Torches of flaming fire aligned on the brick walls inside the Palace of Grand, the late night supposed to be engulfed in silence. Yet along the dim corridor, the king himself marched all the way towards the luxurious kitchen, his shoes clicking with each step.

The muscular Royal Cook spun around, prepared to fend off the unwelcomed guest during his important moment of whipping a new recipe. Although, the second he saw the majestic crown and the extravagant furry cape, he stifled a gasp.

"Your Majesty!" he bowed as quickly as how he was taken aback by the presence before him. "How may I serve you?"

The king smiled at the loyal subject. His fingers-enwrapped by rings of garnet, diamond, tourmaline, and studded with minuscule pearls-traced the wooden table at the center of the room while he eyed every fresh ingredient that was obtained from selected regions of the kingdom. "Tell me, what is thy name?"

"Fa Mushu, sire." The cook answered earnestly.

"How long have you been serving us, Mushu?" he carried on, picking a sack of flour for further scrutiny before putting it back.

Mushu paused for a bit. Through and through, he rehashed the years of his service to the Grand family, counting down under mumbles. "Nearly fifteen years..."

King Eldred nodded with patience. He fiddled with a tray of fresh eggs on the counter this time, placing it again to where it was displayed. "Have you ever made a pie, Mushu?"

"Why, yes, Your Majesty. I've made all kinds since I was a wee lad."

"Good."

The cook watched the aged man circle around the kitchen, also noting how he would examine the ingredients used to make a pie. Mushu was flabbergasted by the situation until the king's hand landed on an unexpected fruit. Rowan Berries.

Rowan Berries were also known as Mountain Ashes because of its leaves that have a similar appearance to that of ash. They would be found way up north of their land, where a cool mist hovers along dark pine trees.

There was a foreboding feeling rising in the Royal Cook's stomach.

"My friend! I ask of you a certain dish, a dish unlike any of your creations." The king scooped some of the berries that had a similar look of a tomato. Only they were smaller, had a bright red color, and were bound to each other. He took it from the handwoven basket into his palm and he raised it forward, making sure Mushu saw the necessary berries for the delicacy.

"Tomorrow evening, when the illustrious sun sinks into the horizon and darkness dominates the sky, you shall serve seven delicious pies of this ingredient to my seven adorable sons."

Mushu was startled by the king's random order. It was a challenge even for a skilled professional like him, because he was aware that he would be handling a dish with dangerous levels of toxicity. The thought of making a mistake and accidentally summoning death to the dining hall was horrifying enough.

He nodded anyway, unnerved yet devoted to His Excellence. He already imagined hours of practice, which meant there might be no sleeping for him tonight.

"And, one more pie for the honorable Painter who always joins them at the table," the aged man added, a fleeting shine of evil in his pupils, "hers must be special, so I want it...fresh."

The cook's spatula dropped, his face pale.

"B-But, Your Majesty!" he couldn't help but interpose, "Rowan Berries should be thoroughly cooked for it to be edible! If not, it would be considered poisonous and humans who consume it would be-"

"Dead." King Eldred finished for the innocent man, grinning maliciously.

The word itself galvanized him, yielded him what he desires the most. Power. Eliminating the obstacles in his path to paradise solved everything. He believed such when he murdered his abusive and controlling parents who locked him in a cage and deemed him a monster. With them gone, he became king. With them gone, his childhood sorrow was over and was gradually replaced with joy.

There was no need to count blackbirds. With power, one changes their fate.

Mushu finally comprehended what the king actually wanted to happen. He hated it, but certainly hated himself for having no other choice but to follow. It was the fear of ending up in the dungeons, or worse, the first person trying the poison he made on his very own accord.

"You will be rewarded for your piousness to the crown, my friend," said the king, gently petting the cook's head, "I know you sneak out food from the kitchen to bring a few morsels home for your pregnant wife. Do your job well and your family shall starve no longer."

Tears glassed the Royal Cook's eyes.

At this, Mushu desperately knelt down and bowed, trembling hands meeting the floor. "Yes, Your Majesty!"

King Eldred felt it again, the surge of power creeping throughout his entire body. He chuckled in delight. It should be like this-him sitting at the top of the monarchy, while the rest of the world kisses his feet.

Suddenly, he went quiet.

