a/n: I haven't uploaded in so long *_* Well, here's chapter 10. My longest so far :3
Finally, something big happens. xD I'm hoping to move the plot along a bit faster...ten chapters and no kiss? Well we'll see about that...
(I guess the real plot will take form after this chapter xD You know, the part SOE was famous for. Ok I'll stop typing now.)
"Ah, what have I gotten myself into?"
A certain blonde servant leaned against the wall, facing the window of his room. On the sill was a dove, sporting a yellow tag around its feet. The bird cooed, something it has done for the last twenty minutes, as it continued staring at him intelligently.
"I have nothing to report. I don't know what to do..."
He gripped a piece of paper in his fist, as the dove received this as a final answer and took off. For months, Chrome had been burdening him with messages and requests of status, but Allen hasn't answered to any of them. When Chrome's impatience kicked in, Allen ensured them that the Queen will be dead soon.
But soon, they will know. They always will.
Allen tore the paper in half, tossing it into the fireplace like all the other ones. He walked over to the window, shutting it, before catching a glimpse of the Yellow Kingdom. As the days passed, Riliane's Kingdom was becoming more and more empty. The citizens have nearly vanished into silence or oblivion, leaving behind the stark beauty of the Xanthine architecture. However, with no one inhabiting or even admiring the Kingdom, what was there left to look at?
Never in his life had Allen felt so much inner turmoil, and failed to assassinate a Queen. There was so much to deal with, so many emotions to hide. How long has he concealed himself enough to lose total identity of himself?
"I don't care if Chrome kills me. I don't care if Gast is listening to everything I say-" He flipped open the briefcase, revealing the knife, the poison, and fake documents. He removed the papers, and tossed them into the fire without another regard. "-I swore to protect Riliane. Our bond is strong enough, so I am not afraid."
He sat with his legs up in front of the fire, watching his new identity burn in the flames.
"Who am I to you, Riliane? I don't even know myself."
The hearth crackled in reply, reflecting in his yellow...or blue eyes.
"Am I more than just a servant?"
His train of thought was broken when the door opened. Allen sprang up to his feet, as Oliver appeared before the doorway.
"Talking to yourself again, Mr. Avadonia? Everyone knows how much you look like the Queen, but I didn't know you would confuse the two identities." The adviser leaned against the door frame, slightly unamused. But who knew what thoughts he had lurking in his eye(s).
"I'm not the one who talks to animals." Allen countered, trying to forget the fact that he had just spoke to one mere minutes ago. However, the carrier doves at Chrome were experiments themselves...they could understand human language.
"JAMES is NOT an animal!" Oliver's good eye glowered with Xanthine anger, but then he forced collectiveness. "He listens to me! James is my best friend."
"Oh yes. Because talking to canaries makes more sense than human conversations. Maybe that's why you failed to mention Riliane's condition to Kyle...did your bird help you write the message?"
Oliver rolled his eyes. "Look, Allen. I walked in not because of the fact that you were speaking to yourself, but because you were talking about the Queen. Leave my bird out of this."
Allen's eyes were glued to the fire, mesmerized. But on the mention of Riliane, he turned to face the former adviser. "Oliver, what would you do if there was an assassin in the castle? One that would harm Riliane?"
Oliver's expression changed, on the strange question. "Why do you ask?"
"Just answer the question, please."
His answer was hesitant, by the slight pause in his breath . "Oh, it's hard to say. In our Kingdom, it's often hard to spot such a criminal. We Xanthines ALL have distrustful characteristics, so anyone's a suspect. Even noble Leonhart."
He cleared his throat. "But to be honest, if Her Majesty has another assassin...I wouldn't worry TOO much. If it were years ago, yes, I'd freak out. This sounds awkward, but I wouldn't worry because I know that YOU are capable of protecting her. You done it once, you can do it again. Right?"
"Right." Allen whispered, a weight dropping in his chest. Never had it been hard for him to say that single word.
