I end up getting kidnapped by Ulrich and I manage to get some information out of him. However, I also end up becoming the one thing that Sieg has to give up in order to keep his right to the throne. Will I step back or let disaster fall upon DresVan? Contains adaptation of "My Lullaby" from "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride"


"During the TV interview, I made two decisions. I made up my mind about you and I made a declaration of war with Ulrich." Sieg tells me.

Now that I think of it, Sieg's expression on the TV was really fierce.

"Will you come with me?" Sieg asks me.

I want to be able to back Sieg up when he needs me. I don't just want him to protect me or defend my honor.

"I'll go to DresVan with you." I say to Sieg.

After throwing a few things together in my suitcase, I leave the apartment with Prince Sieg. However, the luxury car isn't there.

"Where's the car? Are we going by foot or something?" I ask.

"Part way will be by car, but not the usual limousine." Sieg says, as he then looks towards an ordinary car and where it's parked.

"I brought a car that won't attract attention." Sieg says.

"Nice," I say. "Returning in secret also means the vehicle must be inconspicuous."

"What, is it not up to your standards?" He jokingly says.

"I love it." I say, smiling.

"Right, you're the girl who was gonna turn up at the castle in that indistinct car." Sieg says.

"Talking about our first meeting?" I inquire.

"Pfft…" Sieg says, stifling a laugh.

"Cut it out." I say.

Hans is waiting for us in the driver's seat as we get in the back.

"Hi, Hans." I say with a smile.

"Let's go." Sieg says, taking my hand.

"Okay." Hans replies.

Just as the car starts moving, I hear Hans sniffing and sniveling from up front. Is Hans crying?

"What's the problem, Hans?" I ask.

"I-I'm sorry. I'm just emotional." Hans asked.

"Explanation, please?" I inquire.

"Yes, that you're coming with us… Of course, I always believed you would. But now that you're really here I can't help crying." Hans explains.

I didn't know Hans was this sentimental.

"Prince Sieg, on the other hand, looks unimpressed.

"Butlers aren't supposed to show their emotions openly in front of people." Sieg says.

"I know, but I can't help it…" Hans says, before sniveling again.

"Here's my handkerchief." I say to Hans before handing it over to him.

"Thank you." Hans says, taking my handkerchief and wiping his eyes.

"Just focus on driving." Sieg says.

"I know you said this earlier, but part way will be by car, right?" I ask.

"That's right." Sieg says.


We soon arrive at the train station.

"The rest of the way will be by railroad?" I ask.

"Yeah, it's easier than going by car," Sieg says. "And we won't stand out as much if we're around a lot of people."

"Sieg, I've reserved a carriage for you in first class." Sieg says.

"Thanks…" Sieg replies.

As we're making our way to our carriage…

"Oh! Is that you, Sieg?" Someone asks. We see a man wearing an expensive-looking suit approaching us.

"Crap, he's a DresVanese aristocrat…" Prince Sieg whispers to me.

Talk about rotten luck.

"I've been staying with a relative in Nobel Michel. I'm just on my way back to DresVan, but traveling by sleeper train feels like a vacation in itself." The aristocrat tells us.

"I'm sorry, but I think you've mistaken me for someone else." Sieg says.

"Huh? But your voice is strikingly similar to Prince Sieg's…" The aristocrat says.

NUTS!

"I said you're wrong! Stop buggin' me." Sieg says.

Okay, didn't expect Sieg to say something like that.

Sieg turns his back on the aristocrat and strides away.

"Did I fool him?" Sieg asks.

"I'm not sure…" I say, feeling a little nervous.

"In any case, we probably shouldn't be in first class…" Sieg says.

He's right.

"I'm sorry for not thinking straight… first class was a bad idea," Hans says. "My carriage is in second class. You'll be less easily recognized there."

"I'm having a hard time picturing you traveling in second class, Sieg." I say.

"What about you, Carly…?" Hans asks me.

"I'm going with Sieg in second class; what else?" I say.

"Okay." Hans says with a smile.

Prince Sieg nods with satisfaction.

"Well, of course you would. Let's go." Sieg says to me as I go with him.

