I wake begrudgingly in the early morning hours after a night of fitful sleep. I was kept awake nearly all night – both by the excitement of Asteria's return and the heartache of it as well. I toss and turn in bed, attempting to will myself back to sleep, but as my body continues to stir, I accept defeat and rise for the day.

The sun is just beginning to cast shades of morning light into the cottage as I rise. I exit my bedroom, noticing Asteria's shut door across from mine. I suppose it only makes sense that she is still asleep. She and Alba must be tired from their journey. The guard standing at the end of the hallway nearly sends me into a fit until I remember he is there to keep watch on Arabelle. We make eye contact, and I give him a polite wave of acknowledgment before heading into the kitchen. Vasa is already awake and seated at the table, sipping on a cup of hot tea.

"Good morning," I say quietly.

"Good morning," he replies. "You're up rather early."

"Ah, well...hard to sleep with all this excitement in the house," I admit.

Vasa nods. He clears his throat, then lowers his voice. "About that..."

I join him at the table, curious as to what he has to say.

"I think we should flee," Vasa says.

I stiffen. "What? What do you mean?" I ask. I am shocked by the mere suggestion. Though I am sure he and Kesuk must have been taken aback by Asteria's sudden appearance, I would have thought they'd seen the benefits of her potentially joining us as an ally.

"I slept on it, and I think Kesuk would agree. It is too risky here, and we cannot trust the princess," Vasa urges. "If we leave now before the princess wakes, we can make it to Kilkwood, if not farther."

"No," I say automatically. "This is a foolish idea. I trust the princess. She will not turn us in."

Vasa's face twists into frustration. "She's born from colonizers, Fetia. No, you cannot trust her. Even if she does not intentionally turn you over, it will happen eventually if we continue to affiliate ourselves with her."

I huff at his words, knowing there is truth hidden within them. However, I am not willing to give up Asteria so quickly after she returned to me. I wring my fingers together and let a long sigh leave my body.

"Please, can you two give her a chance? Let's see what she has to say today. I know it is unfair to ask you and Kesuk to be patient, but I am hopeful she may be valuable to us," I urge.

Displeasure shines across Vasa's face at my response. He grumbles and continues sipping his morning tea.

"I appreciate that you and Kesuk are looking out for me. Truly, I am," I say. I sigh and lower my voice. "Listen, if it would make you more comfortable, you are welcome to walk away now. I have said before that I do not want you or Kesuk risking your lives for me."

"Leave you behind with her? No," Vasa says. "Kesuk and I promised to support you. We'd be poor allies and friends to leave now. I am just weary. This is a big risk associating ourselves with the princess. And...I do not like the royals. Being in the princess's presence makes me nervous."

"She is not all that bad..." I murmur.

At that moment, the floorboards creak. I look up, finding Asteria entering the kitchen. She is dressed in the purple silk nightgown that I have seen her wear on multiple occasions, with a warm brown coat draped over her. Her hair is wavier than normal. She must have taken her braids out after sleeping in them.

"G-good morning!" I stutter, hoping she has not overheard our conversation.

"Good morning," Asteria replies. Her warm smile confirms she hasn't.

"I was just about to make breakfast. Would you like me to make you something?" I ask.

"Hey, where was my offer?" Vasa asks.

"Oh, quiet," I say. "You had plenty of time to make something yourself."

"You are not my maid anymore. But I'd be happy to help you cook," Asteria offers. Her gaze looks towards Vasa. "And we can make something for you, too."

"Fine," Vasa grumbles.

I turn my gaze back to Asteria. "Sure. I'd be happy to have your help," I say.

I rummage through the food we have stored in the pantry. I count the number of eggs, deciding omelets will work. However, I begin to realize that with the extra mouths, we will run out of food soon. I decide not to bring up our dwindling resources just yet. Asteria and her guards may not stay after all, and if they leave, they may take Arabelle with them.

"Are you happy with omelets?" I ask Asteria.

