Chapter 9: Invitations and Suspicious Meetings

In the next morning, preparations began in the Imperial Palace to get ready for the upcoming Imperial Ball. Many of the servants had to order the decorations and the table settings making sure everything is perfect for the ball. The kitchens are busy preparing samples of the food to serve for the party and have the royal family to taste test everything before continuing with the menu.

The head butler in charge of the preparations for the ball decided to set up the ball room for the ball.

“We need to make sure the ballroom is set for the queen's approval,” the head butler said to the rest of the servants.

“Yes, sir,” the servants said.

The servants are not the only ones awake this early in the morning, none other than Prince Mathias. He woke up early to get some paperwork done on the land project in his study to see what else is there to do to get his plans moving for the town.

Even Rion decided to check up on his highness, but it seems there was not much to worry about. “Your highness, what are you up so early?” He looks up to Rion and says, “Yes, well, I am on a tight deadline to get this town up and running, so I have to use every free moment I have to get this done.”

“I understand, your highness, but I thought you would be asking Lady Aurora for assistance,” Rion asked.

“Yes, that will be a good idea. Do you know where she is?”

“I believe she is in her room, waiting for her meal. Do you wish to meet her?”

“Good, I would like to visit her at once.”

“Very good, your highness,” Rion agreed.

Prince Mathias and Rion leave the study and head over to Lady Aurora’s room to ask her for some advice. Maybe she is the right person to help him solve some of the issues he is having with the town development.

Meanwhile, since Lady Aurora had no other place to go, she begins to resume her research about her water reservoir, but at the same time trying to find a cure for a poison she learned about in the novel. It might change a certain event, but if it will help her family and the empire, then she is willing to help in any way she can. Luckily she sneaked out of her room to gather some of the ingredients she needed to complete the antidote before this got even further out of control before the story continues to be falling off track than it already is.

As she is working on her next project in solving the doubt situation, in her father’s domain, her maid arrives to tell her the news that she has guests arriving. “My lady, his highness Prince Mathias and his valet Rion wish to speak with you.”

“Yes, alright, I will receive them. Please escort them in.”

“Of course my lady.”

The maid exits the room for a brief minute and comes back in to escort the prince and his valet to the room. As they entered, they greeted Lady Aurora and the maid left, so they could be alone.

“It is nice to see you again, your highness.”

“Please I told you to call me Mathias when we are alone.”

“Well, we are not alone, your highness.”

“Oh, Rion, do not worry, he will not tell a soul. Now please relax.”

“Very well, your high…I mean Mathias.”

“Good, now what is going on in here. I don’t think I have seen a room like this before, it seems it looks quite a bit messier than your study.”

“Yes, well, I am working on more than one project at a time, so using every spare minute I have here in the palace is critical.”

“Hum, I see, and you don't suppose you have time to help me with my little project.”

“I believe I can make time, since the prince is requesting it, so what do you have in mind?”

“Well, father has given me and my brother Leonidas a town to help fix it up and make it more livable again, so I thought of using your idea for the reservoir you created to help bring water to the town and it seems my father liked the idea.”

“So, you are telling me you used one of my ideas to save your butt, so you have the right to claim the throne. Interesting.”

“I do apologize for that, so I was wondering if you would like, you can help me with this and you can receive full credit on the project.”

“Hum, I may not like the idea that you are using my idea to save your butt, but I guess I could help you since we are engaged and we must be partners after all. Yes, I will help you.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

“Yes, I am honored to serve the empire. Now follow me.”

Lady Aurora escorts the prince to her desk to see her plans for improving her father’s land. At the same time, Prince Mathias notices something brewing on her desk.

“What is that?”

“It is another project I am working on.”

“Oh, ok.”

“Ok, so let me explain about the reservoir. You see, the water reservoir I am planning on building is to hold the rain water as a reserve source of water for towns living close by in the case of drought. I wanted to create this to my father’s domain since for the past several years, some of the lands face severe cases of drought, so I thought this would help out a bit.”

