Forgotten like a distant memory, I chose now to proceed like one.

I arrange my cuffs, out of bed before the dawning sun could awaken, like I used to do. Forcing new thoughts and ridding the old one that have I strangely grown fond to -- Anything to with her eyes and smile.

The silver button of my end sleeves finally pulls through around both wrists. A black dress suit pulled over, blanketing the tucked in white underneath, and my earpiece set in place.

Clothes and shoes delivered to me folded and crisp by the new maids. Modern guns and tasers. Topped with a letter by the King.

'Breakfast at the usual time, and meetings today at the hall center. Be a good brother. - Love Gunter'

A paper has never annoyed me so much until this moment.

The peek of sunlight has begun to lighten in the horizon. A pink, orange hue of the awakening dawn had begun to chase away the mauve. In time for me to be standing at the royal doors before the King and Queen awaken.

Safeties on all four of my guns cocked on, tucked into my belt behind the flaps of my dress suit. Silver Rolex adjusted around my left wrist, diamond studs on each ear, my curly mane tied into a high bun, trimmed beard and a single spray of Dior.

My dark eyes gazes at myself in the mirror as the expensive fumes float around me, and grinned.

Accessories left by no other but Charlotte.

Like before in Adelheid's estate I leave my den, traveling around the length of the castle. Crisp grass rustling under my dress shoes, hands stuffed in my pockets. My mindset distant wondering into the quiet until I am stepping onto the pavement of the castle.

Visions of that day flash before my eyes like screenshots, as I extended my arm out to the handle. A chilly breeze hit the top of my exposed skin, like whispering ghost's behind my nape. Dark green veins protruding from the top of my hand, yet I paused to settle my trembles until the cold traveling in my nerves settles.

A year and a half later I returned. And as I push open the door, and stepped inside, my instincts threw a gaze to the very room on my left side. The ritual basement. Bolted and sealed, with faint sprays of red around the handle. It lacked life, cold and worn out, clearly have not been in use since that night, and no plans to continue.

Chills awaken in me and I'm silently shivering, recalling all that transpired on that day -- yet the ticking of the clock somewhere around the home was racing.

As my heels make a click against the tiles I throw my gaze around to the scenery, the awakening sun still not at its peak, but risen high enough past the top of the trees. Crepuscular rays scatter separately onto the horizon, spilling in through the windows. One brilliantly touched the polished flooring and walls, lighting the dim hallway of Patrick's old room.

Even till this day. For his death, I felt no remorse. Blankly staring into the void as If a part of me waited for him to step out and speak to me, so I could gut him deep for his ultimate sin.

Despite the warming touch, the hallways are cold and lifeless, most figures still asleep, or readying for the day before the King and Queen. And just then, faint sounds are heard in the kitchen - maids readying the breakfast banquet. Just as I finally make way over to the royal bedroom to stand in position, the doors flung open in time.

The gust of wind blowing her curls back. Our eyes met abruptly, and my presence startles her. Neither a jewel on her skintight dress or any wear on her body. Cladded in all black, long sleeves, white pearled earrings and her hair straightened to a looser curl texture. Fox eyes sharpening like blades when she sees my frame.

My shoulders stiffen, curled my lips and bow my head. "My queen."

My greeting faded like smoke, she could slice me in half by the way she scrutinizes me, looking up to me from feet to head. Silently cursing my very existence. Her gaze scorching, and I could disintegrate into dust, when something shifted inside. My gaze involuntarily throws above her head to the king-sized mattress -- ruffled duvets and a shape of a log at the very end. The royal bedroom doors flung to a close. Not before I caught a glimpse of Gunter lying under the sheets, on his stomach with hands tucked under the pillow.

Something soft pushed into me and I looked down to her beneath my frame.

Planted against the door, large breast compressed into my chest, her quivering breath fanning my neck as she looked up to me edgily. A tension arises, thickening the sudden moment as I stared down to her inviting lips, and bit mine.

"Forgive me my queen." I clear my throat and put distance between us.

She wasted no time. "My husband will be joining me later on during breakfast. He had a rough night." Her voice forced, and she was incapable of looking at my eyes.

