction books? Or children's books—maybe she'll actually sit still for a minute."

Fou smiled. "Oh, that I do. Children's books are always popular, especially the fairy tales. Do you know what she's read before?" She asked as she lead him down the aisles where the children's books and teenage fiction was kept.

"Not really—I haven't seen her quite some time actually, since she lives so far away." Tyki said as he traced the spine of a nearby book.

"Yes, that certainly makes things difficult." Fou said as she picked out a book and held it out to the other. "How about Peter Pan?"

Tyki took it and flipped through the pages. "The illustrations are nice, but do you have anything else? I don't really want her to have the idea of being a kid forever engraved in her mind." He offered the book back and Fou took it.

"Of course. There are plenty of choices to pick from." One by one, they went over several books, making casual conversation to pass the time.

"I've noticed a lot of people coming to town lately. Is that a usual occurrence, or is it just a special occasion?" Tyki inquired.

Fou laughed. "I wish! No, it only happens sometimes, and most often on special occasions. This time, it's the princess's coronation. It's the busiest times for me, because that when I get more customers than usual. You're actually my fifteenth visitor today."

"Is that so? Well, I'm glad that business is working out nicely. But, I was wondering about the rumors about the previous heir to the throne's disappearance. Is it true?"

Fou nodded with a sigh. "Yeah. I suppose it is, because Princess Beatrice is becoming the new heir. I don't think he's dead or anything though," she added quickly, "but I'm sure he'll find a way back home from wherever he is."

"Oh?" Tyki's eye sparkled with interest. "My, you certainly have a strong conviction regarding that. Are you one of his admirers?"

Fou's cheeks turned red with embarrassment. "It's not like that. But most citizens of Ardua are extremely loyal to the royal family, because they have touched our lives in some way. It's unusual, but normal over here. What about your country?"

Tyki laughed at that. "It certainly isn't like that at all back home. In fact, I can say with certainty that the citizens do not love their royal family. Out of everyone, they would like the daughter. Not the king, not the queen, but the princess. It's actually quite interesting to see the contrast between these two attitudes, and I can't wait 'til the princess's coronation. That's surely a sight to behold."

Fou nodded in agreement. "Quite right it would be."

The bell tinkled behind them, and Fou turned to view a woman walking in. "Sorry, but I have to help out another customer. Please feel free to continue browsing and consult me if you run into any difficulty."

"It's no problem at all. Thank you for your help." Tyki said and watched Fou scurry away to aid the new customer that had just entered the shop. As soon as he was sure she was occupied, he moved to another area and hid his tall form by one of the bookcases. "Teez, my darling, come to me," he whispered, and waited.

Drifting along the wall, the purple and black butterfly traveled over to where its master was waiting for it, coming out of the wallpaper to land on Tyki's outstretched finger. Tyki rubbed its head with his other finger and accessed the observations the butterfly had made during the time it was there.

He saw how the owner frequently met up with two males—ones he identified as workers in the castle. It was Bookman, the history tutor, and Tsukikami, the one who accompanied the youngest prince everywhere, but wasn't around as often lately in preparation for the ceremony due to happen.

There was much that was talked about. Only discussions concerning location spells and contacts in different countries. All in all, quite boring, but Tyki was sure once the fun started, they would have a lot more interesting discussions. The information he wanted now was not here, but it didn't matter to Tyki as he was confident that his Teez would be able to catch on interesting events. "But just to be certain…" Tyki summoned up two more Teez. "I'll give you some company," he said, addressing the first Teez he created. "I want all three of you to keep hidden and observe everything." He let them go, and smiled as he saw them blend into the shop. Now, he would be able to observe the events as they happened directly, without needing to enter the shop and from as far away as the castle.

Humming to himself, he picked a book off the shelf and walked straight to the counter where Fou was saying farewell to her other customer.

"Hello. Did you find everything you were looking for?" Fou asked with a smile.

Tyki gave her one of his own. "Yes, I did. You were a great help, and I'm sure my niece will enjoy it." He glanced down at the book he had picked off the shelf and had to contain the bark of laughter that came up when he read the title. Alice in Wonderland, what a fitting book for Road indeed. "How much?"

Fou wrapped the book after Tyki paid, and handed it him. "Have a nice day!"

Tyki tipped his hat to her and took the book with him. "And to you. Good day."

He left the shop, satisfied for the time being.

