A heavy decision

There was a gentle thud come from a rather large bed that evening within a well decorated bedroom within the palace. Erika now lay across what was to temporarily be her bed horizontally with a withdrawn expression on her face as she stared up a the ceiling above her... today felt as though it wasn't real at all. So much had happened all at once, she had been take from her home, preparing to be killed for her use of magic- met with the royal family that had been persecuting her kind for years- only to find that the only family member there was far different from the cutthroat ruler she imagined... then there was this whole ordeal with the curse and the fake marriage... it sounded almost as though it was some story book now she really reflected on it...

'I had a hunch you were someone I could trust Miss Hartell...'

'If you leave the palace during this time, your identity as a witch will be leaked out...'

Erika had a hard time gauging the true personality of prince Leon from her brief encounter with him... on one hand, he seemed like a totally different person from who she ever imagined- an sincere, almost innocent type if person despite the terrifying curse that had been laid on him. He spoke in such a sophisticated way, however he still seemed to as ordinary as her... and yet there were glimmers of a much more dark side she could see within that honest and warm smile. Even with his friendliness, he still forced her to stay in the palace. He still held that fierce aura around him- she found it hard to tell what was truly an act with him or not.

"Honestly, these royals have absolutely no respect or honour at all! Blackmailing us to be here even after you had the kindness to consider their request! If I wasn't bonded to granny, I would have busted us out of here!" Mira grumbled loudly, stretching out her body by the front door of the room.

"It's fine Mira... at the very least, we weren't here to be killed right..." Erika suggested, trying to put the small cats mind at ease, though this appeared to have the opposite effect.

"The fact that, that was a step below where we are now is not a good thing!" Mira snapped at Erika crossly as Erika sighed, being unable to argue with that. She didn't quite understand what the reason was for keeping her here in the palace... was it because they were afraid she would run away from their request? In this case was this less of a request and more something that was forced? She turned over to lie down normally in her bed, a troubled expression on her face. She didn't get a chance to light a candle by her granny's grave or tell her about her day today... there were medicines that the villagers back at her home were counting on her to make... and yet she was now so far away from the small cottage she used to call her home... from her ordinary life... part of her was scared.... If she couldn't cure the prince's curse, then what would happen to her? If she turned down the prince's request would she even be allowed to leave? She hugged the pillow next to her, her head buzzing with thoughts and anxiety... she wondered if her grandmother would ever expect such a story for her to tell that day... rather what was it that her granny would do in this situation?

"Erika...?" Mira looked back to the young girl, noticing she had become oddly quiet, only to see her huddled up in her bed, trying to do her best not to cry as she asked herself these questions. It was to this that the cat looked back at the door, before giving up on her attempts to stubbornly try to get it open as she pattered over to Erika, jumping up onto the bed. "Don't worry okay? We'll find a way out of this situation... I promise, things will turn out okay in the end..." she told the huddled up witch who didn't respond to the cat, most likely too overwhelmed to respond. The cat looked at her sympathetically as it was with a twitch of her ear, all the lights in the room were put out. The cat didn't say much more, however she wandered up to the mound under the covers, flopping down next to it and curling up into the ball... it was going to be okay... they could figure out what to do next come the morning time...

Ring

Erika was woken up somewhat abruptly the following morning by the sound of a small bell ringing from over at the door way. Despite that she felt somewhat refreshed, it seemed as though they had allowed her to sleep in to match her sleeping time. She sat up from her bed half awake to look to where the sound of the bell came from, only to see two maids come in to the bedroom with a cart in front of them.

"Huh.... What is it..." Mira muttered quietly under her breath out of ear shot to the maids as she stretched as Erika looked over to them curiously... were they allowed to be in here?

"Ah Miss Hartell right? We are here to get you ready for the morning!" One maid with curly brunette hair and gentle blue eyes mentioned cheerfully as the maid middle aged maid with ashen blonde straight hair made into an neat bun and relaxed green eyes next to her nodded, pushing in the cart some more.

"We have your breakfast right here, we hope it's to your liking!" The older maid noted, the two coming closer to the rather taken back Erika... it seemed as though there were allowed in here... she hadn't been made a breakfast by someone else since her grandmother had passed away... Mira from next to her stuck up her nose, having to talk quietly so as not to be caught speaking by the palace staff.

"Hmph, if they think this can win us over, then they are going to have to try much harder!" Mira scorned as the maids lifted up the covers to the plates revealing what looked to be a rather luxurious and large breakfast, much to Erika's pleasant surprise... even Mira appeared to be a little awe inspired by the well laid out meal before her served upon expensive looking platter... before she shook her head stubbornly.

"Ah... thank you, I don't know what to say, it looks really yummy...." Erika responded, being at a loss for words at the high end meal before her as Mira frowned.

