His words rang in my head many times that all irritation from earlier vanished in an instant.

"What?" Even I, myself, could discern how dumbfounded I was from my tone.

"It took a lot of courage to say it once, Carline and I don't think I can repeat it. I never thought I will do it like this. Damn it," he cursed under his breath as his eyes darted to the floor.

"Why do you like me? It's not been too long since we met each other, right?"

I was rattled by the sudden confession. I was not that naïve to mistake that it was like similar to what I felt with Night which was close to familial. Besides, Reichen wanted me to be his wife so it was safe to assume it was a romantic one but I could not comprehend why. 

Was it so easy to fall for someone in such a short time?

"We did formally meet last month but we met way before that," he explained as my brows knitted.

"What?"

His gaze fixated on me paired with an empathetic look. "It sounds like you really have no recollection of it."

Goodness. Why did they keep saying I forgot something?

"Are you with Night when he tried to save me from the palace?" I proffered as I had no clue.

My prided memory skills were of no use since Cindra herself said that my magic was weakened at that time and I had similar retention of a regular person who tended to forget as years passed by.

"From the palace? He saved us in the alleyway," he corrected.

"What?"

At this point, I was like an idiot that only knew how to respond 'what'.

"After we awakened and you fainted, Lady Mhilrim and Night arrived and finished those Reapers who were chasing me."

I tried so hard to remember what he meant. An alleyway with someone chasing him...

Alleyway... Man...

That was when a flash came to mind. A little girl hiding in a scrounger's house with a mysterious man. The beginning of my misfortune.

"You were the guy who found me when I was lost." My pitch grew lower as I came up with the answer.

How can that be? With the millions of people existing, I never thought that I would meet that man again. More so, he was different now. Gone with the lanky body and youthful face. He was an adolescent back then but he had matured in roughly six years that I would not associate them together.

"It appears you remember now how a little damsel you were. It was thanks to our chance meeting that I was able to survive this long," he said as his tone became tender dwelling upon the event while I was dreading those.

My mind began reminiscing but I quickly shook my head to keep myself from it and concentrated on the situation at hand.

"How come you did you not say anything?"

"Because nothing of this was in my plan. I intended to meet you when you reached sixteen but I decided to finish my parent's trouble before going to you since the Reapers are dangerous so I thought I should wait for a couple of months which progressed to years. I was---"

"Then why did you have to trick me with your puppets?" I interrupted his mumbling reasoning.

"It's not a trick. I told you about the earring, right? My uncle wanted the crown and he was affiliated with the Cattivos. A civil war erupted in Deliora that resulted in the purge that my mother was infamous for and eventually resulted in the death of First Uncle's whole family. In the end, I don't know who was the true evil between the two when both are willing to execute their flesh and blood..."

He paused, his last sentence almost said to himself. He cleared his throat and imprisoned me in his amethyst gaze. His irises became deeper in shade with the swirling emotions reflecting from them.

"Never mind what I said. The main point was Father insisted on this idea to thwart the Reapers in pursuit of my life and I became accustomed to using them. I did not care since it was still me. I decided to use them as I cannot show my face in Deliora or someone might identify me. There are only several people who know my identity as King Freed. My father, Lady Mhilrim, Elkan, Sullien, Blaze, you, and perhaps Night, too. Though, I'm not sure how he found out since no one was familiar with my appearance even before I became an Amica."

"What about the time at Misty Forest? If you didn't want to meet me, why were you there? Misty Forest surrounds the palace. It's not a mere coincidence you were there, right?" I persisted with my interrogation.

"It was by chance I encountered you at Misty Forest. Night made sure you never come across us during your missions but someone had seen you as Ace and reported you were wearing the signature black mask with a white symbol for Crusaders. The mask can protect you from others, especially in the underworld since our name is quite prominent there and you would not get in trouble unless you encounter Cattivos from Reapers. That night, I came to confirm if it was an imposter and sent a challenge but to my surprise, I realized you were Princess Carline."

"How? I was in wearing my mask and I was not using my voice," I contradicted.

"It's because of the resonance between us."

"Resonance?" I repeated, and the wrinkles on my face grew deeper.

"It is a rare occurrence that happens when two Amicas awaken at the same time in the same place with close proximity. It is possible only when the magic is related which triggers the awakening earlier than expected. It is not an exaggeration to say that without you there I would not have awakened. I may be awakened later on but at the moment, it is the power that I need and your presence helped. That is why, I owe you a lot," he emphasized.

A shadow loomed over me as I processed his words. There was something I wanted to confirm that was bugging me.

"Was it because of you that I awakened?"

