The newest acquaintance to the Verde castle, Ydalyn the elderly Inteleon, was settling into her extended stay thanks to the bottomless well of kindness bestowed by the king. In her stay, she recovered from her perilous journey and allowed herself to rest as if she never had the luxury in eons.

She felt spoiled, if she was being honest, as the king even invited her for breakfast this morning. Though, she was aware the nature of the invitation wasn't for idle chatter, so she will make the best of it as she filled up on Gustavo's wonderful cooking.

Ydalyn waited in the dining hall for the king's arrival, helping herself to the first wave of food. Pancakes, berry bacon, mixed fruits, crepes, and much more to come. It seemed like too much, but she couldn't help herself to the large meal.

She turned her sights on her current dinner companion, Hilda, who picked at her food in silence. Ydalyn swallowed the pancake in her mouth and leaned forward. "Oh dear, are you alright?"

"Hmm?" Hilda looked up and forced a weak smile. "I am fine, miss."

"Oh, no need for such formalities. Ydalyn's fine." She cupped her hands under her chin. "You work with the head chef, yes?"

"Yes, I do."

"You must be quite talented at cooking."

Hilda looked down at the table. "I'm no Gustavo. Anything I make isn't even second rate to his dishes. He has helped me a lot ever since I started working in the kitchen. I've been getting the hang of it."

"Then why so glum, dear? I hardly see you crack a smile whenever I come for my three meals."

Hilda sighed. "Believe me, I'm doing much better than I was months ago. I was a wreck for who knows how long. I…I used to be the nurse for Princess Penworth."

Ydalyn frowned. "Oh."

"I never really said this to her, but I considered myself a second mother to her ever since the queen died. I never wanted to impose with my thoughts, but I tried my best to be there for the princess, as her caretaker and sometimes as a friend." She closed her eyes. "It was hard breaking routine when she was kidnapped. I sometimes found myself changing her sheets, even though there's no point anymore. Gustavo helped get my mind off it, though I can't stop worrying about her."

Ydalyn sighed. "I get what you're saying. Feels like you lost a daughter."

"Again, I would never voice such thoughts to the royal family, especially to the king in his…current state," Hilda mumbled. She had passed by his personal study one too many times and knew about his sudden dip into alcoholism. She prayed Ortwin was kicking that out of his system.

"Speaking of, where is King Penworth? He said he wanted to talk to me, probably about the current status of the Umbra/Chariot war."

Hilda shrugged. "I don't know, though he has been busy with something ever since you arrived. Ms. Mailet did pass on a rumor that the king has been taking a particular interest in shopping for new clothes. Can't imagine why, but better than steadily turning his blood alcoholic."

Ydalyn smirked. "Wouldn't you get in trouble for jesting about the king so brazenly?"

Hilda blushed and hid her smile. "Let's keep that between us."

"Lips? Sealed." She raised her head as the dining hall doors opened. "Ah, speaking of which, the man of the hour has finally arrived."

Roscoe entered the hall, dusting off his shoulders, with Ortwin following close behind. Hilda stood up and bowed to him. "I will give you time alone with her, Your Majesty." She nodded to Ydalyn, then retreated into the kitchen.

Ydalyn resumed cutting into her pancakes while Roscoe and Ortwin seated themselves across from her. Roscoe snapped his fingers, beckoning Gustavo from the kitchen and setting his meal down.

"Cooked to perfection as always, Your Majesty!" Gustavo exclaimed. "Will there be anything else?"

"That will be all, Gustavo," Roscoe said, shooing the Gengar off. Gustavo bowed and floated back into the kitchen. Roscoe leaned forward on his elbows and glared at the water lizard across from him. "The food is to your standards, Ms. Ydalyn?"

She patted her lips with a napkin and smiled. "Yes, Your Gracefulness, it certainly was. I haven't eaten this well in months. All I had to satisfy my nourishment was the scraps found outside bakeries and the generous donations of the nobility." She clasped her hands like she was performing a prayer. "Despite my worthlessness, I am humbled that the gods smile upon me with good fortune."

Roscoe sighed. "Now that you are back to full strength, I do expect you to do your part around the castle. I do not allow extended visits from freeloaders."