~x.x.x.x.x~

Ida stood behind Tommy as he worked on cleaning the hallway outside. She wanted to go into the rooms, but he had explained earlier that none but their personal servants were allowed inside to do the cleaning.

"They've tightened security so that no one else has the key," Tommy explained.

"Is that so?" Ida tilted her head. "Well, I can hardly blame them." She scanned the doors one by one, trying to guess which was her love's. Each door was set far apart from the others, and she blinked when she counted four doors.

'Four? I thought there was only three siblings?!' To escape her confusion, Ida voiced her concern aloud to Tommy. "There are four doors here—why is that?"

"Huh?" He scratched his head and looked at the ornate doors. "Well, for the princes and princess, obviously. From oldest to youngest, starting from down there."

Curiously, Ida went to the farthest door. It was decorated as much as the others were, but there was a plaque that had the initials A.K.F. engraved on it, where the others were Y.K.F., B.H.F., and T.H.F. Ida knew what those initials stood for. This one was the only mystery, and she touched the knob gingerly. It would not turn at all, showing that it was locked. But Ida knew that she had found something golden, and was not likely to let the opportunity slip through her fingers.

"Tommy…"

~x.x.x.x.x~

Tsukikami and Bookman soon arrived at Fou's bookshop.

"Did you find out anything?" Fou immediately asked.

Tsukikami shook his head. "No, not yet. With the coronation coming up, we decided that we have to leave it up to others in the field."

"So you're just going to work on security then?" Fou asked, setting down a tray of drinks for her guests.

Tsukikami nodded. "Yeah. Thanks."

Bookman spoke suddenly. "Fou, the foreign magic in this place has gotten stronger. Did a magician visit you?"

Fou frowned as she tried to recall her past visitors. Nothing had seemed particularly off about them, but now that Bookman mentioned it, she did have the feeling of being watched get stronger than before.

"Today I had a lot of customers, but I didn't feel magic on any of them. Maybe they were good at concealing themselves."

Bookman thought about it. "That would mean that their level of performance was higher than we expected."

"It seems that you have someone particular in mind. Can you describe them?"

"Tall, tanned skin, curly black hair, has the aura of a refined nobleman. Does anyone fit that description?"

Fou thought about it, and gasped. "There was one customer who looked like that! He asked me about the castle, what I thought of the coronation, and why I loved the royal family. At that time, I thought it was just small talk, but he could be fishing for information."

Bookman nodded. "That is the most likely reason anyhow. I will scan this building and see what I can find out, but I think it would be wise for us to not meet up in here anymore until we can isolate the source and find out what we can of his powers and intentions."

Fou nodded in agreement. "That sounds good. Thanks for the help."

"In that case, Bookman, do you think we need to call for help?" Tsukikami said with some concern.

Bookman nodded. "Perhaps so. But I want a lockdown on him as soon as possible. I don't like the idea of him sneaking around the castle like so."

"That, we all agree on." Fou stated. "Let's do our best."

~x.x.x.x.x~

It was easy to convince the naïve boy to find the key to the room with the initials A.K.F. on it. Once she got the key, she had him swear to tell no one what they had done. It was disappointing that he hadn't been able to get the key sooner, but security had been tight and she had to make do with the fact that it on the day of the coronation.

Inside was not what she had expected. She had expected an old, dusty room filled with packed boxes. Instead, she found that everything was neat and looking as if its owner still lived in it, but there was a small layer of dust coating everything to show that there was none.

Curiosity filled up inside her, and Ida began to look everywhere, confident that no one would be able to tell she had been there, since the room hadn't been used in such a long time. A couple of picture frames were set on the side table, with everyone looking younger than they were today. She opened the drawers one by one.

"Let's see here… Clothes… Some trinkets…" Ida looked up when he heard passing footsteps and decided that she had to be quicker, before the ceremony started, and she proceeded to explore more of the room. In one corner, she found a locked box. "This could be important… Should I take it with me?" Ida frowned. The box was small, but there was no way to easily carry it out with her in the dress she was wearing without seeming suspicious. Ida scanned the room and hid it in a different place, intending to come back and retrieve it later.

She then left the room, locking it behind her, scurrying away to find her advisor and tell him of his discovery.

~x.x.x.x.x~

"Princess, are you ready yet?" Helena asked softly, suddenly appearing at Beatrice's side, and she gave the other a small smile.