The Xanthine servant/agent stared out the window sullenly. Oliver took this as a cue that the man needed space. He backed into the hallway, saying a few last words.
"I'm not dumb. You've been so obsessed with Her Majesty, since the night she was bitten. Allen, I think you're in love."
The door closed. He waited until Oliver was completely out of earshot. "I think so too."
The first time had been Michaela. However, that experience had been dizzying and giddy. But with Riliane, it felt more affectionate...more mutual.
From the moment he had entered the castle, the Queen fasinated him. Not because of the ongoing familiarity, but it was like he was talking to a mirror image. A reflection, another half. He knew from the start that falling in love with the Queen was probably the stupidest thing he could do. The servant knew all the political issues that would rise with whatever feelings he had for her.
But it was all okay. Because for the first time in his life, something made sense.
He bent over his desk, a pen in hand:
MISSION REPORT:
AA HERE. AS YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED, I HAVE NOT BEEN RESPONDING TO THE MESSAGES. IT DOESN'T MATTER NOW, ANYWAYS.
I CAN KILL RILIANE. BUT I WON'T. I LOVE HER.
YOU CAN'T KILL SOMONE YOU LOVE.
ALAS, I KNOW THE CONCEQUENCES OF TERMINATING THE MISSION. TOO BAD.
TORTURE ME, KILL ME IF YOU'D LIKE. YOU'VE CAUSED ME SO MUCH PAIN.
OF COURSE I CAN TAKE MORE.
AA
He stopped, realizing what a bad idea this was. But he knew, with newfound confidence, that he had what it takes to survive. After all, he was a part of them. There was a reason why he was in Chrome, for that matter.
Like he had predicted, a new carrier dove tapped on his window. He handed it the note, which was folded at least a dozen times, and watched it soar through the clouds. He knew that Chrome wouldn't be happy upon recieving the message, but he took this moment to enjoy the feeling of the burden lifting from his shoulders.
Allen became tired of dwelling in his own story. He strolled casually down to the library, to read someone else's.
The Yellow Queen gripped the ends of her sheet together, to form a harmless noose around her neck. The blonde smirked slightly, down at the table she prepared. It took her quite awhile to figure out the placement of the cutlery and cups, courtesy to the fact that she was a queen, not a servant.
"Close enough!" She chirped, brushing her hands together. But that action caused her to drop her blanket, and she retrieved it. Ever since healing from the snake bite, Riliane became quite particular with having that feeling of security around her. Something that reminds her of Allen. With the blanket flying out behind her like a superhero's cape, she sauntered back to the Castle to find him.
Because after all he had done for her, for his loyal servitude, she wanted to give him something nice. A tea party in the Yellow Gardens seemed perfect, according to her.
"Hey, lowly servant!" She poked her head into his room, then poked it back out when no one was around. The Queen loved hide and seek, and she slunk around the top floor, giggling. She was quite hyper today.
"Of course..." She sighed, immediately knowing where he was.
He left the door to the library wide open. Riliane smirked. What if someone came in and murdered him, because he didn't take his time to check the door? Her servant was intelligent, yet he could be so dumb at times.
Stepping through，Riliane was faced with a spiral of stairs leading downwards, dim besides the auburn glow of tinted sunshine through the skylights. She tapped her foot in frustration. The reason why she never bothered to read books was that she didn't want to walk all the way to find them. That's why she always have them read to her.
"How does he do it? There must be a way he gets down so fast." She knew firsthand how quickly he travels between chores. And the banisters always seem so clean, for some reason. Just then, her mind flew back to the time she and Allen pranked Oliver and Leonhart, making their getway via sliding down the banister. It seemed so long ago, even though it had only been mere months.
She settled the plain yellow blanket on top of the wooden handles, and gently eased herself onto the banister. With a slight push, she slid down the spiral.
"What am I doing with my life." She thought, but couldn't keep from smiling. The breeze on her face and in her hair was exilarating.