"Naturally, of course. I will use all my available talents to serve you well, oh mighty king." Ydalyn bowed her head.

"We will discuss those matters later. For now, we move onto our agreement." Roscoe glared. "Aside from the superficial, we have next to no information about the status of the New Chariot and Umbra Clock war. You are to tell me everything you know about that war and any likelihood its fangs will find their way into our territory."

Ydalyn chuckled. "I will keep my word as promised, but I am just an old woman. When you get to my age, you lose touch with the world for so long that you miss all the action until it comes charging at you from behind." She shook her head. "I so hope I can answer your questions without fail, my liege."

"Then let us start with the obvious: is the Verde Kingdom in any immediate danger of being consumed by the fangs of war?"

Ydalyn leaned back and stroked her chin. "At the moment, I don't believe so. Both sides are at each other's throats, keeping themselves occupied. I figure it's a personal grudge that's keeping the war mostly self-contained." She picked up a fork and rolled it between her fingers. "It's the will of Emperor Nero, after all."

"Emperor Nero?" Roscoe asked. "I could have sworn someone else held the title of emperor."

Ydalyn smirked. "Nero ascended his father's place once he was old enough. He's been in power for quite a while. Don't know much about him, but I heard he's well-beloved by his people for one reason or another, especially when he changed up the colosseum. I assume you two are familiar with New Chariot's brutal…customs when it comes to slaves and captured soldiers?"

Roscoe glared. "Who isn't? Women are forced to serve the emperor's family and council as slaves. Men are forced into the colosseum to fight for their freedom."

"You must understand why the Umbra Clock Kingdom took to war to begin with," Ydalyn explained. "They themselves have had their savage history, but that's on the field of battle. This war started because New Chariot has been imprisoning citizens of Umbra Clock, young and old. No one is spared, no one is pitied. New Chariot cares only for blood and entertainment, which is why Nero is so beloved. He revels in that kind of chaos, and the Umbra Clock Kingdom despises him for it.

"If anything, the women have it easy. Sure, I haven't heard the kindest stories of their treatment. Abused, taken advantage of, treated like mere tools; it's all terrible. But those soldiers, and any young boy, forced into that colosseum is forced to fight to live. It's all a game to New Chariot, and they're the only ones who win.

"It's nicknamed the Centum Death Ring. The only way you earn your freedom from the colosseum is to survive. Any slave who scores one hundred victories in a row is granted their freedom."

"In a row?!" Ortwin gasped.

"Harsh, I know. Citizens of New Chariot don't see slaves being forced to fight. They see entertainment, and forget the horrors of what transpires before them. It's just the way of their culture. Of course, very few actually win their freedom from the colosseum. In the two hundred years of New Chariot's existence, I've heard only seventeen slaves have earned their freedom. Last one I'm aware of earned his freedom last year."

Roscoe bit his lip. "If any of my people got caught up in that war, then…"

Ydalyn waved it off. "I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. You're close with the Senbo Kingdom, right? They could decimate New Chariot if they wanted to. Well, could, of course. I can't say will, since New Chariot's brutality knows no limits. But like I said, with the way things are going, you should be fine for the time being."

Roscoe exhaled a long held breath and relaxed into his chair. "Is it true that New Chariot is steadily advancing on Umbra Clock's territory?"

"Yes, it is." Ydalyn spun the fork in her hand and stabbed into her pancakes. "I'd say they have half a year or so before the capital is overtaken. Once that happens, the Umbra Clock Kingdom will cease to be. That's why I had to flee. Morale is low. The people are scared."

"I would imagine so," Roscoe agreed. "The king of the Umbra Clock Kingdom must be working hard to keep his people safe."

Ydalyn frowned. "Actually, I bring news of the royal family. A lot has transpired recently, the source of the kingdom's low morale."

Roscoe glared. "What do you mean?"

"King Foirbeis leads his armies to battle to fend off the advancing soldiers. His leadership was unparalleled, but he was also a reckless ruler who charged in when the battlefield turned against them. He never gave up fighting, all the way to his last breath."

Ortwin's eyes widened. "Wait, you don't mean—"

"I regret to inform you…King Foirbeis of the Umbra Clock Kingdom was slain in battle."

