Chapter 16

It's been a few days since Princess Rini arrived in Nifontovite. The treatment the Dowager Queen gave her only worsened, but the rest of the royals and their subjects treated her with respect and kindness. Andreas grew fond of her, at least. They're often spotted together strolling by gardens and spending time together all around the capital. Though Rini showed her best efforts, the masses still failed to see them as "courting." They saw them more as two friends spending time together, and since Kenzo often accompanied them, people viewed it as Kenzo being her suitor.

Rini brushed her long locks of hair as she stared at her reflection. She was pretty and intelligent; why can't Andreas see that? Sighing, she continued to groom herself. She has about a week left to stay in his palace. She intends to spend it with him in hopes of fully capturing his heart.

What am I doing? she asked herself, I wasn't like this. My family made me like this. I don't chase after men; they chase me. But I don't have much of a choice. I need the status Andreas has to offer, As much as I hate this humiliation, I have to endure it.

"Princess," her maid came in with a letter in hand. "Your father sent a letter to you. I believe he expects you to come home soon."

Rini accepted the letter, opening up instantly. Her father was a kind but firm man. When he gives out instructions, he expects them to be done.

My daughter Rini,

I write to remind you of our deal. Your time in Nifontovite is to end soon as we agreed upon.

I trust that you keep your goal in mind. You want to marry the prince of that nation so you must do well in your part. You must capture his heart during your remaining days. He is your only hope of becoming Queen. No other nation would consider wedding you unless a miracle happens. Should you fail to win him, I assure you that I have a good match prepared for you. Do not worry, my child.

I hope you're doing well. Please remember to eat right and sleep a good eight hours each day. I love you so much and your mother and I miss you dearly.

Your King and father,

Sasaki

She sighed, falling back to her chair. This was her father's way of saying "give up already." She wouldn't go down without a fight. She always fought for what she wanted; that's the kind of girl she is.

"My father wants me to come home," she says, "This letter is a subtle way of telling me to give up on my pursuit. Will you help me?"

Her maid bowed, pledging, "With all I can, Princess Rini."

Meanwhile, Andreas and Kenzo were out riding around the city. The rumor of the intruder had reached the two so they decided to visit the gates to see what the commotion was all about.

"What's going on here?" Andreas asked, dismounting his horse. Kenzo followed after him, also dismounting from his horse.

"Prince Andreas, Lord Kenzo," the guards bowed in respect. "The people in the carriage claim they're a royal visitor of the family. They showed no interest in cooperating with us."

"No identification?" Kenzo questioned, "Do we know at least from which kingdom they're from?"

"No, my lord," replied the guard.

Shaking his head, Kenzo went up to the carriage with the intent of dragging whoever was inside out.

Knocking, he says, "Come out this door."

No answer.

Andreas stepped by his side, adding, "This is the Prince of Nifontovite, and I am politely asking you to come out to show us some identification."

Again, no answer was received, leaving Kenzo rather annoyed. He knocked harshly, almost shaking the carriage in the process.

"This is the kingdom of Nifontovite and there are rules you must abide by," Kenzo says, "Now, come out of the carriage that you may be identified or you shall be dragged out and brought to the dungeons to be questioned."

A wicked laugh was heard from within the carriage. Soon after, an image of a goddess stepped out looking rather enraged.

"You dare speak that way to me, Kenzo Melanite," Dionne states, staring him dead in the eyes. She's calm, yet if looks could kill, her eyes would be sharp enough to destroy Kenzo.

Kenzo stood frozen in his ground still in disbelief. The person before him was Dionne of Gahnospinel—a friend you want to have, but not an enemy to make. Dionne has no reason to make him an enemy then, but she sure as hell has one now. The disrespect he displayed towards her is punishable by death or a striped of his title.

What is she doing here, Andreas thought, Did my grandmother arrange this? That's not the problem now. The problem now is the fact that I can't dismiss her, otherwise, it can result in war. If I let her in, she'll see Rini and again, it will cause war. I'm stuck.

"Why are you so quiet, Prince Andreas?" she asked coldly, "Is this the kind of treatment you give your guests? When you arrived in my realm, you were received with open arms by my people, and upon your arrival at the palace, you were received by me. Is this how you repay our hospitality?"

"It is my fault, your highness," Kenzo intervened in hopes of righting his wrong.

