Mare POV

When I'm finally back inside the carriage, I let myself loose and relax. I'm not surrounded by people who will judge me so being myself is easy. Heron, Theresa, and Adeline had both asked me to come tomorrow and I wouldn't refuse them. Having friends other than my cousin was a new experience so as a result, I'm up for another day.

I'm silent during the carriage ride, still thinking about the small conversation I had with the two princes. They seem like kind and friendly people, a completely different image from what I pictured. Speaking of that conversation, I return back to that memory and consider Cal's behaviour towards my cousin. Unless she's oblivious to everything, I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Just by looking at the way they speak, I know Cal favours her over the other ladies in court.

"Chari?" I ask quietly, gaining her attention, "how long have you known Cal?"

The question puzzles her but she answers nonetheless. "Oh him? We have been friends for about...three years now. I met him when I first arrived and since then we've been good friends."

So she really unaware of the clues laid bare before her. Such blindness troubles me since that makes her a target for the other ladies. It might actually be a blessing that she doesn't know but it makes me worried for her safety. Cal is constantly surrounded by other ladies and although he only has eyes for Charlotte only, there is no point in it if she doesn't win. He will have to go through with the tradition because of the deal made by Queen Coriane and King Tiberias VI when they married.

"Well, I'd watch it," I advise. "People will do something bad if you continue being so close. Didn't you see how he acted towards you today?"

"That's what good friends do," she smiles. "The relationship we've maintained has gone as far as that. I only see him as a brother and a friend that's it."

"Cal won't think so."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't mean anything. I'm telling you to watch yourself from now on since I'm afraid that there is more than meets the eye."

Charlotte rolls her eyes. "Everyone says that, and I know it's not true. Besides, he'll have to marry the Queenstrial winner which might not be me. You've grown up with me my entire life. You know that I'm a filial daughter and that I have good control over myself. Duty must come first before anything else."

My cousin be simple simple minded sometimes. Not everything is as simple as saying yes or no. If she does not win the Queenstrial, she will have Cal's favour and his protection. That alone is enough to cause unrest among the other women in court, especially the future queen who will make sure that Charlotte's life is hell. At that point, no one would be able to protect her, except Cal. And if he dies before Chari, I don't think Maven could hold back the queen. Although it would depend on other factors, like having a royal heir, Charlotte would still be below her in rank. If my cousin does get married to someone else and has a family, they might all suffer instead of her alone.

"You may think that way but he may not. I'm only telling you to be careful," I peer out the window watching the trees go by. "You've liked reading romance novels, so much so that you've surpassed the amount I've read, and I pride myself on being an avid reader. Chari, you of all people should know that love can sway people to do the unthinkable."

"It can. But I will make sure he puts duty first over anything else if it ever comes to that. If needed, I will force him to do so. If he really has feelings for me, he will listen."

"You can't bend everything to your will. Have you thought about the possibility where he disagrees?"

"Well then too bad."

I'm silent for a while. "You're so cruel. King Tiberias never got over Coriane Jacos and guess where that ended up. He's was devastated when she passed so suddenly and the pieces from his heart can never be pieces back together. Not even Queen Elara could do anything about it."

"One day you will learn," Charlotte says. "Marriage is not usually a happy affair. Instead, parents want to climb up the ranks, as high as possible. If there is an instance where it exists, you and your partner are lucky people. You must adapt quickly. Our world is different from the Red one."

The change in our worlds is as clear as black ink on white paper. In the Silver world, we live in in a world filled with luxuries, an obvious difference compared to the Reds who live in poverty, fated for conscription when they turn eighteen. I'm lucky enough to avoid it because of my Father's rank and blood type. Without him, I might not even be alive.

"Of course it is. I only hope that I can live my life peacefully in this one despite the colour of my blood. No pure Silver with a high rank in society would marry me anyway despite Henry being my father," I sigh. I've already accepted my fate long ago.