Roscoe and Ortwin fell back against their seats. Ortwin was horrified while Roscoe's own expression remained unreadable. He pressed his hand to his forehead and squinted into his food. Unknown to them, a chill ran up his spine, almost seeing himself taking the edge of a blade to his resting ground.

"This is…This is quite the news," Roscoe mumbled. "How have we not heard of this? The death of a king is—"

Ydalyn raised her hand. "If it was ever revealed our king was slain, we fear other kingdoms may seize the opportunity to invade us. The king's council reported that all information on his death was to be kept within the walls of the kingdom until further notice."

"Then why tell us?" Ortwin asked.

Ydalyn smirked. "You all seem trustworthy enough. Besides, you don't look like the invading type." She frowned. "It was a heavy loss. The king's son was forced to ascend the throne early. Prince Tadhg Foirbeis is now the new king of the Umbra Clock Kingdom. He hasn't given an official statement regarding his father's execution, though he obviously doesn't want to talk much about it."

Roscoe sighed and pinched his nose. "I had hoped to establish peace with them in the future once that war subsided, but this may turn Umbra Clock away from all other kingdoms." He glared. "We could establish a refuge for those who lost their homes. That may earn us trust with their kingdom, especially if we can keep as many people as possible from being thrown into slavery."

Ydalyn smiled. "I knew I was right to travel to the Verde Kingdom. I heard many tales of the late queen's endless kindness. I'm glad such kindness extended to her husband."

"Yes, well…" Roscoe stood up and extended his hand. "Thank you for the information. I will not interfere with this war for my kingdom's sake, but as you say, my late wife would want to protect the people caught in the crossfire."

Ydalyn shook his hand. "Do as you must, my king." She stood and curtsied to him. "I have taken up enough of your time. I shall attend to my newfound duties in the kitchen. You have a wonderful day, Your Majesty." She picked up her plates and headed off to the kitchen.

Ortwin huffed. "She loves buttering you up, doesn't she?"

"Let her." Roscoe stroked the tuff of fur under his chin. "We are not in immediate danger, but we cannot risk attracting New Chariot's ire, or Umbra Clock's. Ortwin, what do we know about Prince…King Tadhg?"

"I think he's a year younger than Melissa. Intel claims he's a prodigy of science. I've heard perplexing tales of his experiments and research, though not the subject in question. Some claim he experiments with the nature of Pokémon moves. I'm not sure about his leadership capabilities, but he's a wild card. If he came into power recently, there could be a shift in Ydalyn's estimated window of time."

"All the more reason I need to find a suitable heir should the worst come. We will work on establishing a connection with the young prince and see if we can lend our assistance to the wounded. Can I trust you to take care of that?"

Ortwin nodded. "I shall take care of everything in your absence, Your Majesty."

"Good. I imagine the Umbra Clock Kingdom is setting their sights on protecting their citizens. If we can ease that burden, they can focus their efforts on fighting back. A potential victory for both of us." He grimaced. "New Chariot disturbs me, though. That…death ring Ydalyn mentioned—"

"We will be sure none of our own end up there, Your Majesty."

"…You do not suppose Melissa wound up there?"

"I rather not think about it. I can't imagine what the current emperor might do to her if he knew she was the princess."

Roscoe withheld a snarl in his throat. "Do not give me justification to personally commit regicide. Reach out to any available connections we have and see if we can establish a refuge." He marched to the doors. "I shall prepare for my trip."

"Uh, my king, you haven't touched your food yet."

Responding also to the sound of his own stomach, Roscoe doubled back and sat down. "After breakfast."

"She loves buttering you up, doesn't she?"

"Let her."

Outside the dining hall, Sadie stood by with her back resting against the doors. The Audino had her ear's feeler pressed against the door and listened in as the king and his advisor talked. Actually, she had been listening in on the whole conversation some time after the king entered the dining hall.

Ydalyn's story tickled her interest. For an old woman who acts like an abandoned recluse, she is surprisingly well-informed of the day-to-day gossip and news of her home kingdom, a talent Sadie could respect. The ability to pick up on little words spoken in the day-to-day scene so haphazardly, but under the assumption no one truly important is paying attention.

That's what drew Sadie to her suspicions.

