(Two weeks later)

(Xerxes's POV)

It's really a beautiful day today.

Even he had to admit that Sablier was beautiful, with old, classic architectures, vines snaking wildly yet carefully around the streets, and lush green trees reaching for the sky. The sound of birds chirping reached his ears, and the wind lightly caressed his silver hair.

And of course...

Arte was next to him, smiling and humming.

Xerxes discreetly turned to look at her from the corner of his eye, recognizing that melody. It was a piece they'd listened to together, called 'Lacie', and had been their longtime favorite.

"That song..." he spoke up.

Arte smiled, washing her face in a brilliant glow and seemingly lightening up the entire street. "Do you remember it?" she asked.

Xerxes grinned back. Her smile made him smile. "Of course I do." he said. "That's 'Lacie'. Our favorite lullaby, back when we were children."

His maid nodded." It's still my favorite," she admitted.

Mine too. Xerxes confessed mentally, though he didn't say it verbally. Instead he asked, "Why?"

"Well, it's always reminded me of you and the time we spent together," Arte responded. "And over the past ten years, when we were...separated, I would hum that tune to myself when I became lonely. It made me feel like you were right there next to me, Xer."

The first thing the prince started at was her affectionate use of her childhood nickname for him - Xer. She had not called him that since they'd been reunited. The fact that she was using it now made him feel warm inside.

Then the meaning of her words sunk in, and the prince of Pandora felt his cheeks heat up. "That..." he muttered, unsure of what to say, and dropped his gaze to the ground

A laugh next to him shocked him, and he looked up with astonished eyes. Arte was laughing gently at his embarrassed expression. "You're embarrassed, aren't you?" she teased.

Xerxes's eyes widened. "I am not!" he protested.

Arte stuck out her tongue. "Liar."

Xerxes playfully pushed her, and she giggled again. It sounded like the chiming of bells.

Arte...you're really the person I care for most.

(Arte's POV)

This is nostalgic, isn't it? Arte mused, smiling. She and Xerxes had not bantered like this since childhood. It brought back memories of when they had been so carefree. No royal family. No nobles. No commoners. No peasants. No servants or maids.

Just the two of them - Arte and Xerxes.

Before King Oswald and Queen Charlotte had torn that down.

Arte pushed the thought of her friend's parents and the resentment she'd always bore them deep down to the back of her heart. They were already dead. Holding grudges against those who'd already left this world was foolish and pointless. Besides, King Oswald and Queen Charlotte had been rulers that were courageous in war and brilliant in peace. They may have been dead, but they'd made Pandora into the prosperous and powerful country it was today, with the help of the revered Three Heroes.

Mariam Futapie, Head of Maids, a woman of elegance and courage in battle that Arte had long admired and respected. She'd seen Mariam fight, and her speed and precision were almost inhuman, but in such a dignified and graceful way that it almost seemed like a dance.

Miranda Barma, the wandering and mysterious sorceress. Arte had never personally met her, but she'd heard the tales of Miranda's wondrous power of the wind, the sky, water, fire, and the earth. She heard that the mage had summoned a rainstorm to stop a forest from being burned down and had once killed an enemy, another sorceress, by consuming her with roses.

And, of course...

Shelly.

Her mother.

The thought created a lump of sorrow in Arte's throat, but she shoved it down. She had no right to cry. She had no right to be sad. Because she'd killed her mother with her own two hands. She had no right to grieve.

As far as the public knew, Shelly Rainsworth had been brutally slaughtered and gruesomely mutilated beyond recognition. Only the servants and maids who'd cleaned up her body, as well as Arte and Xerxes, knew the truth. Though the servants and maids didn't know the full truth.

Only Arte and Xerxes knew who exactly had killed Shelly.

(Flashback: One day After Shelly's Death)

"Arte."

Arte looked at her prince before quickly averting her eyes to the brioche on his table in a sign of submission. She'd been finding it increasingly difficult to meet Xerxes's eyes since Shelly's death, afraid that he'd see the truth.

"Why are you acting like this?"

The maid looked up, startled by the question. "Your Highness?"

"You heard me. You've been acting strange since Shelly's death. Right now, you're calling me 'Your Highness', even though we're in private. What's happened?"

Arte searched her head for a response. Nothing plausible came to her.

"I..." she murmured.

"You what?" Xerxes demanded sharply. "Tell me what's wrong."

He really wanted to know what was wrong?

Arte gritted her teeth.

Then she'd tell him.

"You wish to know, Your Highness?"