My tongue tasted something bitter, and it stealthily spreads in my stream like a disease. Gunter? slept in there with her? The hand around my wrists tightening and I force the darkness from my eyes.

"So, for the morning you are with me until he awakens." She suddenly twisted her head towards the empty hallway, leaving me seconds to safely examine the side view of her face, and as my eyes traced along the line of her jaw it caught sight of a small dark red and purple bruise aside the crook of her neck against the glowing melanin of her skin.

My feet sparked and involuntarily stepped forwards. Only to stop by the look she threw me.

"What's the matter?" she questioned.

I curl my lips, but my traitorous eyes continuously shift back to where I saw the hickey. And as she hinted on to my gaze, she adjusted her hair, covering the mark.

"I am heading to breakfast." she said lowly. "He will meet us when he awakens."

***

Silver knife gently scrapes against her ceramic plate as she cut through her sausage. An aroma of creamy fluffed eggs and crispy pig. Airy patters of maids scurrying around making sure all plates and drinks are fresh for Gunter's arrival. By now the sun awakened and rays of warmth pour within from the floor length window. Polished gold and silver reflecting a blinding light.

She eats away slowly, gathering only teaspoons of sugarless Greek yogurt and cubed papaya. Her mind in distant thought, puffed rings around her eyes.

It's quiet. Soundless. And it was apparent at the moment what was missing. His missing presence stood out like a sore thumb.

"Patrick!" she suddenly calls out. Startling a couple of maids beside her before they all continue on, leaving me to tighten my hand around my wrist. "Oh, that's right, he is gone." Her tensed shoulders slouched.

My previous gaze could have been less obvious. Yet I don't cower, knowing her accusing gaze is directing itself towards me and I gaze right back. Using the moment instead as an excuse to look at her more intently.

She had that way, of stealing my whole attention.

Shoes scuff in the background and pouring drinks trickling into glass cups, Tiana looked at me with an intensity. An intensity so fiery it could put the flames of hell to shame. I don't cower, drifting my eyes until we were eye to eye. In this moment she didn't cower, nor shy from my gaze like she would before.

Another one to look at me with challenge -- And this one I would gladly accept.

I could feel a smirk in the making, the end of my lips tugging to a devilish grin as the raunchy thoughts begun to spiral -- Until heavier shoes hit the ground from the halls, and it follows by bellow of his infuriating voice.

"Good morning my love." He strides over to her, slithered a hand around her shoulder and sensually kissed her cheek. Discomfort held her by the throat as she visibly coils from his touch.

In the midst of the slow pop, those blue eyes looked up to me from his half-closed lids. A ghost smirk in the making as if he could hear and see the sparking rage in me.

"Good morning brother," he drawls. "I take it you slept well in your new room."

I smirked. "Indeed, my king, the new accommodations have been well received."

"Good." he only replied, tenderly circling his fingers alongside of her back as he straightened himself to his full height. A trap to enrage me. I'm cautious not to give in, until he himself grew bored. "Today will be quite eventful," he says walking over to his end of the table, maids follow him like flies as he listed the schedule.

"Meetings, ceremonies, events and dinners. My wife and I will be quite busy for the day. And I don't really trust you to stay alone and guard my Kingdom, so you will be attending those with us."

"I am honored sir. It sounds like a plan."

He hmphed, "It's not like you had anything important to do anyways." The lid of his glass is brought to his lips, those eyes studying me from above the rim, until he sighs the bubbles of the champagne.

"Tiana." He abruptly says, summoning her like an owner would call a pet.

She slightly jumps, coughing out something that flew down the wrong hole. "Y-yes?"

"Forgive me my love, I didn't mean to startle you." he breathily chuckles. "I had to make sure my wife was alright after what happened last night."

Something deep in my stomach twisted, ever so slowly.

Caught under a spotlight she diverts her eyes, the tip of her nose burning red as she slightly shifted in her seat. Her silent way of expressing her nervousness. I face down to the ground, breathing accelerating as I listen in.

"I hope I wasn't too rough on you." I hear him say.

Nervously she giggles, "I am ok."

Greedily I inhaled a deep breath, swelling my lungs with the crisp oxygen it deeply desired in attempt to steady these flames.