"I hope so, Helena. But, what if I mess up?" Beatrice was right to be worried. It was a big day for her, after all.

Helena moved forward and embraced her princess in a hug. "It will be fine, Beatrice-sama. You've always done well in all that you do. There should be no reason why this is any different. Don't worry. You'll do fine."

Beatrice smiled at her confidant. "Thank you, Helena."

Helena released her from her hold. "No problem, Princess." She bowed. "I'm going to check on things once more. I'll be back when it's time."

Beatrice nodded and Helena left the room, leaving the bluenette with her own thoughts.

'My coronation. A day I never knew would come. And yet, here it has arrived, but two of the people I wished were here to celebrate with me are not. Is this how Kanda-nii felt, when his coronation came, but Alma-nii was not there? Will this be how Timothy will feel, if I someday decide on a whim to disappear, and he must step up and take the throne?' It was not something she had considered before, but certainly it was a possibility, now that she thought it out.

'Nevertheless, despite what I may now feel, this day is happening, and I will see it right through to the end. Not only that, but for the rest of my days as heiress and if I ever become queen as well.'

With that feeling, Beatrice exited her room, ready to begin the ceremony. The sight she saw upon turning though, burned through her body like cold fire. For she saw Ida quietly exiting her lost brother, Alma Karma's room. One that should have been locked, one that she should not have been able to enter. It was room sacred to her siblings, where they once gathered to talk memories, and one that was now tainted by a foreign presence. For once, Beatrice Henriette Falaron was not an epitome of cool dignity. She was shaken, and could not do a thing because her ceremony was about to start.

That was how Helena found her, standing in front of her door, frozen.

"Princess? What's the matter?" Helena asked, immediately concerned.

At the sound of Helena's voice, it was as if a spell had broken, and all of Beatrice's thoughts tumbled out of her at once. "Helena!" her voice held her urgency, and Helena was immediately alert. "I just saw Ida come out of Alma-nii's room."

Helena's eyes widened. "What? But that's impossible!"

Beatrice narrowed her eyes, full of anger. "Nevertheless, I just saw it happen right before my eyes. Helena, before the day is done, I want you to find out exactly who gave her the key, how she got in, what she took or tampered with, and what she planned on doing with what she found out. Do you understand?"

Helena bowed. "Yes, Princess. But, what shall you do about protection? I'm to guard you this whole day, on orders of your father."

Beatrice waved her concerns away. "I'll find someone. Don't worry about me. Just do what I told you to."

"Yes, Princess. I'll do my best. Shall we proceed to the ceremony?"

"I have no other choice. Let's go."

~x.x.x.x.x~

Beatrice took a deep breath before she ascended the raised platform. 'Come on Bea. You can do this. Your coronation. Show no weaknesses. You can do this.' Beatrice thought, trying to psych herself up. Her father stood before the thousand citizens and spoke the words of the ceremony. As he finished, she stepped forward to speak her piece.

"Everyone, I am pleased to stand here before you today. As the heiress to the crown I promise to be fair, just, and make Ardua a good country. I will strive in my learning to become a good queen, to someday be worthy of you all."

The crowd cheered, and Beatrice waited before she continued on.

"My brother," Beatrice went straight to the news that she knew everyone was curious about, with a straight and unwavering gaze looking firmly at the crowd. "He ventured off onto a journey with an unknown destination. I cannot say for certain his intentions, for I do not know them, nor has he told me. However, there is no doubt within my heart that he shall return to us, when he is ready. In his absence, I, Beatrice Henriette Falaron, will take my place as the heir to the throne. However, in the event of his return I shall give the position back to my brother if he so wishes."

The crowd before her cheered loudly at her words, and she was glad that she was able to reassure them. However, to her disappointment, the reporters were not as easily persuaded.

"Princess, does your brother's disappearance have anything to with the prior disappearance of your other brother, Prince Alma Karma Falaron?"

Beatrice froze at the sudden question, unprepared for their sudden insight into the matter. Outwardly, she might seem calm, but inside, she felt panic. What should she say? It was only minutes ago that she had just caught Ida coming out of her brother's room, a room that was under lock and key, which she should not have been able to enter yet clearly managed to do so. It was poor timing that the ceremony was about to start and so she was unable to say anything, leaving her very unsettled, especially when she thought of what Ida might have done or taken. The very thought made her ill, but she still had a ceremony to get through.

