It was already a day and a half when Mona had arrived at her destination posterior to setting off last night. Fortunately, for someone starting at the outskirts of Grand, the trip took a shorter period of time. She knew that the letter beneath her bodice was more important than her life, so she rode without breaks like the circulation of hot blood and adrenaline rushing in her veins. It would've taken more than three days if she had naps along the way after all.

And it would be too late by then.

Because of her determination, she made it past the valleys and the fields, now standing in front of the palace gates. She gawked at the dove fountains that decorated the gardens on each side. The walls were coated in a serene white paired with hints of super saturated blue. She could see passing images of busy maids by the building. Suddenly, she was reminded that she was nothing but a commoner. She hung her head low, intimidated at the sight of a lavish life.

A guard noticed her and became suspicious of how she was peering through the metal bars. “You! Woman over there! What do you want from the Palace of Duva?”

“I am here to see the Lady.” Mona declared bravely. She remembered the day of her being courageous like this when she blocked the Royal Carriage during a village inspection around two months ago, which was also the day she met her remarkable painter friend and a prince of her own kingdom.

Strange as it sounds, she did it out of fear. It was the fear for the future that pushed her to be brave for the present.

“Did you arrange a meeting?” another guard who stayed close to the gates questioned.

The maiden's eyes widened once she stole a glimpse of their weapons. They were carrying firearms. She heard about these dangerous items from gossips and drunken men ranting at the inns. Mona may not look like it, but she holds a good amount of information about stuff happening outside the borders.

At this age of history, the Kingdom of Encielle had been recently rising in terms of power. It was because they invented new and improved types of firearms that can quickly obliterate their opponents in battle. They must've started trading it with the other kingdoms. The infantry's desire for ancient weapons will gradually vanish and be replaced by these machines.

Change will always be constant, for it is an instrument played by time.

The shipped goods have already arrived here in Duva, but why is Grand not getting any of it yet? She wondered, feeling odd. It would be reasonable that the Ciels gave it upon Lady Audeath's knowledge... Wait, does that mean the Lady didn't share it with the Grandees on purpose?

Suddenly, she apprehended the reason, an invisible light bulb popping up above her head that made her clap.

Ah, because King Eldred might abuse it.

The Crown Prince might have been willingly volunteering instead of his father for business meetings, which could mean that he was aware of these weapons, kept it secret from the king, and told the Lady to store them safe—until he sends a signal.

And the letter might be the very signal that the Lady is waiting for.

There's no other explanation. It made complete sense.

This sparked a profound resolve within Mona. The Lady will positively help them then! As long as this letter gets to her, she will undoubtedly understand! The Lady must be aware of the king's stupidity!

“Hey, you! Answer us!”

The maiden harked back at them with a sigh. Right, she was still stuck in this situation.

“Yes.” She lied. It would be bad if she had stuttering issues. She wasn't sure why that thought suddenly crossed her mind though.

Their brows raised. “There is?”

“Yes, there is an arrangement.”

Her priority was to get in the palace faster. She believed that it was convincing enough, believed that the guards believed her. She was so sure that the sway of her hips was natural, that the smile on her face was calm, and that her voice sounded pleasant as well as proper.

But alas, they weren't the palace guards for nothing.

Mona internally panicked when the first man aimed his musket at her forehead.

“Say,” he said, glowering at her like a lion catching a lone fawn inside its territory, “I noticed that you were quite interested in our weapons, so why don't I blow your brains out for you to see how it works firsthand?”

Her legs wobbled frightfully.

“There is no need to go that far, you addle pate.” The second man shoved the firearm away from the poor Mona, finally walking towards her. “Forgive him. He became a bit overprotective ever since we lost a ruler. He doesn't want it to happen again, that's all.”

Mona impulsively backpedalled.

“Also,” he continued, interpreting the reaction of his fellow guard, “Lady Audeath would always tell us whenever she has a meeting for the sake of her safety. Do you know how many of you come forward and say the same rubbish?”

Infuriation reddening her cheeks, the maiden took the letter out from her corset and waved it at them roughly. “I have a letter—”

“That, too.” The guard groaned, impatiently grabbing his hat and fanning it at his neck. Being under the sun for hours felt like years, draining his energy to even deal with persistent people. “Please leave before I let him do what he wants with you.”

“Hear that? That was a soft threat!” the first man teased, displaying a toothy grin while pointing to the guard beside him. He got smacked on the nape by the second.

Mona retreated from the annoying duo and grumbled indistinguishable curses under her breath, kicking at the ground with each step. Fine. I'll try a different method of getting inside then.