She couldn't prove Ydalyn was lying or scheming, but something about her tone indicated…something suspicious. She spoke so humbly of herself, as if she were the dirt King Roscoe walks upon, and praises him to the high heavens, no end to her flattery to which it blanketed the horizon. It seemed so strange. Sadie could have more proof if she saw Ydalyn's facial expressions, but had to settle for auditory clues for the time being.

The real question. Is she friend or foe? And to who?

Sadie didn't doubt the Inteleon's old age, though the rumors about her crossing from the Umbra Clock Kingdom to the Verde Kingdom through a warzone seemed like way too much for the standard elderly woman. Did she walk all the way here or acquire a ride? And why specifically come to the Verde Kingdom? Did she mean what she said through her flattery or is there something in the kingdom she needs?

Perhaps Sadie placed too much suspicion into her own mind games. The natural life of a blathering gossip, always putting too much stock into private conversations. She couldn't help herself. She loved spreading information like that for her own amusement. She didn't go around spreading falsehoods or revealing very, very personal information like a death in the family, but little stuff like fibs, embarrassing secrets, misdeeds, and more. Sometimes, she loved to spice up the truth just to make it juicy.

It came too naturally sometimes. She ran her mouth faster than she could think, a terrible symptom to her snarky personality. But that life experience has allowed her to pick out fellow gossips and liars, such as whoever Miss Ydalyn truly was.

Sadie could confirm one thing, however.

"I doubt she's here to assassinate the king." She released her feeler and stepped away from the door. "As long as she stays out of my hair, I'm sure it'll be fine."

"Care to elaborate?"

Sadie stopped, sighed, then grinned over her shoulder. "Is it a knight's job to also stalk the help?"

Out from around the corner came Ivone, Nathaniel, and Jakke. Ivone the Corviknight crossed his wings and glared down at Sadie. "What were you doing by the dining hall?"

"Hey, hey, I asked about your stalking first," Sadie pointed out before winking at the men. "Unless you all want a piece of me~. I should warn you, I'm not so easy to coax into the bedroom."

Ivone sighed. "Save your flirtation for later. It is our job to monitor any suspicious activity. As an Audino, and from what we just saw, you have a knack for eavesdropping."

Sadie shrugged. "I can't help myself. It's like an annoying buzz in your ear. Sure, it's annoying, but you really want to know where it's coming from and what's causing the sound, so you look and look and look until you find it, satisfying that curiosity until realizing you have this annoying buzzing to deal with, which is a problem in of itself, but who can say what's annoying or not without going into the deep, philosophical meaning behind the word annoying, a word so brazenly thrown around that it paradoxically loses meaning, which in itself could be a philosophy."

Nathaniel blinked twice at her. "…What?"

Jakke scratched his head. "How did you say all of that in one breath?"

Ivone's glare sharpened. "You wouldn't happen to be doing anything treacherous, Ms. Mailet?"

"Oh goodie, you singled out my name. I must be in real trouble. What could I be doing that no one else can? Are you still on that traitor case? I thought that was resolved months ago."

"You like rumors, Ms. Mailet? Here are some of the ones I've heard. You leave your quarters once a week in the middle of the night and pay a visit to Theobald Dencourt in the dungeon. Care to explain?"

Sadie crossed her arms and smirked. "Is that illegal? If so, you really should've informed me. I merely keep Mr. Dencourt company with a game of cards. He gets awfully bored down there when suffering one of his writer's blocks. Oh, and let me tell you, that man can jabber on for hours about his book. Have you heard he's writing a sequel? I heard his first book ends of a dramatic cliffhanger, but you didn't hear that from me—"

Ivone spread his wings, emanating a blinding glow off his metallic body that stung Sadie's eyes. "Enough of your worthless prattle. If you keep stalling, I'll have reason to assume the worse."

Sadie rolled her eyes. "Chill, chill. I haven't done anything. My room has been searched dozens of times already. What do I have to hide? Even if I go down to the dungeon to visit Mr. Dencourt, what could I offer him that's any use down there? A lockpick? Juicy gossip? A bar of soap?" She grinned. "You don't think this sweet little face is anything to be suspicious about, right?"

Ivone glared. "One last thing."

"Yes~."

"I recall you spending an awful lot of time around Luna these past couple months. Why the interest?"