Riliane had it happen only once to her, but the feeling brought back nostalgia. Like the time she was on a playground swing, in the gardens back when the flowers were still babies. Back when her Kingdom was a flourishing civilization. She wasn't allowed to play until she had her lessons from the royal tutor, but the little princess was too young...and evil...to care. Someone was pushing her, and she was flying.
Wait...
The Yellow Queen made a silent finish, as the length of the banister ended. Her barefeet made no sound as she landed squarely.
She stood before the grand library and tried to remember it again.
And it was still there. Riliane was astounded. All her life, she had been evil. But she realized it was only AFTER she had become Queen. She didn't remember anything before that. It was if they had simply vanished. Any memories of her life as a princess, the first ten years of her life, were gone. And she never knew why.
But then sliding down the banister, into a library she never cared enough about to visit...brought back the memory of being pushed on a swing, feeling the same wind play with her hair and her body arch as it faced the sun-lit sky.
"Was it...Him?" Riliane rubbed her head, still perplexed and amazed. Perhaps the person in her dreams was the same one that pushed her on the swing? But she saved that thought for her personal time, because right now she wanted to find Allen.
Sure enough, the servant was seated at a desk, his head propped up by his hand. A book was laid out in front of him, as he scanned the pages with a tired look on his face. He flipped ever so often, rubbing his eyes as he did so.
She smiled at how absorbed and unattentive he looked, and she quietly slipped through the bookcases, successfully getting through without tripping. Since Allen and Oliver were the only people to come here, it was barely touched. Allen had taken the time to dust it, but the Xanthines weren't heavy readers anyways.
"Guess who?" She slipped the yellow blanket over his eyes.
"Ah!" He yelled, hitting his head on a lamp. Riliane was amused at his reaction. Usually, he'd calmly stop whatever he was doing, smile and pretend he didn't know the answer.
"Guess who?" She repeated, keeping the blanket firm on his face. He re-adjusted himself, rubbing his head.
"Um...James?"
Riliane bursted out laughing, so he snatched the sheet away and turned around. "You!"
"Yes, me!"
He hugged her, laughing as well. Of course he knew it was her...but he would always answer with someone completely wrong.
"Seriously? James?" She tittered, that one being the dumbest yet. Riliane never knew why Oliver loved that bird...the obessession was quite frightening, actually.
"You'll never know. Once day canaries will take over the Kingdoms, and Oliver will be their leader. They kill by going up to you, covering your eyes and whispering "Guess who?", and then proceed to impale you slowly..."
"You do know how wrong the last part sounds..."
Allen froze, thought about it, and then gave her an appalled look.
"The BEAKS, Riliane. You disgust-"
He never got to finish the sentence, because he suddenly burst out in laughter.
"I'm sorry I pointed that out." Riliane thought, unimpressed, as the servant sat down to regain himself. Boys still acted like boys...even if they were downright strange.
"Sorry...okay, I'm good. Now, how did you get down here without me hearing you?" He was surprised that she could pull it off, since he had been trained to hear things that otherwise couldn't be heard.
"I slid down the banister." She stately, proudly. When he smirked with impress, she felt herself stand a bit taller.
"Hey, I know how hard you work. And I apprieciate everything that you've done. So, how would you like to join me in a tea party, that I've prepared? Take this as a promotion, of some sort."
"Tea party?" His eyes lit up. "Sounds like fun. Of course I'll come."
Either way, it would still be yes. But Riliane was elated anyways, as she grabbed his sleeve and ran up the stairs.
"In case I've misheard...you've prepared this? Without any assistance...?" He asked.
"Exactly." She dragged him through the foyer and out the doors, jerking him when he stumbled.
"Well, this ought to be interesting..."
But once they came to their destination, Allen was impressed. The silver table was located at the end of the stone paved path, in the centre of a myriad of golden flowers. There were two chairs, so Allen pulled one out for the Queen to sit.
"Oh, it's alright. Go ahead."
