When Aciel woke up to the sun shining it felt like a regular day. He felt a sense of relief until he fully registered the room he was in. It was a lot smaller than his room, there were two beds, and it smelt used.

“Eden?” Aciel cried out. Trembling fingers gripped the bed sheets as panic started to settle in.

His friend was nowhere seen but her presence was noted with the used bed beside him. Aciel tried to search for her but his knees buckled as soon as he stood up. He tried again and made it to the door with only two breaks before Eden returned.

“You’re awake.” Eden placed the basket she was holding and went to assist the prince.

“Where are we?” He was being led back to the bed so he could sit.

“At an inn in the town of Crex.”

Aciel squeezed his eyes, trying to remember the events of last night. “You pulled that cart for half the night?”

“I figured you wouldn’t fancy a night in the woods.” Eden stopped talking before she could add on, given what happened.

“Oh, thank you.” Aciel said weakly.

“You’ve been asleep for almost a whole day, eat something.” Eden handed him the basket she previously placed down.

“Have you eaten? Are you okay? Pulling a cart for six hours must be tiring. How do you feel?”

“I’m fine Aciel. Please eat first.”

It was a simple meal consisting of rice with soybeans and cucumber. There was no meat and not even any fruit. Even the vegetable dish was made without much flavour. It was a meal fitting for a runaway prince.

“So,” Aciel started to address the elephant in the room. “What now?”

Eden stopped looking out the window and sat down on the bed across from him. Suddenly, the tone felt more serious even when Eden tried to keep it light with a smile. Both were wrapping their head around what happened last night.

“Well, I went to look around this morning. It seems like nothing leaked to the citizens. I guess, for all they know, it’d still be your coronation next week.”

Eden had an apologetic smile and Aciel pretended to not notice as he ate.

“I was thinking of sneaking back in to try to scope out the situation. See if Zula was working by herself, which I do doubt, and see what the chances are that they would be looking for us.”

“Does that mean we can’t stay here?”

“Well, for now it’s safe. Luckily not many know your appearance so they won’t turn you in, in case there is an order for you. I hope you don’t mind but I had to remove your headpiece. It’s in that pouch over there.”

Sealed in a drawstring pouch was Aciel’s silver sangtugwan that confirmed his position as the heir to the throne. The silver headpiece that usually sat on top of his top knot was two crescent moons on either side with a sun ornament on the pin. It was a staple in his appearance as the crown prince as were his earrings. The funny thing was that an item that was to symbolise the vast reach the crown was supposed to protect was now reverted back to a useless piece of metal.

“It’s kind of useless now isn’t it?”

“You’re still the prince, the rightful heir.”

“Not anymore I’m not. I need a haircut.” He knew Eden well enough that she would suggest more measures to hide his appearance but did not have the heart to tell him that aside from his earrings and crown, he would also be parting with his long hair.

“For now, focus on recovering your strength.” Eden changed the topic. “I’ll be working tomorrow, so I’ll be gone until around this time again.”

“Working?”

“The supply cart we took only had a few useful items. If we want to keep eating and sleeping under a roof, we’ll need money for that.”

“Can I help?” A question that caught Eden off guard.

“Despite what happened, you’re still the crown prince. You don’t need to do stuff like this.”

“I don’t want to be alone Eden.”

*

Back at the palace, the four faction leaders arrived earlier than arranged after news of the king’s passing was received. They along with their advisor, guard, or both were present as they waited for Zula to arrive. As soon as the young woman sat down, she cut straight to replaying the events.

“What I am about to say has not been made public yet. Late last night, King Sen was murdered with two poisoned needles to his neck. Prince Aciel was taken by someone dressed in black and they managed to escape my grasp. The only major injury is Advisor Asari who has yet to wake up from the attack hence the empty seat.”

“He escaped your grasp?” Lord Yeon, the leader of Mes asked. As much as he’d hate to admit it, Lady Zula was too capable to make such a mistake.

“Yes,” said Zula, “I tried to grab him but he disappeared through, what I am assuming to be, the hidden passages.”

“Do we assume that he’s still alive?” Lord Yeon continued. “If they wanted him dead, Prince Aciel would have been dead like the late king.”

“That is why I called for this meeting. We need to discuss what happens next. I believe he is still alive, General Eden chased afterwards while I dealt with the king. Unfortunately she has not returned.”

“So, now what?” Lady Yue, the leader of Lu’es asked. She twirled her pipe as she spoke, “King’s dead, prince is missing and I don’t think we’ll get him back before the coronation next week.”

“By the succession, Lady Zula would be next. There are no other members of the royal family left and although they were not formally married, Lady Zula would have been queen after her marriage to Prince Aciel,” said Priestess Ziteng, the leader of Cusa’an and the high priest.

“And to the public?” Lord Arthur, the leader of Au Inden asked. “Under the assumption that we approve of the ascension of Lady Zula, will they? Consort Sen’s ascension was only approved of because it was temporary.”

“Then, how about we make this seem like it is temporary?” Priestess Ziteng suggested.