“Hum, interesting and you came up with all of this?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Oh, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“It is fine, it is just that it is interesting how women are always looked down upon when they show a hint of their intelligence.”

“Ok, I can take a hint.”

“Good, now so I also decided to include an irrigation system so the water can be spread through the lands and they will have a never ending water supply distributed when they need it.”

“That is an interesting idea that not only one town will be saved, but the other ones around them as well.”

“Exactly. I already have a lead in gathering the supplies for the system since the reservoir has already started.”

“That is great. I would like to help you with this.”

“That would be lovely Mathias, but I cannot ask you to do that for me.”

“Consider it as part of my wedding gift to you. Since I am the prince, I have unlimited access to supplies.”

“Thank you, Mathias, I appreciate it.”

“Of course. Rion where are we gathering the supplies we need for the reservoir.”

“I do believe it is going well, but it seems there are a few parts we cannot gather because your brother Prince Leonidas is using it for his project.”

“What? How can that be? He didn't even know I was working on this project until I announced it to father last week.”

“Perhaps, he wants to get ahead of you in claiming the throne before you.”

“Yes, well, then we really have to up our game then. Are there any other projects you are working on?”

“Not at the moment besides working on improved versions of the medical tools to be sent to the medical academy, my family will be helping me with it.”

“Very well, then I will support you anyway I can.”

“That will be great, your highness.”

“Great.”

“Your highness, excuse me, but we must be going to the ballroom, you two have a dance lesson today and then Astin wishes to see you Lady Aurora.”

“Very well. We can discuss more of this later. Let’s go.”

“Yes, I could use a break, so shall we go?”

Lady Aurora, Rion, and Prince Mathias walk out of her room and make their way through the halls. To make sure everyone is clear Lady Aurora is under his protection, he decides to walk the halls holding her hand showing he is serious. Lady Aurora is also a bit shocked that the prince is being bold and he is nothing like the prince in the novel she has read.

As they were walking through the halls, his brother Prince Leonidas is walking by only to give him a mean look and walks away. There is so much tension between them that even Lady Aurora can feel it.

“Is everything alright with you two?”

“Yes, well, he has been like this since I announced my run for the throne and stealing you away from him.”

“Oh, a little sibling rivalry, I like that.”

“Yes, well, shall we get going?”

“Yes.”

They continue walking to the ballroom, when Prince Mathias stares out the window and sees Duke Rubis and his daughter Lady Sirena arrive at the palace meaning there is trouble going on even in the palace.

“I wonder what this is about,” he thought to himself.

As they are arriving at the ballroom, they see their dance instructor waiting for them.

“Oh, it is great to see you, your highness and my lady.”

“It is great to see you too.”

“Right, so let us begin. Please take your positions center stage and hold on to each other close.”

Prince Mathias and Lady Aurora take their positions in the center of the ballroom and then embrace each other. “Good, but a little closer.” They came closer to each other and it was a little bit awkward for Lady Aurora. “It is fine to feel a bit awkward dancing with someone new, but in these lessons, you will learn to get over that. Now let us begin.”

The music began and they were slowly dancing in a circle. It might be a two-step dance and in a circle, but it felt like the most special moment in their lives which felt so romantic to them. It was like this dance they were meant for each other.

“That is amazing you two, keep up the training for a bit more and you will have the perfect introduction dance for the ball.”

“Thank you for your lesson. It is great.”

“Of course, shall we?”

The prince and lady continued their dance lesson for another hour before they had to leave to see the designer.

Meanwhile, Prince Leonidas is in his study receiving Duke Rubis and Lady Sirena.

“Duke, it is nice to see you again.”

“The pleasure is all mine. So how can I be of service to you?”

“I need you to go to the neighboring kingdom and ask to see if they will support me as the next king of the empire, but I will also need you to pick up an item that I will need to use for my plan to work.”

“I can do that, but it will take time.”

“I do not care how long it takes as long as everything will be done before my father makes his decision for his next heir.”

“It will be done, your highness. Anything else?”

“Yes, I would like you to see if you can find a poison which cannot be traced in anything and it cannot be tied to me,” Prince Leonidas asks.