'Don't be drawn in by food Erika! A commoners weakness is their stomach!' The cat thought over to the girl she looked after fierily, trying not to be drawn in by the tasty smells and good looking food herself. Though this stance of hers seemed to all but change with the older maids words as she raised up another cover.

"Your thanks is plenty enough, we also have a special meal made for your pet cat here too, we hope it's to both your likings!" The maid explained, revealing a finely cooked fish to both Erika and the cat.

....

'Well if they are going to recklessly throw all their riches at us, we may as well indulge whilst we are here...' Mira thought to herself, happily tucking in to a plate of warm salmon meat, as the maids led Erika away once she was finished with her delicious tasting breakfast.

"Follow us Miss Hartell, we will help you feel more refreshed for the morning!" The younger maid sung as Erika dizzily was led into the room that stood next to the bedroom, once again feeling overwhelmed with that morning.

It was with that, that Erika found herself now sat within a warm and extravagant looking bathtub, the waters being covered with bubbles and what looked to be flower petals- the smell of rose oil and primrose wafting through the air, Erika looking at the floating petals in a daze. At home she only had a small bucket and warm water sourced from the nearby fresh river and heated by her cauldron to wash up with, so to sat in a large tub filled with water that was adorned in such a pretty way; she wasn't used to it at all. Was this how all the nobles usually bathed?

"Once you feel relaxed enough, call us over, we'll wash your hair properly for you!" The younger maids she had soon learned was called Christina chimed over to Erika who sunk down into the bath a little more, feeling a little embarrassed... did they always bathe with people standing over them too? She certainly wasn't adjusted to bathing in company, as friendly as the staff appeared to be...

The maids soon washed through Erika's hair, soaking it in floral and fruity smelling oils and soaps, before then helping her out the bath and into some rather expensive looking clothing once she was dry, something which Erika also felt out of place receiving.... The maids before her nonetheless couldn't seem happier with their efforts and how Erika looked.

"Ah, Miss Hartell, that dress really does suit you! You looked lovely before hand but you practically shine now that you have been bathed! I'm envious!" Christina commented as Erika turned in the purple coloured gown she was now wearing, an uncertain expression on her face.

"I... well... are you sure?" Erika double checked, only feeling as though such a pretty looking outfit didn't really belong on someone of her stature... though the maids nodded regardless.

"You took just like a young noble lady!" Christina proclaimed as the eldest known as Terri gave a faint smile to the young witch.

"Though if you are too uncomfortable, maybe you would prefer something more simple?" She questioned as Erika looked down to the dress she was wearing, her eyes remaining unsure... it wasn't as though she disliked the dress... but she just couldn't truly register that she was being allowed to wear it at all...

"I-If it's okay, I'd like to just get some fresh air before I choose..." Erika responded, glancing to the open window to the end of the room that lead to a small balcony, both the maids bowing to this and stepping back.

"Of course, we'll be here if you need us!" Terri replied as Erika gave them a small smile, before turning and walking out onto the the balcony.

It was a warm sunny day, the sun seeming to make the flowers in the royal gardens below shimmer as a gentle wind blew through Erika's fresh feeling hair... she walked over to the fence at the edge of the balcony taking a deep breath, being left rather amazed with the view before her. Before her she could see all the palace gardens, the courtyards which had servants and people busting away... and just over the castle walls there was a clear view of a town, far larger than the small village Erika once resided in, the only one she had ever known... it was almost as though with this view alone, Erika had been whisked away into a completely different world. One that seemed to radiate and glisten just as the fields of flowers before her, a very pretty a large world that would have been far out of her reach if she had not been taken up here... and despite it all being very extraordinary, Erika couldn't help but feel as though she didn't belong in this place... rather she felt as though she stuck out like a sore thumb... she glanced down to the dress she wore, a perturbed expression on her face. Even if she had been dressed the part, she was still just some common witch wasn't she? Technically speaking, if it ever came out that she was indeed a magic user, she would be killed for it... the real Erika would not be welcome in such a place normally... maybe that was why everything felt so distant to her?

"Fuwaaah, that was a nice wander I did, I'm glad its not too hard to get back up here..." came a voice from next to Erika as she looked over to Mira who was plodding out her paws after climbing back onto the balcony.

"You were out?" Erika questioned as Mira gave a casual laugh.

"Aha yeah, well nature is a cats most convenient toilet, I figured I'd go poop in luxurious plants whilst I had the chance" Mira gave a cunning look over in Erika's direction, Erika shaking her head in response.

"If they catch you, you'll get in trouble..." Erika noted as Mira didn't seem too worried at her warning.

"IF they catch me that is..." the cat corrected the young girl who leaned against the balcony staring at her cat.

"You seem to be settling in quite well all things considered..." she pointed out- Mira jolting to this.

"Ah- well... don't get me wrong, I still consider that prince my enemy, he's won over my materialistic side, not my good one..." Mira quickly shut down her general enjoyment at the luxuries around her. "In any case, if they are going to trap you here, then sharing all their riches with you is the very least they can do..." Mira pointed out as Erika nodded distantly.

