My study was starting to look like the inside of my skull. cluttered, exhausted, and only moments away from catching fire.
Breakfast plates were still on the tray beside my journals. Yes, journals with an s. I had ledgers open, ink smudges on my hands, broken quills. But my beautiful new pen sat on top of a pile of receipts like the only thing making sense.
It wasn't enough to keep me sane though.
I hadn't attended synchrony dinner in two nights, I hadn't seen my siblings. I hadn't seen Theo.
And it's not because I was busy.
Buy because I was fighting for my life against math.
Two weeks ago, this whole 'toilet and bathtub like a civilized person' idea felt simple. Cute, even. Now? My entire wing sounded like it was hosting demons with breathing problems.
Apparently, when you run pipes through old walls, the air makes noises. Loud ones. Aggressively terrifying ones. I'm talking full-body chills at 2 o'clock—in the morning. whispering-through-the-wall energy.
And the workers, they insisted—insisted, that it was normal.
As in ghost noises are something everyone just… accepts.
I haven't slept in my room since day four. I bailed the moment the pipes started growling. I mean I've been kidnapped once, that's enough.
Cael said it was "the winds." As if I couldn't tell that much.
And the plumber… the plumber.
I lost my composure. Completely.
I yelled. At a grown man. And at Cael. And honestly? I'd do it again. 'Not there,' 'No, that's not what I meant,' and 'Are you listening? ' became the official anthem of my wing for the entire first week. I might have traumatized him. That's fine—i don't care.
Eventually—after enough suffering to fill a book—they understood what I wanted. Kind of. The toilet isn't perfect, but it works.
The expenses, though… I think my money is actually crying. Every time I blink, Aurels and Silvers disappear.
I ran my fingers into my hair, holding my head in place—feeling fifteen, stressed, and way too involved in interior design.
The door clicked opened.
Theo enters, trying to balance a tray like precious cargo. Staring at me like I was going to collapse or something.
I didn't even lift my head. I don't think could. Eye contact would've required emotional stability. I didn't have that right now.
He stepped up to the desk, eyes darting over the chaos but not saying a thing about it.
Not out loud at least. «It smells like ink in here,»
He set the tray down slowly, carefully.
"Here, I made you tea," he murmured.
"Aww, thank you."
He nodded, shoulders bunching. "It's the calming kind. Lauren taught me. The flower one. For… um… when you look like you're thinking too much."
"Her words, I'm sure."
I cupped the cup in my hands, breathed in. Subtle floral scent — gentle, almost shy. Like the tea had stage fright.
I took a sip.
My tension dropped an inch. "Humm..this is lovely."
Theo blinked. " it is?"
"Mm-hmm," I said, taking another sip. "It's perfect."
His brows knit. "But… it's not sweet. I didn't add sugar. Or honey. Or anything. Lauren told me that's the only way you can actually taste the flowers, and—"
"I like it this way," I cut in.
"You do?" His voice got small and bright at the same time. "Why?"
"It's soft. Calm. Like… you." I gave him a small smile.
Theo's cheeks went pink as he shuffled in place. "I, ..okay. I thought… you needed something warm… so you feel less… tight."
"Tight?" I arched a brow.
{What kind of tight, and where did he hear that?}
He nodded again, nervous little bob. "Your shoulders are up here." He gestured awkwardly near his ears. "And you look tired. Not bad-tired. Just..." He didn't finish.
My chest released, and then melted. "Come here."
He stepped closer instantly, leaning lightly against my arm.
He whispered into the sleeve of my dress. "I miss you."
Guilt pricked, but warmth did too. I set the tea down and gently ruffled his hair.
"I missed you too," I said. "I've just been really busy."
"With what?"
"Piles of number notes," I nodded... "And they just keep going up" my voice shook a little at the end.
Theo made a confused face. "Then… then I'll stay here, to help."
That's Theo — eleven, soft, loyal, unhelpfully helpful.
"And how will you do that?," I said, cupping my tea. "Just focus on your training...I'll be—"
"I don't need to train anymore, Sir lord Karlot said so!...