Her stomach grumbled louder than her mouth.

She pouted. Maybe after dinner.

Mona stuffed herself with cold meat, salt, and corn. She didn't have to fret about money because Rosette gave her a fat pouch full of gold. She felt blessed to receive such shiny coins and grabbed a fistful of them as though they were soil from a sacred land. She also bit one out of sheer curiosity.

The maiden couldn't help but roam around the streets of Duva subsequently.

Rosette grew up here... She thought. I wonder where her house is. That girl never shared any stories about her hometown.

It was a haven from the kingdom she whence came. The townspeople weren't scared, their children were nourished with love and laughter, and everyone seemed to be wealthy enough for living in nice houses. She explored, discovering spices and balsam sold by merchants that came from Acavell. Her father, a farmer, would love to learn how that kingdom tended their crops.

And like most of any Grandee, she was drawn to the music being played at the center of the town.

Mona danced straightaway, earning compliments by many friendly strangers. Her body was under a spell and she lets herself be domineered like a wooden doll of strings being tugged by the melodies. The people became infected by her performance, soon joining in the fun. She did a prima pirouette as she closed her eyes, envisaging a dance at the masquerade ball she couldn't attend. It was her wish to wear a pretty gown, to glide across the floor with her dancing slippers.

But it was also her wish to see her people free.

When she opened her eyes, she noticed someone that stands out from the public audience. The folk who detected her presence automatically bowed, yet paired with casual smiles as though greeting a friend.

The young woman wore a simple shoulder dress that had flower stitches at the skirt and a delicate pigmentation of a cloudy sky, the silk ribbon tied below her chin that was attached to the inside of her raffie hat having the same color. If Rosette has porcelain skin and Mona a honey glow, then hers was toned in natural beige, a perfect match for the chocolate coils falling at her chest.

She ventured out of the area and over to where a white carriage encircled by soldiers waited for her.

It was the Royal Carriage.

That young woman was the Lady.

“Wait!” Mona yelled, sprinting to the moving carrier.

She won't give it up this time. Heart racing, the maiden pounced onto the carriage door and forced it open with all her might, shocking the woman at the other side. Mona shut it a beat faster than the soldiers and without wasting her chance, she sat on the opposite seat that was in front of the Lady.

“I have to speak with you!” she gasped, panting heavily. Chasing after a moving carriage and grappling onto it was intense action. Blocking a moving carriage was less tiring. “It is urgent!”

The carriage door swung open.

“How dare you have the audacity to invade the Lady's private space! Know your place!” said the soldiers, gruff with their approach.

Huh, that rhymes. Mona wanted to crack a joke, but now's not the best situation for that.

The Lady raised a hand at the men outside the carrier. At this, their expressions alleviated and their bodies loosened up. They nodded and pushed the door to a close, their muffled voices leaving instructions for the coachman.

“Go on, dear.” She smiled, her tone affectionate.

The maiden blushed at the endearment. Everyone knows that the Lady wasn't of royal blood, but she gets to sit on the throne and they cannot. It was clear that she has high prestige. So being at the receiving end of that statement, being able to speak to her like this—it's an honor.

“I have a message from the neighboring kingdom!” Mona blurted out sheepishly, clutching onto the hem of her skirt. “It's from the Crown Prince of Grand!”

Upon mentioning him, Lady Audeath's eyes lit up like periwinkle, but it sparkled so attractively, so impossible for it to be real. It was as though celestial bodies doused their beauty all over them to remind humans of their magnificence. Mona was astounded.

“Eugene?”

Rosette's POV

“I hope she's doing okay...” A mumble crawled out of my mouth. “Ah! I missed the mark again.”

My shots were weak.

I've been losing focus these days. I must not. I don't want lax muscles by the due date. I need to train harder, concentrate harder. Remove all of these worries. If I become lazy now, I might seriously wind up dead. And based on History, nobody even discovered the body.

I gritted my teeth.

With Prince Jacob's permission, I got to have this place all to myself, this secluded spot of the Training Field where we played the Hunting Game. I thought maybe by being here, by recalling my win, I can summon my awesomeness back.

However, right now, I'm just a regular 21st-century girl who likes to kick butt and gets kicked instead. It takes more than a zeal to eliminate my flaws.

It's fine. I can do this.

No more distractions.

“Last attempt, Rosie.” I chided myself. “Remember that you won the game because of...”

Because of him. An inner voice whispered. Because the Hunter let you go.

