A week past, and Roy was proud to say he had finally completed those trade deals with Princess Leeza of France. He'd held his breath and plunged, ignoring the persistent awkwardness that hung over them like a blanket. In the end, Leeza, him and Persephone were satisfied, and finally, Roy could put that terrible time behind him as he watched Leeza's car drive out of the front gates, and towards the airport.

He's been so knuckle to the grindstone for the entire week, hoping to cover up his stupid paparazzi blunder in time for his parents' return that he hadn't the time to talk to Alisa Orlov and beg for her forgiveness. She had conveniently avoided his eye contact every meal, or been too distracted by an object each time he came to say hello in the Women's Room. Alex and Barney, too, had miraculously faded into background with their own work. The only time Roy had seen Barney was at dinner.

Just two weeks left of them, and it'd all be over. It helped Roy to sleep at night.

He'd nearly, almost blissfully, forgotten Durante's information on Camilla Daugherty, too. Nearly.

Camilla Daugherty… frequently disappears without a trace.

It haunted him, where she could go. There weren't many places in the palace he didn't know about, and Camilla had never struck him as the exploring type. He'd picked up lately that a lot of his Selected girls liked to run around without guards. Most of them were like Levinia, he knew. Just on adventures of their own.

But there would be one who was not.

As the chopper blades cleaved the air on the rooftop of the palace, and the sleek, charcoal helicopter descended onto the helipad, Roy kept those thoughts in mind as anticipation crawled up his back. It felt utterly vulnerable. Anyone could strike him now, and he wouldn't have expected it in the slightest.

That was what terrified him most. The betrayal.

He managed to kick away the possibility as his parents stepped free from the stationary helicopter. Both Merrick and Ji-Yu had developed a tan, despite the cool winter, and the coats enveloping them now. Bags had settled underneath their eyes as if they hadn't slept properly for the last two weeks.

Roy fixed his tie. It did no good to calm his frazzled nerves.

Merrick spotted him first, rushing over. "Ah, hello, son!"

They hugged, and for a short-lived moment, Roy forgot the terrible things that awaited him downstairs. "Hi, old man."

"Old man? Pffft," Merrick said, pulling away. "I haven't aged since my twenty-first birthday!"

The wrinkles and blond-turned-grey hairs were testament to the lie. Roy grinned. "If that helps you sleep at night."

"It does," he said. "Where's my other little baby?"

"Downstairs. She's currently distracted by a new packet of glitter Lanna bought her." Pause. "Lanna has since regretted her mistake." He coughed. "The twin menaces are also downstairs, since you obviously cared enough to ask."

"Good, good. And," his jovial spirit dampened, "how's the country, dare I ask?"

Roy opened his mouth, but no words came out. Gathering his wits, and spotting Ji-Yu approaching, he managed to say, "Well, we're not at war, so I think I've done something right."

Merrick petted Roy's shoulders. "That's a good start. I suppose the advisors will give me a more formal debriefing." Merrick moved onto to greet Gemima and the other members of the court who had gathered on the helipad, and they all moved downstairs.

Roy had written a long report of everything he'd done with intention to present it to his parents. Unfortunately, that had to include firing Hobbs, but he wasn't particularly sad to add that in. Especially when Ji-Yu herself had said his personality was too vitriolic for her tastes.

She approached him. Her long-sleeved dress was an understated grey, to match the lifelessness in her eyes. The meetings in Brazil had taken most of it out of her, it seemed. Her eyes searched Roy for any signs of weakness, any sign of his wavering ability to hold together a country.

"Jun," she greeted curtly.

He hoped she found none today. Not realising how nervous he was, he took a deep breath and replied, "Mother. How was Brazil?"

"Exhausting," she said, confirming his suspicions. "I see Illéa hasn't burnt down in my absence."

He stuck out his tongue. "I did learn something from you and Dad, you know."

"Really?" she said – taking on that tone that suggested a storm was coming, and he had better brace. "Why is it that eight days ago, I received a very interesting article about you at a club for a Stop Light Night?"

This again. He was still suffering the consequences of the club visit. Officer Acketeer lumbered behind him, next to Durante. Her neurotic search to find hidden caches of alcohol was driving him up the wall.