"Your blood may be red but you have silver powers making you something else. But you are right since we have to keep that a secret. I'm sure Uncle will leave you a generous portion of the family fortune so you don't have to worry so much." Charlotte puts a hand on my arm, to reassure me. "You will live peacefully and won't have to worry about rank."

I roll my eyes at her. "I don't look at climbing up the social ladder like the rest of them but if it does come to that, I will be heavily criticized for marrying a man from above. The only thing I want is to just want to stay out of the spotlight and out of trouble."

"Same you," she laughs. "One day you will learn that mingling around in society will keep you safer than keeping yourself locked in a fortress. Always use it to your advantage since it will allow you to pick up secrets and lies around here, especially in places where a lot of people convene. Balls, celebrations, and more."

"I will," I reply, trying to hide my unwillingness.

I don't know if my sister is right when she says that. I'm not a very social person and most of my friends are the fictional characters in books. This would be something I would need some time getting used and something I would not be very good at.


For the two months, I take at least three days from my week to go to court. If I'm not lonely, I'm either with my cousin, her friends, or a book I would read outside. It's better if I stayed low since the gossip has gotten worse. Here's one thing I've learned in life: people will do anything to twist the truth to make it much more entertaining. Ever since Maven had entered my life, though the moments we had were brief, people have been eyeing me much more often. I wonder what rumours they'll cook up this time around.

As usual, I spend my time finding Charlotte right after court. Although I love my cousin, there are times where her sudden retreats get onto my nerves. It's almost as though she vanishes in the blink of an eye and leaves no trace at all. I tug on my dress jacket; it's purple with a high collar and two columns of silver buttons which go all the way down to the waist where is ends. My dress is long and many layered along with some moonstones sewn into the fabric. I made sure to dress warmly and fashionably learning from my experience from the last couple months I've been here. I still prefer to dress simply but have enough grandeur in my outfit to reach the bare minimum. Why I wear a small jacket is just because the weather is getting cold, marking the end of summer and the Queenstrial. The competition nears with every single passing day and it is making my cousin so anxious. I bet that's why she is becoming more evasive, spending every moment she can with Cal. These might just be the last moments she'll have alone with him freely and vice versa.

"Lady Mareena!" I'm almost caught off balance as Adeline grabs onto my arm, flanked by Theresa and Heron. "Are you going to come tomorrow? It was so nice spending time with you today."

I sigh, having to refuse their offer. "I was actually planing to take a day off and spend some time at home. I come two or three days every week and...you know..as the usual schedule goes..." I trail off, not wanting to finish.

"As long as you're comfortable! You'll get used to being here often sooner or later," Theresa says. "Go at your own pace."

"Once you're ready, you can add more days onto each week," Heron suggests. "But of course, you'll come around someday."

"And I will," I smile. "Thank you for understanding."

Adeline laughs at my reply. "We were all like that when we first came here. I remember that day four years ago where I arrived here, terrified by the size of the castle. I was even more terrified by the amount of people that were here."

"How many people were here?" Heron asks excitedly. "I want to know! You know, Adeline has some exciting stories she's shared with us before."

"You flatter me Heron," the elder laughs. "My stories are nothing but real life horrors."

"Go on! Tell us!" Theresa also seems very excited to hear, her eyes alight with interest. "Or else you'll have to face the wrath of two younger girls who will never give up on asking."

"Alright," Adeline laughs to herself when she revisits the memory. "It was a bit more than the amount of people now but a large amount nonetheless. But there was this one, specific day where this entire hall couldn't fill everyone and the children of the ministers, me included, had to watch from above." She looks up at the second floor of the room. "It hasn't been used in a long time but I'm sure it will be used when needed."

"Sounds much worse than the situation at hand right now," I remark, smiling. "Socializing is already very hard since I'm not very used to it. In fact, I've only spoken to only you three and my cousin since I got here. Other than that, no other person has spoken to me and I don't want to speak with them."