"Are you sure?" He wanted to say, but he instead nodded and did as he was told. He felt quite impolite, but if that was what Riliane wanted, then he was going to do it.
"Um...thanks."
He looked at the components on the table, the tea cups and plate. The knife was on the wrong side, he noticed, but he just smiled and kept quiet. He started pouring the tea.
"You did this all by yourself?" Allen inquired, still amused.
"Yep. I know it's inaccurate, but whatever. Oh! I made brioche. I hope you like it." Riliane slid a platter with a decent looking loaf, smiling shyly.
She anxiously watched as he sniffed it, before tasting. Then the strangest expression dawned upon his face, as he chewed. It wasn't disgust...more like confusion.
"It's...salty. But otherwise, the texture and consistancy is well done. 9/10!" He laughed.
"Salty?" She took a bite out of it, realizing he was right. "How can it be salty..?"
"By adding salt." He stated nonchantly.
"Oh God..." She cringed in horror. "So the sugar was the sack on the RIGHT. Not the left..."
Allen just chuckled, patting her hand. "It's great, Riliane. It's amazing how you could make it on your first try. Thank you."
She sighed, grinning. "I learned by watching you, you know. Before that, the only type of yeast I've known was the infection."
He laughed, taking another bite of the saliferous bread. What a weirdo, she thought as she smiled. He actually enjoys it.
The rest of the tea party was awkward at first, since it wasn't customary for a servant to eat with royalty. But Riliane didn't mind breaking a few rules for Allen. It was what she loved doing anyways. They talked and joked like kids, as they have always had. This time though, she couldn't help but take a few moments to look at him, to take him all in. Whether it was a closed-eye smile, an amused chuckle or the subtle fiddling of his hair, she realized how much she loved these things.
"Riliane?"
"Yes?" She replied a little late, snapping herself from her daze. She realized that his mouth had been moving for awhile, but she didn't hear a thing.
"I was asking if you wanted to walk around the gardens. My, I thought I lost you for a second! Queen problems?"
"I guess you can say that." She turned her back indifferently, so he wouldn't catch sight of her reddening face. "And a little stroll wouldn't hurt."
As if on cue, Allen slipped his fingers between hers. The two walked on, in the beauty of the evil flowers, coming to the large elderly tree. Its golden leaves shimmered, giving an almost surreal look with the light that it absorbs.
"Hey, help me up!"
Riliane's nightgown tickled her bare legs, as she held her blanket out behind her like a pair of wings. Allen clasped his fingers together, making a stirrup, as she hoisted herself onto the thickest branch. He followed suit, except that he made it up with ease. Soon, their view was blanketed by the xanthus colour their Kingdom was named after, in the form of leaves and light.
"It's so beautiful!" She exclaimed youthfully, dangling her naked feet above the ground. Here was the infamous Queen of the Yellow Kingdom...in bed clothes and a blanket, her hair swaying in the wind, with no cosmetics or any sort or the refined demeanor of a ruler. She was here in the tallest tree of the Four Kingdoms, finding joy in such things as spending time with her servant.
"Want to go higher?"
Riliane stared at him, before breaking into a grin. Without her dresses or corsets or expensive jewellery, nothing weighed her down nor pulled her back to reality. Allen went up first, sometimes disappearing into the canopy of leafy material. But his hand would always pop up from above, and each one took them higher and higher.
"Dear Lord...how far up are we?" She could feel the wind stinging her eyes, and the dizzying swaying of the tree. Riliane had her eyes glued on the ground. And it was spinning with each gust of wind.
"Far enough. Look, Rilliane. It's your Kingdom."
He was wrong, however. Not only did her Kingdom come to view, but also the borderline of Crimson buildings across the ocean. And in the horizon towards the west, were the pearly boats of the Azures. And if one squints and tips their toes so that they can look over the mountains in the east, they just might see the green Kingdom of the Verdigris.
Just like that, the whole world was down before her, just like she had always wanted.
"Small world, isn't it?"
