A/n: Here we go again. This chapter is very short, but very important. Since, however, since it's so short, I will post chapter ten tomorrow. So fear not, mes amis!

Chapter Nine

The sun was setting on Kyrria. From her window in the tallest tower, she could see the orange sun falling in the sky, painting streaks of pink across the blue sky. The woman's face was beautiful; she'd compared to an angel before. But now she didn't feel like an angel. Her eyes were rimmed red, and bags were forming on attractive face that was becoming creased and uneven.

"Ex-ex-excuse me, L-lady?" someone said.

She whirled around, her eyes wide. "I told you I was not to be disturbed!" she screeched at the man. "I told you that-"

The man cowered, her voice cut through him like daggers. "I…I know, L-l-lady Lucinda, but…but we've f-f-found some inf-f-ormation about them…" he murmured, his head bowed. "Captain Mar-mar-marcellus wishes to see you."

She smirked happily. "Oh, did you?" she replied. "Well then, Hubert, send him in."

Hubert bumbled out of the room. Oaf, Lucinda thought. Hubert was her most dedicated servant, but his timid manner and stammering speech got on her nerves. Lucinda looked down at herself, dressed in her lilac night dress. She threw on her black silk dressing gown over it, tying it clumsily, preparing herself for the Captain's arrival. She looked at herself in the mirror. I need someone to dress my hair.

The door opened and Captain Marcellus whisked in. "My Lady," he said, kneeling down and kissing Lucinda's hand. "We have news of Princess Nora Rose."

Lucinda moved across the room and took a seat, then gestured for Marcellus to do the same. "Do tell, Captain," she replied.

"Well," he said, sitting down, "it seems that Nora has found out of her curse, and is now traveling to Frell to alert her parents of us and our plan."

"Alone?" Lucinda asked.

Marcellus shook his head. "No, no," he replied. "She's accompanied by Sidney, the prince of Ayortha, and Ophelia, who seems to be some urchin orphan."

Lucinda laughed. "How adorable," she said. "And I suppose that this orphan and prince are going to be enough protection for her from us?"

Marcellus laughed. "Impossible!" he boomed.

"Which one do you think we should aim for?" Lucinda asked him.

He paused. "The orphan is surprisingly strong, she completely resisted all attempts at her. We've yet to figure out why. The prince on the other hand, he seems to be much weaker. He's got important things on his mind, and he's overflowing with self-doubt. He'd the obvious choice."

"I see," replied Lucinda. "Well, thank you Captain. You are dismissed."

Captain Marcellus bowed and left. Lucinda walked to the large pillar in the center of the room and looked down at the oversized bowl sitting atop it. The water in the bowl began to ripple as she passed her hand over it. She looked down into it.

"Show me the prince," she whispered.

An image of Sidney appeared, riding his horse. The bowl began to speak. "I just don't know what to think," Sidney's voice said, ringing through the room. "She's not like any other girl I've ever met before. She's so mature for her age. Lady, why must I be so unlucky? I'm on a mission with the only two girls in all the kingdoms who don't want my hand in marriage. What I would give for Ophelia's… I could make her a queen. She'd be a wonderful queen, a wonderful wife, a wonderful mother. She's a wonderful friend… oh Lady, please…help me. How am I to accomplish this?"

With that, the bowl became clear again. Lucinda smiled. "Of course…of course," she said, pacing. "He wishes for the girl… this is significant, and ever so useful. Hu-bert!"

Hubert ambled into the room. "Yes, Lady?" he asked.

Lucinda smirked. "Find me Captain Marcellus and his best three knights. I have a plan."

A/n: Dun-dun-duuun!! Oh boy, was that a fun chapter to write. Please review, I'll have the next chapter up tomorrow.