"I know it sounds bad, but trust me, it had to do with…" he cleared his throat and whispered, "the Board."

Thank god he hadn't caved and called it the Corkboard of Destiny.

Ji-Yu's eyebrows raised. "Ah. I see." She pursed her lips. "I hope you're not using it as an excuse."

Anger clenched his muscles, but he silenced it. "No, Mother. I'm not that desperate to get out of it."

She studied him for a moment. The wind seemed to whistle, egging on a decision. "Very well, though we need to talk about that subject soon."

Obviously, she'd let it slide for now. They'd need to have a more concrete discussion later. He dreaded it already.

"Okay," he agreed, with nothing else to add to the matter.

"I had Advisor Chi send me your full report before I boarded the plane."

Roy's heart suddenly lurched into his throat. Oh, god, he hadn't any time to prepare for this – for her reaction. Bracing himself as best as he could for a mental slapdown, Roy balled his hands into fists.

"And?" he stuttered.

"And I think you've done a good job," said Ji-Yu, monotone. "A few better plays here and there, and you already know my opinion on the Hobbs ordeal, but… a good job, for someone who wasn't prepared for the Prince Regent title so suddenly."

Roy could have collapsed with relief.

A good job.

Not bad. Not brilliant, but good enough that Roy could spend the rest of the day skipping around the palace and high-fiving all of the guards. Even Acketeer.

He was just so happy to strip himself of the Prince Regent title. Now, he was back to good old Prince Roy.

"Thanks," he said, grinning madly. He could've been told the spy was extricated, for the glee that burst through him.

Ji-Yu must have caught onto it, as she smiled and placed a hand on your shoulder. "You're welcome. And," she cleared her throat, "I'm sorry, if I was too harsh on you. I understand the pressures of being in charge all too well."

Mother apologised? He'd never thought he'd hear the words.

Rolling his hands, he inclined his head. "Er, thanks. I guess." It made him sound so ungrateful, and yet, he was more than appreciative of her words. "I see why you exploded though. I'd been a doofus that week anyway."

"And you picked yourself up, dusted yourself off, and moved on. And that is the bravest thing you can do."

Roy's heart crinkled with pleasure.

She nodded her head – that smile vanished, and Omma Ji-Yu was replaced with Queen Ji-Yu once more. "Now, about the Board."

So the moment was over as soon as it began. Roy wasn't surprised, but he was still slightly disappointed. He boxed his feelings and gestured to the stairwell entrance. "I promise, I didn't go to that club to get drunk and make out with random women."

"Not that. I mean," Ji-Yu whispered, "we need to gather everyone who knows the situation to the Board and have a more… in-depth discussion on the subject. I want this done today. You're down to fourteen candidates now, and we still haven't eliminated her."

It was true. The stage was fast approaching where Roy had to make decisions about his Elite. And which of the Selected he fancied above the rest.

The spy was still amongst them.

He gulped. "You're telling me."

She lifted her head, eye sparkling. "But, before we focus on that, I need you to meet me, your father, and Dr Nagi in the infirmary wing."

Roy frowned. It was never comforting to mention the infirmary wing. He thought that even if his mother suddenly announced that she was pregnant, he would feel unnerved in those white corridors.

"Why?"

"Because I want to take extra precautions about your safety," she said cryptically. "Meet us there in an hour or so. Keep it to yourself."

Before Roy could argue, she disappeared down the stairs.

=#=#=#=

=#=#=#=

Roy found his parents in the consultation room of the infirmary. The frosted glass revealed three figures already inside. Luckily, Acketeer deemed the infirmary wing the only place where alcohol wouldn't be – unless he wanted to sip anaesthetic or dry ethanol – so she opted to wait outside the wing. For a blissful few moments, he was alone, and he relished it, even as he knocked on the door and let himself in.

The room, like the rest of the infirmary, was as white as snow. The surf-patterned ceiling was the only indication of any whimsy that this place severely lacked – the desk was a plain grey, with the chairs for patients a soft, mint green. Dr Nagi was behind the desk, with Merrick and Ji-Yu in the front.