This was why her answer may not have been as composed as she would normally be. While everyone waited in bated breath for her answer, she turned cold eyes toward the reporters. Her words were not too loud, but they did ring across the room in the silence. Though she did not have a smooth answer, she made sure her words deflected the question.

"This is no interview. This is the day of my coronation, and you have already asked me your allotted question. Please back away now."

"But Princess! This is important! Prince Kanda was close to Prince Alma, was he not? Could it be that—" The reporter was persistent, Beatrice would give him that much. But her patience was on a thin line and she feared she would say something terrible if the questions carried on.

"Enough of this." She said, interrupting him. "I have already stated that this is no interview and politely asked you to cease your questions. If you continue this further, I shall have you removed from the premises and you can be sure that this coverage will not appear in your paper. Is this clear?"

With that ultimatum, Beatrice hoped that they would leave her alone, and she was glad to see them back off, even if she knew they wouldn't give up. Turning away, she headed into the crowd and made a round through them, smiling at all her citizens and saying a few words to as many as possible. Once she made a full round, she returned back to the stage and announced the start of the feast.

~x.x.x.x.x~

Lala was lost in the sea of people that surrounded her. She had lost her father somewhere along the way, but since she had considered that possibility beforehand, she had told him not to worry and that she would be safe with Fou or Timothy. She had said that, but she would have to find either of them first. The food was delicious, that she couldn't deny, but she wanted to also give her congratulations to Beatrice in person.

Looking for the princess led her into Timothy's path, a person she was immediately glad to see, so that she was no longer alone.

"Timothy, where's Beatrice? I want to say congratulations."

Timothy made a face. "Bea's still talking with other people. Do you want to do something more interesting?"

Lala gave him a confused look. "What would that be?"

Timothy pulled her in close and whispered conspiratorially in her ear. "Spying! Ida's really suspicious, and I've got some people tailing her, but I bet we could find out some things too."

Lala looked unsure. "We might get into trouble. And what if it turns into something terrible?"

"It'll be fine! Come on!" Timothy tugged her hand and gave her reassuring smile.

"Oh, alright, but don't do anything stupid, ok Tim?"

"Yes ma'am! Let's go!"

They walked through the throng of people, getting stopped by a couple who recognized Timothy as the prince, but were able to continue on their way without too much fuss. However, try as they might, they could not find Ida at all, so Lala insisted on talking to Beatrice as soon as they saw she was free.

"Bea!"

Beatrice looked up at them, relieved to see them instead of another. "Timothy! Lala! Just the two I wanted to see."

"Princess Beatrice, congratulations! You'll make a wonderful heiress." Lala said her piece before the two siblings engaged in might turn out to be a serious conversation.

Beatrice smiled at her. "Thank you, Lala."

"However, I have something very important to discuss with you." Beatrice's eyes flickered to the servant beside her. "Tema, please ensure our privacy for the moment."

Beside her, the tall girl nodded. "Yes, Princess."

Timothy seemed surprised to see her. "Tema?" He turned to his sister. "Where's Helena?"

"That's part of what I'm trying to get to. Tim, earlier I caught Ida coming out of Alma-nii's room."

Timothy was shocked, but before he could make an outburst, Beatrice quickly intervened. "That's where Helena is, trying to find out how and why she got there."

Timothy frowned. "I still don't like it at all. Lala and I were going to tail her. Can we still try?"

Beatrice frowned at that. "I don't think that would be a good idea."

"Bea, it's fine. We'll be safe, I promise."

Beatrice looked uncertain, but she knew there was little that she could do from keeping her brother and his friend away, especially since she was tied down. "Fine, but be careful. I want you to stay safe."

Timothy nodded. "We will! Come on Lala!' The two children left the new heiress by herself and went off to find their intended target.

"Good luck, guys." Beatrice whispered, and watched walked off into the crowd.

~x.x.x.x.x~

A/N: Here's the eleventh chapter! I'm thinking of wrapping this story up, but it's only halfway done. Hopefully I'll be able to write out everything that I wanted for this story. Thanks to scarf, my only reviewer for the last chapter! I was happy to know that you enjoyed reading the last chapter. I was scared that I didn't write Team Tiedoll well enough, but I did the best I could. Also added in Miranda, Krory, and Eliade, and hoped that they weren't too out of character. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter and that I'll put out the next chapter on time.