I would’ve turned around to look at the person who talked to me but I would’ve lost my concentration on the more important task at hand.

“I’m slaying a dragon, can't you see?” I huffed at the person in response. 

“What nonsense.”

“Obviously I’m trying to get a damn book to read, if you won’t help then you can just leave.” A hand reached out and pulled out the book I was reaching for. I breathed in relief and turned to look at the guy. I almost pissed my pants. Staring back at me with a stern look was a 12 year old boy, his green eyes glowing like an alien’s, jet-black hair glistening in the scattered light of the library. “Ciel!” I blurted out, surprised. His pointed eyebrows were scrunched together as he looked at the book he picked out.

“What are you planning to do with a book on toads? Looking to reunite with your long lost family?”

“Why you little…” I whispered under my breath, fists clenched ready to land one on him. “It's none of your business.” I said, haughtily raising my nose in the air, indignation at its brightest.

“Oh?” He said, one eyebrow raised, his eyes glinting in the light with curiosity. “I beg to differ. You using that small head of yours to concoct schemes is very much my business, especially when you pose a threat to my family.”

My eyes widen at the accusation. “What do you mean by that?”

“Don’t take me for a fool like my other brothers. I didn’t buy your lame excuse for even a second. You changed into a whole new person after almost dying?” He smirked, looming over me. “Bullshit.” I took a sharp intake of breath. “So tell me what really happened. Who are you really?”

My heart began to race. Shit, has he figured me out?! But how? I don’t know what’s going on but I can’t let him get the best of me. “Watch your tongue Ciel.” I said, back straightened and head held high. “You may be my older brother and Father’s youngest son but you are making a serious accusation towards the Emperor’s apprentice and the Imperial Princess of the Empire.” I looked directly into his eyes, trying to intimidate him into giving up his bluff.

He smiles, one that was empty in meaning, eyes darkening as he stepped closer. “That is, if you really were Princess Mia.” A sharp chill went down my spine as he slithered his words.

“And what makes you say I’m not...” I question him, wary of his threatening advances.

“Hmm..” He hums smiling, eyes closed with a thoughtful finger tapping on his chin. “Call it a gut feeling.” He says, looking curiously at me.

“Gut feelings are not a probable cause to accuse me of such a crime.” I say, a bit relieved that he didn’t have much basis to go on for his words.

“I disagree, my gut feelings are what have kept me alive for so long. And anyways,” He bent down to meet his eyes with my eye level. “I’d trust myself over you anyday.”

I scoffed at his audacity. I mean, he’s not wrong. It’s kinda scary how right his is, I am an imposter, but I’m glad he hasn’t fully figured that out yet. Anyways, I gotta my act going, if he figures out the truth, I’m scared to find out what he’ll do.

“Ok then, do tell me. Why haven’t you responded to my most recent letter yet?”

I alertly look at him. Letter?! What letter? I started to rack my brain for any letter he could have sent me or Mia. But I didn’t have the slightest clue about what letter he could be talking about.

“If you really are Mia then you would know. Mia and I are very close with each other, we often exchanged letters, though we kept our friendliness a secret from others as it wouldn’t bring good reactions from our family. The last letter I sent to Mia was when she first fell sick and since then, I didn’t get a reply. Mia would've replied to me, but seeing as she didn’t, it makes sense to assume you're not the real Mia.” 

Letters?! Since when were Mia and Ciel close? I dug deep into Mia’s memories but I didn’t recall anything relevant. Even when I recalled her memories, the emotions I felt from Mia showed no particular fondness for Ciel. But even though that’s what I feel, the most vivid memories that Mia had were when she felt strong emotions, and other parts of her life were a bit hazy and hard to recollect. So it could be possible that the letters weren’t such a big deal for Mia, so it would be hard for me to remember. Let’s just drive away his suspicion first and then I’ll go check Mia’s old room for any hidden letters.

“I must’ve misplaced that letter in my sickly state, I’m sorry brother. I have yet to read it so I couldn’t have sent a reply, but I promise to send you one soon.” I said this, trying my best to seem apologetic. He looks at me, trying to figure me out, then he cracks a thin devilish smile. Goosebumps crawl over my skin as I feel a sudden sense of dread.

“You are a naive little imposter aren't you?” He says, peering over me, a shadow looming over his face. “If we were really that close, I would’ve at least come to see her when she was dying.” He lets out a light laugh. “You know, I really didn’t know for sure. I thought it was a farfetched thought, an imposter amongst the imperial family. But I was curious. I don’t know how you know so much about everything or what you did to get here but it would be better if you tell me now before the guards torture it out of you.” He said with a thoughtful look on his face, pleased with himself.

“You were bluffing…” I said, feeling my hand and feet get cold. I can’t believe I fell right into his trap! Losing all hope, I try to find a way out of this situation. “And who will believe you?”

“What are you talking about? Everyone will. I’m not the only one that doubts your identity, just this morning you were being questioned by the others. And also, my words are more credible than yours,” he says cheerfully, “afterall, I’m a prince” he looks me up and down, “and you are anything but.”

I felt rage ripple throughout my body. Whatever fear I felt before was overtaken by sheer anger and courage. “That’s right.” Anger seethed through my teeth. “I am a princess and apprentice to the Emperor. I’m anything but a lowly prince.” I said this with a straight posture, not backing down. Ciel was not fazed one bit, in fact, he seemed amused by my reaction.

“Feisty imposter you are. You say that but I'm sure you're smart enough to realize what position you are in right now. Feistiness won’t keep you alive.”

“No need for such barbaric threats, prince. I’ll tell you what you want to know, in exchange, you’ll have to answer some of my questions as well.”

“Bargaining now, textbook stages of grief. Are you starting to realise you’ll die soon?”

“All the less reason for you to deny me of my request.” He raises an eyebrow in amusement and nods his head.

“Alright, it’s a deal. So tell me, who are you really?”