My grip on Aculeus tightened.

A flood of memories, along with the emotions I used to feel, crashed into my mind. This inevitable cycle that steals concentration...it's back to haunt me, to drown me.

He did.

I finally found you. He said to me.

And he let me go.

He let me go.

You're not talking about the game anymore.

You wanted him to hold on.

“No, shut up, brain. You're not helping me here.” I bit my lower lip, trying to aim the arrowhead to the target with the correct angle. “Stop thinking about—”

There was a rustle from the bushes. I went quiet.

I thought Prince Jacob informed everyone that this area will be occupied by me today. His five brothers were present when he...

Oh.

Not everyone.

I spun around, my body light yet heavy at the same time. I unknowingly dropped my bow, vivacity effused at the instant I saw him standing a few meters away from me. His reaction was an exact replica to mine—eyes slightly enlarged and body unmoving.

“...Tayden.” I finished my sentence, but I hardly made a sound.

Both of us stood in silence. The wind was picking up its intensity. I put my hands behind me, somehow feeling small and vulnerable. I used to be okay with him seeing me in this state, but that was when I knew he would comfort me, embrace me, and sing me a lullaby.

Things have changed.

Yet once I look at him like this, there's a scintilla of an unspoken emotion lingering within his eyes that I notice. It was there when he admired the stars, when he was done braiding my hair, when he brought me to the hills, when he studied my face after a kiss, and especially when he played the piano. It was there.

Now I'm seeing it again.

Does he love you the same way you love him? Prince Agustus’ voice was a resonance of the thoughts I can't control. Then, it became loud knocking, violent thumping, until I realized that Prince Tayden's silence that day when I asked him the same question was even louder.

The prince turned, ready to leave. I understand. He isn't fond of being stuck with me any longer. I, too, must've been evidently vexed by being alone with him like this.

And yet I...

“You didn't answer my question that day.”

I miss him.

He looked back at me. The rays of the sun filtered through the canopies and onto his figure like a spotlight. His hooded eyes, his brown breeches, his tousled hair of ash chroma, and his plump lips, made him appear to be as if he was a lover boy created from a ballad of bards. Though his glare was anything but.

“It doesn't matter now, does it?” he spat, then walking further and furthermore to the exit.

I grabbed onto the lace of my top firmly. A part of me was already screaming for him to stay. I quelled the chaos within me. I could feel my nails dig into my chest despite the cloth.

Just do it. Say it.

“Tayden, am I still your piano?”

His steps halted. My pained whispers morphed into small sobs.

But my words continued to spill as much as my tears.

“Do I still have a place in your heart?” I carried on, sniffling. If our conflict never happened, he would be wiping my cheeks and showing me a smile. We would be strolling around the forest without a care for the world. “Did you... Did you ever love me the same way I loved you?”

His fists shook as he came towards me, only inches apart from my face. His cruel, apathetic gaze was a descent to my mental barricade.

“I hated you.”

I furrowed my brows in denial.

“You're lying.”

“Then what do you want me to say?” he responded quickly, making me wonder if his statements really were equivalent to his true feelings. “Between the two of us, you're the one who spoke in flowers.”

This again.

A lie speaks in flowers. The truth speaks in thorns.

“I never...lied to you.” I said in a fragile volume. I was burning. I was getting trapped in the heat of desperation.

“But you never told me the truth. You never planned to until Eugene made you do it.”

I froze.

He pierced an arrow to my center mark.

It's all my fault.

Recognizing the meaning of my silence, he spun his heels to the clearing that led back to the Training Field. His faraway figure bathed in faint sunlight seemed like a mirage, like a dream I can never catch, like a phantom I can never touch.

I wiped my tears harshly. A blink and he disappeared.

“I never told you because I was scared that you would leave me.” I murmured, the lump in my throat bobbing up and down. I fell to the grass, curling my body into a ball.

“And you did.”

I wasn't in a good mood after what occured with Prince Tayden earlier. I wandered around the palace with languidness, doing my best to get rid of the sentiments gnawing greedily at my woebegone heart. The servants comment about my eccentricity in hushed slanders, yet I didn't bother to correct their assumptions of me. Maybe they were right. I also view myself as a fool.

Later on, I reached the burnt floor of the building. The quiet here was undefeatable. It drove me to the edge. I craved to make a mess, an ugly irreversible mess like my mistakes that are far from redemption.

Goodness, I need to get a grip.

I slapped my cheeks. I wanted to be hurt physically to numb the emotional pain at least.