"Ah, son," said Merrick, cheerily. "Come sit."

At least someone was chipper. Roy shut the door, and sat in between them. "What's this about?"

Dr Nagi's young face smiled at him. Like Sashi, she was of Indian descent, but her skin was much darker, and her profile much more protruding. Her pixie cut hair had been swept back with several black hairclips and, despite her youthful smile, there were wrinkles around her eyes like deep crevices.

"We were just discussing some relatively new technology that has come from Brazil."

Ji-Yu dragged her hand across Nagi's desk – and Roy realised that, underneath her hand, there was a chip as tiny as a pill capsule wrapped in a small plastic packet.

"A tracking chip," said Ji-Yu. "Implanted into the skin, so that we know where you are."

At once, Roy felt his gut clench at the idea. Was this a result of the club incident a week ago? He already had enough of a shadow in Acketeer to need this as well.

"So, what, you'll stalk me? Never let me go somewhere without you knowing where and when?"

Merrick shook his head. "No, no, not at all. But due to recent events," he glanced at Ji-Yu, "your mother and I have become increasingly concerned for your safety. We will only use it if you've suddenly gone missing. Say…" he hardened, "someone infiltrates our home and drugs you."

Roy felt his bones still at the statement. If he'd had the chip on that day… how would things have differed?

Dr Nagi's easy smile fell upon him. "It's been thoroughly tested, safe for flesh insertion. Only recently made available to the public. But, it is extremely expensive, so of course not everyone is allowed the privilege. The palace will be able to gain special permissions for personal use, so, not to worry, you won't find your data on any public indexes."

Pursing his lips, he glanced at Ji-Yu. "This just seems like a way for you to watch me, now that I'm done with regency."

Ji-Yu fixed him with a hard stare. "That is not the point of this. If you're in danger, or if you're kidnapped, then we'll be able to find out and rescue you before any harm is done. Or worse, if you're killed."

"Then why aren't you having it?"

"We will be, son." Merrick's voice was soft amidst the tension, a fluffy cloud in harsh sunlight. "But we've decided to prioritise you, since the rebels seem to have targeted you."

He couldn't deny that. Walter Wolanski had announced it himself at the Midknight dinner, perhaps foolishly.

"Where would it be inserted?" he asked, meeting Nagi's smile again.

"The back of your neck," she said. "The surgery won't take more than a few moments, and you'll be under anaesthetics, so you won't feel anything. It might be sore for a few days, but after a while you'll hardly feel it."

He tried to imagine a scar on the back of his neck, shaped as small as the chip. It might never have been seen if he still had his long hair. Instinctively, he rubbed the back of his neck – his skin was spotted with sweat.

Why was he even contemplating this? "I don't have a choice, do I?"

"Of course you do," said Merrick.

At the same time, Ji-Yu said, "Of course you don't."

They exchanged glances between them.

Ji-Yu broke off first. "It's only to keep you safe, Jun. Perhaps when the rebels are eradicated, we can have it removed again."

"We'll pose the same questions to Gail, soon, too," said Merrick, though now he was frowning. "Personally, I would have the implant, but we cannot force you" – he slid his unrelenting gaze to Ji-Yu – "to make that choice."

Ji-Yu looked like she wanted to disagree, but said nothing, only looking at Roy expectantly.

Perhaps he wanted his freedom. Perhaps it had always afforded him privacy to do what he wanted, when he wanted. But, with the rising tensions with the rebels, plus the threat of the spy, perhaps… perhaps it was the wise choice to have the implant.

"I can have it removed when this is all over?"

Dr Nagi answered, "Yes. If you wish."

"And," he posed to Merrick and Ji-Yu, "you won't watch me twenty-four seven?"

Merrick's head tilted to the side, and he beamed. "If we can't reach you to tell you we want to find out where you are, that's when we're going to look."

Ji-Yu nodded. "We only want to know where you are in times of peril."

Squishing the rebellious twinge in his soul, he said, "Okay, fine. I'll… have it done."

Dr Nagi's smile grew at least an inch. "Excellent choice." She stood. "Would you like it now?"

