"Haven't I given enough, given enough?
Always the fool with the slowest heart
But I know you'll take me with you
We'll live in spaces between walls"

Gilded Lily - The Cults
(This is Lily's theme song :( )

🪷

"Intriguing." A velvet voice trailed from beside her.

A dream? It must've been, because Taehyung couldn't have possibly been in her room. She burrowed herself closer into the warm body next to her. His thinner frame smelled of vanilla and cream, and it put a smile onto her face. She squeezed his hand tighter, happy to find he still held into her even through the night. Hopefully he'd been able to sleep well.

"Go away." Mumbled Jimin, his voice groggy from sleep. She felt his chin rest on the top of her head, as he settled in closer to her as well.

Wait.

Leila froze.

Jimin responded to the voice. That meant...

"Get up, now." Taehyung commanded, his voice the edge of a blade. Steely and dull all at once.

Leila's eyes flew open, shock resonating through her like an explosion.

The prince indeed stood over them, looking like the Angel of death. The moonlight filtered in from the windows, casting him in fragments of shadow. He was dressed in all black, the clothing threaded with an intricate gold. A new crown of onyx and sharpened gems sat atop his raven hair.

His expression, just as vacant as she remembered.

But it was not trained on her. No.

Instead his depthless eyes were unwavering on their conjoined hands.

Leila continued to stare a hole into the prince as he looked away from her, enraged. After all, why was he here? He had no right to be.

Jimin awoke, cursing as he looked between Leila and the prince. He quickly pulled his hand out from her grasp, no matter how much he'd enjoyed it. Launching himself away from her to a further end of the bed.

"What the fuck?!"

The prince never personally retrieved Jimin before. Of course, he had known he was in Leila's room.

Leila repeated Jimin's inquiry as she sat up in her bed. She did not have to try in order to make herself sound quietly fierce, "What are you doing in my rooms?"

Taehyung placed his hands behind his back, lifting his chin in a supercilious manner. Leila's anger only multiplied, as he looked at Jimin while addressing her.

"Gathering my inadequate and irresponsible advisor who should've already been by my side this morning. I seem to have discovered the reason why he is not."

He was unfeeling as he said it. The end lifting with a maddening sigh.

"Get out." Leila warned him, her tone glass.

She could do as she pleased. Without him barging into her rooms whenever he wished. Especially when he hadn't even tried to talk to her after their fight. Her blood heated. It was reprehensible of him to parade around her now. A caricature of his favorite mask.

The indication of his emotions flared in his eyes, alight with a fervor as he finally met her own, "Oh, I would love nothing more. But you also need to be in attendance."

The prince had already turned. Letting his arms fall to the sides as he walked briskly to the door.

"And why is that?" Leila yelled after him, while looking at Jimin to confirm.

The man seemed startled still, amazed that he had been discovered and still kept all his limbs. He lifted his shoulders in a shrug, from which his white loose shirt fell free of on one side.

The prince turned around, fixing her with a dangerous smile that didn't meet his eyes,
"You're on trial. Would it pleasure you to fight me further? You know I like it when you scream."

A trial? What fucking trial did the princess of the kingdom have to go through?

"Fuck you." Is all Leila could muster. She said it with every grain of anguish she felt towards him. For not being warned ahead of time. For him deciding to be cruel so that she wouldn't want him. For him being so good at it. For her heart pounding, not only due to resentment.

The prince's smile dropped. Not from her words, but out of sheer exhaustion of using the expression.

"Get dressed. Meet us in the throne room in ten minutes. Jimin, you're coming with me. It's not like you need to change, everyone is used to you rolling out of bed with one of the maids and just running into meetings."

Jimin ignored the slight, rolling his eyes towards Leila before lazily slipping of the bed. He ruffled his hair, placing on his shoes before making his way to stand beside the prince.

"Why am I on trial?" Leila called as the advisor opened the door for them.

Taehyung was framed by the doorway, his patience thinning, "You'll find out soon enough princess, won't you? And since you slept so well, you should find yourself bright and sharp for an interrogation."

They all heard the suggestion his tone. That little slip of emotion. He adjusted his posture, attempting to loosen the tension in his jaw.

But Jimin saw it. Leila saw it. Jimin shook his head from behind the prince, opening his eyes wide at Leila.