She nodded, holding her arms out so that the blanket flew overhead, like a victory flag. "I've never known how close we were to the other Kingdoms. Whether war or disasters break and isolate us, were are always one world, and Four Kingdoms."
He agreed with her. But she couldn't help but notice his perturbed gaze, glued on the Kingdom right below her...her own.
"Are you okay?"
"Fine, thanks. But I think it's your Kingdom you should be asking."
Riliane followed his eyes, as she saw with horror the true state of her Kingdom. She never really looked at it from above, and the sight shocked her.
It was like she was looking at a deserted city after a plague. Dark figures that were the sallow outlines of houses loomed below her. The once golden roads had been neglected, taking on a sickly sulfer colour. Not a soul wandered the streets, and the ones that did were cloaked men and women, looking for food. And even darker, some lay on the road as dead as the night itself. The Xanthine towers that used to stand with such pride and ennui slumped foward. As if they were looking down at the starving citizens, questioning their existence.
This was a Kingdom cursed with poverty and sickness. With neglect and cruelty. And Riliane was the ruler.
"No...this is what it really looks like?"
Allen nodded, sinister.
Riliane took another horrified examination. She felt like she had been living in a hole, since Kyle's proposal. How could she be so ignorant? Here she was, having the time of her life with all the weath and power she had. Killing whoever she wanted, and fooling around with the servant. How could she be so unaware of what goes on down below, in the Kingdom that she claimed to have loved so much?
"I'm so blind," She cringed from a painful, sharp feeling that penetrated her chest. Riliane recoiled, confused.
Was this guilt she was feeling?
"It's not only your Kingdom. It's reality." He held her gaze, almost symphetic. As if he knew that the truth would cause her to have a mental breakdown.
"Kyle was right. My Kingdom is falling apart. And it's my fault, so as it's ruler I will fix it."
"Your Majesty...?"
Allen didn't mean act so surprised, but Riliane would've never cared for what happens to her inferiors. What caused her to suddenly be so indignant?
"The entire time I had the snake bite, Allen, I knew I was dying. I felt the fear of losing everything, to a disease that otherwise could've been prevented. I felt the brink of death, the seperation from the ones that mattered to me. And to think that death is such an ordinary thing. I was frightened, and I was so happy when I could continue living in my life as Queen.
But after I woke up, it bothered me that there were others not so lucky. So many people die everyday, in my hands. Everything I had felt, they did too. However, there was nothing they could do about it."
"Riliane..." He ventured.
"I wanted to change, Allen. Maybe I don't have to be this cruel. Maybe it will be better for my Kingdom that way. I want to help it stand, again. But if I ever become a merciful, adored ruler, I'll always try to be evil for you. Okay?"
The servant realized the Queen's new change of heart. How her encounter with death had taught her how precious life was.
"I'm proud of you." He smiled at her little speech, his words coming from the bottom of his heart.
The sky had already turned orange, as Queen and servant retreated back to the lower branchs of the tree. Allen sat with his eyes closed, feeling the wind. Riliane began to feel her eyes droop, as it was in fact time for her bedtime.
"I'll do something about it...I promise..."
She more or less fell ontop of his shoulder, not that it mattered to her anyway. Her head wanted a pillow, and he just happened to be there.
"Getting sleepy, are we?" He rubbed her head lovingly, amused at her drowsiness. Before she could let herself drift off, however-
"Tell me a story, Allen."
He chuckled. "Which story will it be, My Queen?"
"Make one up, you've never done that before. I bet you have great stories to tell."
"Alright, let's see. Once upon a time, there lived a young ruler. A Queen, actually." He started at random, waiting for her confirmation.
She smirked.
Allen continued, his voice changing to the tone that he always saved to tell stories. "She lived a life of wealth, surrounded by a magnificent castle and the riches of a greedy man's dreams. The Queen was very pleased with her poccessions, as she ruled her Kingdom. However, she ruled it alone.