"Yes, I suppose you are right..." she answered, looking out to the palace gardens ahead of her- Mira becoming a little curious to Erika's somewhat lacklustre response to her words.

"How about you? Have you enjoyed being pampered?" Mira inquired as Erika paused herself for a moment... when she became a little shy as she thought back to the bath earlier.

"Ah... yes, rather it doesn't really feel all that real to me right now..." Erika explained as she touched her hair faintly, thinking to how soft it was.

"Hmm... you don't see too impressed..." Mira noted as Erika's expression became a little distant...

"It isn't really that... I guess- I don't know if this kind of thing really suits me..." Erika noted as Mira looked up at Erika's dress properly for a moment... before a coy look came across her face.

"Hmm, I'm definitely more used to your common clothing... but seeing you dresses up every so often is also nice- maybe you can ask if they will let you take some dresses home as payment?" Mira noted as Erika jumped a little at this statement, getting more embarrassed.

"Mira! You know we can't do such a thing... b-besides, I wouldn't have any sort of occasion to wear something this dressy at home..." Erika scolded her cat lightly as Mira flicked her tail.

"Hmm, maybe the mail boy will take you somewhere nice? He visits quite a bit no?" Mira pointed out as Erika frowned, her cheeks red.

"That's his job, geez Mira stop teasing me..." Erika went on as it was then that they found themselves interrupted by the youngest of the two maids coming out to the balcony.

"Ah Miss Hartell, sorry if you are still relaxing but you have been invited to his highnesses office..."

It was with these words that Erika found herself now following the two maids, Mira in her arms down the hallways to prince Leon's office. She hadn't been able to truly choose whether or not she wanted to change how she looked, in the end she remained in the dress the maids gave her... in a way she somewhat regretted it- afterall, she wasn't expecting to visit the prince at all dressed like this...

'I wonder why it is he wants to see me...' she thought to herself as her eyes glanced up to one of the many portraits of the late king adorning the wall... could it possibly be that the prince had decided she was a danger like the old king would? She got a cold chill just at thought, shaking her head and catching up with the maids in front of her. 'No, it can't be.. I'm sure I wouldn't have gotten such a delicious breakfast if it was like that...' Erika assured herself, taking a deep breath as she continued forwards... still though, even telling herself this, there was a part of her knowing the royals history that couldn't help but feel nervous....

She looked to be Christina and Terri curiously... maybe a good way to calm her nerves would be to talk to the two before her.

"Say uh... Miss Christina, I wanted to ask you what you think of his highness?" Erika brought up somewhat stiffly as the youngest maid looked back to Erika with a cheerful smile.

"Oh, please call me Chris Miss Hartell, as our guest it feels strange to hear you use honorifics..." Christie informed her as Erika froze up a little to this.

"Ah... sorry... though honestly it feels strange to hear you call me so formally too at the same time... why not call me Erika?" Erika brought up shyly as Christie gave a faintly surprise expression to this.

"Eh? We can?" She double checked as Erika nodded with a stiff laugh.

"Well, I'm not really nobility or anything, so we both have the same standing..." Erika pointed out as Christie thought about this a little more before nodding.

"I guess that makes sense... okay then, I'll call you Erika from now on!" Christie gave a cheerful beam as Terri joined in with a small bow.

"You can call me Terri without honourifics then" she added as it was with this that Christie continued to ponder as they walked on down the hall.

"Hmm, so you ask about his highness... well truthfully, I have only served him directly briefly, both Terri and I are mostly maids for guests, however if I was to put it in a word..." Christie began to ramble before looking back to Erika pulling a jesting yet fierce expression. "Terrifying" she answered bluntly as Erika almost tripped up over this. Ah, she supposed that the prince wasn't so openly care free and friendly with everyone else.

"Is that so?" She replied, somewhat regretting to ask now, her nerves only getting worse as Christie nodded.

"Well I mean I guess it is sort of a given, he is the son of the late witch hunter King Astar, he is going to have to be a scary individual... when you are in the same room as him theres this overwhelming pressure..." Christie continued to explain as Erika could only nod in response to this meekly, feeling more disheartened with each passing word. She understood completely what the maid meant, she had felt that very pressure herself... though she wondered if anyone other than a select few actually knew it was because of the prince's demon powers.

"That being said, things have been much more peaceful since the young prince became the head of the palace..." Terri brought up reflectively. "Back when King Astar was alive, there were stories of staff being accused of being magic users and executed... I was only around for a few years during King Astar's reign, but I can say things are different now. His highness is intimidating, but I think at the least he is a lot more considerate, especially to the staff. Our pay became a lot more fair too when he took over..." she went on as it was to this that Erika's anxiety gradually became more confused... that made her relieved but it appeared the view of the prince amongst the staff of the palace was just as mixed as her own thoughts of him were now. At the very least, Erika was able to understand one thing, it didn't appear the prince was irrational... indeed, even if the staff were somewhat scared of him, it appeared that even with his age, he was somewhat respected...