But as soon as I saw a glimpse of an object through a creaking door when I passed by the corridor, I stopped. And stared.

I could hear a crack from the depths of my being.

There, on top of the piano in Prince Agustus’ bedroom, was a rose contained in a glass vase.

Unconsciously, I stepped inside.

The petals were a bit wrinkly and red, fading to pink at the tips. The stem had thorns, which was unusual since people would normally cut them off. It was a peculiar rose. The glass vase was slender, transparent, and iridescent on the surface.

How pretty.

So pretty that it stings. So pretty that it taunts me by being a reflection of someone, someone I know very well.

Briar Rosette.

You're a flower, a beautiful rose, growing thorns from within. That was another statement from him that I cannot easily forget. Thorns that make me bleed.

I make him bleed.

I must destroy myself.

Without thinking, I grabbed the vase, the water in it crashing around like a disturbed sea. Without thinking, I lifted it high above me, preparing to throw it on the ground. I desired to see my reflection shattered, broken pieces of it becoming mere fragments of my existence.

I hurled it straightaway.

But a hand caught my wrist before I could surrender it to the air.

The open windows welcomed the strong breeze, allowing the thin curtains to flap forward, also covering the face of the individual who pulled me out from my fatal condition. The violent thumping faltered, superseded by a tender caress of comfort.

“Easy there, little mousey.”

That husky, soothing voice. I knew it belonged to none other than him.

The curtains flitted backward, powerless without the wind. Once they were out of the way, I could see Prince Agustus, closer to me than I thought he was. His eyes were chatoyant against sunshine as he rebounded my gaze. His fingers that wrapped around my wrist felt gentle and careful.

He retrieved his flower vase from my grasp and returned it to its original position. His treatment towards it was unnerving. It was as though that was his most cherished possession among all the treasures he could have, as though that was irreplaceable.

A plant.

“Don't go around breaking things that aren't yours.” He crossed his arms, elevating his brows while he examines me. “That isn't an appropriate method to extinguish your fire.”

My body was acting on its own again. I looked at my leather boots in shame.

It was because your flower reminded me of myself.

“Sorry.” That was all I could say.

He tilted his head, ebony hair sliding to one side. “You are forgiven. Don't lay a hand on this item, okay? It's important to me.”

“Well, that's obvious.” I said, leaning on the windowsill. I stripped off Aculeus and propped it against the wall beside me. “Why though?”

“What do you mean why?”

“I mean, why is it so important to you?”

He pursed his lips.

Even in this circumstance, my curiosity lived on.

To my surprise, he wasn't irritated at my inquiry. Rather, he appeared to have a willingness for telling a tale. A regretful, melancholic tale.

“I wanted to give this to someone, but I could not. They have no need of my gift. To them, I am nothing more than an identity like a hundred thousand other identities.”

That was such a cryptic response.

I was about to ask more when the prince suddenly gestured to the piano seat, presenting it to me like it was a reward. I frowned, perplexed.

“You are an artist, Rosette.” He reminded me, patting the cushion as he remained standing. “So express your emotions through art.”

I blinked profusely.

“Go ahead.” The corners of his mouth delicately curved upward. “Might I inform you that it is a privilege to play my instrument. You should be proud of yourself for this achievement.”

A small laugh escaped me. This brat.

He never fails to rescue me, to drag me out from the rabbit holes I'd always fall into. Ever since the first day, he kept watching over me. For that, I'm sincerely grateful.

I hesitantly sat on the furniture.

If I had to translate my sadness through a piano piece, there was only one melody that comes to mind. Yes, the melody that stuck with me upon childhood until my current age, the melody that I hum at every passing hour, the melody that I learned to love.

Slowly and painfully, I began to play.

From a peripheral aspect, I saw Prince Agustus shift his body. I couldn't get a clear picture of his expression, but he must be startled.

“So he taught you this piece...”

He quietly crept up behind me, arms soon extended around my head. I felt his chest brush against my shoulders, his breath that tickled my ear. Thereafter, his pale and slender hands came into view across the monochromatic keys, dancing along with mine. Even now, he was accompanying me throughout my adventure from note to note.

Step by step, small baby steps...he was always here, right next to me. He doesn't complain about the pace. He maintained his patience in spite that all I did was push him away. As I feared for each step of the piano, of my life, of my fate...

Tears dripped onto the instrument.

He became a source of comfort, of warmth.

Lent et Douloureux ended and we were both hushed. The pearlescent curtains fluttered like butterfly wings with tiny sweeping noises as they slide past the floor. I got a whiff of the indistinct smell of rose petals in his bedroom.