Because of the loneliness that greeted her with each turn, the Queen decided that she needed someone to serve her. More personally than just a citizen. Maybe a butler. Maybe a servant. So then one day, he comes."
"And then what happens?" Riliane asks. Although she knew perfectly well what occurs next.
"I'm glad you asked. Well, you see, the servant who comes wasn't just any average citizen. In fact, he was sent there by a company called Chrome. One that he would come to despise in the near future."
Riliane raised an eyebrow. She remember how the application form had that strange name printed, on the lines that would've told her about his life.
"He didn't know that, at the time. But what he did know was that the Queen was a fan of fine delicacies, so she hired him when he stated he could cook. And he was happy when he got the job. Because that way, he would get to spend more time with her. That way, he would understand why she felt so familiar to him."
"The Queen was annoyed at the servant's impish nature, but the two bonded nonetheless. She had many political problems, some even dealing with romance, but the servant always tried to help. And with that, he began to see her change. Right before his very eyes."
Allen took a break, pulling her even closer to him. Riliane couldn't see his face, but she had no doubt that he was smiling.
"All she needed was love. She was a powerful Queen, but still a mere girl on the inside. There was no denying that she was put on a throne at a young age, forcing her into the harsh world of politics, war, and struggle. And she did it confused, and alone."
Riliane froze at the description, realizing how true it was. How much he understood the Queen, how he sympathized with her blurred judgement, and inner turmoil of ruling a Kingdom at the tender age of eleven. Something inside her melted, threatening to spill over as tears.
The chirping of crickets could be heard as he continued. Her eyes drooped, threatening to close. "Months passed. The Queen went along with the servant's pranks, something no one has ever done. She showed him the beauty of friendship and love. Because the servant, in a past life, knew what love was. And hopelessly, he began to fall in love with her."
Riliane gasped, sitting up to stare at him. She blushed upon realizing it was only a story, but searched his eyes for the truth.
What if...he felt the same way as her? Her heart started pounding in her ears, as she strained to listen to the rest of his story.
"But he knew he was not supposed to. He had loved her from the start, but had denied it. It was hopeless, he had thought. She is a Queen, and I am a servant. It's forbidden.
But there was another reason."
"What? Tell me please!" Riliane clenched her fists in anticipation, anxious for the reason why he was not supposed to feel anything for her. It can't just be political issues. It can't.
But then, the look in his eyes changed. For the first time, he looked genuinely sad. His face was pained, almost on the verge of tears. She had never seen him like this, and it frightened her.
"W-what the Queen didn't know was that Chrome was an organization that experiments on talented children, and then send them on missions around the world. The servant was one of them. He had killed so many, so quickly, often as sadistically as the Queen herself. But on this mission, the target was her. He didn't want to fall in love with her, because she was supposed to die."
"Stop!" Riliane suddenly cried, pushing him off of the branch. As he hit the grass, she got down and slowly backed away from him. Her world had been tilted to a side, and she can't seem to focus her vision. Her ears refused to believe what she just heard. But his eyes told her otherwise.
"You were sent here to KILL ME?!" Her face paled, as she gaped at him. The shock hit her like a brick. He got up, and she could see that he was crying.
"Yes." He stood broken in the wind, the one she had trusted with her heart. How could he betray her...?
"But you didn't."
"That's because I loved you. I've had so many identities, but in the end I'm just a subject...just a tool. You made me feel like I mattered. You made me feel like someone."
She didn't answer, and let him continue.
"Everything I had ever felt was fake. Emotions were all just tools for me, to manipulate and toy with others. I've pretended to be in love countless of times, but it was all for show. It was all part of a plan, an act. But when I met you...it wasn't. Because you shared it with me."
"I loved you too..." She thought. Her trust teethered on an edge. What if he's saying that so he could kill her?
But then she realized everything he had done for her safety. He had risked his life several times, and done so much so that she would smile. He taught her how important love was, and changed her way of seeing the world. He did all that, even with the guilt of having to kill her.