We make it to the carriage, but… There's only one bed. I'm stuck in my spot while Sieg clears his throat.

"Ready to take a shower?" Sieg asks me.

"Huh?! Wouldn't that be…" I begin.

"So you don't want to?" Sieg asks me.

"No, I want to, but…" I say, a little flustered.

"What are you getting so flustered about? I'm offering to let you go first." Sieg says.

So that's what he was talking about.

"In that case, you go first." I say.

"What are you talking about?" Sieg asks.

Well, hey, he was talking like he and I were going to shower together… How was I supposed to react?

"Please, you go ahead." I say.

"Okay." Sieg says.

The size of the room is making it so that I can hear the sound of the shower close by. Is being alone with Sieg in this cramped spot going to be okay?

While I'm waiting, I'm a little restless; I try not to panic and lose my cool due to being in the same room as Sieg.

Sieg comes out of the shower and… he's nude.

"Your turn." Sieg says.

I cover my eyes and turn away before saying, "Hey! Sieg, why are you naked like that?!"

"Huh?" Sieg says, and then realizes what I mean. "Oops. Sorry; just a habit."

He goes back into the bathroom and then returns in a dressing gown.

Man… He looks so sexy when he's straight out of the shower like that… My eyes are glued to him as he dries his hair with his towel.

"What?" Sieg asks me.

"Uh, nothing!" I say, before blinking.

Once I'm out of the shower, I see Sieg on the bed, reading a book. The question is: now what?

He raises his eyes from the book while I'm hesitating, because I don't know what to do with myself.

"Uh…" Sieg says.

"Yes?" I ask.

"No… It's nothing," Sieg says to me, blushing. He stands up. "You sleep here."

"What about you?" I ask.

"Right… I'll… I'll just stand here and read my book." Sieg says.

"So you're not going to rest until we reach DresVan?" I ask.

"I suppose so." Sieg says.

"You can't do that." I say.

"Just hush and take my up on my offer." Sieg says.

"Heck no! I'm going to go and ask if they have a spare mattress." I say.

"No, if you do that you'll draw attention to us." Sieg says, grabbing my wrist.

"But…" I say.

Sieg sighs, but gives a small smile.

"It's stupid to keep arguing about this," Sieg says. "It's fine. We'll both sleep in the bed."

Okay, now I'm worried… He climbs into bed and turns to face me.

"Come on." Sieg says.

I merely nod and awkwardly climb into the bed and get beneath the covers. I end up accidentally rushing up against Sieg's arm.

Nuts! My heart's going ballistic.

"Carly…" Sieg says, as I feel him drawing closer. I'm lying rigidly, and staring at the ceiling.

"S-Sieg… Ah… I-I…" I begin.

He gives my cheek a light pinch and then I get confused.

"Don't look like that. I'll sleep over on that side," Sieg says. "It's the most logical option."

The logic portion makes me relax a bit.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to try anything. Get some sleep, even though it's only for a short while," Sieg says. "Once we arrive in DresVan, we'll be busy."

Sieg turns his back to me and settles down.

"Night…" I say, turning my back to his, as well.

I can't fall asleep, knowing that his back is slightly touching mine. I can't relax.

Sieg seems to have the same issue.

"Can't sleep?" Sieg asks me.

"Yeah…" I say.

"I thought you were the kind of girl who could fall asleep anywhere." Sieg says to me.

"Normally." I say. But today, it's useless.

"Really?" Sieg says to me.

"Um…" I begin, trying to think of an idea. "Wanna chat for a bit?"

"Chat? About what?" Sieg asks me.

"Okay… What book were you reading a while ago?" I ask.

"A cookbook, from Shaharazal. I borrowed it from Aslan." Sieg says.

"Oh, from Shaharazal?" I ask. "The food there is different from here, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it's interesting how much spice they use in everything," Sieg says to me. "Once I've mastered it, I'll make some for you."

"You really do love cooking, don't you?" I ask.

"Yeah, I do. There's nothing like that feeling of happiness you get from working steadily and following the instructions to create something delicious." Sieg tells me.