His gaze shot towards the door behind him. Like a bolt of lightning, he marched out the kitchen and looked around the creepy corridors. He sensed it. A third presence.

But no one was there.

Rosette's POV

It was 5:30 in the afternoon. I was playing with Prince Jacque Darryl and Prince Vante Osburne at the Royal Gardens when I witnessed the picturesque sunset. We bathed the flying colors of gold, our skin glowing as though there had been traces of pixie dust.

The youngest prince suggested earlier at lunch that we might as well enjoy the breeze outside while we play a game of chess (well, what do you know, this board game actually existed even way back in time) and Prince Nathaniel James was with us the whole breather. The latter, however, refused to play, for he insisted that reading Religious and Philosophical Opinions of the Indians was his utmost priority.

He screeched the moment I placed my white Knight in front of Prince Vante's black Rook, which was, of course, an idiotic move. I realized that too late.

"Why can you not be wise for once?!" the fourth-born prince squinted, obviously judging me in the manner of how he pushed the bridge of his glasses. "Only fools clash their Knights against the Rook of their enemy."

"HA!" was what I could only reply as I whirled my head to the opposite side while crossing my arms, and because of the fact that he was right.

It hasn't even been five minutes.

Prince Vante had a victorious smirk all over his symmetrically-defined features. He was indeed handsome, and he definitely looked ostentatious when his Queen outrightly defended the King. I gaped at the board.

Minutes turned into hours of chess. It came to the point when Gertrude came over and informed us that supper was ready. The three princes stood up in unison. I remained seated.

"Are you not coming?" asked Prince Vante as he raised his eyebrow in query.

"Your Highnesses should go without me." I lifted myself from the grass, dusting off the small specks of soil that got on my navy blue dress. "I need to leave something in my chambers. I will see you at dinner."

They nodded in understanding.

After they went away, I paced along the hallway to where my room was located.

Right when I was halfway through, there I saw the Heir to the Throne, Prince Eugene Brancen. He appeared to be in a complete daze, almost as if he was troubled by a grave issue. I noticed the fact that his back was pressed against the door to my bedroom. He had been waiting for me.

I believed this was another meeting between the Heir and his spy. But for him to come to my place instead of me to his office...this must be urgent.

In his hand was a crumpled paper.

"Eugene, what's wrong?" I tapped him on the shoulder, soft with my approach.

He replied with a brief silence and a somber look.

Third Person's POV

Briar Rosette stepped inside the Dining Hall, weaponless and vulnerable. It puzzled them at first, but then Prince Nathaniel, Prince Jacque, and Prince Vante grasped the idea that the item she told them beforehand must be Aculeus. Her silky dress of navy blue fluttered more freely with the bow gone, mimicking the flags of their neighboring kingdom.

Prince Eugene got ahead of her, already sitting on his chair when she arrived. He stood up upon her entrance, which made the rest of the princes do the same. They all bowed in greeting.

In spite of the blush on her cheeks, the maiden smoothly responded with a shy curtsy. She then proceeded to the Queen's seat, opposite to the Heir's that was at the other end of the long table. Once Prince Eugene sat down, they all followed.

"I'm starving." The third-born licked his mouth, putting a hand on his stomach as he tried not to salivate at the pleasant aroma wafting from the kitchen.

"Jacob, how did the investigation of the men who invaded the palace go?" the Crown Prince stole his attention. "I was told by Agustus today that you and your men rode at dawn and just got back from your trip."

"It was exhausting and we still don't know which kingdom they were from." Prince Jacob admitted, voice tired and dark circles under his eyes. They knew he needed a good night's sleep. Just observing his younger brother made Prince Eugene feel sorry. If only he could do all the duties himself.

Not long after the conversations, the Royal Cook entered the Dining Hall. In his hands, along with the other classy chefs, were trays of deliciously baked pies, still in their hot tins. Each pie had its distinct pastry-covered crust. From a lattice top to a fruity one, and even a simple one with fine cuts at the center. Servants exited the vicinity only to return with the side dishes: ham, vegetable salad, and chicken broth sprinkled with herbs and spices.

They all ate in peace. It was the typical euphony of laughter, cheers, and silverware.

The maiden watched them, beaming.

And Mushu watched her, aweary.