He rubbed the back of his neck again.

Better to get it over with.

Merrick and Ji-Yu patted his back as Roy followed Dr Nagi to the surgery room.

=#=#=#=

=#=#=#=

The insertion of the chip was a surprisingly quick procedure. Roy hadn't felt a thing when Dr Nagi slipped it underneath his skin. Once the anaesthetic wore off, he felt an uncomfortable ache on the back of his neck, and his skin bloated and sore. Unable to look at it in the mirror, he could only accept Merrick and Ji-Yu's words that, when the swelling reduced, it would hardly be detectible.

Still, it felt detectable to Roy when he'd spent the next half any hour summoning Rudy, Durante and Gemima, suspending the Board up on his bedposts, and hiding the stray underwear from his bedroom. Ji-Yu had called the meeting the moment Merrick disappeared for his office.

It was time to review the Board.

Staunchly loyal to her stupid contract, Acketeer had refused to, simply put, go away, and waited outside of Roy's door until Queen Ji-Yu herself had dismissed her. As persistent as a bad smell, Acketeer's brown eyes narrowed – noticeable even as she skulked away for an enforced break.

Ji-Yu frowned, watching her go. "I'm going to have this wayward contract altered."

Roy said, "That's a funny way to say revoked."

"The idea is good in theory. Despite Alex and Barney's intentions, I think a permanent guard will be useful," said Ji-Yu, which only made Roy's stomach drop. "But this sweeping your bedroom every other day is absolute nonsense."

Roy snorted. "Tell me about it." He glanced at his ajar bedroom door, where Rudy, Gemima and Durante were moving the furniture into a semi-circle. "Rudy keeps having to hide the Board."

"Yes. I imagine so." Forehead creasing, she tore her gaze away and stepped into Roy's bedroom. "Very well. Let's start this."

They had Durante stand outside, with the door open, in case he wanted to contribute. At least, the corridor to his room was so long and thin, no one could approach without being spotted. Ji-Yu had nestled into the armchair, whereas Rudy and Gemima shared the couch. Roy stood by the Board, ready to give his running report.

"Ladies, gentlemen, and Mother," Roy began, ignoring the throb of his neck. "Welcome to the second Board meeting."

Last time he'd done this, he'd been teasing Rudy and Durante's tense relationship. But now, with Ji-Yu and Gemima, Roy had to rein himself in.

No time for fun. Just business.

He continued. "So, with Levinia's elimination over a week ago, there are currently fourteen candidates left." He cleared his throat. "That's Elise, Luna, Skylar, Persephone, Lilly, Avianna, Sherlock, Regina, Maeve, Ferelith, Alisa, Delia, Ambrosia and Camilla."

He quickly filled them all in on the rest of their discoveries. Camilla's disappearing acts during the fashion show. Skylar's jealousy. Lilly and Eulalia's argument. Delia's secret keeping. Elise's vanishings. Luna's magical ability to speak Korean.

Ji-Yu frowned. "None of these are particularly substantial. These are all based off hunches, or silly things they have said." Her shoulders slumped. "Luna's ability to speak Korean doesn't automatically make her a rebel. Neither does being jealous of the other Selected girls, as Skylar is, or one's ability to keep a secret, for Delia."

Roy crossed his arms. "Oh, I'm sorry, would you like for me to wait for a girl holding up a sign saying I'm the spy! Lock me up!"

Her cheeks puffed. "This isn't funny, Jun."

"I wasn't trying to be funny. I'm serious." He tapped the Board. "Even if they're small, they might mean something. Luna's parents had her learn Korean – she told me so herself – which means that maybe they taught her so she could more successfully infiltrate the palace. Skylar might be acting jealous so she has me all to herself. And I think Delia's one is obvious."

Ji-Yu seemed to absorb this, settling into the armchair with renewed perspective.

He sighed. "Okay, well. Is there anything you've noticed that I can add? When you're in the Women's Room with Gail and Sashi and Lanna, maybe?"

"Ah, yes." Ji-Yu straightened. "I don't like Regina Landowski."

"Oh. Er, why?"