"When did you start?" I ask.

"I've been told I made my first rice balls when I was three years old." Sieg tells me.

"Incredible." I say.

"My grandfather, King Joshua, wasn't very good at cooking. I think he felt quiet dissatisfied by that. He asked my grandmother to give their kids and grandkids special training in cooking." Sieg says.

"Special training… Sounds tough." I say.

"Not at all, my grandmother was a great teacher; she taught us that if you cook with love, it will naturally turn out to be delicious." Sieg says.

"She sounds like an amazing woman." I say.

"Yes," Sieg says. "Why did you decide to become a pastry chef?"

"Me? It's an embarrassing reason… I love sweet things, and I love making them, and I thought it'd be nice if I could make some people happy, too." I admit.

"Pfft!" Sieg says, stifling a laugh.

"Hey, are you laughing at me?" I ask.

"Sorry… it was even more simple than I expected." Sieg says.

"Oh, shut it." I say, turning my eyes away.

"Heheh… Just like you." Sieg says.

"Quit making fun of me." I say.

"I'm not making fun," Sieg says. "I mean that frankness is just like you…"

He turns towards me and gently trails a finger down my cheek. My heart begins pounding as his touch brings heat to my skin.

"Do you have any dreams for the future?" Sieg asks me.

"I want to be able to gain as much experience as I can, and earn enough money from my savings to open up my own bakery." I say with passion.

"Really…" Sieg says, quite interested.

"How about you?" I ask.

"I don't really have any," Sieg says, while giving me a sad look. I guess that's given. "I thought it was my destiny to become King and lead my kingdom."

"I guess that makes sense…" I say.

"But… although I always believed that, it seems like I've hit a barrier. I don't know whether or not I'm even fit to be king…" Sieg says.

"Oh, come on," I say. "You'd be amazing! I'm sure it's hard enough being the leader of an entire nation. I can't even imagine it. But you've worked your butt off just to get to that goal. Don't lose hope so easily."

"Carly…" Sieg says, his eyes wide.

"Baking and cooking is the same; prepare properly, follow the instructions, and BOOM, you get something great." I say.

"Haha, you say some funny things…" Sieg says, a smile across his face.

"But that cockroach, Ulrich… What's his game?" I wonder aloud.

"DresVan's changed since he became the King's aide." Sieg says.

"There's a lot of fancy parties and large-scale construction going on, I've heard." I say.

"Yeah, and then he set up that gossip scandal on us…" Sieg says.

"Cut off supplies at my work…" I continue.

"He must have some sort of aim." Sieg states.

"That's probably it…" I say.

"I hope to find out what it is by coming back to DresVan…" Sieg says to me.

"You were able to unearth this much while in Nobel Michel; you're definitely going to find more info when you get home." I say.

"When you say that, I really feel like I can do it." Sieg says.

"Really?" I ask.

"Yeah…" Sieg says. "You're always so optimistic, it really helps me…"

He smiles at me and strokes the back of my head. He then pulls my head towards him, but…

*SCREECH* *CLANG*

"Ack!" I shout.

"Argh?!" Sieg hollers.

The train slams to a halt, and I end up being thrown on top of Sieg. This is embarrassing… I then feel something different; I open my eyes, and then…

"GAAAH!" I scream and then I back off. Snap, my breasts were on his face! "F-Forgive me…"

"It's okay…" Sieg says, as I turn my face away. Sheesh, who put Carolina Reaper chilies on my face?!

"Carly…" Sieg says, but I don't answer.

"Don't worry about it. It's not like its that big a deal." Sieg says.

This only ticks me off, and while I'm about to whip around and give him a piece of my mind… I end up aware of a commotion outside the carriage.

"It's noisy out there." Sieg says.

"What's going on?" I inquire.

We look at each other, then check out the scene at the corridor.

"There's a fire in the last carriage!" "Everyone, hurry and get off the train!"

People are streaming down the corridor to escape, and now I'm worried.

"This is bad…" I say.

"We need to leave, too." Sieg says.

"No joke!" I say.

Holding hands, we make a break for the exit, squashed between people.