She nods, and we prep breakfast in silence over the next few minutes. Asteria whisks the eggs together, while I fry them on the stove. A memory returns then of the evening we spent together in Okchester. I had hoped, one day, that we might be like this again, cooking together quietly and savoring each other's presence without the need to use words. Even with the distance I have tried to create between myself and the princess, there is nothing I can do to cease the happiness swelling up inside me. I steal a glance at her every now and then, wondering how she can still look as beautiful as the day we parted. I long to touch her golden hair and gaze into her blue eyes, but the sound of Vasa clearing his throat at the table reminds me that I am not alone and that I have other priorities.

The others rise for the day by the time we finish cooking breakfast, and we share our first meal together since the evening before, we all ate separately with our respective parties. I look forward to having a larger conversation, but an awkward silence quickly invades the room.

Kesuk and Vasa sit the farthest away from the princess and eat quietly, diverting their eyes away from Asteria and her entourage. Their discomfort is evident from afar. I am sure they are feeling the same hatred for the princess and her affiliates that I experienced in my first days in Esterpool.

Arabelle sulks in her corner seat and barely touches her food. Her eyes gaze around the room, no doubt looking for a possible escape route, but with Asteria's two soldiers stationed beside her, I am doubtful she will be successful.

I sit across from Alba, who does little to hide the occasional glare she throws my way. We make eye contact a few times, and each time, I feel her burning stare. Though she has no authority over me anymore, I still fear her scorn.

Even Asteria, who was in a pleasant mood earlier this morning, eats in silence, too. I hate making eye contact with her the most, as my heart always manages to leap in its chest. Her smiles are weak, and her eyes still reflect pain from what I said to her the day before, but I can tell from just a simple glance that there is still care beneath her gaze as well.

As we finish our meals, I cannot take the silence any longer. I clear my throat and rise.

"I can collect plates if everyone is finished," I say. I grab Vasa and Kesuk's first. Then, Alba stands.

"I will help you," she offers.

"That is not—"

"I am well trained to do so," Alba states. I have known Alba well enough by now to know that her word is final.

"Then, thank you for the help," I say.

"Alba, will you ready me for the day after you are done cleaning?" Asteria asks.

"Certainly," Alba replies.

Jealousy brews within me. Just the thought of someone else running a brush through Asteria's hair nearly drives me mad with envy. Was this what Alba felt when I stole her position from her?

The guards return Arabelle to their room, and Vasa and Kesuk exit the cottage to go bathe in the lake. I try to silently plead them to stay, but they seem more than happy leaving the uncomfortable atmosphere of the cottage behind. I turn my gaze to sink where Alba has already begun getting the washing underway. I wish Arabelle could have been assisting me instead. Though we also lack a friendly relationship, at least we have far more experience performing chores together.

I join Alba by the sink and grab a wet plate from her to dry. For a few minutes, we maintain silence, and I think optimistically that our conversation will be as nonexistent as breakfast's. Then, I hear Alba sharply inhale.

"I never thought I would see you again," Alba says. Her words do not convey relief and excitement like Asteria's. Her tone is rude and biting, much like what I expected to hear from the princess when we reunited.

"Nor did I," I admit. "I am surprised you're accompanying Asteria."

"Why? My loyalty is to her. I go where she goes," Alba says.

"Right," I murmur. I set another dish down and gather the courage to continue our conversation. "I suppose I should reintroduce myself. My real name is Fetia."

"Oh, I am well aware of your true identity by now," Alba snaps.

I wince at her words. "I know. I am sorry for deceiving you, as well as for taking your position away from you. I never intended to usurp you."

Alba sighs. "I would be more mad if I were not reinstated as the princess's head maid. I do not think the princess will make that mistake of entrusting such an important role to someone else again."

"Oh. Good, then," I say. I wipe a few more dishes and feel the guilt continue to stir inside me. I speak up once more. "About Zofia..." Alba stiffens at the mention of the former maid's name. I force myself to meet her gaze. "I am truly sorry for her death. I never intended for any of the maids to suffer from harm while I was serving in Esterpool. Zofia heard my mother and I talking in the woods that evening. Ultimately, my mother was the one to kill her. I know that does not atone for Zofia's death, and I am sorry. Even if I did not deal the final blow, I was still responsible for the loss of one of Asteria's maids."