"What do you think?" by the irritated note in his voice, Xerxes was getting impatient. Arte curtsied.

"Your wish is my command, my prince. The reason I've been 'acting strange' is that..."

"That what?"

"I killed Shelly."

For a moment, there was silence.

It was the loudest moment of Arte's life.

Xerxes spoke up, his voice barely a whisper. "You...what...?"

Arte met his eyes, struggling to restrain tears from falling. "I killed Shelly."

Her friend's face was uncomprehending. His eyes were wide, lips slightly parted in his shock. Finally he gathered enough composure to manage one word. "Why...?"

The maid almost laughed.

Why?

"Because she was planning to kill you."

Tension hug in the air, so dense that a knife couldn't have cut it. Arte held her breath. She had absolutely no idea what Xerxes's reaction would be, his head lowering in shock.

"Heh..."

Arte's brows furrowed.

"Haha...hahahaha...!"

No...is he...is he...laughing?

A chuckle burst from the prince's mouth, increasing in volume until it had evolved into full-blown laughter. "You killed Shelly?" he spluttered, barely able to speak between his giggles. "That is the funniest thing...I've ever heard!"

Arte was paralyzed, frozen. He was...she'd killed her mother for his sake, and he was just...

"It serves her right!" Xerxes laughed. "I wish I could've seen her face!"

Her face...

I saw her face. And it was nothing to laugh about!

"She was always infuriating anyway. Good riddance." the prince sneered.

Is he...insane?

(End of Flashback)

Arte shivered. Even on this sunny, bright day, the thought of that experience made her shudder. Xerxes, laughing gleefully at the fact that she'd killed her own mother for his sake. After serving and cleaning up his snack, Arte had, on that day, rushed to her room and sobbed.

She'd cried for Shelly. Her mother, whom she'd murdered with her hands. Whose back she's thrust a dagger into.

She'd cried for herself, though that was selfish. Though she had no right to. But Xerxes had reopened wounds that had barely begun to heal with his cruel, insensitive laughter.

But most of all...

She'd cried at how much Xerxes had changed.

The past Xerxes never would've laughed at that. He would've taken her hand, hugged her, and comforted her.

Arte's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. Even so...

She furtively glanced at her friend, making sure that he didn't notice.

He's still Xerxes. And I'll still protect him. No matter what it takes.

"Wow, look at that" the prince's voice brought Arte out of her thoughts. He was pointing over to a spot in the distance that had an excellent view of the lake and the sun shining its golden rays over it. "I want to look at that. We don't have many lakes in Pandora."

Arte smiled. "You go ahead. I have a few more things to do. I'll meet you after I'm finished."

The prince shrugged. "Suit yourself." he sped up, leaving her behind, the excitement obvious in his eyes. It had been a long time she'd seen that kind of look on her friend, Arte thought as she turned to go her own way.

(Time skip: One hour later)

The innocent look on her friend's face was still stuck in Arte's mind as she approached the spot where the prince had gone, holding the groceries she'd bought.

It's good to see him brighten like that again. He hasn't done that since we were children. Ten years ago. A...long time, isn't it?

Abruptly, Arte felt someone slam into her as she turned a corner. Whoever it was was taller and and more muscular by a rather large factor, which resulted in the maid sprawled one the ground, the groceries she'd purchased for Xerxes scattered about on the floor.

"I'm so sorry. Are you alright?"

Arte looked up, wincing. What met her eyes was an attractive man with untruly yet refined raven black hair, pale skin, and interesting golden eyes. Her own eyes widened as she realized who this man was.

King Gilbert Baskerville of Sablier.

He was the ruler of Sablier at twenty-two years old. A heavy burden to bear, but his parents, like Xerxes's had died when he was young. Unlike Xerxes, though, he was old enough to be crowned king.

"Y-your Majesty." Arte stuttered. She would've curtsied, but it was a bit hard, considering she was on the ground.

The king smiled gently. "No need for that. I apologize for knocking you down." he offered his hand to her. Arte hesitantly took it. It was warm and firm as he pulled her to her feet. As her weight shifted to her own two legs, Arte was about to stoop to pick up the groceries when the king stopped her and picked them up himself, handing them to her.

Arte curtsied. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

He laughed. "It's no problem, Miss...?"

"Arte."

"Miss Arte." King Gilbert bowed courteously, took her hand, and kissed it. Arte gasped, embarrassed.

When I visited the land across the sea

I met that man of blue in the town.

"You don't have to do that, Your Majesty." Arte stated with a smile.

