"Princess? Princess?"

Reid was waving his hands right on my face and I stepped back. He was evading my personal space once again.

I quickly dismissed him without further notice and left. I returned to my chambers and saw the servants hauling the wooden chest out of the room which contained all my belongings for the next three days.

I'm really leaving again. Maybe at least I should be grateful I could have a breather before another hell descended upon me when I came back. I just need to make sure that I was not picked.

I went towards my dresser and sat down as one of my new maidservants came to me. She fixed my hair into loosed braids on the upper half and brushed the tangles below. She even applied rogue on my lips and cheeks after putting powder on my face. 

I let her be as I quietly stared at my reflection but my thoughts were all immersed in what will happen if I failed. I was not overconfident in myself but I needed to consider that thought since nothing did ever go as planned in my life.

The maidservant pulled up the drawer as my gaze fell on her. The woman looked young, her brown hair tied in a bun as her eyes shone with unexpected brightness that only new naïve servants had. For common people, they deemed it an honor to work for the royalty.

She probably had no clue of the true horrors of working in the palace, basically in the case of Ezriel. I could only conclude she must be a country girl dragged unawares and blinded by the high salary.

I let out a sigh, the burden swiftly weighing me. If I could not keep myself together, another innocent person would die.

The maidservant opened several jewelry boxes until she drew out a golden necklace that wholly matched the yellow dress I was wearing. It was adorned with a round-shaped citrine at the center.

This was my Mother's favorite. I did not even know I had it with me.

The maidservant clasped it on my neck and the longer I stared at it, I remembered the tawny-colored irises of Reid's. His eyes were a shade of brown but it was so light, almost a cross between yellow and orange just like the gemstone in my collar.

After she was done with her task, I ordered her to leave and I proceeded to the basement below.

There were no letters and that made me ponder for a minute. I guessed no one was actually stopping me to be part of the Selection.

I opened the wooden box and took out the portier. It was the only thing I could carry without raising suspicions along with the portal key.

Suddenly, someone was pounding the door and I bolted to my feet. I specifically told the knights I didn't want to be disturbed for a while.

I climbed up and went straight to the door. I rotated the knob and surprise was an understatement on what was in front of me, or better yet, who was in front of me. 

Lian and Yves simply walked past the door, entering as if it was their own room while I was paralyzed with shock.

I took a deep breath before turning towards them who had made their selves comfortable on the couch.

"What are you doing here? No one is allowed, remember?"

"Don't worry. Father is probably busy entertaining the envoys as of now and Xenon helped us distract the knights."

It was Lian who answered as Yves's eyes were focused on my neck.

"You need to marry the King of Deliora, Carline."

After a long time, those were his first words to me.

"I agree with Yves, Carline. This is your only way to break free from this palace. We don't have much time so we were hoping we can have a decent conversation before you go."

I stared dumbfounded at Lian. To think that she would be speaking with some sense.

"Don't look at me like that and sit down. I don't want to talk looking up to you," she complained.

My brows wrinkled but I obeyed and sat beside her. Just what are they up to now?

"I may not control myself when I'm drunk but I remember what is happening. You already knew the truth so there's no use continuing the idiotic act."

Her statement completely floored me. Not once did I think she was acting stupid. I fairly thought she was one every time she let out a dubious remark.

"Here." She grabbed my hand and placed a bracelet on my wrist.

The tear-drop-shaped citrine at the center was like a charm as it dangled on the golden chain.

"Mother told me to give it to you if you ever get married. Mother had a penchant for anything yellow. Each of us was gifted the moment we were born. It--- Hold on." She grabbed my hand once again.

She looked at me wide-eyed and called Yves. "Brother! Come here and touch her!"

Yves switched position, sitting beside me, and did what she said while I was growing confused every second passed.

"You're fine again?" That was the most expressive face I had seen him. Yves' brows scrunched together, mirroring the bewilderment in mine. His whole frigid face had morphed and showed an obvious sign of what he felt.

"What do you mean?" I frowned. They were getting weirder and weirder and their sudden change creeped me out.