"We are here now, we will wait for you nearby Erika, feel free to walk around after visiting his highness though. We will escort you back to your room whenever you are ready" Christie explained as they stood before a rather large oak wooden door before what was the prince's office apparently.

"A-ah, thank you! Please be sure to have a break whilst you can!" Erika replied to them ad Christie giggled to this.

"My, you are really quite kind... We will, thanks for your concern" she answered as it was with this both the maids left Erika before the door. Erika looked at the door and at the two guards standing either side of it on duty, simply acknowledging her as a guest. Was she really just allowed to walk in like this? She knew she had been invited and that she was technically a guest in the palace right now... but she hadn't even made up her mind on the princes task yet. She hesitated more at the door, looking around to see if anyone would scold her, however, upon seeing nobody react beyond a curious glance she guessed it wasn't the case. She took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts before then opening up one of the large doors before her.

The room she stepped into seemed to almost dazzle despite its more natural looking furniture and design. It was a neatly and well designed office room, with rows of bookcases to either side of it and a large decorated window right to the very back of it that overlooked the entire palace grounds and the small town ahead. Before that large window was a large mahogany desk, stacked with many different papers as someone sat in a comfy and luxurious chair behind it, deeply engrossed with the documents in front of him- the person in question undoubtedly being prince Leon; lord Ivor standing not too far from him.

Leon paused his reading upon hearing someone enter the room and upon seeing it was Erika, his eyes seemed to light up as he put down the papers in his hands.

"Miss Hartell! Good morning, I hope that my staff have treated you well!" Leon greeted her brightly as for a moment Erika struggled to answer, being taken back by both the lavish looking room and the sunny expression made by the prince... though after taking it in for a moment, she slowly nodded, remaining stuck to the door.

"A-ah... yes... good morning your highness, they did treat me well..." Erika replied somewhat stiffly, still not really knowing how she should talk to the prince. Leon tilted his head at her inquisitive to distance before he gestured to the chair in front of his desk.

"Hmm? Why are you standing so far away? Take a seat with me Miss Hartell, you are a valued guest afterall!" He told her as Erika felt conflicted upon hearing him say such a thing. Should the royalty of this country really be the one to be hosting someone as common as her? Even with this playing on her mind however, she nodded, shuffling over to the chair in front of the prince's desk, sitting in the small yet comfortable chair before him.

Leon seemed to take a moment to stare at her, looking to be rather pleased to have her sitting there with him, when he then glanced over to Mira who was now glaring at him fiercely from Erika's lap.

"Ah, you even brought Miss Mira too, good morning to you miss!" Leon greeted Mira too cheerfully as Mira's glower became more contemptful.

"Don't miss Mira me, don't believe your gentle smile can sway my feelings, I won't met you forget that you are forcing us to stay here!" Mira snapped back to the prince disapprovingly who as always, seemed to find great humour in the cats antagonism towards him.

"Is that so? You think my smile is a good looking one though, no?" He pointed out as Mira jumped at this.

"Don't twist my words like that! You are a thousand years too early for me to impressed by your appearance mortal!" Mira quipped back crossly as Leon laughed.

"I see, then I guess I will ask you again in a thousand years Mira then!" He suggested something which only poked at Mira even more, the cat looking even more daggers at him.

"Ah! Geez, this boy is intolerable!" She proceeded to grumble to herself as Erika looked over to them both surprised- it seemed that for once, Mira had finally met her own match. Leon looked back up to Erika cheerfully.

"So did you eat well this morning? I wasn't sure what you usually eat at home so I told the staff to simplify it a little more for you" Leon told her casually as Erika stilted a little to this. That grand breakfast was what the palace would consider 'simplified'?

"Yes I did, it tasted good, thank you... it was you who chose my breakfast your majesty?" Erika's gratitude turned to that of a question as Leon nodded.

"Of course, you are in my care so isn't it natural I help to accommodate you?" Leon brought up with a warm smile.

'I think such a thing would be more obvious if you weren't the prince your highness...' Erika thought on to herself.

"The dress looks nice on you too! Purple suits you a lot!" Leon also brought up as Erika very suddenly became rather bashful to his words and she hunched into herself more.

"I- I- the dress is stunning your highness... though I wouldn't say that I am a suitable person for something so pretty looking..." Erika replied with a stammer, not being able to accept such a compliment as it was to this that Leon tilted his head as he rested against his hand.

"Why not? You are a very beautiful person Miss Hartell, I think you suit it just fine" he told her casually as Erika froze up to his words, feeling her face burn up even more. She felt as though being in the palace was enough of a dream as it was, let alone this. Part of her believe that he was simply saying such things to spare her feelings... though at the same time, he was looking at her with such honesty...