“Perhaps, I can help with that,” Lady Sirena said, offering her services.

“And what can you do besides looking pretty?”

“Well, my only skill is not only looking pretty, but I also listen.”

“Go on.”

“I know of a guild called Viperia Guild who specializes in poisons importing and exporting them inside the empire.”

“Hum, very interesting, anything else?”

“I also know they are trained assassins only if they are paid well.”

“Huh, so you are useful, arrange a meeting with them as soon as possible. Better yet, make it for tomorrow.”

“Right away. Please excuse me.”

“Well, we’ll be taking our leave, your highness,” Duke Rubis said, leaving with his daughter.

“Good now the pieces are falling into place, now the real plan is going to get quite more interesting.”

Back at the other end of the palace, Prince Mathias and Lady Aurora are heading back to see Astin about the progress of their outfits.

“Astin, we are here. Where are you?”

“Oh, good, you are both here, good. I wanted to show you the designs I have been working on since yesterday for your outfits for the ball.”

“That is great. Can I see them?” Lady Aurora asked.

“Of course, come over here.”

Astin quickly drags Lady Aurora to the table to see the dresses she has sketched in the matter one day. Lady Aurora enjoys viewing the drawings and she could not believe how amazing they are. It was going to be hard to choose only one. She did have to pick one that the prince would like as well, to show the world they are equal partners in this arrangement.

The prince can only watch as his future princess enjoys herself and hopes they will always love each other.

In a few more moments, she picked a dress perfect for the ball and she believes the prince will simply enjoy it as well.

“I think this one will do. Thank you Astin.”

“Of course, my lady. I will start on this right away,” Astin said, ready to get to work.

“Yes, since that is done, shall we go for a walk?” Prince Mathias offers.

“I would love that, but I need to get back to my room to get some rest.”

“Then we will take the long way around to your room.”

“Oh, very well, you win.”

As such, the prince and his lady exited the room and began their walk around the palace. It might originally be a short walk from her room, but if they were going to spend some alone time together, the longer walk would be together.

“So, it seems you were enjoying picking your dress?”

“Yes, it was amazing to see Astin’s hard work, even on paper. To think the top designer of all the land is spending her time making my dress, it is amazing.”

“You do deserve the best after all since you are going to be my princess in less than a month.”

“Yes, indeed I am.”

“And care to tell me what the dress will look like?”

“No, you will find out on the day.”

“Not even a hint.”

“No, but I can tell you it is a more modern style to set a statement going for the empire.”

“Interesting. I do like that idea.”

“Good, cause I made it up just now.”

“Ha-ha, you sure know how to amuse me.”

“Glad I can be your entertainment.”

“Ha-ha.”

Prince Mathias and Lady Aurora continue their walk around the palace talking about the upcoming events and a few details of the ball. It really is fascinating, but she would rather just go to her room and relax for a while since the upcoming days will be a bit stressful.

“Well, my lady, here we are again, in front of your bedroom.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Care to invite me in?”

“No, I need to finish up a few things in my room. Perhaps we can have breakfast in the sun room tomorrow morning.”

“I will look forward to it.”

“And I as well.”

“Until tomorrow, my lady,” Prince Mathias said, as he kissed her cheek once again.

“Until tomorrow my prince.”

The prince leaves with a smile and Lady Aurora enters her room. She walks over to her desk to continue her work, she is thinking of the idea that not only does she have the prince’s protection, but she still has to watch out for the prince’s eldest brothers.

In the early morning Lady Aurora and Prince Mathias are already having their meal in the sun garden and enjoying their conversations on different topics.

“Well, these meals have been so perfect. I feel like a spoiled princess.”

“You deserve it since this will be your home soon.”

“Yes, I am worried about not being able to go home or see my father whenever I want.”

“Your family will be able to come visit you at any time they wish.”

“That will be great and speaking off, it seems my father is going to pay your father a visit tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, I heard something about that. I am glad you will have family here until the dress is done.”

“Yes, but…I…I will miss being here with…you.”

“Are you saying that you enjoy being here with me?”

