– Prior –
The next morning, Prior and Talina were sitting in Evlina's room.
Evlina and Talina had been talking about the previous day's meeting.
"Do you think we're being too reserved?" Evlina asked uncertainly.
"No," Talina objected. "Actually, Earth is the one that wants something. We hold the cards, and they have to play by our rules."
"I think we'll have to wait for Terland and Ostrand to arrive before making any final decisions anyway," Prior added.
"Good point. Still, everything feels a bit aimless to me right now. I'll consult my father later. Maybe I can make a promise that's tied to certain conditions. If things don't go well with Terland or Ostrand, we won't be bound either."
Talina and Prior nodded. That sounded reasonable.
Princess Evlina sighed. "He was so different yesterday. Almost a little distant. More than usual. I wonder if I somehow offended him…"
Distant? Prior thought. She would actually welcome that.
"Maybe because of the strawberries?" Evlina continued.
"Strawberries?" Prior asked in surprise.
"He wanted to give me strawberries the day before yesterday and had forgotten that I don't like them. But I didn't want to accept them out of politeness. Especially since I had just told him the day before."
Strawberries really seem to be his thing, Prior thought. She could understand that.
"He didn't even want to plan the next outing with me," Evlina added.
"Princess, don't worry too much. He looked tired too and has a lot to do. He's probably hardly getting to anything at the moment and also has to prepare for the arrival of the representatives from the other realms," Talina reassured her.
Prior let out a quiet, dry laugh. "Well, he still has time for sports."
Two pairs of eyes looked at her in surprise.
"How do you know that?" Evlina asked.
Prior felt slightly nervous but only shrugged. "I happened to see him in the garden yesterday when I was bringing something to Oren. I think they were playing badminton or something."
"Why did you go to the garden to see Oren?" Evlina asked.
It sounded almost accusatory.
"His aunt Yin asked me to bring him something," Prior explained.
"Aunt Yin? How do you know her?"
"She works with me in Lab 1."
"Ah. Our Prior. Making friends with Prince Kashion's servant. And how was it at the banquet? His sister?" Evlina continued.
Prior nodded. "Yes, that just happened naturally." Somehow she felt embarrassed. It made it seem like she had done it all intentionally.
But Evlina smiled, and the smile grew wider. "I have an idea!"
She looked at Talina and Prior almost mischievously.
"Prior, you can use your friendships to find out what Prince Kashion likes. Ask Oren, meet Princess Kassia, and try to figure it out. These contacts are far better than anything publicly available."
Oh no. That was not Prior's style at all. And she didn't want to exploit her contacts. But of course, she couldn't contradict the princess.
"But I can't just easily get in touch with Oren," she objected.
Evlina thought for a moment. "But you're in the lab today. You can ask his aunt. I'm sure you'll find a way." She winked at her.
"I want information as soon as possible," she added.
Prior nodded. "Yes, Your Highness."
She had no idea how she was supposed to manage this. And honestly, she didn't feel like starting conversations about Prince Kashion with others. She was trying to keep her distance from him—and yet he kept finding his way back into her life.
"And one more thing," Evlina began, now serious. "I know you both understand this and that I can rely on you. But I want to say it explicitly: your behavior reflects on Saturn and indirectly affects the agreement. Right now, we don't want to upset anyone. So if something comes up, try to cooperate."
Prior and Talina nodded. "Yes, Your Highness!" they said almost in unison.
"And Prior. You're doing well. Everyone has their strengths. I'm glad to have you with me and that you can discreetly gather information for me," Evlina said with a smile.
"You may go now. Think of a strategy. I'll prepare with Talina and Professor Keron."
Prior left the room and took a deep breath once outside.
Now she needed a strategy. One for avoiding Prince Kashion—and one for learning more about him.
She could try speaking to Yin in the lab.
She hadn't had any contact with Princess Kassia since the banquet. But she still had her messenger number. Would it be appropriate to just write to her? Well, she had to. For Evlina.
She picked up her messenger and typed:
"Princess Kassia! It was a pleasure meeting you. Would you like to meet for coffee sometime and continue our conversation? I would also be happy to see Yina again."
At least that was all true. She really would like to see them again.
Shortly after, her messenger vibrated.
"Prior! Lovely to hear from you! I'd love to. I'll message you later and let you know when it suits us."
– Kashion –
"Tsk, Kashion, Kashion, Kashion," Oren said as soon as he saw him.
"What?" Kashion asked.
"Have you been 'studying' all night again?"
Kashion laughed and stretched his arms.
"Yes, and I think quite successfully," he grinned. "And it wasn't quite as late this time."
"More sleep would still be good for you," Oren replied.
Kashion laughed. "My father would probably say, 'A good ruler must occasionally sacrifice his sleep.'"
Even Oren couldn't help but laugh.
"I must say, you seem more relaxed," Oren observed.
Kashion smiled again. "I feel that way. I have a strategy, and I'm confident it will work."
"That sounds like good news. Care to share?"
Kashion shook his head. "You wouldn't understand."
"How do I look?" Kashion asked. He was wearing a black suit in the latest fashion.
"Despite the fatigue, you're living up to your reputation," Oren replied.
"Well then, let's go," Kashion said after checking the mirror one last time.
As they left the room, Kashion glanced at the Cheqi board and had an idea. He moved a few pieces and smiled again.
When he looked at Oren, Oren simply rolled his eyes and shook his head.
He didn't need to understand—and probably never would.
– Prior –
Prior was working with Yin again. She kept wondering when would be the right moment to ask about Prince Kashion.
Eventually they took a break and sat down together.
"Thanks again for the Saturn rings, Prior. Oren was absolutely delighted," Yin said.
Prior laughed softly. "I'm glad."
Then she gathered her courage. "Yin, I have a question. I wanted to help Princess Evlina a little. And you and Oren know Prince Kashion well. Can you tell me what he likes and dislikes?"
Yin looked thoughtful. "Hmm. I don't know the prince that well. I know a few anecdotes from his childhood, but I'm not sure that would help the princess. He's an adult now. He knows what he wants and he's ambitious. If he wants something, he gives it his all. How are things going between the two of them?" Yin asked curiously.
The topic had become uncomfortable for Prior. Somehow, she no longer felt excited about the idea of the perfect couple. The thought almost bothered her.
"I can't say much. Only that Evlina likes the prince very much and wants to do her part," she finally answered.
Yin smiled. "That sounds good. It's nice that she wants to invest or take initiative. I can try to find something out through Oren. But Oren is a good friend of Kashion. It's possible he won't reveal much."
"Thank you, Yin. That's already a big help."
At least she had completed part of her task—even if she hadn't learned much.
Suddenly her messenger vibrated. Ah, Kassia—she had almost forgotten.
"Does today at 6 p.m. work for you? There's a small café on the 5th floor of the palace."
There was a café there? She must have missed it on the map.
"I'd be happy to. I'll be there," she replied.
– Kashion –
The meeting proceeded much like the day before. Princess Evlina was accompanied by Talina again—and not Prior. Would she no longer accompany the princess? Surely she would have something to say. He would have liked to hear her opinion, even if it didn't play a major role in the agreement.
At least he didn't have to dine with his parents today.
He had arranged to play badminton with Oren again.
On his way to his room, his gaze fell on the Cheqi board. He let his eyes wander over every single piece.
Everything unchanged—but that was to be expected. Still, he felt a faint hint of disappointment.
He changed into his sports clothes, took his racket, and went into the palace garden.
He just needed patience—and his strategy would work.