Alba says nothing for a few moments and averts her gaze from me. "Those are words better intended for the princess, don't you think? Although a part of me thinks she has already forgiven you entirely." She pauses washing now to stare at me directly. "Know this. I have not forgiven you, and I shall hold Asteria's anger for her until she feels it."

I shrink from her. "I understand."

To my delight, the dishes are almost done being washed. As I wipe up the last one, I feel relief, hoping that there is nothing left for us to discuss. Then, Alba speaks once more.

"I think the crimes you and your family committed are unforgiveable," Alba says. I expect her harsh words to escalate, but then her voice softens. "But I did hear Taika perished. I am angry he deceived me too, and I do not agree with his actions, but he was a close friend of mine when we both served in Esterpool. I am sorry for your loss."

Tears immediately spring into my eyes. I turn and wipe them away before Alba can see how her words have affected me.

"Thank you," I murmur. "I can put the dishes back in the cupboards. You can go ready Asteria."

"Normally, I would ask you call her 'Princess,' but I suppose I am no longer your superior," Alba says. With that, she whisks away, quick enough that the fabric of her uniform sends a cold breeze my way.

After I finish my errands and dress for the day, I return to the living room. Vasa and Kesuk are seated on the couch now, their hair still wet from their baths. Though they continue to look uneasy, I can tell their time away from the cottage has done some good. Their posture is not as stiff, and they are laughing with each other.

"How was washing dishes?" Kesuk asks.

"Don't start," I grumble. "I am sure neither of you would enjoy doing chores with your old superiors either."

"That woman scares me," Vasa says. "I am convinced her gaze alone would turn me to stone."

"Ahem." Someone's throat clears, and we all turn, seeing Alba and Asteria walking into the living room.

"I was speaking of someone else," Vasa squeaks.

Alba only turns her gaze and pays him no mind.

"I would like to speak to all of you, if now is a food time," Asteria says. "I have some questions about your plan thus far, and I would like to hear what your strategy is."

"Oh. Then, please sit," I say. I almost naturally gravitate towards her, but I force myself to sit closer to Vasa and Kesuk. I remind myself that they are the ones who have shown me loyalty, and I should be showing them the same amount in return.

"You told me yesterday you were working on gaining allies?" Asteria asks.

Kesuk and Vasa gaze at me uneasily. I can tell they are not comfortable with telling Asteria the details of our plan, but my glance in return tells them that we cannot guarantee her allegiance if we are not transparent.

"Yes," I say on their behalf. "We have spent the last few months building numbers in Kilneu. Unfortunately, it was no longer safe to remain there, so we've relocated and are planning to set our sights on gaining allies in Flumensia."

"And what will you do when you have acquired the numbers you need?" Asteria asks.

This is when Vasa and Kesuk appear the most nervous. Their bodies shuffle uncomfortably, but I continue on.

"We withdraw our services from Magnuvia. We refuse to harvest magic for them, to be their soldiers, and do whatever we can to slow their magic consumption. Our hope is that the damage we do will force them to speak with us and listen to our demands for independence," I say.

"And how will you protest?" Asteria asks.

"Peacefully, if possible. I have told the others I do not want to bring unnecessary violence into this plan. I don't want to repeat the actions of my mother and sister," I say. The image of the knife sinking into Zofia's chest flashes in my mind once more.

"That will not work," Asteria says without a moment's hesitation.

My heart shatters at her words. Hearing those doubtful sentiments from Kesuk and Vasa was tolerable. Though their words still upset me, I was comforted knowing that they did not know me as well, and thus could not understand the depths of my plan. However, hearing those words leave Asteria's mouth fills me with anger and grief. She knows me better than anyone else in this room, and yet, her doubt reminds me strongly of the response I was used to receiving from my mother.

"But—"

"Do you have weapons?" Asteria asks.

"No," I answer. I recall a previous conversation in Kesuk's cabin, when Vasa brought up the Magnuvians' weaponry and how their love of violence would be no match for our peaceful protests. I hate to hear the princess sharing similar sentiments.