However such small sweet regards were not to last- as Mira cut in before Leon could say much more.

"Hey, don't think I don't see what you are doing mister prince! Some honey coated words won't have any affect on how we make up our minds you know!" Mira scoured him once more as Leon sat back.

"I guess that should be expected..." he replied to the cat as it was to this that Erika felt all her worries drop... ah so that was what it was, he was simply trying to get on her good side huh? Leon's smile became a little more awkward as he spoke on. "Truthfully, I was hoping you may have made your mind up by today... though I understand rushing you both isn't a good idea either..." Leon mentioned as Mira nodded to this sternly.

"That you are correct about!" She put forwards steadfastly as Erika sat back with a halfhearted expression on her face, in all truthfulness, she didn't even know what to begin when it came to making up her mind right now.

"Though I wasn't particularly lying either... I genuinely thing the dress suits you Miss Hartell, if you want you can keep it..." Leon then brought up to Erika in a kindly manner, his words getting Erika antsy again.

"Ah geez..." Mira grumbled as Erika remained silent, staring into her lap flustered... she had started to notice it since she originally met him, but the prince was a bit if a smooth talker overall... if it wasn't for his curse, he could probably win over the heart of any princess he wanted to in the future... She appreciated his sentiments, though she didn't quite know how to respond to them- she didn't really believe he meant it overall, it was most definitely to either win her over or just to be kind to her feelings... after all- she didn't particularly feel as though she was deserving of such compliments herself.

"Wh-what is it you are doing your highness anyway?" Erika quickly changed the topic before her face melted off from how warm it had gotten. Leon glanced back over to the paper in front of him, his smile dying faintly.

"Ah this... it's different financial documents in regards to the kingdom and legal nonsense over ideas proposed by the council and in meetings... in short, its sort of boring... but it has to be done..." Leon explained with a small sigh as Erika looks at the sheets somewhat astonished.

"So... even as a young prince you have to still deal with this..." Erika commented lightly as Leon sighed tiredly.

"Yes, I do..."

"A lot of this work is carried out by his courtiers, though as the crown prince, his highness still has to look over the documents for errors and to make the final decision on laws and requests made to the royal court. He can't make major laws yet, but this counts as good practice for when he takes the throne" lord Ivor explained from next to them.

"That pretty much makes me sound like an over glorified editor though" Leon mentioned tepidly as lord Ivor nodded.

"In some ways I guess you call it that..." he answered blandly as Leon seemed to grow more unenthused upon hearing this. He however then shook his head looking back to Erika.

"However, I am glad that you are here now Miss Hartell! Just seeing you face, I feel much more recharged!" Leon explained merrily as Erika felt a bit bewildered by his claims. She didn't quite understand his overall interest in her, after all they had only really met yesterday... she knew that she was a witch and they needed one to try and break the curse that was on him... however she also knew she wasn't the only witch or magic user for that matter left in Veria. Rather there were far more suitable people for the job of curing curses, ultimately all Erika really knew how to do was use her magic to make medicines. Without a familiar there were a number of higher end spells she wouldn't be able to do, at her magic ability at least... Her eyes became a little more perplexed as decided to speak her mind on this issue that had been burning on her mind more and more.

"Say... your highness... I wanted to ask, why was it you wanted to call for me specifically..." Erika gained some courage to talk up, her question catching Leon kind of off guard. "I mean... wouldn't any sort of witch do in terms of breaking curses..." Erika continued on seriously as it appeared that after taking in her question that Leon had actually put some though on how to reply to such a question.

"Well... practically speaking, we don't know any other witches who have a resistance to demon blood... so you were our only real lead" he brought up as Erika looked down to her hands, understanding to an extent. Even so, she didn't even know that she had a resistance to such a thing until yesterday, it was nothing that her grandmother had ever brought up to her... though then again, she guessed it wasn't too often you would meet someone with such a curse to bring up such a thing.

"Well, maybe the would be more options if your family didn't slaughter them all and rive the rest into hiding..." Mira noted flatly as Leon agreed with her.

"Indeed, those decisions certainly stabbed us in the foot later on in the line it seems..." he replied as Erika though on it a little bit more.

"So... would that mean that if you found someone else with a demon blood resistance appeared, that you would be willing to replace me..." Erika noted, Leon's eyes widening faintly to her words... regardless he seemed to remain rather calm as he answered to her.

"I mean... if it ever had to come to a point, it would be a potential consideration... though do you ask because you want to be replaced Miss Hartell...?" Leon brought up as Erika flinched a little to his assumption, quickly shaking her head to this.