I was not used to them behaving this way. There was always a thick hostility between us. The last time we had such an ordinary conversation was only back when Mother was alive but the memories were already buried in my mind that I almost had forgotten to normally talk to them.

"We always felt electrified every time we touched you. Father said it was due to your illness but I don't think that's it. I'm so glad you're fine now," Lian explained.

I went rigid. Several surging emotions rushed into my heart but what stood out was the relief that I felt. They genuinely cared for me.

After I awakened my magic of barriers, I was able to change the barrier that I unconsciously put to myself. This time only those with no ill will toward me could touch my body without feeling pain.

The consolation that the concern they showed was real was enough to appease all the sufferings I had this week. To think there was actually a good thing that came because of my failed break out.

I would have lived still hating them if I did not know about this.

"Anyway, as I was saying. You have to marry the king," Lian continued. "I know that the king is very ugly. I did not know such a horrible-looking person existed. His scars are so disgusting but he is your only ticket out from here."

I bit the amusement since Lian was still rude as ever with her opinion of the king's appearance.

A knock suddenly came and we all froze. I was so caught up that I dropped my guard down, not paying attention to my surroundings. My skills were really weakening these days.

"Your highnesses, you don't have much time left."

We let out a breath simultaneously when we recognized Xenon's familiar voice. We exchanged looks and a smile cracked on my lips. We were like children caught in mischief. Unanticipatedly, Lian's slender arms wrapped me. Another pair followed.

"We're sorry, Carline. We are so sorry we are helpless. We cannot do anything for you," Lian mumbled.

"I wish you the best, little sister. Please be free from all this and live your life the way you wanted."

My eyes glistened and not a second after, the tears immediately fell. Then, it was not just me who was sobbing, Lian was gasping as she shed silent tears. Even Yves was continuously clearing his throat to control his emotion.

I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the situation. They were bidding their farewells and we were showing our true selves hereafter. Our true sentiments that had always been concealed because of the sick play in this palace were now exposed.

However, it was useless to cry and say goodbye. They did not know I had no choice but to return. I could not do what they wanted. I needed to come back as I could not stomach the deaths that would happen because of me.

***

Our eyes were completely red, even Xenon could not veil his astonishment when he saw our appearances.

"I don't think I can send you off with looking like this, Carline. Father will definitely be skeptical," whispered Lian before we left my chamber.

She, then, approached Xenon and crossed her arms. "Don't you dare tell anything about this to Father. I can make your life miserable if I wanted to."

"I don't think that's a proper way to ask for a favor, Lian," I commented.

"I don't care as long as he followed my words." She grabbed my hand and pulled me for a quick embrace again.

"Have a safe journey, sister." She let go of me and left.

"We need to separate ways, too. I'll see you at the gates," said Yves.

I merely inclined and he walked away too. I was alone with Xenon but the foolish grin did not leave my mouth. So far it was funny to hear Yves saying so many words instead of interpreting his face.

"Thank you for helping them, Xenon," I muttered as we headed outside.

"Are you happy, Princess?"

"Of course." I never felt such candid happiness after all these years until now.

A small smile escaped his lips. "Then, I am glad I did it."

***

Father awaited us along with several white-uniformed knights and Yves on his side. He was talking to Reid with his back on me. Reid's mischievous eyes met mine and he bowed right after I reached them.

"You're here," stated Father. "I have already given you my blessing so you may go now. See you soon and have a safe journey to you my precious daughter," stated Father.

All the good mood I had was dispirited. Blessings? Precious? How I wished it was true. He escorted me himself but by all means, Father did not want to let me leave with peace of mind.

"Don't forget my words, darling," he uttered with a smile but his eyes showed his heinous nature right after I took a seat.

He closed the door and I appeased myself when someone rapped the window.

"Ready, Princess?" It was Reid's voice.

"Yes," I replied.

He didn't reply further and issued orders instead, making the carriage move. As the ride went along, nervousness slowly enveloped me for no reason. There was an unease that I could not sweep away.

I decided to check outside and saw two knights on my right side. From their distance, they would not hear me if I talk inside. I raised the hem of my dress and dug out the portier from the bag laced on my leg.