"Are you sure?" Heron waggles her eyebrows. "What about that prince? You've exchanged some if not multiple...lines with each other."

"Hush now. Cal and Charlotte go missing everyday and are often found together. It is only natural is it not?" I reason. "Two different people with the same goal are bound to meet."

"They go missing because Cal is in love with your cousin. And I'm sure Maven has some affection for you if you're the only one he talks to on a daily basis. And he's smiled once or twice in your direction. What're more, you've smiled back."

I suppress my emotions as best as possible as I look back to that memory. I remember it clearly as though it was yesterday, to every last detail. The sky was clear that day and sunny, with no signs of thunder and rain. I had a very thick book with me that day about Norta's history and its kings. Some people might consider it to be a long and arduous book but to me, history has always been a subject I enjoy immensely. Watching events repeat with different circumstances and factors make it so fascinating to read. It just goes to show that sometimes we just never learn from our mistakes and successes.

When I arrived around halfway through the book, I had decided to take a break and listen to the situation being discussed among the ministers. It was about the war at the border- hardly anything interesting. And that's when I saw Maven, out of the corner of my eye, examining me. It was...a little unexpected but I think once I had finally noticed him, he withdrew, mortified. It was amusing but I smiled at him as a way to diffuse the situation. Nothing could go wrong with something as simple as that. He smiled back and quickly averted his eyes. It was quite an awkward affair and my friends have teased me about it relentlessly ever since it happened.

"Don't say such things so easily Heron," I say, pulling my arms closer to myself. "There is little to no support on your theory. I'm sure he speaks to the others too. After all, I'm not the only one here am I not?"

"He does...but not as much compared to you Mareena," Theresa smiles slyly. "And a heads up everyone, he's coming this way. So tell me honestly, are you really sure?"

I flush a bright red as an answer. "We just have something in common with our siblings going missing and all..."

"Look she's blushing! A bright, vivid shade of red on her face." Heron tries her best to contain her laughter. "Say it, say it, say it!"

"Heron, stop!" I frantically hide my face behind my hands. "It isn't true and I won't admit something that is false."

"She must be in love just like her sister right?" She twirls a full round before poking me on the shoulder. "Just admit it won't you? We all see it. It's quite obvious you know..."

"Something like that is not to said so simply!"

"You three should get it together," Adeline scolds us both, bringing us back to our senses. She's much more mature than all of us, having been here for a longer time, longer than Charlotte even. "Don't embarrass yourselves with so many people around."

Some people are starting to look this way. Not many, but enough for Adeline's outburst to keep us in line. I'm able to collect myself just before Maven arrives but there is a slight colour on my face. If he notices, he doesn't show it.

"Lady Mareena," he bows. "It's nice to see you here once more."

"Same goes for you," I curtsy and smile. I can feel Heron, Theresa, and Adeline's eyes on me and although they are my friends, they still make me feel a little uncomfortable. Heron eyes me, trying to find an opening, something she can leverage.

"I almost forgot!" Heron says suddenly. "I have to go and water my plants as soon as I get home or else they'll all wilt. And greenys don't like wilted plants. It makes them feel sad."

"You can complain about wilted flowers but I have to go and take care of my younger brother afterwards," Theresa makes a face and scowls. "Annoying little brat. I don't want to but I still have to do it because our parents say so."

Both of them turn back to us and curtsy. "We'll take our leave first," they say in unison before leaving our group quickly. Heron shoots me a mischievous smile while Theresa doesn't look back at all. Although our group was small to begin with, it seems as though it has diminished greatly. Without the aura of my other two friends, the group has become a little duller.

"I'll see you tomorrow Mareena," Adeline curtsies to both of us before turning away.

"Adeline wait!" I quickly tug on her sleeve. "What's happening?"

She smiles at me before whispering something in my ear. "Mareena, you are quite innocent on the way court works. If you were aware, he addressed you only in spite of having us around. I'm sure there is something that he must say in private and I don't want to take any risks."