And though she promised to never do it again, her pride acted for her. Planting a seed into quickly turning soil. She said her silent sorry to Jimin, before calmly speaking.

"We really didn't do much sleeping."

Jimin winced, swearing as he grabbed at his head. Taking a step back from the prince who turned to stone.

The prince's soft tilt of the lips couldn't be considered a smile. His dark eyes assessing as he took a step back into the room, and lifted his brow.

"Is that so? Then I must discuss with Jimin that he should do a better job. I heard absolutely nothing from my own room." The prince feigned an intake of breath, before turning and calling over his shoulder, "And now you have five minutes to get ready. Even if I have to get someone to drag your ass, you'll be there."

Leila seethed silently, as he and the advisor left her room. The door slamming shut.

The pillow that she threw at the door and fell with a thud did nothing to resolve her anger.

How dare he?

She thought, as she went to the large armoire that held all of her dresses. Flinging material out to her left and right. Practically growling and snarling like an alley cat as she did so. Her chest heaved as she called him every name under the sun. In Farsi and Tenebrian.

A trial, she'd never even seen one. Been apart of one. And she had no clue what for?

This was beyond a ruse from the prince. His sacrifice of giving her up to protect her seeming more like an excuse now more than ever.

She paused.

Did he really just not want me?

Did he want it just to be physical, and my suggested scared him? Made it feel more real than it truly was?

A red dress fell from the armoire, disrupting her line of thought. It was from home, unaltered by the need for heat in the castle. Leila placed it over her head. Without a corset, no help was necessary since both of her twins were out of commission. She settled the light material over herself, looking down.

The top was a halter almost, crossing in a V over her breasts, and around her neck. The torso had two cut outs on the side, exposing her hips, midsections, and the top of her ribs. The bottom flowed like gauze, a slit rising up the side all the way to the top of her thigh.

She looked into the mirror, smoothing out her hair and realizing there was no time to put on makeup. Or prepare. Leila didn't even have a clue what there was to prepare for.

But it couldn't be anything good.

Hopefully the dress would be distracting enough. Enough for her to have a few moments between each question. Enough time to think quickly.

Enough time to save herself, if her newly dreadful husband wouldn't.

•

Leila walked into the throne room, shocked to see everyone already assembled.

All the nobles sat within pews that had been arranged before the throne. And of course, the arrogant prince sat atop that. She was more shocked to see Aera and Garnett in front of a large table, seperate from everyone else and in the center of the room.

As Leila passed them to stand by the advisor, who placed himself next to Taehyung, she shook her head. A warning. One Leila barely understood.

Garnett, with his piercing blue eyes just glared. With a hatred so scathing, she wasn't sure where exactly it stemmed from. She shivered as she finally settled in place, pulling her gaze away from him to look out past the pews.

Her sister was nowhere to be found.

Taehyung clapped his hands together, startling her when he stood up to address the crowd.

"Now that you have all successfully and sufficiently wasted my time, let us begin this fucking egregious trial. You, Garnett. State your grievance with the princess. You, Aera, try to look like you at least care about what your mate says. And princess," The prince turned to her, his eyes revealing nothing, "Take your place away from the advisor, even though I know it must pain you to do so."

Someone coughed from one of the pews. Leila couldn't tell if it was Hoseok, or Jin, but her cheeks burned nonetheless. That slight had been a punishment for what she said earlier. She huffed forward, taking a step off the raised platform. Closer to Aera and Garnett.

The prince placed his attention back on the ground. Talking to Garnett about the rules and parameters he must follow in his accusations.

"Gods, has he always been this horrible?" Leila muttered quietly, keeping her gaze ahead as she knew Jimin could hear her.

The male leaned forward, loud enough for her to understand, "Yes, he just liked you before."

"And now he hates me." Leila simmered, though her heart seemed to splinter further.

There was a pause, a hint of a smile on Jimin's tone, "Something like that."

But Leila could find no more amusement in it. She was brought back to the present, with the prince's next acknowledgment of her.

"Princess, Lord Garnett Ardelean please step forward." The prince gestured, and the followed.

He took his seat back on the throne. A casual position, as if he'd rather be anywhere else. Like he had something better to do. She offered him one more scowl, and when he winked, she turned toward her accuser as a molten puddle. As if whatever happened, she would be fine.