{Sir lord Karlot?}
"I'm still not allowed to use my influence in the house," he continued "but I can control it better now!."
"That's wonderful."
Theo straightened, proud in his praise me posture. "Sir Lord Karlot said my control is… um… considerably less catastrophic."
"That's… high praise coming from him." I sipped the tea again just to hide a smile. The floral warmth wrapped around my throat like a soft scarf. "But since why Sir Lord Karlot, he's a commoner."
"And?, He's my teacher." he argued gently, then leaned his chin on the edge of my desk, watching me with those too-honest, too-big eyes. "I should respect him right?."
{But isn't Sir enough.}
He wasn't wrong. I guess.
"Know what?, you're right" I smiled at him.
He nodded. "What did you use to call him?."
"Sir…"
"Sir," he whispered. "Onita..."
"Oh," I hadn't heard it in a while, honestly—i hope he never grows out of it.
«Can I ... »
His eyes drifted across my messing desk.
"Em... I.. I want you to..." he said something, but I couldn't hear it.
I put the teacup down. "Theo, you can—"
The door clicked opened again. Cael walked holding my Mini Casket—the one I kept Father's brooch in.
"It was... glowing,"
{Ah shit, I must've left it by the hearth yesterday.}
"When?" I asked, a little too quickly.
"A few seconds ago." Cael replied—calm as ever.
Theo pecked up. "Daddy!"
I opened the box, brought out the brooch. And just stared at it.
I stared for a good minute—or more. Theo and Cael digging holes in my head with their eyes.
"Aren't you going to call back?, My lady." Cael finally broke the silence.
" Iris..? " Theo leaned in.
Two thoughts were spiraling in my head.
One was: {Shit, I don't know how to activate it. I've only had to answer...}
And two: {Maybe I shouldn't call, if it was important he'd—}
The subtle humm from the brooch interrupted my thoughts. It was glowing.
I quickly ran my thumb over the rock
"Iris?, you there?." Father's voice came in a little startled.
"Yes, I'm here."
"Daddy!." Theo chirped in excited.
Father let out a huff. "Theo, would you give me and your sister a moment."
{What's going on, he sounds rushed}
"Iris, have you heard from Lora," he continued.
"The Dowager?, no" I retorted—worried. I looked up, Cael was already gone.
"What's happen—"
"There was an assassination attempt on the Crown Prince."
{Raymond?.}
A tiny, honest part of me tugged. It hurt.
"Assassination?," I murmured.
"The palace isn't safe for him, so Lora's sending him to you."
The hurt evaporated. Replaced with shock. " What?!"
Theo's eyes went huge. "The Crown Prince?"
.><><><.
As the sun crawled past the main house, and in came noon. I was convinced, Rosie was trying to kill me.
She shoved me into a proper gown—her words, not mine—and the bodice felt like it was testing the structural durability of my ribs. My stomach felt tight. Too tight. Either the dress was shrinking or I was… fat? No. Impossible.
Meanwhile, the entire household lined up in front of the main house like we were receiving a diplomatic envoy.
Theo stood beside me. Mia and Gia kept glancing at the driveway. Carl stood straight, looking as un rested as usual, clutching the Dowager Princess's letter. Cael? He hovered behind me like an elegant shadow.
Then two figures appeared ahead, walking.
Walking?, no guards. No excorts.
As they got closer, they dropped their cloak hoods—
Raymond.
And Ryder.
In commoner clothes.
Raymond walked with the poise and the collected composure of someone who owned the earth.
Fresh off an assassination attempt?
He didn't look it.
Actually, he looked like he was looking at me.
We all bowed or curtseyed. Respectfully.
"Welcome, Your Highness," everyone chorused.
Rosie spent the last Thirty minutes drilling everyone on the protocols demanding we couldn't lift our heads until he acknowledged us.
But my neck, a sharp sprain crept in only three seconds in.
{I really need to get in shape.} "Ow..."
Raymond's boots stopped right in front of me.
