Cahir entered ten minutes later and stood outside her bedroom as she got ready for her day, breakfast no doubt, waiting outside as usual. She had even refrained from bribing Cahir today—partly to keep him out of trouble with Captain Sheldon, and partly because his presence barely noticeable unless he spoke. Although she occasionally felt a judgemental stare or two, it was a strange situation where his expectations were close to none, so Daphne never felt the uncomfortable pressure of worrying about how her actions looked meaningless to others.

She remembered his stupefied expression from the previous day when she had been helping Rion gather the crumbs fallen and snorted in amusement. She wondered what was in breakfast. Rion usually managed to bring in her favourite variety of deserts, so she was thrilled to hear him say he had been promoted. He would surely up his game now that he had been officially promoted.

She had met Rion a month prior, while sneaking snacks out of the kitchen for a little midnight snack. Rion had been sitting next to the fireplace which had been put out long ago, to get warm she supposed. He helped her sneak food out and she invited him to her room, so he didn't freeze. After some panicked refusal, he finally gave in. Ever since then, he brought in her breakfast whenever he could, which she looked forward to.

Daphne hummed a tune, readying herself for the day and energetically exited her bedroom, entering the adjoined living room where Cahir was waiting.

"Good morning, Sir Cahir-" She stopped short in dismay. There was no breakfast. No food in sight.

Her expression of distress must have been clear since Cahir took it up to himself to explain.

"Lady Chimeka sent a message asking the princess over for breakfast. Its been fifteen minutes, I suggest we don't delay. I will be accompanying the princess, of course."

How dare she.

"Of course she interrupts my biggest joy in life. She could poison me just as well during lunch but, NO. She wishes to ruin breakfast for me too." Daphne grumbles, tightening the sash and lace around her waist. She usually kept it lose when not in company of guests since it was restrictive and constraining but formal breakfast demanded her to dress appropriately.

"I feel the need to remind you that I am still here, and you just spoke out loud." Cahir's voice sounded from behind her in his typical neutral tone. Daphne felt like she could be planning regicide out loud, and his only comment would be to do so when his shift was over.

Once she was done, she popped two pills in her mouth and swallowed them before getting ready to leave, eager to get it over with.

"For indigestion." She explained, pointing to her mouth even though Cahir didn't ask.

─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───

"I heard you enjoy sweets? I called these specially from the most popular bakery in the capital. Do try some." Lady Chimeka said in a sickeningly sweet voice. The table was set in Daphne's garden and to her horror, in the bed full of roses she carefully tended to each day. A number of them had been stomped and trampled on, the once lively plants and flower bed now full of broken stems and fallen petals.

Daphne's eyes swept over the extravagant arrangement—ornate chairs, delicate glass dishes glinting in the sunlight, and tablecloths embroidered with threads of gold. The sight gave rise to a familiar anger within her.

She knew Lady Chimeka was getting back at her for talking about the trade agreements in front of the Emperor. Daphne quickly took the spoon from her hand, feeding herself before the lady did the honours and shoved metal down her throat.

"I am truly touched Mother. Truly. Next time, however, allow me to treat you instead. Please. I would happily do so." Daphne swallowed the dry cake with a grimace. She even managed to ruin cake for her somehow. Cunning witch.

"I was wondering what happened to all those dresses I sent you..." Lady Chimeka trailed off, and Daphne mentally prepared herself for a round of hidden insults and etiquette talk. "...they probably didn't fit after all. Well, it's good to see you have a good appetite."

Daphne shoved another piece of cake in her mouth, as dry as it was, to prevent herself from replying. Sipping the tea to finish off the dry cake in her mouth, she calmly spoke once her plate was empty.

"Indeed. How sad would it be to see me sick from malnutrition, right Mother? Besides, the clothes didn't fit because they were Valerie's from when she was fourteen. Thank god I have developed through adolescence to the point where a young girl's gown simply wouldn't fit." Daphne subtly gestured at her chest, enjoying the sight of Lady Chimeka's eyes widening to the size of a donut.

"It's a pity a figure is your greatest accomplishment child." Lady Chimeka quickly recovered, faking concern and a tone of guidance. "Valerie fortunately found her place in the workings of the empire as she helps the lords and their citizens. I wish you would show such caliber."

Everyone knew she wished for no such think. Daphne's worry of indigestion was by no means exaggerated. Her stomach clenched, not just from the dry cake but from the familiar ache of old insecurities. The familiar burn of helplessness clawed up her throat, silent and acidic.

She said nothing, focusing on sipping tea and tuning out both her words and the brief joy on her face when Lady Chimeka saw Daphne's energy to retaliate ebb away.

"Forgive me for interrupting Lady Chimeka....the princess looks ill. Do you need to visit the medic, your highness?"

Daphne decided then, Cahir had the courage of a lion. No one dared to interrupt Lady Chimeka with the excuse of pale demeanor. They sucked in their pale demeanor, pasted a smile and put up with the torture in fear of their bloodline ending at a single word misspoken.

Daphne, however, felt very ill, so she appreciated Cahir's concern, although she doubted concern was the real reason he spoke hearing the monotony in his tone.

"Oh, I'm sure she just ate a bit too much-"

Just when Daphne was contemplating a fake swoon to make an escape, she tasted metallic liquid on the tip of her tongue before it leaked out through the corner of her lips. She looked down at the red dripping down her chin into her hands, drop by drop.

Her tongue tingled with something metallic. She blinked, slowly. That wasn't...

She had been joking but looks like Lady Chimeka really had called her to feast on some poisoned cake.

How ironic.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