I'm going to kill the prince, for whatever game he's playing.

Garnett shifted, his blue eyes a tundra. Exactly what Leila would've thought a vampire to be. With his pale skin, dark hair, red lips, and overly ornate clothes. His beauty was not enough to hide the decay underneath, the hollowness of his eyes. Aera was disgruntled behind him, tapping her foot and rolling her green eyes.

Leila had to bite back her smile, as the killer immortui spit at her, "I Lord Garnett Ardelean accuse you of fornication, and conspiracy against the crown."

Oh, this trial was worthless. She refrained from casting back a look at the prince. Bastard. That is why he allowed this to happen without preparation. Even if they weren't together officially, he would never let anyone question her loyalty. It would weaken his reign and reputation.

Leila sent daggers at the man with her silver eyes, letting her voice sharpen, "I am the crown."

As Garnett lifted his lip, his fangs protruding she swear she felt a flash of approval through her mind. An image of throughly impressed pride, like the ghost of a boastful smile.

Impossible.

She straightened her posture, letting an aloofness grace her mannerisms. As Garnett was already decomposed by her simple, and true, answer.

Blue eyes glinted to a deep red as he almost shook with anger. At being bested? At being humiliated by both Taehyung, and his mate? Maybe her evasion of his rage had been one insult to far.

The prince sounded from behind her, "State whatever proof you have Garnett."

The man's rage softened, just enough to force out the words, "I saw her. Leaving the bath house the other night. She had been with the prince. And only yesterday, I saw the advisor slip into her rooms and not arise until morning."

Leila didn't have a response. That all was true. But no one seemed shocked by this, so she kept her calm.

"Yes, I bathed with my husband. And yes, I had my friend stay over in my rooms. Your point?"

"She's lying." Garnett looked behind her, pleading to the prince.

Leila couldn't hide her disgust. She'd almost feel for him, if he wasn't so desperate. Whatever fixation he had with her, it had festered. Leaving him uncouth and paranoid.

Taehyung sighed heavily, "And if she is? Royals are permitted to take consorts if they are not yet mated. She's exonerated. Next accusation."

The pale man's shoulders dropped, as Leila bit back another smile. Ease gracing her body as she settled into herself.

Garnett's eyes were wild as he looked at her again, taking a step closer. His eyes rimmed with volatile intent.

"Her and her filthy sister," His smile cracked into something animalistic, as she took a step towards him. She held back, knowing she was being baited, "I saw them conspiring. They sent Noble Jeon away from them, as they plotted against us."

She knew she had sensed someone else watching that conversation. It was silent around them. Leila didn't even chance looking at Jeongguk.

"We spoke of the ball, and what dresses to wear. Is it a crime to speak to one's sister in private? Surely that cannot be."

"Why was he sent away then?"

"Well, because there are things called brassieres, corsets, and tights. And while I know you haven't seen Aera's in a while, we—"

Her words were cut off by an animalistic growl.

It was clear to her then, what had been the man's intent. He hated the prince, hated him more than he could ever hate Leila. She realized this, when his ferocious snarl lifted to the prince for mere moments. A quick show of defiance that could've gotten him killed if he didn't settle himself back on the princess. Leila gave him a pitied look, and this time she meant it.

He blamed Taehyung for his failed mating. Taking the attentions and respect of the woman he loved, in which he could never have. And he saw the daughter of the moon, his wife, as a way to get back at him for taking away Aera. He couldn't touch the prince, but he could touch Leila.

Garnett snapped down on his fangs, the whites of his eyes blinding as he moved closer to her face. Leila refused to retreat, only standing up taller.

"You'll die witch!"

The room erupted.

She didn't look, but she knew the Prince had stood up. Could tell from the way Jin and Hoseok looked at him, waiting for an order. Jeongguk had already made his way out of his seat, eyes determined.

Before he could take another step towards her, a pale hand pressed to his shoulder. Garnett lost his animosity, shock written all over his demonic face. Leila had not been wrong to assume he hadn't been touched in a while. And it had taken the life out of him to be.

"Raise a hand to the princess and you'll lose me forever." Aera said, not having to raise her voice to settle the entire room. She was strong, assured as she looked at her mate with disparaged eyes.