"I'm so sorry I had to tell you this, Riliane. Believe me, I wished it were different. You don't have to kill me. Chrome would, anyways."
Riliane didn't kill him, or even ran away to alert Leonhart. The Queen threw her blanket aside, and embraced him.
"You are my servant, the one that had sworn life-long loyalty to me. And did you keep your promise? Heck yes. You never harmed me, and instead did the opposite. In the end, you don't deserve to die. Especially in refusing to kill me."
He was startled at her forgiveness, but as each of her words made their way into him, he realized how much she accepted him. How much she needed him.
"Riliane, I-"
She beat him to it, though. Swiftly, almost gracefully even, Riliane kissed him. It was quick, more like a nervous venture than an act of romance. But as soon as she pulled away, she could see that he was smiling, slightly red in the face. Her heart was pounding like heavy rain, as she was struck by vertigo.
"Did I...really just do that?"
As she stumbled from dizzyness, though, he caught her helped her to the ground. Then when her vision steadied, he leaned over and kissed her back, slightly harder. Slightly longer too, and maybe with a bit more emotion. Her servant's arms encircled her protectively, like it always had, except it had more of a meaning to it. Her fingers found his hair, digging into it to deepen the kiss.
She didn't know whether it was weird or awesome. Let's just say it was a mixture of both.
"You didn't let me finish..." Allen said as they lay next to each other in the grass, watching the glimmering leaves sway in the dying light. "I love you."
"So do I, lowly servant."
They laughed in unison, something that still remained within them. The ability to break out in unified laughter whenever things get awkward.
But from this day on, it wasn't awkward. It was just something they shared. Something that kept them mutually tied, an unamed string that connected their evil little brains together.
Except now, that particular string had a name.
Somewhere, in a beautiful blue palace, a lone prince sits and ponders his actions next to a candlelight. Not just because pondering was one of his favourite things to do, but it was because of certain events that led him to question himself.
"A year...it's been a year."
And Allen was still alive. Frolicking around a yellow castle, with a yellow Queen...what used to be his queen, Kyle thought bitterly.
And what was he doing? Sitting around and sulking, cramming his head with knowledge that numbed his brain, or counting the hours that had passed, since the day Allen arrived into his life. It was the last straw.
Was it envy? Was he really just jealous of Allen, which was why he hated him in such an exaggerated manner? Maybe somewhere in his heart he still longed to marry Riliane, although he knew it wouldn't happen.
He lost one of his most loyal maids that year. A fair green-haired lady, so sweet and modest. And such a voice, too! There was a reason he loved having her around. Her songs puts him to ease, something only his mother did. And stopped doing.
"I'm sorry, Michaela." He thought remorsefully. Sure, she completely foiled his plan with Allen...and failed to do her part in the murder, but the sight of her leaving the palace in tears tugged his heart.
In this story, Kyle didn't want to play the bad guy. Because that was the Xathine's job, right?
Right?
"My life...everything's changed. I realize now...that there are people who wouldn't hesitate to make a fool out of me."
In every Kingdom, there is a quality that is shunned and looked down upon in each society. For the Xanthines, it was mercy. The Verdigris detested those who lacked creativity and spirit. And cowardice can get you banished if you were Crimson.
And according to the Azures, that particular trait was idiocy. Foolishness was the lowest point for anyone that lived in the Kingdom of Blue. Especially if the person was their future ruler.
Prince Kyle cannot be foolish. If Allen makes him look foolish again, the Prince would be disowned. Dishonoured...
Kyle knew what happened to the royalty that strayed to far from the line of logic. And he knew when he steps up to take his place on the throne, Allen must be gone.
"Dead is more like it."
His lithe shadow watched him through imaginary eyes. Kyle blew out the candle, the wisps of smoke reminding him of just how clouded his life was.
a/n: Yeah. And so the real (political) conflict begins...
Please r&r :) It never ceases to make my day XD
Thanks for your support, as always~