She cut open her pie to get a slice, clumsy with it since she wasn't used to this kind of stuff, but she managed. Steam arose from the baked dish, much to her appeal. The only detail that was strange for her was the raw, bright red berries staring back at her.

Shrugging, she gobbled a fraction of it.

"Mm-hmm, diz pie ish goob!" the fourth-born exclaimed between bites.

This had Prince Jacob chortle. "You sound like a fopdoodle."

Prince Agustus Dane groaned. "If you two start throwing pies at one another-"

Clunk! A sound of a fork falling to the floor broke the equilibrium.

It belonged to Rosette.

Everyone else became silent, concern evident in their expressions.

The Royal Cook sneakily tiptoed to the exit, taking this as a signal to get out while he still can.

"Rosie, are you okay?" questioned Prince Jacque at her right, nearest to her position. He knew she seemed far from okay, but he wanted her to say something, anything. Supper was fine several minutes ago. This was an absolute shock.

His brows furrowed. "She's sweating."

The maiden got out of her seat by forced labor, legs of the chair scraping the floor with intense friction. "I feel s-sick..."

She looked like she was about to retch.

Rosette staggered forward and fainted. Prince Vante, who was at her left, swiftly caught her before she could hit the solid ground. The princes shouted her name at the very top of their lungs.

"Swordsmen, bring the lady to her chambers." The Heir commanded the sixth and the seventh-born beside her, not giving in to the spreading panic. "She needs immediate treatment."

Without a spare second to waste, the duo complied. Prince Vante heaved her up, one arm at her skirt and the other supporting her spinal area. Prince Jacque led the way.

"Agustus, do not go after them." The Heir added, detecting the second-born's movements. "I have yet to finish my orders."

The ebony-haired prince clicked his tongue in frustration, stopping by a pillar.

"What just happened?" spoke Prince Nathaniel, wiping a crumb from the corner of his mouth.

Prince Eugene didn't answer him instantly. He was pondering, eyeing the Dining Hall for clues. The maiden wasn't shot, for the pain wasn't external. All she did was taste a bit of her pie like the rest of them.

Her pie.

The eldest prince strutted towards the other end of the long table. He grabbed the tin and inspected the berries. They were fresh, clearly different from theirs that were mushy, gooey, and hot. He took a single berry from the crust with two fingers. It was warm, but only because of the baked dough.

He showed it to his brothers. "Rowan Berries. Hers was purposely raw."

Their eyes were enlarged to the size of mini tins.

The bespectacled prince paled. "Those fruit beads were Rowan Berries?!"

"And you said they were goob." Prince Jacob shook his head as he crossed his arms, disgruntled.

"Assassins, check the inside and outside of the palace for any suspicious activity." The Heir stated, gesturing at his quiet siblings. "Nathaniel, find Doctor Raleigh and notify me once you do."

"Au revoir, then." Prince Nathaniel theatrically bowed, contrasting to his monotonous voice.

Prince Agustus and Prince Tayden Pharrell separated at the archway without discussion, the First Field in and the Second Field out, almost as though they had a telepathic exchange.

There was a thick stillness to the Dining Hall's ambiance. Only two people stayed behind, the Field Marshal and the High Constable.

"Jacob," uttered Prince Eugene, "you come with me."

The third-born grinned confidently. "Granted."

With that, all the princes dispersed.

"Your Majesty, it was a success!" said Mushu as he ran in the Throne Room. He was perspiring quite excessively, obvious that he was in a hurry to meet with the king.

King Eldred Grand reclined against the lush cushion of his gold seat, smiling. "You did well, my friend."

"Does that mean the palace shall provide my family food now?"

The excitement in the Royal Cook's tone made the king chuckle, but to Mushu's hearing, it was nowhere near kindness.

"Y-Your Majesty?"

The double doors burst open.

Prince Eugene Brancen walked in front, his gaze heavily fixed upon the aged man on the throne that he will soon inherit. Trailing behind him was his brother, Prince Jacob Erhart, guiding a group of armoured soldiers into the vicinity.

"Arrest that man." He pointed at the Royal Cook.

"What?! No!" cried Mushu.