"Waaaah! Mommy! Mommy!" I hear a child scream.

I see a little girl, and she's crying in the corner of the hall. I make my way over, but…

"Don't let go of my hand." Sieg says to me.

"There's a child!" I protest, and then he and I both rush over to the girl.

"Let's get off the train together. Your mommy must be waiting outside." I say.

"Okay…" The young girl says.

"Sieg! Help me with her." I ask.

"Okay." Sieg picks the little girl up in his arms.

"You follow behind me." Sieg says.

"Right!" I say.

We make out way for the exit, and once its in sight, I feel a wave of relief. But…

Someone then grabs me, and I'm about to scream, but a hand covers my mouth from behind.


I scream muffled shouts, but then I smell some kind of chemical coming into my nose. The crowd blocks Sieg from my eyes, and then I'm out cold. Everything fades to black.

"Carly!" I hear Sieg shout. I can see him running towards me, looking serious.

"Sieg…" I murmur, and I try to take his hand, but I can't reach it… Somehow, I'm getting further away from him.

"Carly, wait! Don't go!" Sieg shouts to me.

"Sieg!" I holler back.

"Sieg…" I mutter, as I then open my eyes; I find myself lying in a dim room. "Where the…?"

I remember my mouth being covered as I tried to get off the train. Was I kidnapped?!

I stand up and try to turn the doorknob, but it won't move. I see there's a small window and then I look out.

I see a hooded individual from the back, and the other two people, I recognize: the same goons from the bakery!

"So, what's next, boss…?" One of the thugs asked.

I then swear I hear music coming from outside and then I keep my mouth shut as I listen.

"Shush! Shush, my loyal ones… We still have work to do." The hooded individual sings. "Listen up, my servants… Let our goals take wing… When the time comes soon enough, I will become king."

I keep hearing music, and I continue listening.

"My family's in exile, isolated! Left alone with no defense! When I think of what that king did, I get a little tense," The hooded man sings, as he walks around. "But I dream a dream so pretty, that I don't feel so depressed. Cause it soothes my inner kitty, and it helps me get some rest."

He turns to his underlings and sings, "The sound of the King's dying gasp!"

One of the thugs pretends to choke.

"That prince screaming in my grasp!" The hooded man sings. "That little lady's mournful cry… That's my lullaby!"

He gets up higher, and then he sings, "Now the past, others have forgotten, and House Lieben, they can forgive. Trouble is, I know it's petty, but I hate to let them live!"

I hold my breath as I hear this.

"So you'll be the somebody who'd chase the king up a tree!" The second of the thugs sang.

"Oh, things won't get too bloody, and that quite works for me," The hooded individual sings. "The melody of the chanting crowd! A counterpoint of being proud! The moment of the King's death, oh, my! That's my lullaby!"

He gets off of the platform of stone from what I can see, and then he continues with his song.

"Elders are gone, but I am still around… To take back what is ours… I'm going to take revenge! And then send Prince Sieg to Mars!" The hooded man sings.

"That's all fine and good… Uh, don't listen to me…" The first of the thugs sings.

"When the time comes soon enough…" The second of the thugs sings.

"I will be a king!" The hooded man, whose face I can't see, sings.

"The pounding of the commemoration drums! The sound of instruments and their hums!" The hooded man sings.

"The joy of payment!" The first of the thugs sings.

"Testify!" The second thug sings.

"I can hear the cheering!" The hooded man sings.

"Go, boss, what a guy!" The two thugs sing.

"Payback time is nearing, and then our flag will fly! Against a blood-red sky! That's my lullaby!" The hooded man sings as the song finishes up.

That was the straw that broke the camel's back, and then I start pounding on the door.

"Hey! Let me out! Please let me out of here!" I shout.

The door clicks open and then a man shoves me back.

"Ouch…" I say, before relaxing.

"Shut it. Stop making a fuss." The first thug says to me.

I keep my mouth shut, and the hooded man comes into the room, as well.

"Do all ordinary girls make this much of a racket?" He asks me.

"Alright, who are you and did you bring me here?" I demand.