He shrugged. "Maybe or perhaps it's the other way around. I certainly have no idea. Only that our magic is connected. That's why I can distinguish you even with disguise because when we're in the same range, there is a surge of power within me which is an effect of the resonance that helps me amplify my magic. I'm sure you felt it somehow?"

I was getting more confused by his statements. "Feel what?"

"So I was indeed wrong..." He nodded his head as if he belatedly grasped something. "No wonder you don't recognize me. It was probably because of the barrier you had. Lady Mhilrim told me that the magic of Verdari was your initial gift while Ace was when you awakened with me maybe that was why I was the only one affected by the effects of resonance since you have a barrier protecting yourself. "

I inclined my head, getting his point as I knew that my barrier could do it but I still have more contemplations.

"How about the Twilight party? My name was written there that was why I was able to come and meet Reid and King Freed and the rest is history."

"As for that, I had no idea until my father told me so the day of the party. It was his 'present' for he knew that you were the one who saved me. But he was also aware of how hard it was to have an audience with you and he took the opportunity during the Twilight Party."

"Still, you don't have to ask me to be a bride candidate." That was my greatest issue for it was the one that spiraled everything down.

"The Selection is a tradition in Deliora. Father was dying of age and he wanted me to get married as soon as possible. You were the only one in my mind so I took advantage of the situation. Not to mention, it was a good occasion for me to get to know you better," he replied dutifully.

"As if you'll know me in just three days," I sneered.

"I might say that was enough as I learned a lot from that. The way you had such a believable act that even I was caught off-guard and how you constantly lie without batting an eyelash. You also walk so fast as if someone is chasing you and you can't dance but your confidence was enough to cover it up. You tend to be lost in your own world when you start frowning. Most of all, I noticed how you simply stay on the sidelines and calmly observe everyone as you always exclude yourself unless you have something to gain. There was---"

"Okay, enough." Awareness crept up to me as I failed to notice his percipient looks before. "Nevertheless, I can't accept your confession."

"I know. I mean I was expecting this since you had no care with the King of Deliora's authority nor the appearance of Reid that it will be difficult to pursue you but I just want to let you know this. You can have all of me since my life is in your hands the moment you came back when I let you go," he declared. His eyes locked with mine, conveying utmost sincerity I rarely found in someone's eyes.

"No. Your life is your own, Reichen or should I call you your majesty or even Reid?"

"Reichen is fine. Also, Elkan was the only one who knows about Reid and now that adds you."

"Good gracious. Why did you even have two puppets in the first place?" I complained. I could understand that thing about King Freed but there was no need for two in my opinion.

"Reid was the first model made but since it was prohibited, it was kept but I requested Elkan for it and change his appearance. I cannot go to Deliora and King Freed cannot roam around the kingdom either, that's why I made Reid."

I was suddenly curious, forgetting all about the confessions and the truths that were laid bare.

"How can you control them? What happens when you're talking now and about them?"

"Like most magic, there was no specific need for complexity. Our magic flows naturally to us. I just give them a task and they become mere dolls copying how I would act unless I directly control them which only happens when I'm with you."

"How will I know if you're the one with it?"

"You don't have to worry, Carline. I know right away if you are near my puppets."

Before I can retort, the body of Sullien appeared right between us.

"Oh. Good thing, both of you are here. The gathering will start--- Why the hell are you naked?"

Tarnation! Due to all the shock and answers I sought, I forgot that I ripped his shirt open as I peeked at his toned chest.

"Bollocks! Did I interrupt something?" Sullien scrutinized as he exchanged looks between us.

"Of course not!" I shrilled in panic.

"My clothes were slashed by the tree bark as I climbed up," Reichen reasoned out.

"Ah, yes. A tree bark that can rip through cotton. I wonder how sharp it was."

I didn't want Sullien to have the wrong idea but it was too late as his grin told me otherwise. There was no way he would let go of this matter with that teasing smile.

"Let's go. We still have a meeting to attend," said Reichen and nudged Sullien as the latter teleported us back to the cottage.

***

I was quick to put on my mask as I witnessed the most peculiar scene so far. Some came in pairs, others in groups while most sauntered individually. I was honestly taken aback by the number of people entering the cottage which was too small to accommodate the large influx of visitors. Anyone would be stunned if they did not know about the underground halls.

Opposite to my reaction was Reichen. He didn't show a slight discomfort with the stolen glances he was given by the people who walked past us. He was not even wearing his mask with his torn shirt. It was my cheeks that were flushed with embarrassment for him.

"Hurry and get dressed," I ordered which he ignored, looking particularly fine with his outfit.

"With all of them lining up, I don't think I can pass through."

"Why don't you let Sullien teleport you to your room?"

"Uh. I haven't been to his room so I can't," Sullien refuted.

"If that's the case you should have worn your mask. Aren't you afraid they will recognize you?" I ruminated on his overconfidence, counting all that talk about the secrecy of his identity.