"As you don't have to call me Your Majesty." the king countered, something flashing in his golden orbs.

The maid laughed. "I'm beaten, aren't I?"

King Gilbert nodded with a smile.

"Alright, Your - Gilbert."

"That's better. Can I ask where you are headed, Miss Arte?'

"If I don't call you Your Majesty, you don't have to call me 'Miss Arte'. Just Arte will do."

"Arte." Gilbert said slowly.

"That's it." the maid said teasingly.

Gilbert blushed slightly. "Can I ask where you're headed, Arte?"

Arte hesitated briefly. "I'm on my way to my friend." she said, not mentioning who this 'friend' was. "He should be somewhere around here." She didn't want Xer to see her with Gilbert - knowing her prince, he'd get the wrong idea. But Arte found she enjoyed Gilbert's company. He was kind, gentlemanly, and respectful. She was starting to think she'd made a good friend.

"I like your eyes." Gilbert commented. Arte looked at him in surprise, slightly embarrassed. "Why is that?"

The king smiled. "Blue is my favorite color," he informed her. "And your eyes are the most beautiful blue I've ever seen."

Arte blushed furiously, gaping slightly at Gilbert. He noticed her mortified look and grinned sheepishly. Casually.

Like they were friends.

"I'm sorry." the young man apologized. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I sound like a real pervert, don't I?'

This only increased the maid's embarrassment by tenfold. "No, no!" she denied. He truly hadn't seemed like a pervert at all. It was just that she was just a commoner, and she wasn't used to compliments, especially from royalty. "Not at all," she assured the king. "I'm just...not used to it."

"Not used to compliments? A pretty girl like you?" Gilbert teased, his face making it plain he was jesting. Arte laughed, lightly slapping him on the arm. As they stepped over the plaza, she saw the lake come into view. That was where Xerxes should be waiting for her.

Turning to Gilbert, the maid curtsied again. "It's been a pleasure, Gilbert. I should go now. I hope we can talk again someday."

Gilbert bowed. "As do I, Arte. Goodbye." he reached over to a nearby flower bush and plucked a rose from it, placing it gently in Arte's hair. She smiled. "Thank you." Touching his hand gently, she waved. "I'll see you again, one day."

The king nodded. "I hope that can happen."

With a final smile, Arte turned and headed toward the lake, where Xerxes should be. She didn't notice that Gilbert was watching her go the whole time, his cheeks lightly dusted pink.

To the maid's kind voice and loving smile...

To her vivid blue eyes...

But most of all, to her down-to-earth, caring, fun-loving personality...

He had fallen in love.

Because of my kind voice and smile

He fell in love with me at first sight.

(Xerxes's POV)

He'd been watching them the whole time.

That was Gilbert Baskerille, King of Sablier.

That way that he looked at Arte...

The prince's fists clenched.

And also...what he couldn't stand was...Arte had smiled so many times at him. That brilliant, glowing, angelic smile. The smile she smiled when she was with him, and him alone.

She showed them to that man.

Rage boiled inside him.

She's my maid. Mine. Mine. Mine. I won't let her smile at any other man that way.

Thoughts were pinging back and forth in his head.

Does she love him too?

Did they plan to meet again?

What if she leaves me for him?

No!

That will never happen! Ever! I won't allow it!

"Xer!" Arte called.

The prince looked up to see his friend skipping towards him, a new spring in her step.

A spring that Gilbert had put there.

Hatred crawled up Xerxes's spine. He wanted that man dead.

Arte stopped in front of him, holding some groceries, but Xerxes barely noticed them. She blinked at the enraged look in his eyes. "What's wrong?"

"What were you doing with him?" the prince demanded without preamble.

Her eyes widened. "Who? Gilbert?"

The familiar way - the fond way - she spoke his name made Xerxes grit his teeth. How dare she speak like that about any other man? She'd swore to be loyal to him, Xerxes, and him alone.

"Yes." he spat.

"We were just talking."

"Just talking?" Xerxes snapped. "It looks like you two were bonding!"

"What's wrong with that?" Arte asked, infuriating the prince more.

"What's wrong is that you're my maid!" he retorted sharply. "You can't just talk like that to another man!"

Arte looked shocked and taken aback. "But - " she was cut off as the prince grabbed one of the groceries - a loaf of bread - and hurled it to the ground in a fit of temper. The maid stepped back, eyes wide.

"I want him dead!" Xerxes shouted. "Kill him, do you hear me?"

The girl's mouth fell open in absolute horror. "What...?" she whispered.

"Kill him!" the prince repeated. "Kill him right now!"