Leila wasn't sure what she was more baffled by. That he had surrendered, or that Aera called her by her title. Aera sent her a look to not offer gratitude. It would only further insult her mate. The man took one more startling breath, before stalking away. Nudging Aera's touch off of him, and not taking another glance at the nobles.

Leila felt herself relax, but knew it was far from over. Not when there had been murder in his cold eyes. Not when he had been shamed one too many times by them.

Garnett would try to hurt her again.

As the nobles gathered to talk in front of her, she spun on her heel. Walking up the steps and in front of the almost pitch black throne. The man sat soundly, not a look of worry on his face. But instead a haughty knowing, like he thought it amusing she had ever felt fear.

It would have been nice to have been warned. But she guessed this is what it was like, how he treated her when she wasn't in his favor.

"I don't know whether to ravish you, or kill you." Leila spoke aloud, contemplating. She leaned on her hip, targeting him with her sharp gaze. Crossing her arms.

The idea of tying him up, throwing the key and or ending him seemed like a glorious idea to her.

The prince broke his concentration, smiling. Her treacherous heart skipped a beat as he stood up, and took a step down towards her. But she did not retreat, not as his dark eyes remained on her own, and didn't trail down to take in her open skin, the flimsy red material.

"By all means, do both." Taehyung countered, his pupils dilating.

Leila lifted her chin, scowling at him. Pretending like his words didn't feel as if he were stripping her of this dress, slowly, "You could've prevented all of this from happening. It didn't need to be a spectacle."

The prince regarded her words, pursing his lips in thought. And then stepped to her side, so that his arm brushed her own.

"No indeed not. But I thought it best to show both my advisor and my princess what happens when they sleep in and slack on their duties."

Leila shivered at his whisper, how close he had been to her ear, her neck. How only a day ago, she had felt those lips and words across her skin. A poem. Now, a different stanza ejected from her soul. What is he doing?

Flirting with me? Taunting me? Mocking me? Showing his envy?

He pushed her away. He did not have the right to be angry about Jimin, no matter how innocent their actions were. He could not have it both ways, where he avoids her and she just takes it, wastes her life waiting for him to stop being afraid.

"He didn't go on trial for killing Juliette." Leila said, directing her anger to something she could talk about.

Yelling at him that she wasn't 'his princess' or 'his' anything would have been beneath her. Leila wasn't here to tell him place. He would find out soon enough.

The prince shrugged, walking from her side. Looking around the room, as if to search for an escape from this conversation. "Because we know he did it."

Leila scoffed, turning to follow him, "And if he wants to kill me now that I made a mockery of him?"

The prince waved her off, "He'll never get the chance. Be on your way Princess, I have things to attend to."

Aera remained at the front row pew. Her jade eyes clouded, her pretty face marred with an expression Leila barely understood. Taehyung looked at the woman, gesturing for her to move to him. She looked around before nodding, walking over to them.

Leila looked at the pair, the way Aera did not speak a word. Barely looked at her at all. Taehyung was not going to speak in front of the princess. Apparently whatever they needed to discuss was not for her ears.

What a pretty, raven haired pair.

Leila pretended it didn't stab her, when he gracefully lifted his hand. Urging Aera to move forward and away from the princess, the touch soft on her pale elbow.

It wasn't any of her business. If he decided to move on with her so quickly. Even though he had been so vehement in his denial of it.

"So do I." Leila bit out, monotone. Her eyes taking in that touch, and harboring it in the prison of numb within her. Coaxing her old friend, begging her to come back. The void, the void that had cut ties with her ever since she kissed the prince for the first time.

Feel nothing, she begged herself.

Feel nothing, as she turned away from them, walking surely from the throne room. Away, away, needing distance like she needed oxygen.

Lily. She had to be back now, from whatever task she was sent to do. She needed to speak with her about the book, no matter what would change between them.

Leila didn't see the prince pause. Not hearing Aera, as she called for his attention. His eyes following the princess, following her until she left from the throne room. Following her to the ends of the earth, even if she never looked behind her again.

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

Leila could not have been any more lucky.

When she opened the door to her chambers, ready to scream and cry her heart out, Lily had already been laying on her bed.

Leila immediately lifted the shield around her heart as she took in her friend's bright, smiling face. The light brown hair, and kind eyes that seemed to light from within. Shining stars. All she wanted was her friend, someone who would understand her heartache. Someone to cry and laugh and to curse the prince with.