"Adeline, I'm sure there is nothing he cannot say without you three here-"

She looks at me imploringly while glaring at my other two friends. "Always watch for subtle social cues around here. They will come in handy, especially when you learn how to navigate this place. And there is nothing wrong with speaking to a prince personally." she adds. "They are princes after all. They would know how to act courteously."

I nod my head. "Alright then, but I don't feel comfortable without company."

Adeline smiles encouragingly. "You'll be fine, I'm sure you will. His Majesty is not one to bite and it would be better for us to leave anyway. It's hard to find privacy in public places like this one. You had better get back to him sooner or later." She grins and walks away in the opposite direction. Where my friends are really going, I have no idea.

"I'm sorry for scaring your friends away," Maven says sheepishly. "Am I really that intimidating?"

I shake my head. "I'm not entirely sure why they would leave so suddenly but I'm sure you didn't frighten them at all. And I've never though of you as intimidating so the others might think the same way to."

He smiles. "At least I hope I didn't come across as that and I'm relieved that you don't think of me that way."

Finding Charlotte and Cal has brought us both together on a mission to keep our siblings in line. From the small encounters I've had with him, he's never come across as a scary person. In fact, he seems like a very kind and quiet person who seldom spoke in court.

Most people would probably be a little frightened by his position and rank but strangely I've never been afraid of him. I acknowledge his high position as a prince and treat him with the same respect, nay maybe even more compared to the others, but being different towards him because of it has never crossed my mind once. But having grown up as pure Silvers, my friends might have different views than I do. After all, no Silver in their right mind would really pay attention to a person with Red blood and they love climbing ranks.

I just smile shyly at his reply. "There are a lot of characteristics that would make you different but judging a person by what they have is a little bit...cruel."

As a person with Red blood, going up the ranks has never been an important aspect or goal in life. It would be impossible for me to anyway with Silver's wanting to marry Silvers. With this in mind, I had a different outlook on what marriage should be like, from my sister, and from the Reds living much worse than I am. Even though they are poor and live with appalling conditions, they are still happy because they are able to marry who they wanted.

"That is a very honest opinion of yours," Maven remarks as his pale blue eyes go over me. "Which is why it makes you different from the others too. Not many people are as straightforward as you."

You don't need a mirror to know how I look like. I can already feel my face redden at the compliment. My obvious efforts to hide it are unsuccessful so I give up on them and instead face forward bravely. Receiving genuine praise from another is something I'm not used to and something that happens very rarely.

"I guess you already know what I'm going to ask when I came here," he says. "It seems that they are becoming more and more elusive with their disappearances."

"They sure are your majesty," I look behind me to make sure I haven't missed anything. "I think we may need to find new methods of tracking them down."

"I only care about my maintaining my brother's honour. Hopefully he doesn't go so over his set boundaries or else we will be in big trouble."

"He is aware of the Queenstrial which will take place in the next two weeks. I believe this is the reason why they are trying to spend more and more time together," I conclude. "I think we should give Chari and Cal a little more time today. It might be the last moments they will spend together like that."

"Chari? Is that a nickname you use for your cousin?" Maven chuckles. "I think it is a good one to use. Do you have one?"

I purse my lips. "It's just Mare and it's only used by my family. Exceptions can be made...but only by me."

"If you are the one in charge, can an exception be made for me?"

Those who use my nickname are people close to me. Charlotte uses it often, my parents, and sometimes Nanny but I know these people well through the years of friendships we've had. I haven't even given permission for my friends to use it and his question makes me think a little bit. This might just be another matter they will tease me about if I say yes. But if I say no, then this would turn into a very awkward situation.

"That is something I will need to think about," I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. Heron was right about my makeshift ponytail; it's very messy and poorly made making it bound to fall apart. "Do you have a reason?"

"If I did, would I tell you?" He walks a little closer to me until we're about three feet apart. Being in close proximity does make my reserved self a little conscious but I don't move. From here, I can see him a little bit clearly when he speaks. "Do you want to know?"