"Our weapons are stronger than ever," Asteria explains.

"P-Princess! Do not tell them that!" Alba tries to interject, but Asteria continues.

"My brother has been using the majority our magic supply to create better weapons. Though his hope is to use them to gain victory when the battle up north resumes in the spring, I am sure he would be more than happy to divert some locally to crush rebellions throughout the empire. Without weapons, you stand no chance, and your allies will die a bloody death," Asteria says.

"But if we have enough numbers and stage simultaneous rebellions—"

"It will still not be enough," Asteria says. "My brother does not have a merciful heart. Even with the small chance that you weaken Magnuvia, do you think he will be so easily swayed? You have met him yourself, Fetia."

"Yes, but I had hoped—"

"Do not underestimate his character. With a simple glance, there are many faults in this plan already," Asteria says. "You cannot rely on numbers alone. Besides, how are you corresponding with your allies?"

Kesuk meekly speaks. "I have sent a few letters since arriving here—"

"Those will easily be intercepted once my brother or soldiers catch on to your plan," Asteria says. "There goes any organization you have, which will surely weaken your plan further."

"So, we use weapons?" I ask. "Stoop as low as your soldiers?" I glare at Asteria now, feeling the same anger that invaded my body the first time I met her.

"Fetia," Vasa warns.

I stand now and glance over at all of them. Suddenly, I am angry with everyone in the room, and my happiness at seeing Asteria again vanishes almost completely.

"I do not want to cause any more deaths," I say.

"We can think of alternatives, Fetia," Kesuk says.

"No. I do not want to be like my mother!" Hot tears of frustration sting my eyes. I suck in a deep breath and turn towards the door. "I need a moment. I am going to get some fresh air."

I slam the front door loud enough that it shakes the walls of the cottage. I march down towards the lake, anger coursing through my veins. I thought at the very least, Asteria would support me, but it seems my plan was doomed from the start. Soon, I will be no better than my mother and sister, and the only difference between our two plans will be that I want to keep Asteria alive.

"Fetia!" I hear Asteria shout in the distance.

I ignore her, but she is persistent, chasing after me as I storm down to the lake.

"Fetia!" she calls again, finally reaching me.

I spin around and face her. "Won't your gown get dirty?" I snarl.

"Fetia, will you please listen to me?" Asteria asks.

I sigh and sink down onto a rock at the lake's edge. I hug my knees to my chest and stare out at the water in front of me, watching it shimmer in the sunlight. Asteria sits down near me, and though I want to snap at her once more and push her away, I cannot deny her presence still brings me comfort.

"Fetia, I am sorry my words came off so bluntly. I was not trying to be rude, but I needed you to understand the severity of the situation," Asteria says.

I glance away from her. "It's fine. Vasa and Kesuk do not believe in me either. I do not know why I expected you to act different."

"Will you quit acting so stubborn for once?!" Asteria exclaims, and now I finally hear anger in her voice, too. I glance at her, my eyes widened in shock. She lowers her voice. "Sorry. I did not sleep at all last night. I was kept awake, thinking of what to do."

"I did not sleep either," I admit.

"I know we are both tired, but would you please find the patience to listen to me for a few moments? I know we are no longer lovers, but as my friend, would you?"

I sigh and nod.

"I have decided to stay here. I want to help you," Asteria says.

My eyes widen. I open my mouth to immediately protest, but Asteria continues before I am given the chance.

"I remember one of our last conversations in Esterpool when you brought up the topic of colonization to me. I knew how deeply it affected you, and it hurt me that I never considered the subject much. Even back then, I brushed you off. I cared only about us, but after being apart from you, I can see clearly now how much pain my country is causing you, as well as Kesuk, ns Vasa, and Arabelle, and everyone else from the colonies. I feel foolish for thinking I could remove myself from politics altogether just because my right to the throne was stripped.

"When I was assisting Stephan, I witnessed how he sent soldiers from your country off to the frontlines, how he destroyed your village, how he cared little for humanity and only about the magic from the countries that he needed to harvest. I think initially, I was content going back to my little estate in Esterpool and holing myself up as I had done for the past several years, but then I thought of you, and I knew that even if our paths were to never cross again, that there was at least one person out there who made me want to use my royal duties for good. So, please allow me to assist you."