I rubbed my thumb on it as I called Cindra in my mind.

"Carline? You used the portier again. Are you outside? I told you don't do any missions when I don't tell you personally. Just where are you heading?"

"To Deliora. I'm not going there for a mission. I was selected as a bride candidate."

"Pardon?! Why are you just telling me this now?!" Cindra's voice, which was pitched higher due to the portier, raised more levels.

Bride candidates were only revealed during the first night of the banquet so it was no surprise she did not know but at least I expected Night to tell her. This was why I was perplexed there was not a single missive inside the basement.

"Did Night not tell you?"

Wait. I recalled I never mentioned that about him. Never mind. That would not even change things anyway.

"I hadn't made contact with Night for almost a week. Anyway, the mad king really sent you off?'

"Not entirely. I needed to go back in three days."

"How did they even gain approval from that king?"

"The Deliora offered a token of grace. The rest was history."

"No wonder. They always had something in their hand," she noted. "In any case, remember do not to use the portier in public as much as possible, dear."

There was a long pause before Cindra spoke again.

"Tell me honestly, what happened, Ace? What's the real reason you contacted me?"

"Um. Truth is, I'm feeling many things. First, there were my siblings, then of---"

"Did they do something to you again?"

"No, no, no! It's just that---"

"Princess? Are you okay there?" Reid questioned, his voice near the window I was leaning on.

"Yes. I have to ask you not to disturb me for a while. I'm going to rest," I responded.

"Of course, your highness."

After he said that, I peeked in the window's curtain to make sure that Reid was far from the carriage. Then I continued chatting when I was sure he was far from earshot.

"Who was that?"

"My escort. Anyhow, forget my rambling. I just wanted to ask if you had any idea about how I can avoid being chosen."

"Why are you thinking like that, dear? King Freed may be able to help you. He is young and new but he has power."

"I don't want anything to do with the nobles, especially not my future husband. Besides you could not even help me then how can a mere human stranger do?"

It was too late that I realized what I said.

"I did not mean that, Cindra. I truly do appreciate your efforts."

"It's fine, Ace. I understand where you are coming from. Anyway, every Selection of a country is different and Deliora had the most unpredictable trials. You just need to avoid the King's advances and hope he's not dense to your true intentions."

"I certainly don't understand the idea of this event. Are three days truly enough to have a bride?"

"Of course not. These events are just products of the nonsensical minds of the nobles. See how everyone had spurious offsprings because of this custom that does not emphasize a romantic relationship but power instead? It's a pure damnation for the lack of a better word. "

Our talk went on until Cindra excused herself and I was sooner lulled into sleep.

***

"Princess... Princess... Princess!"

I could feel someone shaking me but the sleepiness was overpowering. Weariness did come easily these days.

"Princess, wake up..."

I was really, really sleepy.

"Wake up. Wake up, Carline."

The soft breath on my ear jerked me awake. What the hell?

Reid was in front of me. He was so close, in fact. More importantly, did he just call me intimately?

"What did you say?"

"I said wake up, your highness."

"No, I meant the last word."

"What's this? You're engrossed in every word I say now, Princess?" His lips curled mischievously.

"No, dumbass!" I shot right away.

He laughed and ostensibly tried to drop the topic. This guy inarguably had no care for titles. He had been treating me so comfortably ever since we met. We did not even know each other aside from our names. If I was not curious about his voice, I would have never paid attention to him.

"Princess? Hello?"

I glared at him as he was waving his hands at my face once again.

"Why are you always daydreaming, Princess?"

Seriously. He did address me as 'princess' but the way he talked was nowhere treating me like one.

"Why did you wake me up anyway?"

"Isn't it obvious? We're here now, Princess," he informed and backed up from the carriage door to fully open it as his smile widened with pride. "Welcome to Deliora!"

***

Note: Stupid me published the wrong chapter. To those who read it consider yourself spoiled. Although I'm not sure either if that part will remain as it is or be changed so it didn't really count. Consider it a secret chapter lol