A few days later, Emelyn stepped through the halls confidently, knowing what she had to do. Beating Edward shouldn’t be so so hard, considering she was a simple ally in his plan, and that he could work alone. Yet facing him would be the worst, as the young princess hated him badly and never knew how to approach him. To be honest with herself, Emelyn’s thoughts were running around too wildly for her to understand it herself. The prince was acting in a way that surprised her, in the way that she didn’t expect him to support the same cause, yet his manners weren’t good to her. Not great at all. 

The fact that the soon-to-be-king was doing it so ruthlessly reminded her of Frederick. The man that tore her apart. And now Emelyn’s husband was becoming increasingly terrible, gaining the inheritance from his father. Did the prince want to be like that? Probably not, yet he wasn’t realizing how it was creeping in just yet. With the conversation both men had back then as she eavesdropped, she saw how Edward hater Frederick sincerely. He made it clear that he would never like to become like his cruel father, that’s only thinking of himself.  

That fact made the woman’s heart flutter at the thought that maybe he couldn’t be half bad. Yet the manners Edward used said otherwise, he didn’t notice- which made the princess worry some more. Slowly and surely, just like the King, the prince’s opinions started to vary deeply, showcasing a darker side to his personality that he never saw before. And neither did he anticipate it nor even notice it. 

So as Emelyn walked, her mind was running and she looked for Edward anywhere. She didn’t know whether he was thinking of assaulting soon, but she knew she had to tell him she couldn’t be a part of it. Not anymore. Not after seeing that terror in the women’s faces. Not after reviving that nightmare. It was too much for the young princess, and she couldn’t handle seeing the people suffer so badly. 

Soon her fist knocked against Edward’s chambers, who didn’t respond right away. The soon-to-be-queen adjusted her auburn hair subtly, trying to look more presentable to him. Why did she care? The woman had no clue. No, I don’t care about what he thinks, she tried convincing herself. Without success. The prince opened the door with an annoyed expression, yet Emelyn saw in is eyes a soft of satisfaction. As if he had just found the answer to a questio, he asked to himself. The princess wasn’t related to that, of course. 

“Hello Miss Gray, it looks like we have a similar timing because I was about to ask you here. Come on in, please.” 

Surprised, Emelyn frowned and stood there, but as she saw the man’s insistent gaze, she knew she could not do this. Instead, the woman swallowed and entered his chambers with a small bow, avoiding his eyes. She sat down on the couch and looked over, keeping her composure. The soon-to-be-queen couldn’t show him how flustered she truly was with the situation- that would show a logical weakness to her. 

“Alright, so I’ve been having ideas with the new assault to come....” Edward stated with an excited smile, lowering his voice so others couldn’t hear. The princess’ throat tightened, yet she just nodded and forced a smile too, looking at him blankly. “So since my father hasn’t been having a bit reaction at the church’s explosion, I’ve thought about something more...deadly, see? Maybe we could throw some acid at a random household; it would make a bigger reaction!” 

The wife stared at him in disbelief, not believing what she just heard. Did Edward even have a heart? What about the citadians that lived there?  They’d die melted in an acid pot just for the prince’s revenge. Yet Emelyn tried to find a good reason for that, but she couldn’t find none. The prince was all flustered at the reason for blowing some buildings. It made him happy. Which disgusted her, truly. 

The soon-to-be-king waited for an answer impatiently, his smile slowly fading with the wait. He threw his spouse a pleading look, pouting slightly as he tilted his head to the side. The woman was finding it ridiculous that he really wanted to melt that house, and it worried her even more about the way he was becoming. 

“So, what do you think, Miss Gray?” The man questioned. 

“Actually, that’s related to what I wanted to talk to you about.” “Sarah” cleared her throat as he looked away, her hazel eyes scrutinizing every single inch of the room. 

Edward’s expression hardened as he clenched his jaw and his fists. His gaze became more intense, as his poker face came back. Soon, the prince looked totally indifferent at what she was going to affirm, as he leaned back in his chair, without looking away from her. 

“Well then. Speak. But I want my answer.” 