Why do I feel scared? he asked himself, It must be her eyes. Something about her eyes.

Dionne glanced at him and back at Andreas.

"You disappoint me," she says, slapping the prince hard. Everyone was in shock. How could she do that so confidently and without a care? The guards surrounded them, but Andreas raised his hand, gesturing for them to stand down.

Andreas bent down on one knee, shocking the masses further. He took her hand and said, "I apologize, Princess Dionne. Please don't be upset." With that said, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"For the show," he whispered, hugging her tight.

Dionne burrowed her face into him, slowly embracing him back. He smelled like fresh air and coffee mixed together.

At least he's making an effort, she thought.

"I missed you so much," she says, playing along.

"Forgive me," he repeats, brushing his fingers through her hair. They convinced the masses that they were "in love" with the show they were putting on.

"I should've come to you sooner," he says, "I didn't know you were planning to surprise me."

She whispered, "You dare insult me by inviting Rini?"

"I didn't mean to insult you," he whispered back, "I swear to you that I didn't do it to catch your attention."

"We'll talk about this when we get to the palace," she whispered. She pulled away from his embrace, keeping her eyes locked on his.

Holding his cheek, she says, "I apologize for slapping you, Prince Andreas. My emotions got the better of me. Did I hurt you too much?"

"Not at all," he replied, "The slap was much deserved."

Dionne smiled, saying, "Then let's go back to the palace. I am very eager to meet your parents finally."

And to finally see Rini, she thought angrily.

Dionne went back in her carriage and the boys mounted on their horses. There was an eerie silence surrounding them. It's as though a dark cloud came over them and they're about to face a great storm.

"When you said she was a goddess, you weren't wrong," Kenzo said, breaking the ice. "She looks like the goddess of death, waiting to take our souls!"

"She does look like she's about to kill us," he says, "I warned you about it. She's going to meet Rini and things won't be pretty. The Dionne today wouldn't back down on a fight. Now, she sees Rini as an obstacle in her way; she will get rid of her one way or another."

"I don't know why I feel scared," Kenzo says almost in a whisper.

Andreas added, "By the way, she will make our life a living hell for what we did."

"How do you know that?" he asked, "Did she torture you when you were in her palace?"

"No," he replied, "But I know her, and something tells me she will."

Soon after, they arrived at the gates of the castle. The Dowager Queen was waiting at the entrance of the palace, eager to see what the rumors were about.

"Andreas," she greeted him, "What's all this? I heard rumors of intruders; are they?"

Andreas dismounted his horse and kissed his grandmother's cheek.

"No," he replied, "But the person you've been waiting for had just arrived." He stepped into the carriage, leading Dionne out.

"Princess Dionne of Gahnospinel," he introduced.

Dionne felt her heart pounding in her chest. Before her was the woman she used to be scared of. She kept her feelings to herself and curtsied low unto the floor in deep respect.

"It is a great honor to finally and formally meet you, your royal highness, Queen Dowager Fera," she says, keeping her eyes on the ground. She did the right thing to impress the Dowager Queen.

Finally, a person who respects her elders, Fera thought in delight. She tilted Dionne's chin up to face her, and with a smile said, "Rise, my child. I am most delighted to meet you. Finally, the girl who has captured my grandson's heart."

If you only knew, Dionne thought. It was rather interesting to meet Fera after all these years. She barely spoke to her, but she felt great anxiety when she was around. Perhaps the fear of disapproval?

She rose as she was told, smiling as she said, "I am really blessed to have been given the opportunity to see you again, your royal highness. I came here with a friend, actually. Might I introduce?"

Fera nodded in response, curious as to who the mystery friend was.

Dionne went back to the carriage, Escorting Haze to the Dowager Queen. As expected, all eyes landed on Haze—another pick of the harvest. Given her beast-taming abilities, she's dubbed one of the most desirable women in the world.

"This is Princess Haze of Kordovskite," she introduced her friend, "We would like to share lodgings if we may."

Haze bowed lightly, greeting the Dowager Queen with such grace.

"You're nothing like Dionne described," she said ever so casually. "You're not scary at all. You look so serene and elegant, your royal highness."

Fera smiled, delighted to meet both young ladies.

A beast tamer and a Cerussite; who would've thought both kinds could be friends, she thought.