"She writes everything down," Ji-Yu explained. "The last few times I have been in the Women's Room, she has consistently wielded a pen and paper and scribbled everything said to her. She even had the gall to do it in front of me. It was extremely unnerving." She folded her hands on her lap. "Now, what good reason would anyone have to write everything down?"

She made a fair point. Roy hadn't exactly paid Regina much attention until this moment. He'd always guessed it was just because she was whacky, but now, writing down things to note for rebel use seemed like a much more plausible option. Especially since that one time he had said something about his financial statements that had set off the avalanche of events, leading to their seizing at the hands of Satan the maid.

He scribbled his own note down, and tacked it next to her profile picture on the Board. Regina writes everything down. The Board wobbled as he did, the cords holding it up to his bedposts swaying with momentum.

Roy wished that Sashi knew about this whole fiasco as he said, "Anything else suspicious to report about Women's Room activity?"

Ji-Yu scrunched her lips together, thinking. Gemima, too, clasped her hands together – though Roy had never heard of her being in the Women's Room, she must have visited a few times at least.

"You've already written it down, but Camilla Daugherty and Elise Belmont's absences I've started to notice." Ji-Yu leant back. "Other girls have also started not coming into the Women's Room as often, but most prominently, I never tend to see Elise during the day, but she's mostly around in the evenings. As for Camilla… the opposite. I always assumed they were in their rooms, but after seeing your notes on the Board…"

Camilla was disappearing during the night?

"Durante, when you said Camilla disappears without a trace, do you know roughly the times?"

Durante turned enough so Roy could see the unease in his eyes. "Yes: about evenings, Your Highness, as Her Majesty said. Though Lady Camilla always returns before midnight."

Roy felt his caution ramped up to eleven. Nighttime was for mysteriousness, for hidden secrets and shrouded actions. If any time was good to send messages to rebel superiors, it was at night. And she always came back before it was too late. Too suspicious.

He added this to Camilla's notes. Camilla disappears in the evenings.

This was becoming so big that he figured he had to confront her about it.

"There's still a chance she isn't guilty, of course," Gemima said – always the voice of reason. Her pantsuit was an elegant mint green today. "I think we should invest some time into discovering where Elise Belmont goes. And you mentioned less of them in the Women's Room, Your Majesty?"

Ji-Yu pinned a solemn look on Gemima. "Yes. Delia Colestrist I have also noticed disappearing."

"She likes to paint," said Roy, recalling their conversation before he found out he was Prince Regent. Almost two weeks ago. "She finds spots around the palace to set up and paint."

"Which could easily be another ruse," said Ji-Yu. "Have you actually ever seen her painting? Or even any of her works?"

Dread puddled in the base of Roy's skull. No. He hadn't.

Everything about any girl could be a lie, a deception, and he wouldn't have a clue. It was a promising revelation that not all of the girls had made it onto the Board, yet, but there was still the chance it was one of them, too, and they had hidden it too well for Roy to see.

His face must have said everything, as Ji-Yu made a gruff noise. "As I suspected. Add it."

He scribbled it down. I've never seen Delia's paintings. Perhaps, even, Delia loved to paint, but she indeed still used the time to contact the rebels about her findings. "All I'd have to do is ask to see one of her works, right? Maybe even sit with her as she paints?"

"There won't be any proof of when she painted it. I can't imagine sending a message would take more than a minute of her time. She could multitask."

Roy had the sudden urge to kick over his bin. This was frustratingly complicated.

He did nothing to Delia's note. "Well, it can't hurt to ask her about the painting. I'll ask to sit with her soon on a date. If she is genuinely terrible, it'll at least tell me that she hasn't been improving with all these mysterious trips." It didn't seem like it could be concrete proof, though. But Roy would at least try. "Who else disappears?"

Ji-Yu settled into the sofa. "Alisa Orlov."

Oh no. Suddenly remembering the note tacked to her name on the Board, Roy slid across to block it.

"Ah. Er. She's… friends with Barney." Pause. "They hang out a lot."

So much, that he had a niggling sense that he was trying to steal her away. Now, after last week's terrible date, he thought that perhaps… Barney had only wanted a friend, and Alisa had been willing to offer that to him.