Sadie grinned. "Well, not because I find her attractive, if that's what you're thinking. Though, I have taken some interest in women if that counts for something, but I focus my wiles purely toward men. Are you sure you just don't want me? You could do another thorough search of my quarters if that'll help you sleep~."

Nathaniel and Jakke hid their blushes, but Ivone remained stone cold. "Tch. Return to your duties, Ms. Mailet."

"Gladly." She curtsied to the knights. "Have a wonderful day, gentlemen." She blew them a kiss, then went on her way.

Jakke shuddered and fell to the ground once she was gone. "Wow, is that what it feels like to have a woman hit on you?"

Nathaniel sighed. "So, the testimonies from the other maids didn't exaggerate her…quirky personality." He glanced at Ivone. "For what it's worth, she remained perfectly calm during the entire investigation. Her aura wavered during certain questions, though."

"She was dodging the interrogation." Ivone glared. "Sadie Mailet. I recall she's been spending time around Luna these last few months ever since Dencourt was arrested. She was with Luna when she found the evidence to commit him. And out of all the maids we interrogated before then, she seems perplexingly the least and most cooperative."

"Do we have files on her?" Nathaniel asked.

"Probably. She had to have gone through a background check before being accepted as a staff member. For now, we might have to keep an eye on her." Ivone glanced at the dining hall doors. "I wonder what caught her attention in there."

Sadie huffed a sigh of relief after shutting her bedroom door. "Yeesh, pushy much?" She leaned her head against the door and glared at her ceiling. "Guess even they are starting to see the holes in Theobald's involvement. Who knows how much time I have before they out me as the actual traitor?" She closed her eyes and smirked. "Meh, it doesn't matter."

She stepped away from the door and approached her wardrobe. She reached inside and removed the false bottom, revealing a bare empty space. Since the wardrobe was purchased for her, the knights didn't question too much about a false bottom when it was discovered, especially an empty one. They did go to the manufacture about it to double check.

If only they knew that particular manufacturer owed the Foresters a favor.

Sadie pressed a hidden button in the back of the false bottom, dropping down the trapdoor. Squeezed inside was a camouflage uniform and two folded belts armed with dull-edged throwing knives. Next to the belts was a small, framed portrait of a young Audino and Charmander sitting side-by-side.

Sadie sighed. "Jason said I have about a month left here. Better use that time wisely." She smiled. "I'm looking forward to seeing Melissa. I can't wait to see how strong she has gotten." She booped the Charmander on the portrait, then closed the trapdoor and false bottom.

She stood up and picked up a book. "I'll look into Miss Ydalyn later. I've got time to kill." She walked over to her bed, but accidentally stepped on the skirt of her maid uniform. "Eep!" She tripped, falling on her face, and sent her book sailing in a water glass on her nightstand. Glass littered the floor.

Sadie raised her head and stared at the broken glass before groaning. "Ugh. Stupid Klutz ability." She crawled to her bed and reached under it. "I hope I remembered to refill my medicine."

Senbo Kingdom

The royal children congregated in the castle's sparring grounds, with the Visconti siblings sitting off on the sidelines. Erasmus and Darby took the center of the grounds, pacing circles with their gazes fixed on each other. Erasmus dragged his claws behind him for dramatic flair while Darby casually paced him with his longsword resting on his shoulder. They wore protective gear, which was scuffed from their previous trade-offs.

Darby smiled. "You are far more skilled than I gave you credit for, Erasmus. You've groomed your claws to perfection."

Erasmus smiled back. "The only reasonable standard for my beautiful claws. Beware should I ever turn these claws against you."

"Oh, I would never dare think of crossing you. I am a lover, not a fighter." Darby swung his sword and aimed it at the cat. "Though, I do enjoy the clashing of metal. I hope not to ruin your claws."

"You have hardly made a scratch in them."

"Then perhaps we should spice things up. I have some tricks of my own that I save for more serious encounters."

Erasmus closed his eyes and smirked. "I rather not expend energy increasing the stakes. We will continue trading off as normal."

"A shame, but understandable. Have at thee!" Darby went for a lunging thrust.

