Crown Prince of Headal Jacques' Point Of View

Once every few years we invite the other countries over for a banquet... except Ristaze. They're banned. People roll over and die a few weeks later whenever Ristaze is concerned. While we respect House Tepet enough to invite them, most of their servant staff is Salender spies. Our own infiltrators guarantee it.

...back to the story. I had just turned thirteen, and Jesmaine was twelve at the point. With me being taught by long lines of ghosts hoping for their chance to interact, five bodyguard ghosts and three actual bodyguards, I was extremely aware of my own role and my duties for the future. Just as Alstair, I was a mature kid, though for slightly different reasons. Jesmaine was clearly acting like a young woman herself, so in the eyes of the people around us we made a sweet and mature couple.

We got a lot of attention as the party started, and the Queen and Princess of Crinia were the first to introduce themselves to us right as the introductions began. I knew in an instant that the queen looked down on herself. That is how weak and frail her soul looked compared to her outer self. The reason was... and likely still is her 'daughter'.

Her 'daughter' smiled at us brightly and curiously at me as if she was expecting a reaction... most know about the ability to see the soul, so Crinia's Princess was aware that I could see her soul and that I would know immediately that something was off. She had the soul of a man inside...

Wild sea green hair that stands up like a chicken's comb and the sides of the head having just stubbles of hair. Slender and yet... baggy clothes where the shirt... or coat... had a hood to stop the rain. Lively and proud eyes with a mocking grin as if to say he was the most powerful thing in this world.

...the clothing style and fabric type was similar to Jesmaine's, so I knew immediately that the two of them came from the same place... though Jesmaine's sweet braids and soft cream colored knit shirt was in no way comparable to the thing that appeared before me. I instinctively didn't want them to meet.

Catarina's greeting was flawless, but the eyes she gave me as I couldn't hide my disturbed look was enough to make her latch onto me. I ended up shooing Jesmaine off to prevent the two from talking. No, to prevent Catarina from talking with her. To my frustration, Catarina was immediately fascinated with Jesmaine and gave her a longing glance. A guy gave my fiancé a longing glance. He may be in the body of a woman, but his mind and memories is that of a man.

In addition, my guess is that Catarina was already technically leading the country, because her... his mother kept glancing to him for signs of what to do next, and it would explain her lack of confidence.

Usually, we do not get along with Crinia, and it comes back to why Crinia is considered a tyranny. Their wages and stipends for government controlled positions is not only forced, but has a wage so low you need both the man and woman to work. Not only that, but they conscript both men and women in their armies. Thus why Catarina wore an armor to the meeting.

The problem is that these women are forced into something that should solely be for men. In wars and skirmishes these women are violated if defeated in detail... and it wouldn't surprise me if their own soldiers end up putting hand on them as well.

The trouble began when the crown prince of Semor introduced himself. At this point he had just won the civil war and disposed of his father, but as you may have guessed since he was invited, we had been on his side. Semor is generally quiet and usually struggle enough in dealing with their dry tundra to prevent them from going to war or cause political scandals.

Though, the Landon's father the former king of Semor had beginning to adopt the corrupted workings of Ristaze and were raising the taxes unreasonably to get funds enough for this military rearrangement. Landon had prevented this and was actually working hard on methods to keep the land livable.

Semor lies north of the mountains that prevent ocean rain from coming into the area. Other than the spring flooding from the mountains, they don't get much water the rest of the year. It is a tough problem to deal with, and usually they dedicate many water magicians to keeping their crops watered. Landon was addressing ways to fix this and ease the burden on the people. Already back then, his people loved him.

Still, Landon appeared and introduced himself to father and I. Again... the soul didn't match. This was better though. Nothing stuck out in his soul as unpleasant, and he struck me as someone I might be able to get along with.

Unfortunately, Landon and Catarina were destined to meet up, and Catarina's 'casual' first question was: "It is unfair we are going to die eventually, isn't it?"

Landon had looked at her curiously and then to me. For reasons I assume was drawing me into their conspiracy, they had started this conversation with me standing next to them.

"Indeed it is. I worry for others sharing our destiny."

They were being weird and philosophical, but it was clear enough that they seemed to be talking about others like themselves.

"I'd say Jacques fiancé would be in grave danger."

You should be able to see how I was roped into the conspiracy from that point. Both of them had looked at me expectantly.

"My fiancé will not be joining us, but we can relocate to a private room should you prefer to do so, Prince Landon, Prince...ess Catarina."

I knew I was being drawn into something troublesome, but with the two future regents of neighboring countries I couldn't just dismiss them either. In addition Catarina had mentioned Jesmaine. The one person I did not want messed up in intrigue.

It was bordering on being blackmail, and it still is. After all, I made a single demand in return for working together with them. That none of them would tell Jesmaine that they were like her, and that they would keep her out of their plans.

