A cheery castle maid who introduced herself as Sayla entered the room with a knock. With healthy sun-kissed skin, frizzy light brown hair barely tamed in pigtails and plump lips that gave way to rows of bright white teeth when she smiled, Sayla couldn't be more than sixteen, or seventeen years old.

"It is truly an honour to be assigned to you, my lady." Sayla curtsied, beaming with all her full lips. "It is only my first week working in the castle, but I will work hard. If I make any mistakes please do not hesitate to tell me, my lady."

The bright energy in the eyes of a freshly employed who was determined to do a good job, and the nervous smile.

What a fool- I'd fancied myself to be a decent judge of character. I'd only known Regica for such few hours, but just because this Helena Katrine and her were from the same country, and just because Regica seemed to be so fiercely on Helena's side, I'd trusted her.

Knowing this, Sayla's smiles and apparent innocence looked different. I offered a polite smile.

"Nice to meet you, Sayla."

"Oh, um, I will convey the message from Physician Wergel, my lady. He said he will personally deliver the correct medication to you for your consumption tonight and tomorrow morning before you leave. He will pack the medication and pass it to you tomorrow morning, as well, for consumption during your trip."

Deep orange. Black. Deep orange.

"Physician Wergel also mentioned that the two things will be investigated: the contents of the black medication, as well as who might have be behind...today's incident. As soon as the contents of the medication are analysed, he will report to you. As for today's incident, Officer Hyle will be making the report to you."

Sayla didn't seem to know exactly what the incident was. I nodded. "Okay, thank you."

"His Majesty would also like to ask if you are still in the health of dining with Her Majesty, and if you are, wants you to know that he will also be joining you. He would like an answer."

Hanes. He hadn't killed Gretor an innocent man, but rather a heinous criminal, to protect lives of people across all kingdoms. From the way Hyle lunged forward to stop Regica, I knew Hanes truly didn't want to kill Regica. And if he really wanted me dead, he wouldn't have so urgently pulled me out of the tea room and have the physician check for poisoning.

Tiredly, I muttered, "Please tell him that I will still be dining with Her Majesty."

Just a few hours ago I had invited Carlana to dinner because I wanted to make her an ally, aside from Regica. Regica, whom I thought was an ally, turned out to be not. Carlana and Helena were known to be not on good terms already. Trying to make Carlana my ally in the palace seemed, at this point, laughable.

But there were too many hours left till the morning. My joints and muscles ached and my body felt heavy, but I knew I couldn't possibly fall asleep.

"Yes, my lady. I will have a man convey the message. This room will be cleaned. There are about three hours left to dinner time. Should I escort you to the carriage downstairs?"

"Yes, please."

Sayla went to the door, whispered some things to a message man who was waiting outside, and then came to me with a slight curtesy. "If you please, this way, my lady."

I rose to my feet from the bed. My sense of smell must've been dulled- only when I was halfway out of the room did I smell the stench of blood.

~ * ~

For the next few hours of preparation and travel, I was scarcely aware of what was happening around me. Before I knew it my carriage had arrived at my castle, and before I knew it I had bathed, had dressed in a deep green gown, and had my hair in a low bun.

Sayla informed me that dinner preparations were underway, and about an hour before dinner time, Officer Hyle would like to visit.

It was the first time seeing Hyle without Hanes, following his emperor around like an inseparable shadow, always with a sword at his belt. Hyle greeted me with a silent, low bow, and then bowed again.

"Please forgive me, my lady. I failed in saving Regica Ursulwa's life. I should have been on better guard," he said, inclining his head.

Only when I was seeing him close and alone did I realise that Hyle seemed a lot younger than I thought he was, perhaps younger than or the same age as the twenty-three year old Helena Katrine. The way his brown hair was cut short in a military cut, the way I'd never seen him make any facial expression at all except for the current one of guilt, and the way he'd so ruthlessly cut down Gretor, had all made him seem older.

"No, don't be sorry. It was no one's fault," I muttered. "And I heard...about Gretor. That in fact he was someone who was supposed to be executed according to the law. I'm sorry. You were just doing your job."

Hyle raised his eyes, looking a little surprised, and then inclined his head again. "Thank you for your forgiveness, my lady," he said in the same dry, formal tone.

"I heard that you wanted to ask me questions and tell me some things. Regarding...Regica." Speaking the name of someone who'd been alive just a few hours ago. It was strange.

"Yes-"

"Please take a seat." I pulled out the chair in front of mine, and then gestured to the tea set. "Would you like some tea?"

For the second time, I saw something resembling an emotion on Hyle's face- he was flustered. "Um- I- I wouldn't dare sit, my lady. How could I..."

"It's just a chair, please do."