Ji-Yu darkened. "I've seen the note, Jun." Her voice became ragged with disdain. "Possibly being wooed by Barney. Care to explain?"

Sweat pooled in the small of Roy's back. "Erm, I made that note at a stupid time," he mumbled. "I was just annoyed that she seemed to be spending more time with him than me. I don't think they're a thing anymore."

Ji-Yu's knuckles turned white. It was the colour of mercy – but the look in Ji-Yu's eyes suggested she would show no compassion for this.

"I should hope so," she hissed, "as that would be an act of highest treason."

They wouldn't be so stupid. Barney had said that himself. It was the only thing that'd come from his mouth that Roy believed.

He held up his hands. "Nope. He's just a loser with no friends, is all."

Ji-Yu's eyebrows remained knitted, but luckily Rudy spoke, and it thankfully distracted Roy from his mother's intense glower.

"I have also seen both His Highness, Prince Barnabas, and the Lady Alisa together the last few days. Admiring the hallway décor, if that helps in any way."

So, Barney had indeed managed to comfort Alisa. Guilt pricked Roy from the side – he'd not made any time to apologise for his behaviour at their date, when he knew he really should have.

Ji-Yu gritted her teeth. "I hope these two aren't tied up with one another, and you're overlooking it, Jun."

For the first time, Roy returned her glower. "I'd be just as angry if they did, Mother. But they're not. Barney and Alisa are not idiots. Barney has even read one of our ancestor's biographies. I can only assume he knows the punishment."

Public caning, then the stripping of their castes.

The most humiliating of sentences.

"And, like I said," he continued, "Barney is just a lonely boy looking for fwiendship, because he's finally waking up to how much of a fart machine Alex is."

Ji-Yu didn't dispute it. Maybe she was also seeing the light…?

"Is that all then, Your Majesty?" prompted Gemima.

"That's all I've noticed," said Ji-Yu. "I obviously have not been in the Women's Room for the last two weeks, so perhaps things have changed."

Or perhaps not.

A tense silence fell as they all considered the Board. Roy looked at all of the clues they'd gathered, still resulting in mush inside his head. He found it hard to fathom that any of these wonderful, beautiful girls, that had shown him kindness in so many ways… was out to kill him.

One of them was lying, and he feared he would never see it coming.

"Perhaps it would be wise to review the Selected's submission forms again. There may be some useful information there to use." Rudy said suddenly. He rolled his shoulders. "And, pardon if this has been suggested before, but perhaps we should start to take more… direct action, to uncover the spy."

Roy was still mulling over the thought of the submission forms when he felt his stomach leaden, and his lunch dissolve into ash.

Direct action. Taking their own steps to weed out the spy in their ranks.

All the eyes in the room turned to Rudy, and he suddenly paled as if he'd said the wrong thing.

"How so, Rudy?" asked Ji-Yu.

Rudy cleared his throat, before standing up and crossing over to the Board. He gestured to all the notes Roy had made, all of the things they had noticed. All of their clues, their evidence, however insubstantial and menial it was.

"So far, we have had each of the Selected ladies provide information to us by means of what they say, or what they do. Perhaps it is time we started to find out things ourselves, instead of waiting for them to come to us."

Roy's lungs parched. What Rudy was suggesting was exactly what they needed, but it was also… dangerous.

Ji-Yu's calculative gaze seemed to flicker with a new flame. Kindling, and ready to burn.

"I see," she said, with an unreadable tone that didn't match her invigorated gaze. "Lady Camilla, at the moment, is our biggest possibility here. So, if we were to take a direct route of action to find out where she is going…"

"We'll never know where she goes unless we… follow her," Roy suddenly said. He glanced back at Camilla's portrait. "Unless… we have a stakeout."

A stakeout.

The breath Roy inhaled seemed to taste like cinders, but he rolled with the idea.

"If Durante and I stake her out, we can find out where she is going," he rambled. "Then, from a safe distance, we can watch and see if she's just going to satisfy a desire to look at pretty building structure or… if she's off delivering her superiors information."

It was a thin plan, with many holes, but something to go on.

