I can't believe that they are having a party to celebrate my brother's baptism by the church. I mean, what's the use? Even my father knows he is a lost cause, infatuated by the new passing doll in the empire. I don't even see how he is attractive. He is just a little manipulative person who enjoys playing the damsel in distress. Quite frankly, it's boring.  

A lot of people are waiting to see who I am taking to the party, or the ball, whatever they say. This is going to be my first appearance in the aristocratic world together with my brother at the same time. They want to know what mayhem I may cause at the party. The Empress's faction is waiting for a chance that I might show hostility towards the crowned prince to rid my presence from their candidate to inherit the throne.

I'm not that interested in the politics of this country, I just want to find my mother. 

"You've been staring at that letter for a while, lost in thought, my Prince."

Douglas interrupts my train of thought. Honestly speaking, I thought I wouldn't get a reply from him this early, considering my reputation, which has only been promoted by the rumors going around the Empire. 

"It's just I didn't think I would get it. I mean, after our last conversation, I thought this was going to be a rejection or maybe he changed his mind."

"I haven't met the kid yet, but I assume you two are kind of like two peas in a pod?" 

"See, even MarryAnn gets it, your highness. I'm just not sure he's ready to face off against the wolves of the Empress's faction."

Shit, I hope they won't cause any more trouble. I can't believe my brother has made the Light his enemy in his conquest to curry favor with that boy. Then again, the Duke has been quiet on matters of the accident. If anything, there is this uneasy feeling, like he is planning something. I wouldn't put it past him and the Duchess not to plot something for revenge.

"I don't think there's going to be any problems, he is capable of handling his own battles for one."

A smile crept its way onto my face at the memory of him practicing with the spear. If anything, I'm worried for the empress's faction. 

I need to check the letter again. I can't believe he agreed to it. This is going to turn heads. I'm sure as hell. I need to prepare for the party, 

"Dougie, we should leave this sick fool to his devices, he's too far gone."