"Thank you all for receiving me," he said formally.
Then he bent—actually bent—down to my level and added quiet— just for me,
"Not you."
My eyes snapped up before I could stop them. His gaze hooked mine cleanly, like he'd been waiting for this moment.
And then he asked, voice low, unwavering
"Why haven't you written back?"
My brain froze. Not in shock—but disbelief.
Letters.
That's where he starts off?. Not Are you well?, Thanks for hiding me from assassins.
No. Letters.
I hadn't replied to because… well.
Because I didn't know anything.
He kept asking about frontlines and borders.
Meanwhile I'd been living my best introvert life for the last three years and Father was basically speaking baby-british .
Also—small detail—he was looking too perfectly healthy for someone who should still be shaking from almost dying.
"You managed to read them," he added. "You could have sent a line."
Worst part? He didn't sound angry.
He sounded… faintly hurt. Which was infinitely irritating.
I straightened, corset stabbing. "I've been occupied."
Raymond's brow twitched. Beautiful, he obviously wasn't buying it.
{Seriously?, busy doing what girl?}
"I didn't have information," I admitted, gaze drifting. "I didn't want to write just to tell you I knew nothing."
His icy-eyes softened—just a little, like a single snowflake melting on stone.
"You could have said that," he replied.
The others pretended not to listen but the tension was thick enough to touch.
Raymond glanced at the household behind me, then back at me. "We'll speak inside," he said, this time in a tone for everyone to hear.
Then he leaned in, whispering—gentle, almost apologetic.
"…Please?."
My heart. My heart squeezed, it hurt... I just nodded.
Assassination attempt or not, Raymond still had enough energy left to ruin me.
.><><><.
Raymond insisted on walking, and as house head—even tho it's temporary—I..have to personally escort Mr Prince to his guest suite. Which might I add, was all the more ridiculous!, the annex was far. Really far!, My calves are killing me far.
I'd be walking barefoot if it probably wouldn't cause Rosie to somersault–
"The preparations were made at last minute, so I hope you'll excuse any lapses." Rosie said strolling behind us.
Ryder and Cael walked behind her side-by-side.
"I'm sure it'll be fine, we only clean it every other day." I added with a humble smile.
Raymond scoffed softly, he didn't turn, just laughed.
The path from the main house to the annex was lined with old lanterns and stone tiles Mother had picked them years ago. The air smelled faintly of rosemary. Peaceful. Calm. Exactly how I liked it.
Raymond walked with his hands behind his back, like he was inspecting a kingdom.
"Your estate is quieter than I expected," He said, voice low.
"Oh, it's only evening, wait till dinner and then say that again" I replied.
"Dinner." he echoed.
«Thisgirl...»
"He won't be joining us, my lady" Rosie announced.
{My lady?, that's a first.}
"His Highness must be too tired, he'll have dinner in his chambers," she added, then turned to Raymond "I'm sure.."
«Does she need to be taught etiquette lessons again...» She glimpsed at me, with a warning in her eyes.
"It's fine, I'll join you for dinner of course. I'm a guest, it's the least I could do"
{That makes absolutely no sense at all}
"O..kay?" I managed.
"Would you prefer I don't?" He asked.
"No.." I said, then added quickly "feeding you is the least we could do?"
{See how that makes no sense.}
We finally reached the annex. Warm lights. Clean floors. Polished wood. Near-death heels and all. The architecture looked more palatial than guest-house. Rosie was trying too hard now. He may be Royalty… but he was still just fourteen.
{Why's she trying so hard to impress him?}
The maids of the annex were... Gone. Probably hiding so he doesn't set eyes on any imperfections...
I opened the door to the main guest suite, reluctantly stepping inside. Clean sheets. Soft rugs. Huge. A fireplace slowly flickering to life.
Raymond stepped inside too, took a slow look around, then turned to me.
"This is...fine," he said.
I could almost hear the but under his tone.
"But," he added.