“Yes, I believe I am.”

The prince was going to make a move on her, but it was interrupted by Rion, looking like he had some important news to say.

“Um, Rion, what is it?”

“I have some news to tell you.”

“What is it, please tell me.”

“I have come back from a conversation with one of our suppliers that the material we needed to continue the rest of the reservoir is also gone. It seems Prince Leonidas continues to block your efforts in completing your project and the delays will continue if we do not do something quick.”

“That is a problem. We would have to think outside of the box. Contact any of the local guilds my brother has no contact with and ask them to import the supplies through their channels and have it brought to the village and make sure they are paid well. Hire guards loyal to me to protect the supplies, so my brother doesn't try something,” Prince Mathias orders.

“Of course, right away, your highness.”

Rion leaves and they are alone once again.

“Why does your brother always have to interfere with your plans? It is like he hates you.”

“He has hated me since the day I was born. He has always been afraid our father favored me to rule rather than my other brothers.”

“Yes, I know the feeling, but in a different way.”

“Oh, how so?”

“Well, since I have brothers and they know their purpose in this life. When I am in this world, I wonder what my purpose is in this world.”

“Don’t ever think that. You might not know yet, but you play an important role in this world and you will have a bright future, I promise you.”

“And how do you know that?”

“Because you will have me. No matter what you feel, I will always make you smile.”

“This prince sure is different,” she thought to herself.

“Thank you, I feel better now.”

“Good, now why don’t show you the royal garden, where only royals are allowed.”

“I would like that.”

“Good.”

Prince Mathias, playing the escort once again, stood up from his seat and walked over to her to extend his hand to escort her. They are off to the gardens hoping to cheer her up. It did not take very long, they arrived at the royal garden where it seems Lady Aurora simply enjoyed it.

“Wow, it is beautiful here, I never thought there would be a garden this far in the palace.”

“Yes, well, we only use this garden whenever we want to be alone. My father gifted this garden to my mother.”

“It is beautiful. CAn we stay here?”

“As long as you like.”

The garden fascinated her because of the fact there are so many flowers here that can be used for her potions and use for her final ingredient for the antidote.

Enjoying their time there, someone else is enjoying their time to sabotage their own brother.

“Omar, is everything ready to meet up with the Vipera Guild?”

“Yes, Lady Sierna just informed me in this letter that they are set to meet you at their estate. It is too risky to meet in the palace.”

“Very well, let’s hurry.’

“Yes, let’s go.”

Prince Leonidas and Omar rush through the halls through the palace and to his carriage. There was no time to waste and he had to hurry. Little did he know, his brother Prince Adalwolf was spying on what his brother was doing.

“I wonder what he is up to.”

“Your highness, are you alright?” his valet asked.

“Um, yes, I am fine. Let’s discuss the security for the ball. We are going to have many important guests coming, so we have to make sure the palace is well secured.”

“Right, your highness. I will speak to the knights and if we do not have enough, I will hire more knights, if needed.”

“Yes, good, you may leave. I have other matters to take care of.”

“Of course, your highness, please excuse me.”

Prince Adalwolf might be the next in line for the throne, but he is starting to realize he does not want it, if his brothers are trying everything they can to win their place as the next successor.

As the late afternoon approaches, Prince Leonidas and Omar arrive at the Duke’s manor to meet with this guild. “Oh, your highness, so good you have come so quickly. Your guests have arrived,” the duke greeted his guests. “Good, let’s go inside. I guess your daughter is good for something at least, the prince remarks. “Yes, well, please let’s head inside.”

The duke escorts him inside to the sitting room where the guild is awaiting for him.

“So, this is the legendary Vipera Merchant Guild, known for their shadow deeds and corrupt practices in getting what you need,” Prince Leonidas said.

“Yes, and what of it. We are not here for a fool's errand, so tell us what you need?”

“I need you to sabotage all my brother, Prince Mathias efforts to gain the throne, I solely deserve.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“Did you bring the item I requested for this meeting?”

“Yes, but who do you want to poison because this is not easy stuff to get your hands on?”