The prince sighed and softly ruffled my hair. “I feel bad for making you cry.”

I smiled at him, wiping the waterworks with my sleeve. “We all have terrible days. I should thank you for this.”

He smiled as well, seemingly relieved.

“But are we really not throwing that plant? You're not giving it to the person anyway.”

“No.”

“Alright, alright. You can stop guarding it with your arm. I won't attack it.”

I looked at the peculiar flower that was immensely cared for. Its thorns were accepted as if it couldn't be most unique and beautiful without them. On the vase, I saw my reflection staring back at me. Her cheeks, eyes, and nose were flushed red.

How pretty, I thought, but it stings no more.

Maybe I should love myself, too.

Third Person's POV

Mona's jaw kept hanging open since she stepped foot into the Palace of Duva. A little while ago, she encountered the two guards again and stuck her tongue out at the blow-your-brains guy, claiming her revenge. Their facial expressions upon seeing her in the carriage with the Lady were hilarious.

But her reaction right now must be funnier than the duo.

What caught her eye first was the color scheme: shades of blue, white, along with hints of silver and gold. The strategic interior design was aesthetically pleasing. Rosette would greatly appreciate this!

The walls were filled with so much draperies and paintings of the royal family. There were tons of unfamiliar rulers, but at the end of the corridor, she finally saw a face she could recognize. She gaped at the young and bright Queen Isabella as a child, then as a pure demoiselle of youth, and then as a gorgeous woman adorned with a crown larger than her head and a scepter generally held by kings.

“Admirable woman, was she not?” the Lady questioned, regarding the portrait with a softened gaze.

Mona wasn't sure whether it was meant rhetorically or simply an ignition for their chat, so she nodded, hoping it was an adequate reply. This was all unfamiliar for a commoner. She was currently ambling along a lush carpet, following the footsteps of Duva's Lady. The process of letting the fact sink to her was still ongoing.

“After she left the palace, it had been awfully lonesome here,” shared the Lady, masking her dolorous mien with a balanced smile as her regard journeyed to the maiden, “so it is nice to have company. I am afraid I was unable to ask for your name earlier, Miss...”

“Mona.” The maiden fidgeted, demure.

“Miss Mona.” Lady Audeath dipped her head in genuine acknowledgement. “What a delightful name.”

The maiden didn't agree to that. She experienced a variety of name-calling in the past by the other kids whenever she visited the village near the palace, mostly stupid and monkey.

“There is a meaning to that name in which I cannot forget. Do you know of it perhaps?”

“I have received numerous names, my Lady, but all are unkind.”

The Lady paused at this, offering her sympathy and time of recollection. Although, she then smiled once more and cupped both of her hands onto Mona's cheeks. “You received wrong, dear. Mona means wish and noble one. And you proved yourself to be worthy of such name. May your wishes come true as a prize for your nobility.”

Mona's heart stirred with happiness. Her irises turned stellar with hope. “I wish for my people to be free.”

“Ah, the fervent prayer of many.” The Lady commented. Guards that were on standby identified their oncoming presence and opened the double doors, leading to a commodious room with chairs of royal blue cushions and a wooden table held up by legs shaped like actual tree trunks. “Come sit.”

Slick and posh servants rushed in and poured them tea. The weather wasn't particularly hot today, considering that it must've rained recently in Duva. But aside from the cold, April showers bring May flowers, so Mona alleged this to be a sign that her kingdom will prosper like dewdrops on viburnums of spring.

“What about you, my Lady?” the maiden asked, tracing the rim of her teacup as steam swirled out from the liquid. She thought it would be respectful to return the question. “Do you know the meaning of your name?”

The servants flashed her a look of disbelief before they exited the room. Mona tensed up afterwards. Did she say something inappropriate?

The sound of a teacup clinking against the saucer snapped her alive and alert.

“It is the name given to me by our queen when she found me astray on the streets.”

Mona's eyes grew closely to the size of the saucers. She hurriedly hunched over.

“I beg you to pardon me for my discourtesy...!”

“Raise your head, dear.” The Lady said reassuringly. “I am not provoked by it. Instead, I would like it if you know about how benevolent Queen Isabella really is.”

She put her hand onto her chest, rehashing the reason why her heart was still beating, rehashing the reason why she came this far.