Erasmus deflected Darby's attack and aimed for the chest. Darby twisted his sword and narrowly blocked the hit. They knocked each other back for a brief second, then clashed into a stalemate. The two princes grinned, feeling the flames of excitement stoke in their chests.

With the Frillish siblings, only Azelia watched with any investment, 'oohing' and 'awing' each time they struck at each other. Her eyes flickered with an infectious excitement the two princes noticed, fueling their fighting spirit. "They're so cool~," she whispered.

Evangelina yawned and leaned back in her seat. "Ah yes, nothing like two boys swinging weapons at each other covered in sweat."

"Yeah~," Azelia agreed, not picking up on the sarcasm. Evangelina groaned as a string of drool escaped her sister's mouth.

"Have some dignity, sister," Evangelina scolded. She glanced at her perpetually bored brother. "Are you ever going to join them?"

"I rather not," he grumbled. "I do not know how to use a sword."

Erasmus blocked one of Darby's strikes when he heard that. "Are you not trained to wield a sword?" he asked before pushing Darby back and striking.

Darby parried Erasmus' next hit and answered, "Our dear friend, Asterio, is quite inept at using most weapons. He does not have the heart to wield any of them. Says they are too unsophisticated and useless in his tentacles."

Asterio rolled his eyes. "Yes, something like that."

"I would not mind giving you a few pointers," Erasmus offered as he tried to break through Darby's guard.

"Our family will be leaving tomorrow. No point," Asterio said. He sighed and rested on his back. "I do not like traveling outside the capital. Forced to talk to people. Ugh."

Azelia leaned down and pinched his cheeks, which he made no resistance against. "There's no need to be acting like a sourpuss, Asterio. Do you just miss your little girlfriend?"

Asterio huffed and glared off to the side. "Monica is not my girlfriend."

"I never mentioned Monica~."

"Ugh. And this is why I hang out in the archives: it is surprisingly quieter."

"Ohhhhh-ho-ho-ho-ho!" Evangelina laughed. "That kind of shut-in mindset makes you unworthy as a king, dear brother. How am I going to live up as your royal advisor if you cannot act the part of the king?"

"I will cross that bridge after the coronation."

Finding the chatter more engaging than their sparring, Darby and Erasmus called it a draw and approached the siblings. "I would hate to think the Echo Bell Kingdom is insufficient for rule if reflected poorly by their king," Darby said. "If you do indeed spend your days in the archives, you could learn a lot about the previous kings and queens. Perhaps some guidance to motivate you."

Asterio scoffed and turned onto his side. "Not interested."

Darby shook his head, then winked at Evangelina. "You will have your tentacles full with this one."

Evangelina sighed. "You have no idea."

Erasmus crossed his forelegs and closed his eyes in contemplation. "A shame your visits are coming to an end. I have been enjoying all of your company."

"You flatter us, Prince Erasmus." Evangelina stood up and floated around the Glameow. "We will have plenty of opportunities to reconvene our discussions of the future. Perhaps when your father unveils that project of his. My dear father will be up to his neck in work getting that organized, but he assures us it will all be worth it."

Erasmus nodded. "Indeed. My father and the engineers that work under him are nothing short of genius."

"So exciting!" Azelia cheered. "It'll be even better when the Senbo and Echo Bell Kingdom join as one!"

Evangelina held her tentacle up to shush her sister. "Be still, Azelia. Though discussion has been made, there has not been a formal declaration of arrangement between Prince Erasmus and I." Erasmus looked away, tugging on his sleeve mindlessly. "Besides, the same arrangement with the Verde Kingdom may not be made with the Echo Bell Kingdom with Asterio destined as the heir. If anything, I would act more as a bridge between our kingdoms to assure our loyalty."

"Would it be alright if I married Prince Erasmus instead?" Azelia asked.

Evangelina shrugged. "Take it up with Father, if you must, but you may want to work on yourself before you become a suitable queen."

"Harsh."

Erasmus suppressed the sigh bubbling in his throat and found himself examining his claws. A suitable queen to rule by my side…

The royal children jumped with a gasp as the sparring room doors flew open. Angelo, the Raboot knight, came marching through with Rikmai, who blathered the poor rabbit's ear off.

"Come on, I'm not asking for much!" Rikmai pleaded, dropping to the ground and grabbing his ankles.