“It's better if you do not know. So, do what I ask of you and you will be paid handsomely. In fact, your first target is staying at the palace, so send your best assassins to eliminate the problem,” Prince Leonidas orders.

“Of course, we will take care of it, but first the payment,” the guild master demands.

“Of course, Omar, give them the money.”

Omar quickly places the money in the guild master’s hands and they count the coin.

“We have a deal, let us go.” the guild master said leaving with his guild mates.

Alone with the Duke he has another matter to discuss. “Now that we have the poison, we are going to use it on my brother Prince Mathias or the Arch-Duke, so this way the supporters he has gained will no longer support his cause, and I will be the only one left to challenge my older brother for the throne.”

“Yes, of course and why tell me all of this.”

“Because, you will be the one pouring it in their drinks.”

“Yes, of course, I will take care.”

“Good. Omar, we should be going now,” Prince Leonidas said, handing the bottle to him.

Not long after he left for the duke’s manor, Prince Leonidas returned to the palace and headed to his room to meet with his dresser to work on his outfit for the ball like nothing ever happened. He did say to Lady Sirena he would message her what color she would be able to wear to the ball once he settles on a color.

“Sire, is it alright we will be doing all of this?” Omar asked.

“Yes, I want the throne and no one will take it away from me.”

“I guess, you have a point.”

“But sire-”

“If you are having second thoughts, then you may leave.”

“No, I am not sir. I am sorry.”

“Good, now let’s get to work.”

The next day Lady Aurora is in her room finishing up the antidote needed to cure all poisons, the only problem is, it is not fully tested. It did not matter to her, so long as she can make more of these with the new ingredients she can gather in the royal garden. She also has to finish this before her father arrives today, so she can show him the progress she is making.

The only thing she can think about is how the story lines for Prince Leonidas and Lady Sirena have changed since she has come here, so hopefully it is for good or she messed with something she shouldn’t have.

She continued for a little while longer through mid-morning when one of her maids entered her room unannounced to deliver some news.

“What is it?”

“Prince Mathias is waiting for you outside your room and I believe your father’s carriage is approaching the palace.”

“Thank you, I will leave at once.”

“Good.”

Lady Aurora drops everything and goes out to see Prince Mathias waiting for her outside her room. “Your highness, what are you doing here?” “Well, I thought you would like an escort to greet your father. I hear he is almost arriving.” “I would love that, thank you.” And so, they walk through the queen’s halls and outside where they are the first to arrive.

As Lady Aurora and Prince Mathias await for her father to arrive, it seems a strange figure is fast approaching Aurora. She thought it was only one assassin, but a group of assassins coming after her. “Stay back,” the prince said. “Now, they are after me. Guess I can test my new weapon.”

“Assassins,” the Onyx Knights shouted.

She bravely faces the assassin and brings out her new weapon, “Stun Patan” which can paralyze anyone it lays contact with. With this quick attack, she managed to paralyze a few of them while the Onyx Knights, her father’s guards, came to rescue her.

“Are you alright Aurora?”

“Yes, I am fine. How about you?”

“I am fine. Guards take them to the dungeon now where they will interrogate them,” the prince orders.

“Aurora,are you alright?” her father asks, charging out of the carriage.

“I am fine, father. I am not hurt.”

“Good, get inside the carriage the driver will take you home.”

“What? Why?”

“I sent you here thinking you will be protected here and now I see assassins are here to kill you, so I believe the safest place for you will be at the manor,” her father orders.

“Very well, father, but what about my things here?”

“I will have the maids pack it up and send it to your estate later in the week.”

“Thank you, but what about the final fitting for my dress for the ball?”

“I will send Astin to the estate for the final fitting.”

“Thank you for everything, your highness, I guess this is good-bye. I enjoyed my time here,” Lady Aurora said.

“Yes, I enjoyed having you here. I will come visit you soon.”

“I hope so,” Lady Aurora said, entering the carriage and returning to her home.

Lady Aurora takes one final look at the palace and her father as he decides to stay and solve the mystery of who wants to kill his daughter.