“I am a remnant from one of the wars between our kingdoms. King Eldred attacked our village and claimed the land as his own. I escaped and managed to live in the city, dressed in rags and dirt. My daily objectives were to steal bread and hide in dark alleys. That was my life before I met her.” She started to say, staring at her face being rippled in her drink. “One day, however, my life had changed. The queen noticed me from the carriage and approached with careful footsteps, extending her hand towards me. There were spectators. I was scared. But then she told me these words...”

Your blood may not be royal, yet your eyes are. Come to my palace and it will be home.

Her eyes. Mona gazed into them while the Lady wasn't looking. After further examination, she realized that they weren't ordinary blue eyes. They had the exact color of sapphires, the heavenly gemstones of celestial hue that even rich men envy, for they are symbolic to holiness of royalty and divine favor.

“She said I reminded her of herself. She also had to be independent at a young age when her parents got caught of untreatable illness.” The Lady elaborated. “I couldn't remember how old I was when she found me, but she believed that it would be older or younger than her first son. I couldn't remember my name. Thus, she gave me a new one. Audeath. To death, at death, with death.”

“To death, at death, with death...?” Mona echoed, gulping down her drink. That was way worse than being called a monkey.

Lady Audeath simply smiled. “Like a scar that retells the story of survival, my name retells the story of death. The people of my village, Queen Isabella, and those who died fighting for honor—I carry their deaths upon my shoulders.”

“Is it not hard for you?” the maiden held onto her brown skirt with shaking fists, teary-eyed. She could imagine the pain, the internal turmoil. And yet despite everything, the Lady had the strength to smile. “You must have studied...did an effort at a very young age...just make her proud that you are her seneschal...even though she could not visit frequently...”

Mona's heart was big enough to love the whole world. She couldn't speak properly because of her voice weakening, because of her lungs suddenly lacking air.

“Mona...”

“And she stopped coming since that belly-gut Eldred didn't allow her to.” The maiden snuffled. “That happened ten years ago! So for a decade, you had to take care of the kingdom in her stead... Is it not hard for you?”

“How can I say no to that?” Lady Audeath chuckled softly, her smile then fading. “‘Tis hard, Mona. But eventually, you will understand. The Duvians knew I would be the most affected by her passing. They trusted me regardless of age. They were home. For the greater good, for my people, I can smile. Their happiness is mine as well.”

She must've cried to sleep, living on with a woebegone heart.

“The truth is, the queen wanted to go home, to you and your people.” The maiden admitted, blinking back tears. “But...”

“The accident, right?” suggested Lady Audeath, guessing what the maiden would say next.

Mona slowly shook her head. “It was no accident.”

“...What do you mean?”

“Read this, my Lady.”

The maiden placed Prince Eugene's letter onto the wooden table and pushed it forward, beside the Lady's half-empty teacup that had already lost heat.

It was sealed with the Blackbird emblem, signifying that it was undoubtedly from the Grand Palace. Lady Audeath opened it.

Vivid scenarios and sensations of her childhood resurfaced from the doors of memories she kept locked. The warmth of Queen Isabella's hand holding hers. The sessions in the study. The dress ups. The playtimes. The loneliness inside her dimlit chambers. The smile she copied from the Queen's angelic face.

And for the first time, Mona saw an expression of wrath.

The darkness of night already pooled the sky when Mona arrived at the woods where her kingdom awaits beyond. Her horse was refreshed thanks to the immense management of the stables. A new letter was hidden beneath her bodice.

This is my reply to the letter he sent me. Please take it to the Heir. Thank you for your service, Mona. And thank you for listening to my story. Lady Audeath told her, followed by a sincere hug and a wave of goodbye.

Hooves clacked as they moved from tree to tree.

Mona was almost there.

But there was an off-putting feeling in the pit of her stomach. Her hands progressively perspired. She gripped onto the reigns, telling the animal to go faster.

They weren't alone.

Multiple shadows were at their tail. The maiden could feel dangerous eyes on her, watching her from the shrubberies.

Mona increased speed, then increased it some more. Soon, the horse was galloping across the acre. Just as she predicted, men on horses sped up in pursuit. Soldiers? Bandits? Invaders?

She had to make it. She was almost there. This letter needs to reach the Heir—

They threw a sack over her head. Her horse neighed in agony the split second a sword pierced through its body. Mona and the animal collapsed to the forest floor.

All she could see was pitch black.

A/N: Heeeey~ *waves*

June 13, 2013! Ain't that nice?

We love you all so much! We genuinely appreciate your patience and understanding, which is why we're more determined to finish this book ♡

Anyway, make sure you're hydrated and fresh! Stay healthy and love our sweet Bulletproof Boyscouts uwu