Both remained in silence for a minute, none of them daring to say a single word. Noticing the increasing awkwardness, Miss Gray ran a hand along her necklace distractly, deciding to speak. 

“Your Majesty...I’ll tell you now or I’ll probably never say it again, as I must say finding the courage to share this is quite hard...I don’t want to work with you anymore, Edward. Your project about destroying a few places around town is bothering me, and I’m sure you can do this on your own. I’m sorry, but you can’t count on me with this. I don’t feel like this is the right thing.” 

Right after saying this, Emelyn felt very guilty. She had just pronounced his name in front of him when it is normally required for her to speak with royal names. Yet the prince didn’t really seem to bother, simply, what she said was the worst fact in it. Edward brutally looked insane, his anger growing more and more. The soon-to-be-queen could swear she saw smoke getting out of his ears; he was fuming. 

“Do you think I leave you a choice, Sarah?” The man spoke rudely, not letting her the time to answer. “Let me tell you something- in this world, men have most power. I'll repeat it again if you still don’t get it: Men have most power! And you pretend I’d be doing fine on my own, oh but may you look at three days ago- we barely got out of it and we almost got found out by my father! Which is the worst. I don’t know if you’re stupid or you lack of will, but the mission is to make the King understand how bad his actions are, not making him punish us!” 

The woman didn’t dare to speak. She felt the anger and the frustration in Edward’s words, yet she also seeked pain. A desperate lack of common sense. Secretly, he needed help. Comfort. The way Frederick treated him made him that way, no grudges no regrets, and the worst pride. The soon-to-be-queen didn’t know what to tell him. Her compassion was taking over, yet he was frustrating her badly. 

“I understand what you are saying, Your Highness. You are right- men have most power, and I never doubted it. And yes, I acknowledge the goal of this mission is to make The King understand the importance of his acts. Yet there’s one thing I don’t agree with in your words. Of course, they’re wise, but everyone can make a small mistake from time to time. By my understanding of the Queen’s guide to perfection, the Queen can make her own decisions and doesn’t have to obey everything the King tells her. Indeed- she must bow and call him royal names, but she is supposed to be free.” 

“So you read through that huh? Tsk, I should have known, you’re such a geek, Miss Gray. Whatever, it’s not like I care if you follow along or not, just don’t try to stop me. Even though you try, you won’t be able to stop me because you’re a coward. You couldn’t even find the courage to walk away, and everyone licks your boots for your simple existence. You’re lucky you have hazel eyes- you never do anything worth it. Find a life, Sarah Gray.” 

Emelyn’s eyes widened as she shook with fear and anger. The man was calling her a coward, after everything that she’s been through. Tears fell down her cheeks, and she couldn’t help it. She couldn’t believe what she just heard- the soon-to-be-king was neglecting her, abusing her weakness by using the strongest words. Soon when Edward noticed, he scoffed and disdain and stood up, throwing her a death glare. 

“I don’t care if you’re with me anymore. I’ll work alone, and I’m better on my own as you work this bad. We both know what I’m doing is for our own good.” The man left, leaving the princess alone in his chambers. 

So she walked off as well, walking in a complete different direction, not wanting to face him ever again in her entire lifetime... 

*** 

Emelyn was reading the Queen’s guide to perfection; a guide Sabrina gave her to the library earlier to learn the greatest manners as a Queen. She tried clearing her thoughts, yet this book was only reminding her of the name of the man she despised the most. Edward Meyers. Slowly and surely, he was becoming a monster. Just like his father before him. 

Hearing a loud scream that could tear anyone’s heart in two, the princess felt her heart skip a beat, her whole body shivering with worry. She brutally dropped her book to the floor and rushed to the window, leaning both of her hands on the border on it. Watching carefully, she could seek a small household breaking spart, melting in a weird green liquid. Then the soon-to-be-queen gasped, and she almost fainted. Edward. 

He didn’t hesitate one second- this house had just disappeared in thick acid because of him, as the family died in terrible suffering. Emelyn sobbed a bit at the thought, her feelings becoming more confusing. In a way, she felt like she was reviving another nightmare, so she was scared. Yet her empathy and her sadness creeped in, leaving her in tears at the thought of the family that perished in acid. But most of all, the young woman was furious. Furious at Edward for making such a cruel and disrespectful choice. And weirdly, there was a part of her heart that wasn’t angry at him. 