"It's alright. They are bounded by the life contract. If they failed to honor their word, their contract will disappear and it triggers a tracker to the other party so I can find them wherever they are and punish them however I want."

I suddenly harken back to the time I escaped weeks ago. No surprise Night found me immediately as it was included in the life contract I signed with him not to use the portal without permission.

A little later, the people had simmered down and we went to our respective rooms while Sullien headed underground.

I grabbed my cape and tied my hair before covering it with the hood. I did not bother changing my dress since I was already seen. I was given a moniker of a thousand faces and surrounded by people who had similar magic to me, I was pretty sure they already had a hint of my magic.

If I changed into a more masculine one, I would just arouse their suspicions about what my gender was. I secured my dagger on my side and went out to see Reichen waiting for me.

We accessed the door that was disguised as a full cabinet in the kitchen. Cold dark bricks surrounded us as torches lit our way. The smell of smoke was poignant with the sizzle of fire and light stomps resounding the narrow corridor.

The tight space eventually opened up to the massive hall. I was still astounded by its size despite my second time venturing here. It was completely enormous compared to the one in the Dark Woods. They brought me here on my first day and I was astounded by the stone pillars going all the way up. From my estimation, it was up to fifty feet with blazes of floating fire decorating the room as well as functioning as light fixtures.

Stomps of wood were scattered around the place with a huge stone table at the center. There were about a hundred people inside. Reichen and I separated ways as he went to the table while I found a seat.

I scanned the room until I found a woman, wearing a half-mask adorned with white swirls, gesturing towards me before patting the stool beside her.

"What took you so long, Ace? Why were you with the leader?" Willow needled right away as soon as I sat.

"Have you forgotten I lived with him?" I muted.

"Yeah, right. Anyway, don't get too close to him. The leader is a likable guy but he's quite a mysterious one. No one knew who he is and many feared him because of his magic."

But he just told me about him a while ago. I commented to myself.

The room slowly quieted down and Reichen made his greetings. He conducted the discussion and assignment of duties.

Reichen actually held himself befittingly. His gait was more like a leader now compared to his laid-back attitude when he was with me. I recalled him being a poker face. His dumb look and the somber expression he had. His mischievous grin and playfulness bordered on flirtiness. I pondered if he was like me since we have a similar situation that needed to pretend to survive.

"How about the Lost Treasures?" one of the members inquired.

"At the moment, we have four in our hands and if our prediction is right the Reapers also have four."

"Does that include your recent mission in Helia?" an older voice queried. Even from afar, it did not take a wild guess to know he was old due to the wrinkles on his face that were barely hidden from his mask that only covered his right eye up to the corner of his lips. It was more apt to call it an eyepatch rather than a mask.

"Yes. The crown of Helia was indeed one when we submerged it in Mireal sea and it had been cleansed," Blaze, who was seating right beside Reichen, confirmed.

"So we only need four and an all-out attack to the Cattivos to gather them all," the elder man carried on.

"Yes. I'm afraid we have no choice but to start the offense first," Reichen acknowledged.

The conference proceeded which soon became a heated debate among fellow members. One man stood up and followed by another, each poking their hands at the other making their point whether they should be delving in for Lady Mhilrim or the Lost Treasures first.

Several of us simply listened to their oppositions until Reichen cleared his throat.

"I see your concerns. In regards to that matter, I will assign the majority to find Lady Mhilrim. She is an important existence to us and we cannot risk her safety any further. The Lost Treasures are the decisive factor of this silent war but Lady Mhilrim is the one who is connecting us to the Goddess. The situation is dire without her and the result would be grave no matter what if we could not get her back. If you still don't understand, I'll gladly see you off to the exit."

I was more impressed by Reichen with the passing seconds. He handled the situation and made everyone shut up and agree with his decision.

"The top members will be seeking the Lost Treasures while others needed to focus on their allocated kingdom and track the whereabouts of the Reapers."

Subsequent to his announcement and long statements, the gathering tardily concluded. Willow went ahead first and I was alone with Blaze, Sullien, and Reichen as the four of us were the last ones to leave.

"You look excited, Ace," Blaze remarked.

"Is it that obvious?" I already discarded my mask when everyone left.

"I will be blind if I cannot see the radiant smile on your usual neutral face."

My smile grew wider. It was because we had a mission in Solaris, the kingdom I wanted to visit the most. I was tasked together with Sullien and Blaze whose main expertise was also infiltration.

"I always wanted to visit Solaris. They have the best beaches on the continent."

"Ergo, you are in luck. The place of our mission is the temple right beside the sea."

"Seeing your excitement makes me realize how bizarre Reichen is," Sullien joined in.