"I was looking forward to seeing the girl Prince Sieg's so crazy about, but you fail to impress." He tells me.

"Oh, quiet! Who cares what you think, sir… or should I say Ulrich?" I say, stating the name that's been giving DresVan so much grief lately.

His mouth twists into a grin and then says, "I'm honored that you know me."

"Okay, you brought me here, now spill it! What's your reason?" I demand.

"Because you're Prince Sieg's weakness… You're gonna stay here for a while. Surely, this can't be much different from your room at home?" Ulrich says to me.

"Oh, shut up," I say. "Don't change the subject; you're the one who arranged that scandal and blackballed the store, didn't you, you verminous, lying, piece of scum! You're not going to get away with discrediting Prince Sieg!"

Ulrich's eyes widen and then he says, "Oh, are you that smitten with the little prince? I intended not to leave any traces. I can't underestimate him."

"Now… What in the name of James Beard are you planning?" I demand of him.

"Hahaha… You've got guts," Ulrich says, as his eyes gleam threateningly. "My plan…? Well, if I were to sum it up: destruction."

I let that word run through my mind.

"Ulrich, should you really be telling her this?" The second thug asks.

"It's fine. She can't escape. Right?" Ulrich says.

"Right." The second thug says.

He doesn't know what I'm capable of…

He chuckles to himself while I stand my ground.

"Well, then Carly. It was fun meeting you. I don't know if we'll meet again, so, farewell." Ulrich says, before leaving, and then the thugs look at me before licking their lips.

This makes my skin crawl.

"Ulrich didn't seem impressed by ya. But you're just my type." The first of the thugs says.

"Mine, too…" The second thug says.

I don't know what they're going to do, but I know that I need to escape.

"Back off! Keep your verminous, filthy hands off me! Or I'm going to make you!" I shout, before smacking the hand away.

"You've got spirit." The second thug says.

"Just calm down and we won't hurt ya." The second thug says.

I'm unsure of what to do, and I'm getting goosebumps, but then I have an idea.

"Alright, fine." I say, before keeping my mouth shut.

"Good girl…" The first thug says.

I catch him unaware and then I rush at him with all of my strength. I tackle him, and his back slams into the floor.

"Don't mess with us, you witch! Stop!" The second thug shouts, but I give him a roundhouse kick into the stomach.

I then dash out the door and slam I shut before rushing up the stairs leading to the surface two at a time; the faster I get out of here, the better.

I'm heavily breathing as I run, and the thugs are right behind me.

"Hey! Stop!" The first thug shouts.

"Someone help!" I scream, at the top of my lungs, but no one is around, and then I notice the men are coming at me from both sides, blocking off my escape route.

Good thing I know martial arts…

"Don't give us a hard time now!" The first thug tells me.

The thugs are holding knives, and now I'm scared. Okay, chef knives are one thing, but this is ridiculous.

"What's the point in doing this?" I ask.

"We'll… we're just in this for tha money. We can't let ya get away." Thug number two tells me.

"We're gonna take our time with you." The first thug says.

"Strugglin's not gonna do you any good, understand?" The second thug tells me.

He presses the knife to my throat, and while I'm scared, I pray and hope for Sieg to help me.

"Carly!" I hear someone shout, and then I look in the direction of where the shout came from.

"Sieg!" I say, with tears of joy in my eyes.

"It's Prince Sieg! What the hell?!" The first of the thugs says.

"Tch… I'm not getting caught. Let's get outta here!" The second thug says.

"You there, stop!" Sieg shouts.

However, the men ran off at full speed. I breathe a sigh of relief.

"Carly! Are you okay?" Sieg shouts to me as he runs towards me. He's out of breath.

"I-I'm fine…" I say, but I'm still a bit shaken.

"Your neck's bleeding…" Sieg says to me.

"Just where they held the knife." I say.

"Did those men hurt you?" Sieg says to me.

"I'm okay. They didn't get to lay a finger on me. I gave them a nice tackle-roundhouse kick combo." I say.

"Thank goodness…" Sieg says to me. He breathes a huge sigh of relief and then he hugs me to him tightly.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that terrifying experience. I was sick with worry when I realized you'd been taken. To lose you after I'd promise to protect you…" Sieg says, and I feel the pain in his voice.

