The morning sun had risen sooner than Ivan would've liked, shining directly into his eyes when waking up. Groaning, Ivan sat up & rubbed his eyes before getting out of bed to get dressed. As Ivan put a cape on, he let out a sigh of unknown emotion. He looked out his window with a slight smile before combing his hair, making sure each & every knot was vanquished by the ivory comb. Once he finished with his hair, Ivan exited his room to get to tend to his duties, making sure to greet any maids & butlers he saw cleaning.

One particular maid stood out to Ivan, her hair was a dark mauve-silver in color, curling down to her waist, her skin was a deep chocolate with few visible freckles. There were two small horns curling around her ears with a short thick tail similar to that of a demons. Her eyes were of pure gold with no visible sclera or pupil. She was much shorter & wider than the other maids, possessing a round face with an eerie yet welcoming smile. "good morning Meredith." Ivan said to the small maid, resulting in a warm smile from her. "why good morning your highness. How are the doing this time of day?" Meredith asked, dusting an oak table to reveal stunning patterns of multiple browns hiding under a film of pale grey dust.

"I'm doing fine, thank you for asking. May I ask you the same?" Ivan replied, carefully holding a vase so Meredith could dust the ceramic piece. "ah, the day's the same as the last. Only change is that I was not called a devil's spawn as usual." She said, gently taking the now colorful vase from Ivan's hands & placing it back on the table. "oh! Your parents requested your audience prince Ivan, I recommend you meet them in the throne room soon." She added, gathering her cleaning supplies before continuing on her journey, biding Ivan farewell for the day.

Ivan made his way to the throne room, dreading the sight of the velvet seats he would be greeted with. As he entered, he was greeted by the warm smiles of his parents & Mary. "greetings son, I presume Meredith told you of our request?" king Isacc said. "yes father, she did inform me of your request." Ivan said, bowing  before his parents. "ahh, I shall have to thank her later. She is oddly helpful for being the kin of the devil." Isacc said, looking briefly at his rosary. "now, as you know, with your sisters untimely demise you are now the heir to my throne, & with you having come to your senses you must prepare for this position. It is of importance that you speak to those in the village in order to restore confidence in your ability to rule." "I know father. I shall get on it right away." Ivan said, preparing to stand before his parents when his mother spoke. "the reasoning behind our request is of equal importance my son. An ally kingdom is hosting a masquerade for all royal families across the continent. As such we have been invited to the gathering. We shall be departing for this event in 5 days' time, & so we wish for you to prepare for the journey. Is this request understood my son?" "it is mother" Ivan answered, now rising to his feet.

"That is good. You may be dismissed." Queen Anastasia said, signaling Ivan to take his leave. "thank you, mother & father." Ivan said, calmly exiting the throne room. He'd never been as eager to leave the accursed throne room as he was then. He knew his task at hand & took to it immediately, calmly following the gravel path to the village his castle overlooked. He was glad to finally have the chance to catch up with Rosa. He could barely recall the last time they spoke, recalling faint memories of Rosa chasing him through a meadow holding a stick & the day he helped her & Mr. Kline til the fields.

As Ivan entered the small village, he began to pick up his pace with excitement, greeting any townsfolk he passed by. He scanned the roads looking for Rosa until he spotted a maiden with umber hair. Smiling, Ivan ran up to her before surprising her with a hug. "Rosa!" Ivan said, releasing the fair-skinned maiden from his embrace. "Michel, I've already expressed my discomfort with your advan- Oh! Ivan, my apologies. I mistook you for someone else." She said, bowing before the prince.

"Rosa, you do not have to bow, & no need to apologize. It has been to long, how has lie treated the?"

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