"Asteria, please think carefully about this," I say. "If you need more time—"

"No."

"Then, listen to me. I cannot have you doing this because of me," I say. "Your country is going to suffer if we gain independence. Your subjects will dislike the royal family for not keeping order. Is that the life you want?"

"I am afraid I am already mostly disliked," Asteria says. My heart breaks a little at her comment.

"Not by me," I say.

"Thank you," Asteria murmurs. "I want to aid you, Fetia. Because, after all, the only other option is for me to go back to Esterpool, and I do not want to spend the rest of my life rotting away there. You taught me what it was to want to live again. Remember when I told you about the great forests of Magnuvia?"

I nod.

"I want to bring them back. I want to build Magnuvia back to what it once was and have us rely on our own resources for magic. We will be smaller and weaker, but I can only hope that the state of the world will become more peaceful," Asteria says. There is a glimmer of hope in her eyes as she speaks, and I realize then that this decision does span beyond just me.

"There will be much for you to learn about, as well as unlearn," I say.

"I know," Asteria says. "And I am prepared to do so."

I smile at her.

"Since I was unable to sleep last night, I thought much about it, and I think I know a way that your plan can bring success with the least amount of violence possible," Asteria explains.

"And what is that?"

"We stage a coup de taut...and instate me as the ruler of Magnuvia."

I pause. "What? Are you sure that is what you want? You told me yourself you never wanted the crown!"

"But that is the only way forward," Asteria says. "Besides, that throne is rightfully mine. There is cause for me to stage a rebellion."

"Then you are damning yourself to a worse fate than mine," I say. "Your country will suffer, and I am sure your subjects won't be happy with you. Are you sure about this?"

"I, along with my country, will suffer no worse than you and your people have," Asteria says. "It is a sacrifice I am willing to make. Otherwise, we risk creating a culture of violence forever, far longer than a single century. So please, may I become your ally?" She extends her hand towards me.

I glance at her in awe. This is not the same Asteria I left in Esterpool. This is an older, more mature version of herself, and I am afraid I love her even more deeply. Slowly, my hand reaches out and shakes hers firmly.

"Welcome, then," I say. "I look forward to working with you."

"Same here," Asteria says with a warm smile.

I expect us to return, but we remain seated for a little while longer. Asteria's gaze moves towards the lake. Her gaze is focused on an eagle swooping down to the water to catch a fish. However, I am more focused on how the wind tousles her wavy hair, exposing the skin on the back of her neck that I am tempted to lean forward and kiss.

"It sure is beautiful out here," Asteria remarks. I break from my trance and make a sound of agreement. "This is my first time in Flumensia. I suppose even though tragedy had to befall my father, I am glad his death allowed me to have some freedom."

I nod. "I'm glad for freedom, too."

Asteria turns back to look at me. "Fetia, you said you did not want to become your mother. What did that mean?"

I stiffen.

"Forgive me. If that is a topic you do not want to discuss, I understand. However, I always assumed your mother to be dead until the news came that she was partially responsible for the assassination," Asteria says.

"Not partially. Perhaps the king did not die by her hand, but she schemed it all," I say. I hug my knees to my chest harder and stare out into the water. "My mother only wants vengeance, and she will do whatever it takes to achieve it, even if it means using my sister and I as pawns for her schemes. That's why I wanted to take a less violent approach. Even if we have the same desires for our country, I think her plan only begets more violence."

"That is very wise of you," Asteria says softly. "I am sorry if what I said to you earlier stung."

I shake my head. "It's all right. I think your plan is the best way forward. We can still use our allies and perhaps even stage some rebellions, but a central cause of instating you as queen to demolish colonization will be the best chance we have of uniting everyone."

"I agree," Asteria says.

"We should go tell the others," I say, not wanting to linger on the subject of my mother any longer.

Asteria nods. "Will you tell me about your family one day?" she asks. "You have heard an awful lot about mine."