Searching for him to escape by the window, Sarah stared at everything she could in the small space reserved for that occasion. So she saw him running faster than, his face twisted in a sadistic expression. When he entered the palace, Emelyn rushed out of her chambers and ran right in front of him. Surprised and annoyed, the prince stared at her blankly, sticking his tongue out in discouragement. 

“Stop, go away. They’ll think we’re allies in this bullsh1t!” Edward whispered quietly. 

“No, I won’t shut up until you tell me what’s going on! I thought you were going to stop with this, because look at all the damage you’ve done!” 

The woman was such in a desperate state that she didn’t even notice that she was speaking to him too casually. Right now, her focus was on the prince and the prince only, to convince him to stop doing all of this. 

“Ugh, let me be, would you? Miss Gray, we agreed you’d leave me alone with this and not try to stop me!” The soon-to-be-king retorted in annoyance. 

“I didn’t think you were going to do it today, Your Majesty! I thought we’d be speaking of the day it would be acceptable!” 

“It doesn’t change whether it’s today or Wednesday, Sarah!” 

Then nobody spoke. Not even Emelyn, not even her husband. They stood side to side and stared right ahead, anticipating the worst. They heard footsteps. Quick footsteps rushing through the palace, with a furious man voice. Frederick. He figured it out. Soon after, the King noticed them and increased the pace, standing right in front of them. Both father and son competed with their cold ice blue eyes, as Emelyn felt like a third wheeling. Frederick stared at Edward with hatred and disappointment before speaking. 

“Edward Meyers, to my office, now!” 

Uh-oh. 

*** 

Once again, Emelyn decided to eavesdrop. She couldn’t be unaware of what the King was going to do to his son, as she couldn’t help herself. The woman knew it was a bad idea, but she didn’t care. Instead, the young princess leaned to the door and waited intently, impatient to see how this would turn out. 

“Edward, I must say I’m highly disappointed in you. I should be removing you from the equation, but you’re way too important. You know I’m getting old and that Kordania will need a good king, but you know I can’t let the role to your younger brother.” 

“But why can’t you, father? Visibly, I’m a source of disappointment and bad luck, and keeping me would only be worst! With the life you’ve been giving me so far, I wouldn’t mind if you killed me! You know, I’m sad enough!” The prince spoke in a shaky voice, and Emelyn distinguished a small sniffle as he did so. Visibly, the man was truly unhappy with the life he’s been given, and he was ready to give it all to have a different life. 

“You’re such a pain, Edward. We both know Matis is less rebel than you, yet he’d make the worst king ever. He’d be giving power to women as well, that’s ridiculous! And he even suggests that everyone should be equal!” Frederick responded with a hint of disdain, spitting out the words women and equal with difficulty. 

“He’s not the only one to think that you know.” 

“Shut up. You deserve to be punished for what you did. You ruined my beautiful kingdom’s landscape with fallen households!” 

Emelyn heard a fist knock on the table, as well as the eldest prince’s teasing sneer. By only hearing it, the woman could figure him roll his eyes and glance at his father with his arms crossed over his chest, arching a brow in annoyance. Speaking of annoyance, the princess had that same feeling every time she thought about how she knew so much about Edward. 

“Go on, father. I’m eager to discover what kind of punishment you’ll give me. Will I become a delectable meal to the tigers? Will you show me in a cage in the middle of the city?” 

The King laughed and shook his head, his lips curling into a smirk. 

“Oh, Edward, those are great ideas, but that’s not it.” Frederick stated. “You’re lucky I have pity today, you know. Sarah will be having her courses to become a better queen in the tutor room and stay there until your coronation. As for you, you’ll be watched by a knight twenty-four seven so you learn your lesson and be the king that represents Kordania  and  I the most. Understood?” 

“Understood.” 

The young woman couldn’t believe what she just heard as she pulled away. She was going to have courses to become a better queen, separated from Edward? Well, that fact was great, yet she was going to be bored and alone for four days...