"I have been enjoying our times together. It feels good to finally have my wife."

She gave a nervous laugh. "I have been enjoying them as well."

***

The steady car sails on the clear pavement of the trafficless road, rays of sunlight attempt its way through the tinted wind shield, while the breath of the AC is harsh against my face. Cocooned at the front end of the vehicle, I found my basic task impossible to do. Keep my eyes ahead and keep it from trailing back to her.

And yet there I go once again, because of my selfish greed I gather my nerves to peek up to the rearview mirror, where she sat at the opposite end from me. Even as she glared out the window, she wore the hostility with her -- the evidence held by the way her full lips pouted, and the sharp glare she shoots to every tree, as if even my scent was bothersome.

My goodness. Even when I know that glare is meant for me, I couldn't control the way my chest beats. She held me captive and now it is me begging to never be released.

"You'll crash this car." she suddenly spoke, cutting my daze of her.

I gasp in guilty shock, just in time to throw my eyes back to the road up ahead to the yellow light. The tires screech to a full stop, nearly propelling her forwards.

"Forgive me my queen," I pleaded throwing my hand outwards to her in the back.

Her slender fingers straightening her ruffled wavy hair as she settles back into her seat. "Don't touch me. I am fine. You should have been paying attention, unless you're trying to end me too."

"No such thing." I only reply, adjusting my frame back to the windshield, my elbow resting on the gap compartment.

"You didn't have a problem doing it to the other innocent lives. Why me? oh, cause I'm royalty? -" she continues on. "Their lives had meaning to, why only spare mine?"

"Shall we put some music?" I suggested.

She scoffs, "You're not even listening to me at all aren't you?"

"What station do you like? Waltz, jazz?"

"Nasir -" she sniffled faintly; stealthily I peeked up from the rim of my sunglasses to the rearview mirror. "I thought my best friend came back to me, but I was wrong. You're just a monster now."

The traffic light beams green then in that moment, she blinked a sparkling bead fell to her chest. Our gaze cut by the sharp brass of the car horn behind us. And as we continue down the road in silence, I felt it necessary in that moment to bring my window down. The refreshing air was a satisfying blow to the sorrow I felt in that moment of hearing her cry. until we reach towards the beginning of the bustling streets of New Orleans

The city dazzling with life. Rays of the early afternoon sun glowing down to the scene as the bustling streets are flocked. Neither a commoner land, nor the lavish, this was the city that exuberates rich diverse cultures from all over the world. The car pulls to a steady stop under the red traffic light, as the figures throng across the sideway, a young woman glanced towards the glimmering initials encrypted towards the car.

She stills at the center, her eyes brimming with an awe-stricken joy as she leisurely pulls her sunglasses from her eyes. Her stilled figure soon captured multiple gazes, and cheers uplift in the streets. Many flocked towards the car, phones pulled from their pockets, aiming the camera towards the vehicle.

My hand around the steering wheel tightens, this whole thing could set us back. Figures pour in from all sides, clicking pictures of what could be seen through the tinted lenses. Seeing as though I'm cornered in all directions, I trail my eyes upwards to the rearview glass to apologize, and I stilled by the sight.

As if she gazes at a monument, Tiana is breathless as she looked out to the scene. Her eyes flicking towards the people and the high buildings, adrenalin flushing her skin red. The first time I witness her gazing to a new scenery besides what she normally looks at in the castle walls.

With only a hand plated to the glass window I them down just an inch, the muffling cheers pour in starling her back. "What are you doing?" she speaks.

"Giving the people a better view of the Queen."

Her stoic expression fights a smile as the words simmered into her head.

A smirk of my own growing at the corner of my lip. "Shall we park?"

She shook her head slowly, "We'll be late."

"King Gunter has not called yet. We have some time to spare."

She questions for a few moments, the traffic light had long turned green but now the streets impede with traffic. "Take me to get beignets." she finally says.

I arch a brow. And she saw it.

"There was a place named after me that sold beignets, I tried them for the first time when I was little with my mom and have not been back since."

Without even a second thought, my hand involuntarily gripped the steering wheel, making that destination point my priority. "Let's go get you beignets Tiana."