The Personal Assassin of the Princess

The sun had almost set, nearly disappearing over the horizon. The two women, Princess Everest and General Rose, were chatting away, Everest on the sofa and Rose standing behind her. When the sun set, the women went inside, and night took over for the next twelve hours. Then, a couple of hours after daybreak, at eight in the morning.

"Good morning, Princess Everest."

"Good morning, Stella," she replied, sitting up on her royal bed

Stella was one of Everest's two personal maids and also an elder-sister figure to her, having served her since the princess was ten. It had been seven years, and she had become an irreplaceable part of the princess' life.

"Aria said she would begin preparing your morning tea."

"Alright..." the princess said, lying back rapidly, "guess I would sleep a little more."

"My Lady-"

"Stop calling me that!" Everest cut her short

"It wouldn't benefit you to act like this, " Stella continued, unfazed, as this was a regular morning routine. "You will soon become the Empress of this great empire; you shan't be lazy."

She pulled the bed dressing from under the princess' body, sending Everest flying to the floor. Stella had a stern look on her face while Everest was face-flat on the floor.

"Meani."

"That's no way of speaking for the future Empress. Sigh." Stella looked at Everest; she had been like this ever since she turned thirteen. She keeps up a good image in front of everyone, but when left alone with Lady Rose, Aria, or myself, she tends to be lazier. Sheesh.

Standing up, Everest spoke, "Um... so, has Rose come today?"

"Yes, Lady Rose did, but she said she would come back later after addressing the Empress about the hero summoning."

"Okay. I wish Dad wasn't so stuck up on the succession stuff." Emperor Edward was currently avoiding international matters as the throne succession was in play. Everest was a prime target, but the only one, as his eldest sons also targeted themselves and even their younger siblings.

"Your dad won't even join forces with the hero, considering what happened the last time," Rose said, entering the room. Her presence immediately made Everest all the more lazy.

"Well," she said, lunging at Rose, "at least I have you and Mom, Stella, and Aria. Ouch! That hurt!"

"My Lady, that is not befitting of one of your status!"

Stella’s hand had snapped forward in a sharp chop, which was aimed for the top of Everest’s head; Everest slowly reached up and rubbed the spot.

"It hurts. It hurts."

"Well, you shouldn't be hanging onto your subjects like that," Rose answered slowly, having been taken off guard by Everest.

... ... ...

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...

After an hour of forcing Everest to get ready for the day and sitting her down, Rose related to Everest her discussion with the Empress that morning. "So after I told her about the hero summoning, she said she will make arrangements for an audience with him and his party."

"Do you know when?"

"Unfortunately, she said sometime next year; she will need the time to convince His Majesty."

"Fine then."

"Your Highness, sorry I took so long," came a voice from the just-opened door. "The castle storage was out of tea leaves."

"It's okay. Aria."

"And after I tried my best to get there early..."

While Aria was preparing the tea and gleefully explaining the situation that befell her to Everest, Stella started talking to Rose.

"Um... Lady Rose..." After whispering something to Rose, she stood up. "My Lady, I need to check with the Head Maid about this. You may be willing to overlook this, but this is not for the good image of the Imperial Family."

"Oh... Ok."

... ... ...

... ...

...

"Here you go, Your Highness," Aria said, serving Everest a cup of tea alongside some tea snacks.

"Thanks, Ari-"

"Hold up, Aria," said Rose, who was standing behind the princess. "Would you mind tasting the tea for the princess.”

“Taste the tea… for the princess?” Aria’s eyes widened slightly. “You mean… as in…?”

"You or Stella always sample what is brought for the princess, don't you?"

"W-well, you are right there, but...um-"

"Is there anything you wish to tell us?" Rose asked, the air around her intimidating.

"Umm... Oh... Well, you see. It's not that I... Yes, let's wait for Miss Stella," she said, with gaps between her words. "She should be back soon."

The dumbfounded Everest finally spoke up, "What is going on, Rose?"

"You can use it." That was all Rose said, but Everest understood. Only three individuals knew she could use this among other abilities: herself, Rose, and the one responsible for it.

Damn you, Rose; can't you let your guard down once? This is the third time I have attempted this now, and I am always being stopped by you. Was what Everest read from Aria's mind.

Unconsciously, some words slipped from her mind and out of her mouth: "What do you mean by third time?"