She needed to go about this carefully. She needed the truth. And she needed to know if that friend she thought she had still existed.

"Oh how I'm ever so glad to see you. Waiting with Setareh was horrible. She cried herself to sleep, no matter how much I explained you wouldn't be in danger. Silly humans." Lily commented off handedly, getting up from her bed.

Leila didn't even try to correct the fact that they weren't entirely human. But Dimidium, and in her sister's case, Caelestian. Instead, she was more saddened to know her sister had been so worried.

"You knew of the trial? Did everyone know but me?" Leila said easily, going to her dresser. Slipping off the red cloth and picking up her white nightgown.

Lily laughed, sitting on the plush chair closer to her dresser. Very close to where Leila had left the ritual book out on purpose. Her friend's brown eyes sneakily taking in the cover, a quick side glance, before making her smile brighter as she focused back on Leila.

Set the trap.

"Well, I only was told once I arrived—"

Catch the prey.

Leila breathed, interrupting. Picking up the large book. Leila kept her expression and tone straight as she closed in on the girl, "Does everyone else also know how to read the language in The Ritual of Day and Night?" Leila asked and then loudly slammed it on the table next to Lily's head. The vipera flinched, blanching, her back pressed flush against the chair. Her eyes wide as tree hollows. Leila forged forth, "Or is that something only you're privy too? And decided not to tell me."

Lily breathed heavily, already almost on the verge of tears. Fuck, fuck. Not again. Leila thought she could handle it, but she wasn't so sure. Not as Lily looked at her, full of apology and fear and regret.

Already admitting her guilt, as she softly murmured her name, "Leila."

A rippled of pain tore through her.

"Princess." Leila corrected. Doing her best to sound like the ruler she was. As if her heart hadn't already ripped out. And now Lily rolled it in glass shards, and wished to patch the holes with her hands.

Lily nodded, her eyes lowering out of respect. Out of fear. Fear of being caught? Leila wanted to laugh, laugh until it swallowed her whole. She was angry, betrayed. And she wasn't even sure about what exactly yet. Lily scrambled to reply, stuttering, "M-my apologies princess I-"

Leila had every intention of letting her speak, of explaining herself. But she couldn't stop the words from bursting forth. From the vortex eating up the numb, the numb she needed but couldn't hold on to. Her voice was rasping, rubbed raw with emotion, "You're my friend. One of my only. Like a sister. And you failed to tell me of this? You watched me struggle for months. You may not know me and the prince's dire circumstances I'm sure, but you knew I needed to get that book translated. What excuse could you possibly have not to tell me? Other than," Leila laughed painfully, and Lily started to cry. Her shoulders trembling, as tears fell in their silent warpath, "Gods other than you wanting to hurt me."

Saying it out loud makes it real.

Leila's eyes widened, taking a step back from Lily. Who lifted her hands in surrender, their tender flesh shaking. Leila felt dizzy, sick. She wasn't even sure she could listen if she wanted to. She grasped onto the back of her chair, physically preventing her knees from buckling underneath her.

Lily cried harder, her words a weeping willow, "Leila, princess, no. Please. Let me explain, let me, please. Please."

"No excuses."

"None. I promise."

"Proceed. And know that it is only because you are dear to me that I haven't placed you before the prince and marked you a traitor."

Leila moved around the chair, settling herself down. Not asking any direct questions, knowing Lily would ramble and tell her more if she wasn't sure exactly what Leila already knew. Lifting her brow as Lily shifted to the end of the other chair, facing her. Her fingers wringing together nervously in her lap.

She started tentatively, choosing her words with caution, "My mother, Clarisse was old. One of the first made Immortui. She was from Romania and one of Taehyung's ancestor's took her to be his wife. Before she turned, she had already been a healer in her village. She followed a religion that was pagan, like our own, and relied around using herbs in medicinal recipes."