"Sieg…" I say, while my chest goes tight at his pained voice. "You were on my mind the whole time."

I hug him back and he tightens his own arms in response. I feel so safe here. My fear gradually dies down. I wish time would just stop, and we could stay like this forever. I don't want to lose this feeling. I love him so much…

Love… I guess that's what I was feeling; the emotion that had been buried within my for such a long time.

I pull my head away from Sieg's chest as I become a little self-conscious.

"What is it?" Sieg asks, looking at me, worriedly.

"Nothing, I just…" I say, but then I look down; I can't look him in the eye.

"You okay?" He asks me.

"Yes… I've relaxed, now." I say to him.

"Good." Sieg says.

Something then occurs to me, so I speak up.

"How did you find me, anyway?" I ask.

"You have your cell phone on you, right?" Sieg asks me, and I nod. "When I looked for areas with no reception, this place came up."

I was underground at the time.

"Isn't it only cops that are capable of that?" I ask.

"Are you forgetting who I am? This is my kingdom, so I have my ways." Sieg says.

"Right… But isn't pulling those kinds of strings making you stand out?" I inquire.

"Don't worry. I made sure I was anonymous. Hans helped too." Sieg says; he smiles proudly, but then his expression turns serious, and changes the subject.

"Turns out that fire on the train was just a decoy. I'm sure it was arranged by Ulrich in order to kidnap you…" Sieg says.

"Speaking of whom… I met that scumbag." I say.

"What?!" Sieg says, in surprise.

"He came into the room where they had me held captive. Not to mention I heard him in a song number, too. I won't go into the lyrics. He admitted that he was the one responsible for the scandal and the grudge against the store. When I demanded that he tell me what he had planned, he said 'destruction'…" I tell Sieg.

"Destruction…" Sieg repeats, and then he clenches his fists. "Does he mean political destruction…? I made the right decision coming home. I'm going to the castle. Will you come with me?" Sieg asks me.

"Of course I'll come with you; if I stay out here in the open, Ulrich's goons might get me again." I say, and then we make our way to the castle.


Once we're inside, we make a commotion.

"Prince Sieg! Prince Sieg's back!" "Prince Sieg, welcome home!"

The castle is ringing with voices as Prince Sieg and I make an entrance. Some of the staff are greeting us very happily, while others are whispering each other in a huddle.

Some of them aren't happy to have Sieg back, as far as I can tell.

"Seems like Ulrich's men are here, too…" Sieg mutters.

I nod.

"Hans, ask the King if I can meet with him at once. Tell him it's an emergency." Sieg says.

"Understood." Hans tells us.

Sieg pulls me along by the hand.

"Come with me." Sieg says to me.

He brings me into a very elegant office.

"This…" I say, a little surprised.

"My office," Sieg says to me. "A long line of princes have used this room, including my grandfather."

This is a room that really reflects Sieg.

"Mind if I take a seat on the sofa?" I ask Sieg.

"Not at all…" Sieg says.

I take a seat on the couch, and I say, "Wow! It's so soft and comfy. I can feel how high-end and pricey it is."

"Geez, you're easy to please." Sieg says, giving a wry smile.

There's a knock at the door and then Hans comes in.

"Excuse me." Hans begins.

"Will the King see me now?" Sieg asks.

"I pleaded, but he said he can't see you." Hans says.

"What?" Sieg asks. "Did you tell him its urgent?"

"I did. But, he said he can't speak with you since you're supposed to be in Nobel Michel right now." Hans explains.

"That's stupid!" Sieg says.

"Talk about a load of baloney." I say in agreement.

Sieg is gnawing at his lip.

"What the hell! I'll go see him myself!" Sieg says, before storming out the door.

"Sieg! Wait!" Hans shouts.

"Hey, wait for me, Sieg!" I say, as I dash after him.

I follow Sieg into the throne room and then I see the King, with that cockroach Ulrich beside him.

