" So, Genevive is getting better? "

   " The doctors said she was. Her fever has left but she has not woken up yet. "

   " That's great! "

You were excited at the news Jin was telling you. You had asked Jin to check on Genevive while you were working and he came back to tell you the news. Genevive was getting better, slowly and soon she was due to wake up. You were excited that your friend was coming back to you and that you and Jin were going to go out on the town together. You were ready to leave when Jin came and told you the news.

   " She'll be out of there in no time! I'm guessing you're ready to go? "

   " I am. Let's go. "

Jin's hand laced with yours and you two left your room. You shut your door behind you when a butler appeared in your sights.

   " Ms. Y/n Prince Quinn needs to see you. "

   " Now? "

   " Yes, he says it's urgent. "

   " Alright. Jin I'll meet you outside. "

   " I'll come with you. I can just wait in the hall. "

   " If you're sure. "

   " I am let's go. "

You nodded and bowed to the butler. You and Jin walked down the halls to make it to the royal floor. You did not know that Quinn was brought out of his cell yet. You only hoped that he didn't go insane while he was confined. You wanted to ask what happened to him but you also knew that was going to push your luck. 

You made it to the royal floor and as you were passing the king and queen's door you could hear them arguing. Aileen had taken a liking to you and made sure you joined her every afternoon for tea. Aileen was really kind and a good queen. You had helped her learn and study the ways of ruling a kingdom and she now was starting to understand. She was getting smarter and it seemed like the king didn't like that.

You passed the princess's door and all was silent. The princess had come and gone from her room but no one went in. Even in the mornings, she would request for her food to be set on the floor outside the door. No one ever saw the princess. Jin walked to the window and leaned against the wall beside it gesturing for you to go in. 

You knocked on the door and waited for a response. You felt the door open slightly and you walked into the room. The door shut behind you and you could see the room you haven't seen in a while. All of the windows were open letting in the sunlight and revealing papers all over the room. Some had markings on them while others were in balls laying on the ground. 

You looked behind you at the door and was Quinn standing near the door. He walked towards the table in his room and pulled a seat out for you to sit. You took his offer and started walking towards the seat. While you walked towards him you took in his new appearance. It was different.

Usually, he would wear black but this time he was wearing both of his father's and mother's colors. The gold and red laced perfectly together. He was skinnier than before and his ice-cold eyes were vibrant. They were even colder than before and his black hair was longer. Jin's was long but he got it cut short, but Quinn's hair was still touching his midback.

It was tied in a ponytail and brought to his shoulder. The ponytail would lay on his chest. You found that the colors of red and gold did not match him, but you knew that was because you were so used to seeing him in black. Quinn sat down across from you and poured a cup of tea. Het set the teacup in front of you and added some tea to his own cup.

   " Hello, Y/n. "

   " Good evening Prince Quinn. "

   " Quinn is fine. "

   " But sir. it's not right for a maid to-"

   " That's an order. Refer to me as Quinn from now on when we are alone. "

   " Alright. Hi, Quinn. "

   " How have things been without me here? "

   " Do you want my honesty? "

   " I do not like hearing lies, this you know. "

   " It's been frightening. "

   " Frightening? For what reasons? "

   " Your father, the king. He has been very harsh with the maids and butlers, more than usual. We have lost a lot of maids and butlers because of his anger. "

   " Has he hurt you in any way? "

   " Yes, there have been times he's slapped me and gripped me to bruises. "

   " Where has he slapped you? "

   " On my cheeks. It left a red spot under my eye for a day or two. "

Though, the table was small Quinn was still able to reach his hand over and caress your cheek. His hand was soft as it held your cheek and his thumb ran under your eye. Quinn smiled a small smile seeing your surprised figure. His eyes were not ice-cold anymore, but warm. 

   " I'm sorry. I wish he didn't hurt someone as precious as you my lady. I should have been there to protect you. "

   " It's alright. Please don't blame yourself. It happened a long time ago and I am healed up now. "

   " Still he shouldn't have touched you with those filthy hands of his. "

   " I appreciate your concern. If I may, I would like to be dismissed. I have an activity this afternoon. "

   " I see, what have you planned? "

   " I am going on a date. "

   " Really? Congratulations, he is a lucky man or woman. Who might your courter be? "

   " He's an assassin for your father. "

   " An assassin and a maid. What an odd pair you two would make. I wouldn't be so sure of him if I were you. "

   " And why is that? "

   " He is an assassin. they are meant to get close to people and then betray them in the end. That's what they do for my father. I would be careful around him if I was you. "

   " With all due respect Quinn I don't think you know him. He's actually really kind. He only kills when he needs to and-"

   " Y/n why do you think he is an assassin of my father's army? The assassin must be able to show he is ready to kill whoever the king demands in an instant. No matter who it is. He must have done this before and if he tells you he has not then he is a liar. "

   " ...I must be going. "

   " Think on my words Y/n. There are better people out there for you. "

You stood up from the chair and walked out of the prince's room. Jin was still waiting for you and you two started heading to the stairs to leave the palace. Meanwhile, Quinn was sitting in his room smiling to himself.

   " The seed of doubt has been planted. "