'If I pull back and release too softly the arrow won't soar properly and will fall short. But, if I do it too hard then. . .'

And yet all through this Lelouch's face was calm. Nunnally's face was calm as well.

'I know you can do it Rolo. You're a gentle person, even if you don't know it.'

Rolo aimed at the center of the apple, if he release the arrow too hard, he would strike Lelouch's throat.

'If I use my Geass. . .no. People would notice if my arrow was suddenly in Brother's apple without seeing it fly. But then-'

The young prince noticed his brother's face. Rolo understood his eyes. 'I trust you with my life.'

Rolo held the bow confidently. He pulled back and at just the right length, let go. Lelouch stood perfectly still. The arrow hit the center of the red apple. Lelouch didn't move an inch. The room was bathed in silence.

Lelouch took the apple from his mouth and took a bite. He made a face that looked like he was in thought.

"I guess I prefer golden apples."

The Emperor regained himself and called Rolo's name.

"Yes, your Majesty", Rolo answered.

"Rolo vi Britannia, 13th Prince, for your achievements I bestow upon you 20th in line for the throne. You are dissmissed."

Lelouch and Rolo bowed before going back to Marianne's side. The Emperor glanced at the family. Lelouch and Rolo stood tall and proud. Marianne held her hands in front and had a regal expression.

Nunnally's face looked unsure. Charles was an intimidating man. Nunnally only didn't have any experience with men like him. Lelouch didn't like boys going near her, so she was only close to him, Rolo, and Suzaku.

She couldn't remember what it was like growing up with him. Did he like her? Did she like him? Mary didn't have a husband, so Nunnally didn't have a father figure their either. Lelouch was the closest thing she had, and something told her that fathers don't act that way.

"Presenting her Royal Highness, 11th Princess, Princess Nunnally vi Britannia."

Nunnally stepped forward. She gathered her confidence.

'Lelouch and Rolo did this with no fear. Surely, I can at least try.'

She looked at the Emperor's face. For a split second, she thought she saw a smile. Not something sinister and malevolent, but it seemed warm and loving. Nunnally shook those thoughts from her mind. There was no way he would look at her like that.

"What is it you have for me, Nunnally."

"I've learned and mastered the flute. I picked it up so easily, my instructor suggested I learn other instruments."

"Play me a song then."

Nunnally brought the flute to her lips. Her song started slow, then gained speed. It sounded like a song that you would dance to. Nunnally's song ended and she looked back up at the Emperor.

"A beautiful song. You will make an exceptional bride one day. I bestow upon you 24th in line-"

"No!", a voice yelled.

The crowd parted as Carline made her way to the center aisle. Her face was filled with fury.

"What reason do you have to disagree?", Charles asked.

"24th? She's pushing in front of everyone else!"

"And?"

"And?!"

"If I remember correctly, you have a high position right now. So you're problem is?"

"I don't think she should get such special treatment. Before, she was 87th in line!"

"Silence! I have made my decision. Nunnally vi Britannia shall be 24th in line. And you Carline le Britannia, you shall be dropped to 38th in line."

"But-"

"Carline!",

A woman broke from the crowd, who was presumably Carline's mother. She gave her daughter a cold stare.

"My deepest apologies, Your Majesty."

"The vi Britannia children have been put in their place. You are all dissmissed."

Nunnally looked at Carline with sympathy.

"I-"

"Don't talk to her. You filthy commoner trash", Carline's mother said.

Nunnally didn't know why this had hurt her, but her eyes started to water. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Lelouch smiling kindly at her. Marianne approached the empress who had insulted her daughter.

"I wouldn't talk to Nunnally like that if I were you."

"You're threatening me?"

Rolo stepped forward. His indifferent face cracked into an innocent smile.

"I may be an expert archer, but sometimes. . .the wind shifts."

Carline focused her glare of contempt to Nunnally.

- - -

"Golden apple?"

"What?"

Lelouch and Suzaku were in a small room. Lelouch came in here to think about an upcoming event.

"You said you preferred golden apples. I just thought that was strange."

"Hmm, I guess I just thought it was fitting. I have something planned tomorrow", Lelouch said.

"What is it?"

"I'll explain when Rolo and Nunnally return."

"Where did they go?", Suzaku asked.

"I asked but they wouldn't tell me."

"You don't think they're getting into trouble, do you?"

"I wouldn't let them go if I did."

"I hate to say it Lelouch, but sometimes they outsmart you."

"What did you say?"

"Suzaku!", an outside voice called.

"Have you even left Euphie's side since you came here?", Lelouch asked.

"I'm talking to you now, aren't I?"

"Suzaku?", Euphie came in. "Oh! I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

"No, you two go ahead and do whatever it is that you do", Lelouch said.

Suzaku and Euphie left Lelouch to finish the fine details of his plan.

'I always did like to make things. . .theatrical.'

- - -

"Nunnally, why are we doing this?", Rolo asked as they went to a part of the palace that they hadn't seen before.

"I want to find this out. I can't stand having Carline hate me without knowing why."

Nunnally opened a door and walked in. Rolo followed her. The room was dark and the curtains were drawn shut. The door shut behind them, leaving them in pitch black darkness.

"Rolo, did you close the door?", Nunnally asked.

"N-no."

Nunnally felt someone grab her wrist.

"I'll never let you live", someone whispered in her ear.