"Why is that?" I pried and glanced at Reichen who was collecting the papers from the table.

"He had a strange aversion to any bodies of water. The last time I teleported him to the nearest lake was the time I tasted his magic," Sullien informed.

"Ah, indeed. I remembered it was last year. Reichen made a spectacle of you the whole day making you bow to everyone," Blaze mused, chuckling at the flashback.

Before I could ask more, Reichen sent them piercing glares with clear unspoken threats and we departed the halls.

***

SÓLMÁNUÐUR DAY OF SATURN

The tea was already cold on my lips but Cindra was not done making me try a bunch of dresses. She came along this morning and dragged me to her mansion without notice. Thankfully, we were disrupted by someone.

A man breezed into the saloon. He had a graceful posture as expected of a nobleman with the highest rank.

"What brings you here, your grace?" speculated Cindra without properly greeting him so I did not if I should not too.

"This is a letter for Duke Pheles," he stated as his eyes darted me.

I faced Duke Rotteria who was clearly astonished. He was Mother's adoptive brother which I had not seen except for the portraits. I stared at his violet eyes which were twinkling with emotions.

"Are you Carline?" he perpended.

"Yes, your grace." I took the queue and bowed at him. "It is a pleasure meeting you, your grace."

"You can stand up. Heavens. You look identical to your mother. It's a pity I cannot see you these past years. You've grown beautifully. Janessa would have been proud."

He said fondly. So fondly that I could not mistake his expression. It was the look of adoration. The thing I always saw on strangers but never on my family after Mother passed away.

"Off you go, your grace," Cindra's speech cut off our trance.

"But..."

"Walls have ears and so do the servants coming here. Moreso, they have mouths. Our only connection is Janessa and when she is gone, we have no business being more than an acquaintance. You don't have to send the letter personally. If Duchess Roterria heard you were here visiting your old lover's friend, she would grow rampant."

Old lover? I thought as the words lingered in my head and I watched Duke Rotteria.

"Your wife had long been scorned and you should pay more attention to her. Even a woman as gentle as she had become something like that because of your negligence," Cindra added.

"I know but Janessa is the only one for me," came Duke Rotteria's indignant reply.

"You've done damage for both your reputations with your behavior, your grace. It is best to forget now considering all these years."

"My only wish is for her happiness. She would not have died if she chose me."

"Enough with that. You are plainly showing your indecency to a child. You are a married man who is in love with a dead woman. Your head would have been long rolled if not for the pact that Janessa made so Enmir would not kill you," the tone of Cindra was decisive as the Duke at long last noted her words.

"That being so, I will see you next time, Princess Carline," he said and took off.

"Duke Rotteria and Mother were lovers? Is that why Duchess Rotteria had a grudge with mother?" I probed as soon as I felt no one around us.

"How did you know that? I never sent you to a ball during a mission with her."

"We attended a party at Helia and she insulted my mother," I replied.

"When was that?"

"The night of the enchantment and you were not able to attend since you were with Willow."

"Oh, that. Reichen is such an imperious brat. I had attention on another and he already did as he pleased. Anyway, Duchess Roterria is a scorned woman, you see, and very jealous of Janessa because of her romantic relationship with Duke Rotteria."

"But how did that happen? I thought they were siblings."

"You're definitely aware they are not related by blood and the previous Duke favored Janessa. They were supposed to marry but Enmir happened."

"If they are once in love and the rotting relationship of Mother and Father. Is he perhaps..."

It was not just once or twice that the thought that I was not Father's daughter came to me. I was young but I knew that the way he treated me was not normal for any child.

"You hold that thought. Your mother is not that kind of woman. Duke Rotteria was your adoptive uncle. Nothing more, nothing less. He was already married when your Mother was pregnant with you. Unfortunately, dear. You really are your father's child."

I kept my mouth shut. Gone with the hope that I was not related to that kind of insidious man Father was.

"The Duke did love your mother but I hate to admit your parents love each other more. Oh, well, that was only before what occurred to your eldest brother."

"You know June." It was not a question but a statement. June was a few years older than me. He left the year I was born so I had no commemoration of him but Cindra would have.

"Is he an Amica too? Is that why no one was allowed to talk about him in the palace?"

That was my only conclusion. Even if June died, why would anyone be silent about him seeming like he did not exist at all? Even my other siblings refused to talk about him and never did they mention him once.

"Never mind what I said, dear. It is not my story to tell," Cindra said with that expression she showed when she could not tell me anything about the things she knew.

"Fine," I grumbled.

There was nothing else I could do anyway but wait as always.

***

Notes: So this is another long chapter because I did not want to stray away from my outline and I wanted to maintain this with only 50-55 chapters. Thanks for reading, cutiefries.