I give her a weak smile in response. "Some day," I say.

We quietly return then to Arabelle's cottage. Asteria summons Arabelle from her room, and we all gather in the living room once more. I seat myself comfortably besides Vasa and Kesuk.

"I am sorry for storming out again," I say.

Both Kesuk and Vasa shake their head.

"We will find a way to make sure this plan is successful," Kesuk says.

"Were you okay being alone with the princess?" Vasa asks. "One of us should have come with you, or at least held her back from pursuing you."

I shake my head. "It is all right. I know you two do not think similarly, but I trust the princess. We spoke for a while, and we discussed an idea that I believe may work."

My voice dies off as the rest of Asteria's party returns. After Arabelle and Alba are seated, Asteria stands in the center of the living room and clears her throat.

"I have made a decision on what I would like to do next," she says. "I have been thinking, and I would like to stage a coup de taut with the intention that when I become queen, I will free the countries under our rule."

Shock spreads across everyone's faces, and silence settles over the room. Once the initial shock factor has worn off, Alba is naturally the first to speak up.

"Princess, have you gone mad?!" Alba asks.

"I am only doing what is right," Asteria responds. "That crown was rightfully mine, and my father took it away from me. Though I am sure he and Stephan would not agree with my wishes, we cannot allow the countries under our empire to continue to suffer. The magic will run out eventually, and we will have to keep waging war in other countries. We need to learn to rely on our own resources and not exploit others. I want to help Fetia and her allies gain their independence, and I think reinstating myself as ruler will be the most successful way."

Vasa and Kesuk glance at me now in surprise, but I can see their eyes lighting up with excitement, too. However, Alba and Arabelle only seem to express anger and concern.

"Asteria, please," Alba says again. "I do not want to see you get hurt—"

Asteria holds her hand out in front of her. "I appreciate your concern, and you have done much for me, Alba, but this is my final decision. If you would not like to associate with me any longer, you may be relieved from your duties as my head maid."

Alba shakes her head. "No, no. Of course I will support you. I worry for your safety, but of course I will be right there beside you."

My heart aches slightly seeing their exchange. I can tell Alba's love for Asteria is equal to what a mother's should be. I suddenly wish Taika were here, even if I cannot say for certain who he would support – me or my mother.

"And what of me?" Arabelle asks annoyingly. "May I go home?"

Asteria shakes her head. "We cannot trust you to keep our whereabouts and plans a secret, so you will be forced to accompany us on our travels. Besides, you may be useful to us yet. I will provide you with parchment and have my guards supervise you as you write a letter to your parents stating that you have begun working as my maid again."

"Princess, how are you trusting her out of all people?" Arabelle exclaims, pointing directly at me. I glare at her in return. "Do you not think she will not slit your throat when you're asleep? Or perhaps my own? She's already murdered one of your maids. I am certain I will be next."

I open my mouth to express I have no intention of harming anyone, but Asteria speaks before I can.

"Continue speaking to Fetia that way and I will almost guarantee you remain our prisoner indefinitely," Asteria snaps. "You need not be my maid, but I expect your cooperation."

Arabelle crosses her arms and huffs.

Asteria turns to us now. "Does my plan seem suitable to you all?"

Vasa and Kesuk immediately nod. I remember Kesuk once hoped Asteria would be our ally, but her decision to lead this rebellion must be far beyond what he ever expected.

"Yes," I answer for them.

"T-thank you, Princess," Vasa stammers.

Kesuk dips his head as well. "Yes. Truly, we stand a much better chance at succeeding this way."

"You need not bow to me or call me 'Princess,'" Asteria says. "Asteria is fine." She turns now to Arabelle again. "Tomorrow, you and one of my guards will go into Kilkwood and purchase more supplies. We will remain here for some time as we strategize our plan," Asteria says. "Any questions for the time being?"

Each of us shake our heads. I find myself in awe at Asteria's ability to control a room.

"In that case, I am going to go take a nap," she says, marching out of the room. As I watch her stride powerfully, I realize the resilient princess I came to love back in Esterpool has only grown stronger.