I colour once more though this time it's because of embarrassment ore than anything. "To be honest, I am a little curious since I don't even allow my friends to use that name. But I'll find out only if his majesty allows it."

"I'll tell you one day," Maven promises, drawing a cross over his heart. "Now, everything is up to you. And you might want to readjust your hair."

I panic as I feel for the ribbon in my hair that it isn't there at all. I look behind me, only to find that is has fallen onto the floor behind me. The purple fabric is stark against the white marble making it quite easy to spot. Of course it's purple like everything else I wear. House Titanos's crest is visible if you can pick out the silver lining embroidery in the middle. I pick the ribbon up and tie it on my wrist. "Thank you for the reminder Prince Maven." I say, curtsying.

"It was quite noticeable. And you look quite nice with long hair," he smiles, turning a shade lighter. "It frames your face a little bit."

"At least leaving my hair down has some benefits. I prefer having my hair up since it leaves the strands out of my face but-"

I never finish my sentence.

"Mare!" Charlotte's voice startles me. I turn my head to see her come running towards me, almost throwing me off as she hugs me from behind. "Your Majesty," she lets go and curtsies quickly to Maven. "I'm sorry for the long wait but we must be getting home now."

"As you should," Cal too comes from behind. "I'm sure Lord Titanos will excuse our lateness. I wouldn't want you two to run into trouble."

"My uncle will be absolutely fine with it," Charlotte's behaviour and tone does make me a feel certain too. "But we have some things to take care of. Mare and I will take our leave first."

Charlotte and I both curtsy in sync. It's small and short and before I know it, I turn on my heel and walk away quickly. I know I shouldn't look back but my curiosity gets the best of me. I turn my head to see Maven. He watches me walk away and waves, his pale blue eyes meeting my electric blue ones. I turn my head back, my long brown hair swishing behind me. I don't know if this is what friendship should feel like, but there is a feeling of warmth just where my heart should be.

I'll be sure to wear my hair long the next time I come.


A/N: If Charlotte looked like Jisoo (BLACKPINK REFERENCE), the Mare would look like Rosé. Although it's easy for Blinks (Blinks is the fandom name for BLACKPINK) to see the difference, those are the two BLACKPINK members that new Blinks have some trouble differentiating which is why I chose them. Charlotte and Mare don't actually look like them, I'm just using their faces so you can get an idea of how similar they are.

I also fast forwarded it a little bit because I thought it would take a long time if I took everything step by step (like, day by day or week by week). It would also make the story go at a snail's pace and we would probably on Chapter 30 before anything cool happened.

What Mare thinks about Charlotte's aftermath if she did not win the Queenstrial and stuff is actually based off of what I got from reading lots of history, especially in countries where the king had multiple wives. Since Cal would be surrounded by court ladies all the time, I felt as though it was applicable. If you are wondering why Cal couldn't just not have a Queenstrial like his Dad, it's also stated in Broken Throne and Queen Song that Coriane married Tibe (I KNOW THE NICKNAME...XD) under the deal that all their children would have strictly traditional marriages. (Since Tibe broke the Queenstrial rite, it was the best they came up with to please the courts.) This wouldn't apply to Maven, but he too could also have a version of the Queenstrial is he wanted. (Maven said in Red Queen that he had a choice to choose because he was the second prince...)

Courting attention and keeping yourself in society are very good tactics for you to increase power. What Charlotte means to Mare when she says that mingling in society is better is that Mare can keep herself safer and much more protected than being isolated from the public. Actually, Charlotte is being clever when it comes to keeping her power by courting attention from Cal (which she does unknowingly) and being social with the others.

I know that Victoria Aveyard said that Mare was 5'3/4 on a Tumblr post but in this story, she is 5'6 (170 cm). You can thank her dad for the change. (Henry was around 5'9 which is the same height as Maven. Go look for the post if you want to find out more ^_^)