"Ah- well, I don't mean it as a insult your majesty... it isn't that... well... I guess... I wouldn't be against the idea if you were to find someone else either... though I do sympathise with his highnesses situation, I guess I'm worried if I am really the person you need.... not just that but whilst I am here, I am neglecting my responsibilities to the villagers who need me there for the medicines they require... not just that but the cottage was left by my grandmother to protect... I guess overall, I'm just pretty worried..." Erika found herself opening up to the prince, half expecting for him to be rather cross with her... yet instead she appeared to be met by a tranquil yet somewhat saddened smile by the prince.

"Yes, that seems very like you Miss Hartell..." he answered as Erika was soundless transiently... it was something you could assume he had analysed just by speaking for her in the brief time that they had met... and yet it also appeared to be something that he was so certain with- as though he had known her for a lot longer than she actually knew. It was to this thought that Erika stood up in a start, going to speak- though the force of her doing so wound up knocking the desk rather abruptly- as her actions were followed by a small smash from beside them both.

A teacup that was next to the prince had wobbled over, rolling and knocking down to the floor much to both their surprises, the sound of it shattering completely changing the tone of their conversation as Leon looked the the shattered glass beside him on the floor in a nonchalant manner.

"Oh dear, I guess I put it too close to the edge huh?" Leon brought up, unphased by the fact that it was Erika who knocked it over as Erika instantly started to panic at the sight of the broken cup.

"A-Ah! I'm so sorry, because I stood up so suddenly-!" she began to apologise profusely, looking around as she tried to think of what to do, though Leon shook his head.

"Not at all, these things happen!" he replied unconcernedly as Lord Ivor beside him then lowered his head into a small bow.

"I'll go get a mid to help clean up this mess your highness!" he mentioned as Leon nodded, watching his advisor walk out the room in a hurry.

"You do that!" he replied with a smile as he waited for the old man to leave... before he got off his chair, crouching down on the floor beside him with a napkin from his pocket.

"U-Uh... your highness..." Erika muttered, looking over to him curiously as Leon started to gather up the pieces of glass.

"Whilst Lord Ivor is out, I'll put this in a pile to make it easier on the maid, it's not too much of a hassle..." he noted cheerfully as Mira proceeded to look at him suspectly.

"Are you allowed to do that?" she questioned him as the prince replied in a rather carefree manner.

"Not at all really, why do you think I waited for him to leave!" Leon responded as both Erika and Mira jolted to this.

"Oh so you are actually a troublemaker huh, you expect us to trust a devious fellow like you?" Mira scolded him as Leon laughed in response.

"So are you a stickler for rules then Miss Mira?" he brought up as Mira shrunk into herself a little to this.

"That...isn't really relevant..." Mira went quiet as Leon continued to pick up the pieces before him.

"Well, if making things a little easier on my staff makes me a troublemaker then I guess I'll be glad to be one... I can do this much at least, I'm not totally incapable of looking after myself..." Leon noted with a small smile as it was to this that Erika found her opportunity to also stand up and walk over to him.

"I-I'll help out too! " Erika noted, also kneeling before the prince to help him pick up the glass shards, as Leon was a little surprised by how close she had gotten so suddenly, before he shook his head,.

"You don't really need to-" he began, though Erika shook her head firmly to his words.

"I want to help. I mean it's my mess afterall... plus if it helps out the maids too, that's a good thing too..." she replied as Leon remained astonished briefly by her sudden determination, though he then gave a small chuckle to her words.

"Well I guess two hands certainly make better than one!" he mentioned cheerfully, allowing her to help him pick up the pieces.

They had almost gathered them all into the handkerchief when it was after picking up a piece that Leon then flinched a little, withdrawing his hand from a shard.

"Ah, I guess I picked that one up too roughly..." he noted, looking to his hand as a small trickle of blood started to stain the whites of the glove on his finger, Erika's eyes widening faintly to this. Leon gave a small sigh, going to get up. "I have another handkerchief on my des-" he began, however it was then that Erika grabbed onto his hand.

"Hang on, I can heal-" she began almost on instinct to helping people of the village heal up wounds, Leon's eyes enlarging when it was with a sudden jolt that Leon whisked his hand out of hers, moving back rather quickly. Erika was a little surprised to see his reaction at first, however upon seeing how pale his face had gotten, she then realised. "Oh no- I'm sorry, I didn't think about your condition, I shouldn't have suddenly grabbed you..." Erika explained, realising how risky the move she just pulled was as it took Leon a second to snap out of his own bewilderment though as he thought on it more, he gave a small sigh of relief to himself, lowering his head with a vague smile.

"No, don't be sorry, I over reacted... I forgot you aren't affected by my curse Miss Hartell..." he went on shallowly, correcting himself as he then looked to the blood staining through the glove on his hand with a half-hearted smile on his face. "I suppose even knowing that fact, I'm not really used to people being able to touch my so easily..." Leon mentioned as it to this that Erika gave a complicated expression... it seemed like despite how casual Leon had been in touching her in the past, when he wasn't thinking he was actually a lot more careful and anxious about it than she could ever imagine... Erika wafted her hands before herself feeling somewhat guilty to have caused such a problem-

"I- Uh- well maybe it's for the best that I don't use my magic actually, I don't want to make you uncomfortable at all!" she mentioned, realising that maybe using magic on a cursed person was somewhat insensitive, however...