The soldiers sprung into action, gripping tight onto the culprit. Mushu struggled to break free, but to no avail. Eventually, his wrists were cuffed with shackles and he was thus, restrained. He was brave enough to kick one soldier's metal plate, though it lasted for mere seconds after they menaced him with their blades.

Prince Jacob didn't bother aiming his longbow at the guy. He knew the Royal Cook was just another victim. The real culprit, the one his older brother Prince Eugene really wanted to arrest, was none other than their very own father.

"Father," the third-born began, "I am afraid that this individual has deliberately inserted poison in the Painter's food. He must be thrown in the dungeons for his crimes."

"No! I have a wife! We're expecting a child! They only have me to rely on!" Mushu insisted, tearing up. "You can't take me away!"

"That is disappointing to hear." King Eldred exhaled with a frown, ignoring the cook's persuasion. "He has served Grand for a decade and five."

"Indeed," the Heir interjected, talking to the king with an unapparent glare, "but Father, why is he here with you?"

King Eldred resisted the urge to throttle his son's neck. His deadly regard fell onto the sobbing cook's figure below him.

"Please, sire!" pleaded Mushu with the strength he had left. "Please don't let them take me!"

But the king reacted to his begging in apathy. He stared down at the Royal Cook, hinting the poor person with his words. "A shame your fate turned out like this."

Mushu was devastated, eyes wide with rage. "No! No! No! You ord-"

"I do not know why he would come here, but I assume he wished for me to change his fate." King Eldred calmly answered, cutting off the cook's confession. "You boys came at the perfect time. Do what you must."

The Royal Cook was dragged out of the Throne Room, his horrible screams ricocheting throughout the halls. Prince Eugene lowered his head, discontented with the results, discontented that the assistant of the planned murder was apprehended, but the criminal was still on the throne.

"Alright, thank you for your time, Father. We shall take our leave now." He gritted, faking a smile.

His father smiled in return.

Prince Jacob ushered his older sibling out of the place, patting him on the back as an emotional support. The Heir was thankful that he had the third-born accompany him. He was able to control himself.

And when they disappeared, King Eldred's smile shifted to a sinister sneer.

Rosette's POV

The world was cold, almost freezing in time.

Clouds split like faraway hands that lost grip onto each other, illuminating the bright full moon that rose above the pinewood trees, so beguiling across the sky glazed intensely of midnight hue.

Someone was roaming around the dark castle walls, footsteps thudding, and echoing as it came from a deep and dreary cave. I listened to the mysterious entity slip into doors without making too much noise. I listened to it climb upstairs, slow and careful...

Until it reached the corridor to my bedroom.

Then the footsteps grew louder and louder, closer and closer. I couldn't move, couldn't even close my eyes to avoid seeing my demise. I knew it was coming for me. I knew it was me that it sought after.

The door creaked.

I held my breath.

And a shadow crept in.

He stood there by my bedside table, baring teeth.

This was exactly a retelling of my second nightmare.

However...

Before the murderer can plunge his knife into my chest like how the nightmare went, I twirled out of the bed, and the knife sank deeply into the mattress.

He temporarily froze, probably stunned at my quick reflexes considering that I had just been poisoned and was supposed to be an easy target.

As the 18th-century slang goes, he must be betwattled by now.

He hastily grabbed for his only weapon, but he had a hard time pulling it out. To my annoyance, I couldn't see his face because of the cloak.

"Oh, so that was your plan. Tsk, tsk, you should've thought better." I giggled mockingly, my palm on my cheek.

Then, I seized my weapon, Aculeus, that was resting on my desk. Equipped with my thorn, I felt protected again. I guess this was what all roses feel.

Flashback to me and Prince Eugene at the hallway: he was there to share information and handed me the crumpled piece of paper for me to read. It was a letter.

And the letter was a warning.

At dinner, the Painter's food will be poisoned with raw Rowan Berries.
But I will take care of it.
All you have to do is make sure she will act as if she's actually intoxicated.
And please ensure her safety.

Whoever wrote it wanted to be unknown.

It was slipped under my office door. Prince Eugene told me.

Basically...I have to pretend that I consumed the poison. Was what I said to him. Aight, but can we trust this letter?

Prince Eugene affirmed that we should. Rather than the letter, I trust him, so I agreed with the letter's instructions. He predicted that this would happen, that my killer will finish me off when I'm knocked out in my bedroom.