"That sounds rather unsafe, if she is the spy," said Gemima, crossing one leg over the other. "She could quite easily catch you in the act."

"I agree. If anything, it should be Officer Durante alone," said Ji-Yu.

Roy tried not to be offended. "Suppose she goes somewhere that's closed off to staff, which Durante can't access, but I can. I won't need to provide any excuse, either. Unless you want to promote him to Captain of the Guard, which isn't exactly a subtle play, either?"

Ji-Yu and Gemima exchanged worried glances. So, they agreed.

"I suppose," said Ji-Yu eventually. "But I'm not entirely comfortable having you run around committing espionage."

"If I may," said Rudy, his voice level. "We could have Captain Delacroix monitor the CCTV during the stakeout. It doesn't cover everywhere, but it will at least cover the main hallways."

Now that Roy had this tracking chip in his neck, he suddenly felt like CCTV wasn't necessary anymore.

Ji-Yu pivoted in her chair to face Durante. "Is this agreeable to you, Officer?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," said Durante.

"Excellent. Then we will execute this tonight."

Roy choked on the air. Dread crawled up his spine like a tarantula.

"Tonight?"

Ji-Yu turned back to him. A sternness had shadowed her like a cloudy night over a dark sea. "We don't have any more time to waste. This concerns your safety, and the safety of everyone else in the palace, let alone the security of the country. If she is guilty, she will be caught. Tonight."

He felt like he should have felt strength, and resolve. Tonight, they would follow one of their own significant leads. Tonight could be the end of the rebels. Tonight, he could rest, knowing that tomorrow, he could continue his Selection to find his one true love.

But an echo of fear pulsed through him. From the time Walter Wolanski had sabotaged the Midknight dinner. From the time the gunman had broken into the palace during the fashion show. From the time Roy was drugged, and brought in front of Newton's Wife and Satan the maid.

His previous conviction to be involved watered down to a weak solution in his stomach. Though he'd been so close to uncovering the truth before, when Jordan Iscariot confessed to his crimes, this was the first time Roy would search for it.

The thought of finding out the truth tonight… it scared him.

A hand on his should grounded him back to reality.

Rudy's face had tensed. "Yes, I think the sooner, the better, Your Highness." He straightened. "I will do my best to help prepare you."

Ji-Yu rose in one swift motion – no matter what else was said, the plan was still going on tonight, whether he liked it or not – and addressed Gemima. "I want extra patrols around the perimeter of the building. Inform Delacroix of his task tonight. Have the required earpiece equipment dusted for use. Officer Durante" – she turned to him – "I want you armed to the teeth."

Durante turned to her and saluted. "Yes, ma'am."

The word rattled Roy. "Armed?"

"Yes, armed," Ji-Yu said, unfazed by the weight of what she spoke. "Weeks ago, I may have wanted a rebel for questioning, but this has gone on for far too long. If Camilla shows even the slightest hint of being the spy, I want her taken out on sight."

A shudder ripped Roy's thoughts in two.

He'd never considered the fact that they might have to kill the spy. That he would have to condone the order to end someone's life.

Another lapse of terror rushed through him. A waterfall with no intentions of stopping.

If she was the spy, and she was shot on sight, then it would be worth the terrifying anticipation, the raw dread that stripped him bare.

But, if Roy chose incorrectly, if Camilla was innocent, and Roy made a mistake…

No, his mind yelled. I do not make mistakes.

Even if he allowed himself the small luxury now, he couldn't tonight. Not when the stakes were so high.

Because, if he did make an error… Camilla Daugherty would die.

A/N: ahahahah, I'm sorry to leave you with that cliffhanger, but... I couldn't resist. Hope you enjoyed!

I'm still in the midst of a writing haitus, so unfortunately this update does not bring good news with it. I'm sorry everyone! My exams/ dissertation are thorns in my side. I don't even have time to read fanfiction anymore, let alone write it. Once end of May rolls around, however, we'll be back to the regular schedule.

Let me know what you think in the reviews! As always, favourites and follows also appreciated. Thanks for reading!

~ GWA

NTT: "And… you're planning to kill her for it…?"