"It's not that... it's just..." Leon replied as it was then he placed his non cut hand on the upraised palm of Erika's, a distant look in his eyes as he did so. "I can really touch you, can't I...?" he seemed to speak as though he couldn't truly believe it himself, even after all this time. As though it had only just truly dawned on him that such a thing was possible... and though he said such a thing that should sound so obvious, his words and tone sounded so lonely that for a moment, Erika couldn't even feel flustered by his actions... it seemed with these words that she had started to realise just how sad and isolating thee prince's curse really was...

'In a word... he's terrifying...'

'If he doesn't have the same fierce reputation his father did, many countries would take the opportunity to strike us whilst we are weak...'

Not just that, but even without his curse, the prince was already outcast from everybody else by just his status and the reputation he had to hold alone... Even if he had anybody who knew the real him, even if there was anyone to befriend him, he wouldn't ever be able to truly be close to them... he wouldn't be able to reach out for anybody...

A curse where the person inflicted wouldn't be able to feel the warmth of another human being... where they lived in fear of hurting those around them to the point where even when they knew they were safe, their subconscious kept them guarded... such a cruel punishment... it may be befitting of a tyrant who massacred many people... but was Leon such a thing....? She didn't know too much about him, but from what she had briefly come to learn, she didn't really think so...

It was after a few moments of touching Erika's hands that Leon seemed to realise what he was doing, when he then moved his hand, seeming to get embarrassed, his doing so also making Erika flush.

"Ah sorry, I guess it really is sinking in for me..." he mentioned, looking back to the handkerchief to pick up glass shards once more to distract himself as Erika shook her head with a flustered smile, going to do the same.

"No, no, I understand!" she replied, not knowing how to react to the shy side of the prince as it was after picking up a few more pieces of glass that Leon paused sincerely.

"Miss Hartell, in regards to your question earlier about finding a replacement..." he began as Erika looked back up to him. "It is something we could do... though I believe in that instance, even then I would still have chosen you... precisely because of that nature to blindly help others that you have! It's very admirable..." he mentioned to he her sincerely as his honesty left Erika at a loss for words.

To call it admirable... in all honesty, she had rushed in without even considering the dangers of his curse at all... if she could have been actually harmed by his curse, she would have probably really injured herself back there.. and in doing so, it probably would have caused the prince more of a reason to be withdrawn and traumatised by his curse. Rather than admirable, she'd call herself senseless, she didn't think she was worthy of such praise... and yet... even though she still hadn't decided if she should take on Leon's request, there was part of her that was somewhat relived to hear that even then, he would still turn to such a useless witch as herself... how strange... even though they barely knew one another, his words made her chest feel warm...

"In any case, I really should heal my hand huh?" Leon mentioned with a merry look on his face as it seemed that his glove had become a lot more scarlet than before, Erika instantly panicking at the sight of it.

"Ahhh! Please let me heal it! I can at least do this much, it was me who smashed the glass!" Erika proclaimed as Leon laughed a little bit at her flustering over the matter.

"If you think you can, then I would be grateful!" he told her as it was as the two spoke that Mira silently watched them both, a rather intrigued look held within her eyes... There was a thought that was currently crossing her mind as she watched Erika use her magic to heal the rather amazed Prince's hands, one that made her a little perplexed... however, she decided for that moment, there was no need for her to speak those thoughts out loud... she'd just see how things would go on from here.

"So this is magic huh?" Leon mentioned looking at his now healed hand in a rather chirpy fashion as Erika twiddled her fingers a little.

"Yes... though healing wounds like that is very easy, even children can pull it off..." Erika noted meekly as Leon shook his head, giving Erika an impressed smile.

"Even small things like this are amazing! Thank you Miss Hartell!" Leon praised her as Erika got more shy to his compliments.

"It's nothing really..." she replied as finally Mira cut in to their conversation, staring over the arm of Erika's chair at them.

"You should feel lucky, most people would have to pay to use Erika's services" Mira mentioned with a frown as Leon looked back to Erika inquisitively to this.

"I can pay you if you want? Is 200 gold alright with you?" He brought up as Erika jumped at his words.

"Of course not, that's far too much! Besides I did that for free, no pay necessary" Erika replied, a little dumbfounded that Leon could give away that much money so easily as Mira gained a rather cunning glint to her eye.

"Erika may not be interested, but if you want to send that money my way, I guess I can take it off your hands..." Mirta noted as Erika turned back to to scold her.

"Mira!"

"What, I very much would like 200 gold!"

"Whatever for? You don't buy things!"

