Chapter 19

Dionne sat at the dinner table that was set up in a private space where they could talk freely as they wished. Andreas, Haze, and Kenzo accompanied her while Rini was spending time with the Queen. The atmosphere was quite cheery and full of laughter.

"I want to inform Kenzo of our arrangement," Andreas whispered into Dionne's ear, "I assume Haze knows of our arrangement as well."

Dionne nodded, agreeing with him. "Of course," she said, gesturing for him to speak.

Andreas looked at his friend who was busy chatting away with the crown princess Haze. "Kenzo," he interrupted, "There is something I want to share with you that's important. I wanted to tell you before, but I had an agreement with Dionne to keep my mouth shut."

Kenzo nodded, gesturing for him to continue.

What could it possibly be? he thought deeply, braising himself for whatever arrow his friend was about to shoot at him.

"My relationship with Dionne is all a lie," he confessed, pressing his hand against his chin. "We have the arrangement to keep both our families from going to war."

Haze applauded, enjoying the show before her. "I wish we had snacks right now," she giggled, watching the chaos unravel.

"I understand," Kenzo replied, "But I wish you told me sooner. Everything makes sense now."

Andreas breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you're not mad," he said.

"Who said I wasn't?" Kenzo questioned, his tone slightly rising. "I am furious, Andreas. I will someday be your second in command—your hand. If you can't trust me now, then you can't trust me in the future."

Dionne stood, saying, "It's not his fault, Kenzo. Please don't be angry with Andreas. He was only following our agreement. Honestly, I thought you knew about it when we arrived earlier. It appears you didn't. I apologize if we offended you. But now that you know, we could work hand in hand together."

Andreas asked, "Will you help us then?" He appeared calm on the outside, but inside him was a storm of guilt and hope—hope that his friend would still help him despite his shortcomings. He knew what he did was wrong.

"Fine," Kenzo agreed exasperatedly, "There's no way I can say "no" to my best friend and future king anyway. As his friend and future hand, I have to make sure he doesn't mess up or do anything stupid."

"Thank you," Dionne and Andreas said in unison.

"The show ended before it began," Haze groaned. She wanted to see the boys fighting. T'was a form of entertainment for her. "I even ordered a round of snacks!" To the boys, she seemed like a child at this moment, but to Dionne, she simply looked adorable.

"Is she always like this?" Kenzo asked.

"Why yes," Dionne replied, "She's great, isn't she?"

"Awe," Haze grinned, "Thanks, love."

Kenzo shook his head in confusion. "I swear I will never understand women."

"Right back at you, Kenzo," Andreas agreed, shaking his head. "Anyway, I would like to take this opportunity to speak about the plan; that is if we have one."

"Have you renegotiated the terms of this arrangement?" Kenzo asked.

"Yes, we have," replied Dionne, "We'll help each other keep the peace between realms. In addition to that, help each other find a partner. We'll also establish an alliance between our realms so that we may keep the peace between us. I suggest marrying our future children with each other."

"That is if you yourselves don't end up marrying each other," Haze comments, "I mean come on. Be honest here. There's obviously something going on between you two."

"I agree," said Kenzo, "Why aren't we stating the obvious? Just marry each other and form an alliance. Once you're one, your parents can't wage any war against each other."

"No!" both Dionne and Andreas snapped, blushing a bright shade of pink.

Haze and Kenzo looked at each other, smiling. They could sense the intense pent-up emotions circulating the two. T'was obvious they fancied each other. For Kenzo, t'was like the days in the academy again. Nothing's changed. Not really. Dionne's eyes still looked at Andreas the same way she always had. As for Andreas, he was the same. The only difference is that he treats her warmer and gentler. Unlike in the academy, he treats her like a lady now. They were no longer children after all.

"Fine," Haze says exasperatedly, "I shan't tease you any longer. The way you act says it all anyway. Ain't that right, Kenzo?"

Kenzo nodded, taking Haze's side. "T'is pretty obvious," Kenzo agrees, "Let us end this now, Princess Haze. If we continue, these two would most likely end both of us here this instant."

Haze, you're lucky that I don't cut you into pieces as I'm imagining right now, Dionne thought violently as she struggled to keep her balled fists to herself.

"Andreas and I can't marry," she said, explaining, "It would bring chaos to the world instead of the peace you're so hoping to achieve. Let that be the end of that."

"What she said," agreed Andreas.

"Very well," Kenzo nods, "But I am just saying that it is the only practical and logical option. Besides, I'm not the only one who sees how much perfect you are for each other. Seeing that you wear the most expensive and rare diamond in the world, Andreas must care for you that much."

Dionne clutched the necklace that was snaked around her neck. She thought carefully about the words Kenzo had just expressed. To think that Andreas cares for her in such a manner is a disappointment. She knows better.

"It is expensive," Haze agreed, "I wonder if you will gift a special girl a special gift as well, Kenzo. I am curious."

Will you shower me with gifts like all the other suitors I had before? Haze thought naughtily. Because of her great beauty, wealth, power, and magic, a lot of people shower her with gifts in hopes that she would give them her favor. Every single gift was accepted, but not a single soul received her favor or recognition.

"Rini perhaps?" Dionne asked curiously, "Do you still fancy Rini, Lord Kenzo?"

Kenzo was dumbfounded.

What is she saying? he asked himself in confusion.

"Still?" Andreas questioned in astonishment, "What do you mean by that?" It appears that the prince was as clueless as his best friend.