{There it is.}
«Oh no, it's the curtains...I should've expected it. Or the cushions... perhaps the pillows. Doesn't he like the warmth...I suppose it is still spring. But—» Rosie's mind was... buffering.
He walked closer. "It's rather lonely, don't you think?."
"It is?..." I asked...
{Of course it's lonely, haven't you been sleeping like this your whole life?}
"Last time I was here, I came with The Dowager. But now it's..."
«We could have him move in—»
"Absolutely not!!" I yelled out unconsciouslly before Rosie could form the thought... everyone stared at me, I laughed awkwardly. "I..mean, there's no way you'd feel lonely, you have Sir Belmont by your side!." I exclaimed pointing at Ryder.
"He's....my guard, not a friend." Raymond stated simply.
Ryder blinked—visibly stunned..
"Do you even have friends?" I mumbled to myself, turning my head.
"No." Raymond replied. "I was hoping you'd be my first." He smiled—cheerfully, or at least tried.
He heard that, I pressed my nails to my palm unable to think of a comeback. And my heart was pounding for some reason.
"Are you actually asking or...." I reclined.
He exhaled softly. "Hoping."
"Your Highness..." Rosie's voice came in soft, careful. "We could arrange for the guest suite in the main house, if that would suffice"
He turned his gaze to her. "Only if it won't inconvenience the household," he said. "Otherwise, I'd be content here, for the night at least." It was an order regardless of intent. And he knew it.
"Of course not," Rosie retorted immediately "it would be our honor, I'll start with the arrangements immediately." bowed, and hurried off.
"I'll ..er take my leave as well," I instinctively curtsied "Have a lovely evening your Highness." I walked straight through the door. Calm as possible. I was flustered, but why?.
"I'll see you at Dinner" Raymond said after me.
Cael followed me out—silent, elegant, probably judging me.
And just as Iris and her escort stepped out, Ryder's tense guard posture relaxed.
"A guard? Really?" He dragged.
The Prince turned faced the bed, taking off the peasant coat.
"Yes," he said. "What we have it a simple relationship of duty. You have no choice but to be with me"
Ryder shut the door behind.
"I am your only friend and you know it, infact I'm the only other human who can even stand you. Apart from the Dowager that is."
Raymond turned around to him, already shirtless. He had a lean build, showing soft lines of muscle, still young—still growing. Narrow-shouldered, all long limbs and sharp lines. Rigor training had honed his form, defining him beyond his years.
"What are you plotting?," Ryder asked, eyes locked on the Prince "Moving into that place puts her reputation on the line." He added.
But Mr Prince stood straight, he smirked courteously "She doesn't have much of a reputation, and if rumors circulate that she's been considered for future empress..." He paused. His expression a little amused. "I doubt she'd complain, right?"
"Try asking a friend..." Ryder rolled his eyes, walking to the bathroom.
"Where do you think you're going?," Raymond demanded.
"To offer prayers, what do people do in a bathroom?" Ryder replied without even turning back.
"Make it quick."
.><><><.
Somewhere along the way back to the main house, Iris was walking frantically fast. She wasn't looking back. Obviously infuriated.
{She's going to sprain her ankles if she keeps walking like that} Cael thought to himself, following closely behind. {I could just carry her—no... she'd try to kill me again}
"Cael" She snapped, as she shoved off one of her shoes to him ..."Tell Lauren to ready a hot bath for me..."
She hopped on one foot to remove the other shoe. As he bend over to pick the first heel, his eyes narrowed down on her legs, and just as he suspected—their was redness around her ankles...skin rubbed-rough, it must hurt, and she was bouncing on the cold biting stones.
{Crazy..} he thought.
"And give these to her as well." She said sharply, interrupting his thoughts.
"Will do, my lady" He replied in his serene, polite way.
She dropped the shoe on the ground with a thud, turned and marched away barefoot "I'll be in Theo's room"
Cael watched her go—stormy, barefoot, proud, absolutely illogical. But he couldn't help the soft laugh under his breath.
And for reasons he would never admit, he — for once, couldn't explain what he felt then…