Angelo tugged on his scarf. "For the last time, I'm not marrying you."

"I would make a good wife! I can cook, clean, watch over our children—okay, I'm mostly lying, but please marry me!"

Angelo kicked her paws off and approached his charges. He released a deep sigh, then bowed to the Visconti siblings. "King Visconti requests your attention. Please follow me."

Evangelina smiled. "Thank you very much, Michelangelo. Come, siblings, we must not keep Father waiting."

"Bye, Princes!" Azelia exclaimed as she followed the knight and her siblings back into the castle.

Darby crossed his wings. "What do you suppose that was about?" Erasmus just shrugged, which Darby settled on. He sheathed his sword and stretched. "Enough exercise for me. I shall retreat to my chambers until dinnertime. Take care, Erasmus."

Erasmus nodded. "You as well."

Darby passed by Rikmai and winked at her. "Perhaps you would be interested in escorting me to my room, my lady."

The Vaporeon bounced to her feet, grinning ear-to-ear. "Well, if you insist—" However, the sound of Erasmus clearing his throat got her attention. She groaned and slumped her head. "I, uh…must attend to my charge, Prince Tetrarch. My apologies."

Darby took her paw in his wing. "All is well, my dear. You have a wonderful day." He kissed her paw, then left the sparring room.

Rikmai giggled heatedly, melting into a puddle in her own armor—literally. "I have earned the affection of a handsome prince. Lucky me~!"

"You never acted that way around me," Erasmus pointed out as he approached her. "I find that a bit insulting."

Rikmai reformed herself and scoffed. "No offense necessary, Your Highness. While it is true I find you attractive, I…value you more as a friend. Plus, you had the guts to tell me your secret affair, so I wish not to push my advances onto you."

"You never told me why you seek a husband so badly."

Rikmai shrugged. "My reasons are my own. I am only grateful for everything you've done for me, though I do not see myself being a knight for the rest of my life."

"Fair. Though, it would help if you did not throw yourself at every man that came your way."

Rikmai sighed. "I am still looking for my one, like you found yours. Speaking of, why keep me away from that hunk, Darby?"

"For one, a knight should not fraternize with royalty like that. You must uphold your dignity. Two…" Erasmus narrowed his eyes and glared at the floor.

Rikmai raised her brow. "Does this have anything to do with Evangelina's warning about Darby?"

"I just do not want you alone with him, that is all. You are very capable of taking care of yourself, but…" Rikmai raised her paw and nodded in understanding.

"Say no more, Your Highness. If you worry that much about me, I shall hold myself back in the presence of Darby…as difficult as that may be for me." Rikmai reached into the side satchel on her armor. "Oh, that reminds me, I actually did have a reason for coming here. Serell went to the post office and found a letter addressed to you. It is from your lover." She handed him the pink envelope.

He took it and held it close to his chest. "Perhaps seeing her for the day will do me some good. I did say I would follow my father's wishes without complaint, though I do wish I could have my way for once."

Rikmai smiled. "She must be a really special girl. I'm jealous."

Erasmus laughed. "I would not say she is special, but…that is what draws me to her. She does not need to be special. She is amazing the way she is."

"Aww~. Though, maybe telling her she is special would be nice to sprinkle in."

"I do not say that like I find her average, even if she insists she is not special." Erasmus closed his eyes. "I wish I could do something for her to show how much I appreciate her. Something…rebellious, like in my youth."

"Eloping is an option."

"I will consider that as a last resort," Erasmus joked. He sliced open the envelope and pulled the letter out. He did a quick skim before smiling. "Excellent. She is still free to meet with me. Would you mind getting Gaufroi, Serell, and Linota?"

Rikmai smirked. "Need us to plan your date for you? I'll be back in ten minutes." She sped out the door, but quickly poked her head back in and said, "If you want to do something rebellious, add a little danger to the mix."

"Like how?"

"I don't know, sneak her into the castle or something." Rikmai ducked back out the sparring room.

Erasmus rolled his eyes. "Sneak her into the castle, you say?" He narrowed his eyes and lingered on the thought. "Although…" He shook his head and sighed. "I will dwell on it some other time." He found a chair for himself and started reading the letter with a gentle twinkle in his eyes.