"So he does fancy that girl," Haze comments, "Such a shame."

"I never said that!" Kenzo defends, holding his hands up.

"You didn't need to," Dionne replied, "I saw the way you look at her and the way you treat her. It's still as tender as ever, lord Kenzo. If you do not fancy her, then I suppose I am wrong. Let's not make a big fuss about it."

"I'm not!" Kenzo replied, still red in embarrassment.

She thought I liked Rini? How so? I don't understand it, he thought deeply. Kenzo's brain was throbbing in pain for thinking too hard. Why was he though? If it simply isn't true, then why must he think this hard?

"Okay," Andreas says, "Then let us move back to the topic then." He shifted his glance to Dionne, saying, "Your main suitor of interest is the prince of Sapphire, yes?"

Dionne nodded in response. "Yes, he is. I should think that I fancy him quite so. He also shares a promising friendship. On top of that, his kingdom is also rich in resources, technology, and military might. I think he is a perfect choice, don't you?"

Haze nodded in agreement. "He is," she said, "Among everyone—even if you include Andreas—Prince Azaria is the best option among all of them. He is perfect for Dionne."

"He's not a bad choice," Kenzo agrees, "As for Andreas, the best lady for him to wed is Rini."

Dionne's smile instantly dropped, making Kenzo flinch. Something about Dionne's eyes made him quiver slightly in fear, and Haze found that amusing.

"Rini Yuksporite," Dionne said through gritted teeth, "I suppose if she is the best option, then it can't be helped. You must win her heart."

If Andreas weds Rini, how would you feel, Kenzo? she thought curiously but genuinely. It must be painful for you, Kenzo. Just as how you refuse to believe me when I say I don't fancy Andreas, I also don't believe you. I know you fancy Rini. I saw the letter you wrote for her back in the academy... I suppose it doesn't matter now. We don't have the luxury of love anyway; the same goes for you.

Andreas looked at Dionne, trying to study her face. There was nothing but blankness on her face.

"We'll find other suitable ones as well," he said, "We haven't checked beyond the country." He turned to Haze and joked, "Care to marry me, Princess?"

Haze broke down in laughter. "Only in your wildest dreams, Andreas," she says, "Only in your wildest dreams." The rest laughed along with her.

"Excuse me," Rini entered the scene, catching everyone's attention. She was dressed in lavender—the color that flatters her most—and wore a bright smile across her face. "I asked your mother where you were and she insisted that I come here to join you. Is that alright?" she asked.

It's not like you can refuse me, she thought.

Dionne's smile remained plastered across her face, refusing to let anger consume her. "But of course, Rini," she gestured for her to sit, "Do find a seat."

"Gladly," Rini replied, taking the seat next to Kenzo. "Forgive me for leaving so abruptly earlier, lord Kenzo. I had to cool down a bit as I wasn't feeling well."

"And you feel well now?" Haze questioned, her right brow arched to its highest peak.

Rini nodded. "I am curious. What were you talking about?" she said, "You took a private booth after all. It must be something interesting."

Pretentious cat! Dionne growled in her head.

"Andreas, my boyfriend, wanted to have dinner privately without all the courtiers listening and watching us," she said, snaking her arm around Andreas'. "We would've invited you, but you were unwell."

"So," Andreas attempted to break the tension, "The topic was magic. We were talking about the magic that flows within Princess Haze's veins."

"Ah, yes!" Kenzo nodded, trying to keep calm. Three angry girls were dangerous enough to kill both him and the prince and none would even suspect them. "Princess Haze is really amazing. It was the first time I have ever witnessed anything like it."

Why are they using me as a cover? Haze thought in annoyance. Seriously, I'm always the one saving them. I don't think that's fair.

"It is amazing," she said, "The ability I have is a gift I truly cherish. Unlike most people who dabble in witchcraft, the power I have isn't achieved; it's just there—existing. I shall think Dionne is also incredible, though she has yet to show me any of her natural-born abilities. I've seen her cast spells—common ones or those that require grimoires. I can't wait to see the day when she just uses her natural abilities. She is a Cerussite after all. She's one of the most powerful gifted people on earth."

"I am curious," Kenzo nods, "What is your power? Everyone knows about your amazing gifts, but no one really knows what they are. It's like it's been wiped away from history."

"That's because it is," both Dionne and Andreas said. They looked at each other and back at them.

"It's a long story—one I do not have time to tell," Dionne says, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"King Andreas Niffontovite I was responsible for wiping almost everything about the Cerussites," Rini explained, "He's the reason why the Cerussitians are scattered all over the world. He made sure no one knew about their abilities and would only see them as the clan he triumphantly slaughtered. Of course, we know he failed given that we have Dionne. Only the Imperial family possessed the features she does." Her words cut deep into Dionne like knives.

Where did your smile go, Dionne, huh? she thought wickedly. You should've known that I always get the last word.

Both boys were speechless and wide-eyed. What could they do? Nothing. Nothing at all. This fight doesn't involve them anymore. It was just between Dionne and Rini.

Haze decided to respond for her friend, saying, "It just proves how great her people were. Imagine that, Rini. Andreas the first slaughtered them because he was threatened by their great power. The method of how he did it had no warning meaning that he knew that if they were aware, they would've eventually won against him. The Nifontovites might have won, but we all know it's because he didn't take them on in an equal fight."

The night continued on with endless arguments between Rini, Dionne, and Haze. The boys were invisible. It's as though they weren't there at all.

This won't end well, Andreas thought, sighing exasperatedly.