Wow, he was right.

I would honestly rate that amateur performance of mine as a 3 out of 5. Surprisingly, the rest of the princes bought it!

"Gosh, I had a hard time lying back there." I rubbed my arms, wincing at the memory. "Did you hear that stuttering? Oof, bad acting skills yet I fooled them great. They were all terrified. You should have seen their faces."

Unlike my chill vibes, the hooded man maintained his hostility.

"You think too highly of your state right now." He threatened. "With this range, your arrows are useless. You have no match against me."

I smirked. "Think again, mister."

Like my reply was a signal, Prince Vante Osburne and Prince Jacque Darryl emerged from the shadows from both corners of the room. Their predator focus was latched onto the intruder, labeling him as their prey.

When this duo got me in my room, I snapped awake (which almost made them shriek as if I had become part of the living dead) and explained the situation to them, explained what they had to do.

In conclusion, they never left my chambers.

With a strong and determined volume, I glowered at my murderer. "I am not alone."

It was silent for a moment.

"Oh." He awkwardly responded.

Hurriedly, the hooded man abandoned his weapon, jumped off the window like his life depended on it, and scrambled towards the forest behind the palace.

"After him." I initiated.

The three of us dashed to the window. Prince Jacque and Prince Vante already made it outside, chasing him like wild animals.

I was about to join them when my eyes perceived someone at my door. With my system alert and my senses heightened, I quickly rotated and aimed to shoot.

However, I didn't fire.

"Tayden...?" I called out, unintentionally, with only a breath.

He didn't answer. No, he couldn't answer. He was stumbling around until he weakly gripped onto the doorframe, but his legs betrayed him and he soon collapsed on the marbled floor. I was petrified.

Blood. He was puking blood.

At last, it dawned on me: why Prince Tayden was the one coughing up blood and not me. Why he was the one who was hanging by a thread between life and death and not me. Why he was quiet during the whole meal, eating the pie filled with poisonous berries...and not me.

Everything I listed was meant for me, yet here I am, standing.

The letter. It was him.

It was him all along.

I clutched onto my chest. Pain. There was pain. An excruciating throe because of the detriment of Mountain Ashes.

"Tayden!" I squeezed a whimper, running towards his fallen body. He continued vomiting harshly, drops of the liquid akin to the color of his ruby-decorated dagger splattered on my dress that was similar to his sapphire one.

The poison was relentless.

"Tayden, don't die on me, please...!" I squeaked through my sobs, sniffling.

"He won't die."

I looked up. Prince Eugene stood at the doorway.

"I knew it was you, brother." He sighed. "The handwriting was undoubtedly yours. You are also more likely to be updated of the king's schemes. And..."

He glanced at me.

"Of course you're the one who would willingly sacrifice yourself for all of us." He said, shifting his gaze back to his brother.

A man wearing an elegant black robe popped out from behind him, copper glasses reminding me of Prince Nathaniel's. I saw the man hold a basket of tiny glass bottles and plants as he crouched next to Prince Tayden Pharrell.

"I'm Raleigh." He introduced himself, pitch low and delicate. "I have been curing these kids ever since I was requested to serve this place. I can take care of him. Don't fret."

So he's the Royal Doctor.

I blinked at him, tears cascading.

"Rosette," spoke Prince Eugene seriously, "your killer is still out there. Do not lose him."

He's right.

He's always right.

I fumbled for the window, steadying my breaths, regaining my balance. I felt the cool wind blow on my damp cheeks, a few strands of my hair sticking onto them.

"Okay." I finally said. "Okay."

With an unexpected speed, I leaped out of the window and nimbly got to the ground on my own two feet, rushing past the Royal Gardens and into the woods beyond. The air against my physique was strong, so I persistently ran faster to be stronger. My surroundings were dark, so I listened to the rustling noises from the distance.

They were close.

I thought it wasn't possible, but I increased the acceleration of my strides.

My murderer. My responsibility.

I will never let everyone's efforts go to waste.

A/N: This chapter got too long so we decided to cut it into two separate chapters ಥ‿ಥ

Sorry if this took a while! We really missed you guys! I'm a bit sleepy while editing this so there might be some errors I failed to notice.

As always, stay safe and cuddle with your pillows! ♡