"Ulrich!" Sieg shouts, before trying to rush at Ulrich. However, Hans holds him back. Good thing, too…

"Sieg, calm yourself! You are in the presence of the King!" Hans says, reminding Sieg of his manners.

"Tch…" Sieg says.

"Sieg. Why did you ignore my instructions and come back here?" The King asks.

I decide to keep silent for the time being.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. But there's something I had to tell you." Sieg replies.

"Something so important that you ignore my orders?" The King inquires.

"Yes…" Sieg begins. "It's about that man, Ulrich. That man is trying to lead this kingdom into ruin!"

"What?!" The King asks.

"While I was in Nobel Michel, I caught rumors of political unrest here in DresVan. Ulrich led you into this, didn't he? Ulrich also engineered the scandal about me, then he damaged this girl's store, and even kidnapped her…" Sieg says, before throwing a worried glance at me, and then glaring fiercely at Ulrich. "I won't forgive you for this."

"Ahahahaha." Ulrich laughs, breaking the silence. I shudder in response. "You come back all of a sudden and start spouting this nonsense? Me? Destroy the kingdom? You're quite… funny."

After that, I snap.

"You lying, verminous, evil cockroach!" I shout, raising my voice; I can't hold back while this varmint is spewing trash. "Your highness, please listen to me. I was kidnapped at this man's orders! And I heard with my own ears that he wanted 'destruction'!"

"Oh? What do you think you're talking about, girl?" Ulrich asks me. "That is utter nonsense."

"What's nonsense is the fact that you continue to deny the truth! You cockroach! I'm telling the truth, and you know it!" I shout, getting angrier.

"Sieg… you and this girl…" The King begins.

"This girl…" Sieg says, before putting an arm around my shoulders and pulling me close. "Is the most important person in the world to me!"

"Sieg…" I say, with a blush on my cheeks. I feel his honest words resounding through my ears, and in my heart.

What is Sieg saying?! I see the King's eyes widen at hearing this, and now I'm worried.

"What?! I will not approve of your association with ordinary citizens!" The King says.

"What are you talking about?! Marriage between royalty and ordinary citizens is legally accepted. The previous queen was of ordinary birth, and she was an amazing person." Sieg rebuts.

He's right.

"No means no. Associating with citizens will have a negative impact on this kingdom!" The King says.

What the heck is he saying?! His own mother was an ordinary citizen, wasn't she? How can he say that?

Ulrich gently places a hand on the King's shoulder, and says, "If you'll allow me to speak, Your Highness? I said that Prince Sieg must stay in Nobel Michel. And that he should remain there for the sake of the kingdom."

"Yes. It's exactly as you predicted." The King says.

"What? Predicted?" Sieg says; the word catches my attention, too. "You made sure I didn't receive any information about the commemoration ceremony…"

"This is all for the sake of the nation." The King says.

"Your Highness…" Sieg begins.

"Normally, I would strip you of your title and expel you from the royal family. But I'm giving you a chance," The King says, before glaring at me with bloodshot eyes. "Cut all ties with this girl at once! Swear to me that you will never see her again!"

What?! Now I'm worried. How can he put the blame on me when that cockroach is the one causing all of this trouble?

I look at Prince Sieg, who's biting his lip.

"Ngh…" Sieg mutters. "She's irreplaceable to me… I cannot do that."

"Are you disobeying an order from your King?" The King inquires.

Sieg clenches his fists, and his profile is definitely sad as he gives his own father a grim gaze. This is bad. But I know what I have to do.

"Sieg…" I begin.

I don't want to leave him, and I know the feeling is mutual, but if he were to be expelled from the royal family because of me, I'd never be able to forgive myself.

I turn to Sieg with a smile and then I say, "Sieg. I'm going to be okay. Please stay a member of House Lieben. You've got things to do as a prince. I want you to fulfill those responsibilities. If you were disowned all because of me, I'd never live with myself."

"Carly… But I…" Sieg begins to protest.

"It's going to be fine," I say, then turn back to the King, and bow. "Well… Excuse me."


I decide to back off and break things with Sieg. But when Sieg insists otherwise, I'm caught between a rock and a hard place, and Sieg leaves the castle.