"Have you ever seen what a pile of gold looks like? It'd look great for my collection!"

Leon laughed at their conversation as Erika looked back to him flustered.

"Ah, ignore her, Mira enjoys teasing people!" Erika explained, Leon shaking his head.

"No. it's not a bother! I actually find bold personalities quite refreshing! It's quite a bond you both have! I'm a little envious..." Leon mentioned as both Erika and Mira glanced to one another... before Mira then decided to stretch a little.

"Hmm... well I guess for a human, she's okay! Even if I'm not her familiar..." Mira explained as Leon tilted his head to these words.

"Familiar...?" He questioned as Erika shook her head firmly, rather embarrassed to bring that topic up.

"It really is nothing too important! Mira and I... we have a strange bond I guess you can say..." Erika quickly tried to brush away the topic as thankfully, she was saved by the door top the room opening, Lord Ivor walking in with his maid.

"I have returned your highness..." Lord Ivor mentioned as Leon waved to him with a smile.

"Thanks, Erika helped to clean up some of the mess so there isn't too much to handle..." Leon replied casually as his lack of credit for himself took Erika by surprise for a moment... until she looked at Leon and saw him discreetly wink at her... ah she guessed he wasn't really allowed to in this instance... she looked to the shards of glass behind her... it was a shame, if Leon was allowed to openly do such things, maybe people would have a kinder impression of her.

Mira then gave a deep stretch, turning to Erika sleepily.

"Erika, I'd like to go and nap back in the room..." she commented as Erika then nodded to her.

"Ah, that's fine!... though..." her eyes looked back to the prince who then nodded to her with a simple grin.

"It's okay, it appears lord Ivor has something he wants to discuss with me anyway, so you can both go back if you want!" Leon explained, looking to Lord Ivor who bowed his head in acknowledgment. Erika quickly turned around to this and then bowed to him. ~

"Ah- of course! We'll leave you be then your highness!" Erika replied, taking the opportunity to leave then as Leon bowed his head in return.

"Thank you for keeping me company today Miss Hartell" he replied to her as it was with such words that Erika soon found herself walking out the door.

As Erika walked down the hall to find both Christie and Terri to lead she and Mira back to her room, she looked down with a complicated expression on her face... Prince Leon really didn't seem like a bad person at all... there was a large part of her that felt sorry for him and his ordeal.... part of her that truly wanted to help... though she needed some more time to think on it... after all taking on the role as a fake engagement partner was quite the huge one... plus there was still the fact he forced her to be here... and her grandmothers cottage too...

Mira looked back to the young girl who stalled whilst deep in thought, a rather curious expression on her face.

"Are you perhaps thinking of staying here Erika?" She questioned as Erika paused to her inquiry... before becoming more perplexed.

"I... still don't know...feel bad for his situation... however I still worry about things are at home..." Erika replied as Mira seemed rather pensive to this response, before turning back to walk down the hall more causally...

"Well I guess there's no major rush right now... Whatever you pick, just know that I will still be here with you..." Mira answered as Erika looked at the small black cat somewhat touched by her words...

"Mira..." she uttered before she then gave a rather soft smile in the cats direction... their relationship was a strange one for sure... however she knew so long as Mira was with her, things would turn out okay somehow in the end...

"You don't have your one glove on your highness?" Lord Ivor noted to Leon who stared out the window of his office.

"Ah... no I don't, some tea spilt on it, so I decided I'll just get a new one in a small while..." Leon gave a white lie as the lord raised one eyebrow to the boy. He couldn't quite pin point it but part of him felt that the boy was lying... however before he could become more suspicious Leon changed the subject.

"You had something to tell me?" Leon brought up as Lord Ivor remained quiet for moment before nodding.

"Yes, its a report from the general... he says that they have confirmed that there are witch investigators currently patrolling around Hoshin village as of yesterday evening..." Lord Ivor responded as the prince's expression became rather serious to the news, a darkened smile coming over his face.

"Ah... so it's how I predicted huh... Did any come near Miss Hartell's house?" he questioned.

"Not as far as we have been able to tell... though it will probably be wise for Miss Hartell to stay away until they have left the village..." Lord Ivor explained as Leon remained quiet for a few seconds, as though he was thinking through something.

"Then hopefully, if she does reject my request, she does so once they have left..." Leon responded as the advisor could only become rather intrigued by the prince's actions...

"Forgive me for asking your highness... but Miss Hartell wasn't incorrect, there are many other witches we can find to help with your curse, even after all the witch hunts who would be more than happy to help with a good bribe... why put so much effort into convincing her?" Lord Ivor asked as it was to this that Leon hesitated on a response for a while as he leaned against the window... before he then looked to his healed hand, a rather fondly smile upon his face.

"Well... that's because Miss Hartell was the one to save me..." he responded as he thought back to the small hand that reached out for him without hesitation at a time when he had all but given up on having anyone reach out to help him...