Lily paused, and Leila only stared. Giving no further encouragement. The brunette sighed, closing her eyes to recall the memories, "I was always with Clarisse when I was younger, interested in herbs and whatever healing she took part in. Her recipes were indecipherable to me then, written a language that I could not read. Older than Tenebrian. Older than Romanian. My best guess it is some form of Latin, though she never told me it's name. She only taught me because of my talents with herbs, which her family passed down the knowledge through the centuries." Her large brown eyes lifted to Leila, "I didn't say anything because I was told it was dangerous for me to know. That only royals were meant to practice and understand the language of our forebears. Knowledge is worth murdering for Leila, for people like me. People who were not born for greatness. It was always a secret. And still, the castle and the King used Clarisse for her skills in healing. Not knowing that she partook in a form of witch craft that they believed to be only in their hands."

Leila hated that she understood. That everything Lily said sounded like something she would want to hear.

"Why did you not tell me? I thought-" Leila cut herself off, as Lily gripped the arm of the chair so tightly her fingers turned white.

I thought, what, she would give up her family secret for me? Risk her livelihood to only benefit myself? Everything Leila thought made herself sound like the entitled royal Lily was afraid of.

Lily let out a soft burst of laughter, her voice a croak, "As soon as I saw you with that book, I wanted to tell you. Because of course I want to help you, Leila. But I cannot teach it to you, in the time you would need to read it. That would mean I have to read the book myself, learning more things than I was ever meant to know. More secrets I shouldn't be privy to, and that would die with me. Taehyung is like my brother, but he has a kingdom and his own family secrets to protect. He has you to protect. And I was worried you would run to him and tell him. I would not blame you."

"Lily, I am sorry." Leila said, swallowing the thickness in her throat. Because, she saw it in Lily's eyes.

She would read the book. She would translate it for Leila. But Lily was low-born, an orphan. An aristocrat only by Taehyung's insistence. Once Leila found out, she never truly had a choice.

Leila got to her knees before her friend, grabbing her cold hands. Lily only sobbed harder, her thin shoulders caving in. Leila could see the bones of her chest, her cheeks sallow unlike when they first had met. Like she was slowly being drained of life, bit by bit.

"No, princess. I cannot take you bowing before me. It is making me feel worse."

"I am Leila to you, your friend, and I am a bitch for saying otherwise," Leila paused, trying to find the words, "I just thought you betrayed me. I thought the curse-"

"Don't tell me. I will not ask."

"I should. To repay the debt."

Lily bit her lip, the whites of her eyes made pink by tears, "Okay. But before you do, I just want to say I am grateful to you. This language, the healing they were all parts of my mother that I love and miss. And I couldn't talk about it to anyone, except my brother. And I am sure you know how that conversation went with him. I just miss her, and I am glad it was you I told."

Leila squeezed her hands, smiling softly, "That is why I am telling you. I am taking your secret, and I will give you mine. This way we both have incentives not to tell anyone else."

Laughing through her tears, her friend nudged at her shoulder, "Ever the pragmatist. Still, I appreciate it."

They ended up hugging, their laughs and cries mingling in the bliss of friendship. When Leila settled back on her knees, she told Lily.

Everything.

The curse being incomplete, the signs around the castle, how Taehyung's father died before he could pass on their origin. How her and Taehyung ended their feud in order to work together towards breaking the curse without killing Leila. That their was an anti-curse, and possibly another person involved. She even told her the visions of Sorina, the queen's horrible treatment of her. How the King and Sorina were in love, and that is why Taehyung was being cruel to her. Thinking he was protecting her from their own fate.

When Leila finished, she felt the same relief in her chest. Telling someone that was Taehyung.

But Lily, already pale, had turned to the shade of snow. Her usually warm brown eyes branch gray. Ashen.

"Are you okay?" Leila questioned, her brows lifted. She hadn't expected that reaction.

Lily shook her head, attempting a smile, "I am sorry. It is a little shocking to hear all of this. I never saw what happened with the King and Sorina. I was kept out of the courts when he was King. But to know they were in love? It is tragic, but it is almost beautiful." Leila nodded in agreement, when Lily leaned forward, "Taehyung is afraid to lose you. I do not think he ever expected to feel that way. I think he did everything in his power to prevent that, wanting you. Now, now I see why. I hate it. But I see him. I think part of him died that day two years ago, and you have risen that part from its grave. I think he's afraid of what you make him feel more than anything."

Leila shook her head, wrapping her arms around her knees, "It doesn't matter now, does it? He made his choice. I made mine. All that is left now is the curse."