It may be my selfish wish, and Jesmaine hates me for forcing her to stay somewhere safe. When this is over I'll let her roam and explore this world properly. Show her the beautiful things this place has to offer... but till then I will do what I have to, to make sure she lives.

Catarina reminds me of what'll happen if I break the deal at those parties every year. Catarina goes off to Jesmaine, takes her hands and talks with her so excitedly, all while looking at her like a man does a woman. With Jesmaine disliking me and finding me unnecessarily paranoid about enemies that aren't there... this irritates me, and Catarina always ends the visit with a small grin, telling me that Jesmaine hates me and that she'll run off with another man one day.

As I said. It borders on being blackmail.

—-*—-

Years passed, and I've made the conclusion that I cannot get along with Catarina. He is of the opinion that he made this world, so he knows the best thing to do. He is convinced that he knows everything about me and that his plan will go flawlessly.

I cannot like him. He may think he knows me, but if he did then he would know not to go near Jesmaine. He would know not to hold her hands or give her light hugs. He would know that his 'temporary measure' of forcing tax increase and levies makes me irritable at best, and that attempting assassinations to that degree is nauseating.

Catarina said it was an effort in getting rid of Crinia's assassins and at the same time stress out Lionel Tepet and hopefully end up triggering Alstair's anger to make him drop the mask of kindness he wears just for a while. Three birds with a stone, he said. I cannot applaud the heavy manipulation.

Catarina says that Ristaze will turn out properly if Lily Celeste marries Alstair. However, he also said that Alstair will fall for Claire Talwen. Knowing the history of House Celeste, they won't like being near the royal family. Especially with Augustus' existence. It's too risky. Furthermore I heard Lily Celeste was tortured during the war. House Celeste never made any attempt to stop the rumors. It looks more like they're desperately trying to claw their way out of the arrangement even now during the war.

Still... I never expected Lily and Augustus to be the same person. Even after I met her.

—-*—-

I haven't told Catarina about this as a little piece of spite, but while Lily Celeste is indeed reincarnated, she is different from them. They may look as though they have the same racial traits, but there are some minor differences. One is in the eyes. For Lily her eyes were... somewhat more angled up than Catarina, Landon and Jesmaine's. Another difference is in the eyes. All three of them have black eyes, but Lily's eyes were golden... just like the enormous man like feline beast in armor trying to cover her from my sight.

Another thing, Lily's height in her former life, was taller than both Catarina and Landon who were men. Finally there was the clothes. The fabric quality was different, and it had clearly been hand embroidered by very carefully. The color of her clothes was a stark golden yellow color that you'd be able to see far away. What really made me sure that she was different was the ghost standing next to her... in armor... by Catarina's words and explanations over the years I know that they do not use swords or armor where they come from. The armor had the same color as Lily's soul's clothes, so I made the assumption that it is a sort of uniform. Much different from these three... four... that have quite different styles and colors.

Now, while Catarina went off the handle and started wanting to touch Lily and gawk, the ghost next to Lily flew into a rage. He had stepped between Lily and Catarina and started berating Catarina for 'her' impolite, disrespectful and unpleasant behavior. The point that caught my attention was when he expanded this to 'you people from the future'.

When Catarina asked me to expand a ghost field, Lily's ghostly bodyguard was still standing right in front of Catarina with a hand on his sword. He'd looked at me with this 'just you try' sort of look. He was sending glares at Helena Fox too. The fourth reincarnator with the same style of clothes. I knew why Jesmaine wanted her, and putting the two of them together would make Jesmaine happy for a while, and hopefully distract her from the war.

When Catarina after the meeting demanded I make a declaration that Lily should be king of Ristaze, I agreed. Not only would it be effective on the peasants that would fear armies marching through their lands, eating up all their food and 'entertaining' themselves with their daughters. But the nobles and generals would know that accepting was the only way out.

Of course they would try to draw out the decision and, use every hostage they have gathered. They will use every secret they know of us, spread propaganda and misinformation, attempt to bribe to lessen the demand. They will probably end up attempting to make Augustus king and Alstair the regent.

Still, we will suffer the losses. We shall give them no way out. Watching them suffer by the hands of the population they have deceived and controlled for so long, does bring a certain satisfaction. Though, more importantly, I sent messengers and spies with letters into Ristaze. We have sent a letter to everyone that to I or Catarina know that have been hurt by the royal family. Usually they wouldn't listen to the words of their enemies, but right now some of them should be wavering in their decision of what to do. Our words may finally be considered.

As much as I dislike Catarina, I am thankful for this opportunity to rip the carpet out from under their feet and shake the loyalty their propaganda allowed.

Augustus was the perfect person to turn against them. Augustus is a war hero known for being kind, clever, demand justice and has the healing magic the country has sought for so long. The peasants won't mind. House Celeste takes good care of their peasants too and are known for being dedicated to their job even after twenty years of peace. They'll expect an unwavering king with achievements in war and defense of the country. Something they believe they need right now more than kindness. Though, a kind king certainly wouldn't let them suffer, right?