Arte shook her head wildly. "No. No, I can't do that."

Xerxes glared at her ferociously. "Have you forgotten your vow to be loyal to me, and me alone?"

"I - "

"If you meant that vow, erase that man from existence!"

Arte stopped. The tension in her body vanished, replaced by resigned acceptance, and she curtsied, her limbs sagging. "Your wish is my command, my prince."

Xerxes looked at her coldly. "Finish your job and come back to my palace. You better see it through. Erase him, do you understand me?"

The maid bowed her head. "Yes, my prince."

"Good." With one last scathing look, Xerxes turned and walked across the town, leaving Arte behind, her eyes locked on the ground, her fists clenched.

(Arte's POV)

Gilbert...

Arte clenched her teeth to reign in the tears that were threatening to burst. Xerxes had...

He had ordered her to kill Gilbert.

How could he ask that of me? After I already killed Mother...

In her hand was clutched the hilt of a dagger, hidden in her sleeve.

The very same dagger she'd used to kill Shelly.

Kill him. Xerxes had said.

No. No, I can't!

Kill him.

When he'd ordered that, his eyes had been so...

So beastly.

Predatory.

And yet...below it...

She'd seen wild desperation.

It hit her.

He was afraid she'd leave him.

Oh, Xer...do you still not know me? I would never, never leave you.

But she knew he would never believe her.

He would never be at rest until Gilbert was erased.

Arte's defenses crumbled, and tears spilled violently out of her eyes, a sob breaking from her throat.

If it will put his mind at rest...

I'll do it.

But if the prince wishes

For that man to disappear

I will grant that wish.

"Arte?"

Arte spun around to the sound of the voice, dread thickening in her body until she felt like she would shatter into a million icy pieces.

It was Gilbert.

"Gil...bert." she managed. It was dark, so he'd be unable to make out the tears on her cheeks.

"I know why you're here."

The maid froze. "You..."

"You're here to kill me."

"No...I - how did you..."

"The name Arte? Everyone knows that you're the personal maid of Prince Xerxes."

I had no idea I was so famous.

"Of course, Prince Xerxes would never sit still while another man fell in love with his personal maid."

Fell in love.

Arte's head snapped up.

"Love...?"

It was lighter than she realized - the night of a full moon. Gilbert's tall from was illuminated under that silver light. He was smiling sadly.

"I love you, Arte."

Don't say that.

"No...please don't...you know I have to..."

"Go ahead."

What? Gilbert...you...

"It's alright." The king lowered his head, leaving himself completely open.

Exposed.

Vulnerable.

Arte took the opportunity.

Turning her heart to cold ice, she pointed the blade of the dagger at her dear friend and charged him.

The dagger pierced his stomach.

"I love you." Gilbert whispered.

That was when the sobs fully hit her.

As Gilbert collapsed, she went down too, wailing.

Gilbert...I'm sorry.

It was all she could say as the life left her friend's body, as his heart failed and his skin grew cold.

It was all she could think.

It was all she could repeat, over and over and over again.

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..."

But why?

My tears won't stop.

(Xerxes's POV)

Arte...where are you? Why aren't you back yet?

It was well past midnight by now.

Kill him.

Xerxes sighed.

He'd been irrational.

Deep down, he knew that Arte would never leave him.

It was only his own selfishness creating delusions in his head.

Suddenly, he hear footsteps outside his room and looked up in relief just as the the door opened.

And his eyes widened.

Arte.

But...

She was drenched in blood.

"Ar...te..." he stuttered.

Her face was emotionless. Set. Like a doll's.

"The deed has been carried out, my prince. King Gilbert Baskerville of Sablier is officially erased."

The news should have made him smile.

He should have been satisfied, knowing that nothing could threaten his relationship with Arte.

But no.

He was not.

He could only stare, horrified and disgusted, at the bloody sight before him.

The bloody sight that was his own making.

Arte noticed the revulsion on his face and looked down at her clothes and hands, seeming to notice the blood for the first time. She smiled at him and laughed airily, delicately, but there was a brittle, glass-like edge to it.

"I'm sorry I scared you."

Darn.

No words.

I must be a demon.

I am a terrible, wretched, evil person, guys. Seriously, I think I need special help.

Poor Gilbert. I'm sorry! P.S. Remember that his fav color is blue (it's probably not how Jun Mochizuki, author of Pandora Hearts, imagines as Gil's favorite color), because that will have minor significance later.

*sobs*

But thank you guys for reading, and I'll see you all again soon!