Her friend shook her head, but didn't press on the subject. Instead making a declaration, "I will do everything I can to help. I am very busy with the spring solstice, so I can only tell you a couple pages a day. But I will do so, without drawing attention. Keep the book here, and I will come to you when I can."

The princess jumped up onto her knees, taking Lily into her arms again, "Thank you! Thank you, thank you so much. I will keep you safe, I promise."

Leila did not want her friend to worry, but this would change everything. She would finally learn about the curse, would finally begin to have a chance at fighting back. The future seemed a lot less bleak. Brighter. Lily pulled back, her usually soft face growing sharp. The circles under her eyes violet, and Leila wondered if she had been drinking enough blood.

"Don't tell my brother."

Leila snorted. He knew about her being able to read the ancient language already. She didn't need him to know more about the curse. It wasn't his concern.

"Right, and don't tell Taehyung. It is our little secret."

Lily smiled genuinely, enough that she looked less exhausted. An impression of her old self.

Leila was about to question her health, and if she needed extra feedings and would fight the prince for canceling them for a week, but there was a loud knock on the door.

Her friend shuffled, holding up her hand before Leila could even rise from the floor. Lily opened the door to find another servant, who began to speak in an urgent manner. Leila strained to listen, but failed to hear anything the pair spoke of.

Shock was written on Lily's face when she turned back around, the servant fleeing. Her mouth was parted, her eyes wide.

"Oh my—" She said quietly, almost to herself.

"What's wrong?" Leila asked, concerned. Lily had been cast into silence twice tonight, and she was already worried for her dwindling friend.

Lily laughed without humor, finally meeting Leila's silver gaze, "I wouldn't say it's wrong, but it's very strange. Garnett is dead."

The princess faltered a step, her hand grasping at her chest. Hating that deep, sweet respite blossomed through her. Those cold blue eyes would never look at her with murder ever again. But they had been so sad, so lost just hours before. Her relief felt like an ailment, something she had to cure.

Lily wondered aloud, "Who do you think did it?"

Leila shook her head. Not uttering a word.

Despite knowing exactly who.

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(A/N: HUGE chapter :)

LILY??? Can we trust you or not? Idkkk

Taehyung...what are you DOING ?!?? Also stop being hot everyone's supposed to be mad at you.

I hope you guys caught on from the last chapter that's why Jimin was out cold in the carriage. He's afraid of the dark, afraid to be alone so he was able to just sleep when all his friends were there.

Also Leila's dress!

Okay onto Names if I publish: also I am erasing this later because I'm paranoid someone (who isn't a reader or doesn't like me) could steal it.

Okay okay so names and I would make Central Asian + Romanian and it makes sense because the prince's features + family origin story which haven't been seen yet. Some characters will be just Romanian tho, haven't decided which.

Any name that is already Romanian / Arab isn't changing (Leila's, Setareh, elder Fareena, Azita, Sorina, Garnett)

Prince Taehyung Kim - Prince Cravyn Otravă

okay this one I'm NOT budging on 😭. I spent hours trying to come up with a dark / princely / gothic name that also had some Romanian roots and this is what I got. It's a play on the whole blood thing (Craving plus the fact he's described as raven haired because of its meaning of loss and ill omens. Otrava in Romanian means poison, for his surname. You guys will get the meaning later)

Jimin Park - Luca (possible last names: Perte Fluieras Crisan Dragan) kinda feeling Luca Dragan the most...

Lily Park - Crina (means Lily flower), Elena (bright one), Daria (good natured)
I love the name Lily but if it's Lily Leila and Luca that's like sooo many L names. And with whatever last name ppl like best with Luca.

Aera - Arsenie "strong" or Ihrin "peace"

Jeongguk: Caius
Namjoon: Augustine
Yoongi: Gavril
Jin: Emil
Hoseok: Isac

Queen: I haven't even given her name so how is Irina ? Irina Seară (maiden name)

King Jae (lol) - if we make the King from Kazakhstan...comment on which one you like best....

King _____Otravă
Amir
Serik
Arsen
Arlen

Okay and the face claim for Sorina issss

Segovia Amil like ARE U KIDDING ME ?!??

And this is like her and the king Coded so like we understand why you folded girly

SORRY THAT WAS SO MUCH YOU GUYS CAN EXIT THE CHAPTER NOw BYE!