"It is a delight to meet you as well," she said, "Come! Let us have tea in the hall. All the courtiers including Andreas' parents are there. You must meet them!" Without another word, she dragged both ladies into the courtroom with her. Andreas and Kenzo followed after them in fear that the old lady might do something crazy.

"Mother," greeted the King, "Who are your visitors?"

Dionne stepped forward, curtsying low in respect.

"I am Princess Dionne Valeria Cerussite Gahnospinel, heiress to the Gahnospinel Throne of Epiphanteur, and defender of the realm," she introduced, "It is with great honor that I meet you today, King Alexander and Queen Minori."

What in heaven's name is this person doing here? thought the Queen, This will ruin what I planned.

Before she could say a word, the King placed his hand over hers and said, "It is a higher honor to have you as a guest in the House of Nifontovite. You are the first of your people to come in centuries. Please, enjoy your stay."

"I am Princess Haze of Kordovskite," Haze introduced herself, "It's a pleasure to meet you, your highnesses. I must say, you have such fine architecture in your palace." What Haze stated was genuine. She has amazing taste in art and architecture.

"Charmed," replied the King, "Please enjoy the best we have to offer."

As Andreas lead them to his reserved spot, the court was full of whispers and gossip regarding the princess' arrival. It was no secret that her house and the kingdom of Nifontovite are on the brink of war. Coming here was a great risk on her part which is why the court is whispering all about it. "Why the bloody hell is a Cerussite-Gahnospinel doing in the Palace of Nifontovite?" is the big elephant in the room.

Andreas sat them down, asking the servants to serve them afternoon tea and snacks.

"Welcome to Nifontovite," he says casually, not even acknowledging the presence of Haze.

A beast tamer, Kenzo thought, staring at the girl sitting across from him. How could Dionne be friends with a beast tamer? Does that mean her realm is allied with the other's realm? How strange.

Haze noticed the deep stare Kenzo was making at her. She glared at him in distaste. Why? Because it was obvious that he wanted to study her for being a beast tamer. Almost everyone she meets has but one thought about her—beast tamer.

"I know I'm beautiful," she says, folding her arms over her chest, "But that does not give you an excuse to stare at me shamelessly in public. And yes, if you're wondering, I am a beast tamer."

"I didn't say anything," he defended.

"You didn't have to," she replied.

Dionne's kitsune came out of the blue, jumping in her lap. Andreas' cat did the same, jumping out of the blue.

"Yoshi," he gasped, "What are you doing here?"

He looked at Haze thinking, Did the beast tamer bring you here, Yoshi?

"So this is your cat," Dionne smiled, "This is my fox. Her name is Moon."

"A nine-tailed beast?" Kenzo asked curiously.

"It's not a beast," said Andreas as he petted the fox, "It's just a pup, or, was it a cub? No matter. It's still small and innocent. Where did you find such a thing, Princess Dionne?"

"In the forest beyond my castle," replied Dionne, "It would take a miracle for her to survive that night, you know? So I performed one. Now she's forever bound to me." She then pulled out her present from her bag and handed it to Andreas.

"This is a gift for you," she says, putting on the much-awaited show. "Well, a present for your cat."

Andreas accepted the present, opening it. It was a beautiful collar with a cerussite stone and it matched the one her fox had.

"It is a thoughtful present," he says, putting it on his cat.

"Exchanging stones is a sacred ritual for those who're bound by love," she explained, "I thought that since you and I are not exactly engaged yet, maybe we could start with our companions. They could begin their relationship before we do."

"A fox and a cat," he says, "Two beasts from different worlds... Is that meant to symbolize us?"

She nodded in response. The people then started to talk about a different topic—the love between Dionne and Andreas. It was the juiciest topic in the room, and without a doubt, that rumor shall spread all throughout the kingdom in less than a day.

Before they could continue their conversation, Rini entered the room looking rather shocked at the sight of Dionne. It's as if all the blood in her tiny body was drained out.

"Princess Dionne," she gasped, meeting her devilish eyes.

"It's you, Rini," Dionne replied, keeping her eyes locked to hers and a devilish smile planted across her face. And with that short and cold greeting, everybody knew what was to come. It wasn't just one specific thing, but it was certain that hell is about to rain down on earth.