Oh no, oh no. The biggest problem right now was how I was going to help him escape. I didn't have any plan at all! My mind was a mess. How could I help him get out of this heavily guarded palace?

"You. I found you," Leon said, breaking the silence.

"Found you? How dare you speak so casually in front of the Imperial Family?!" Ravy shouted angrily.

Leon glanced at him with an annoyed look. "I was talking to my friend. Why are you interfering?"

"You dare disrespect the Imperial Family?!"

Shing!

Knight Captain Josh stepped forward and pulled out his silver sword, pointing it at Leon's neck. I hadn't even noticed him before.

The atmosphere became cold. Father stayed silent, but things were getting worse. If I didn't do something, Leon might be executed for treason!

Forget it!

I quickly climbed down from Kevin's lap and ran across the room.

"Bella!" Kevin shouted.

But I ignored him. I ran to Leon and hugged him tightly.

Silence filled the room again. Even the knights looked shocked.

I looked up at Leon and forced a bright smile.

"I never thought I would see you again!" I said happily.

Wait, why did I say that?! I screamed inside. I don't even know!

Suddenly, a strong hand pushed Leon away. Kevin picked me up and held me tightly.

"Take him back to the dungeon!" the Emperor shouted angrily.

What?! No! That's not what I wanted!

"FRIEND!" I shouted loudly.

Kevin froze.

"He is my friend!" I said, pointing at Leon. "A really good friend!"

"A friend?" Kevin repeated in surprise.

"Yes! He helped me when I ran away from the Dawson house!"

And once again, everyone became silent.

.

.

.

The Private Strategy Room

A few minutes later, Kevin and Leon sat across from each other, staring silently. Ravy stood beside Kevin and I sat between them.

Kevin looked very angry.

Is he really this angry because I saved Leon?

But Leon confused me even more.

Why does he keep smiling at me? Stop smiling! You're making Dad even angrier!

Kevin finally spoke.

"My own daughter has never hugged me, but she ran across the room to hug you."

He sounded jealous.

Wait, that's why he's angry?!

"Of course she did," Leon said with a smirk. "She even called me the beautiful prince from a fairy tale."

NO! Why are you saying that now?!

My face turned red.

"STOP!" I shouted.

Everyone looked at me.

"Why are you fighting? We have something more important to discuss."

"But this is important," Kevin muttered.

Men are so troublesome!

"What are you going to do with him, Papa?"

"Send him back to the high security cells," Ravy answered.

"But he's Bella's friend!"

"But Princess, he uses forbidden—"

"Papa..."

I looked at Kevin with sparkling eyes.

Kevin held his chest dramatically.

"Ah... I can't resist that face."

He sighed.

"Fine. I won't send him to the dungeon."

Then he glared at Leon.

"But you are not allowed to leave your room. If you hurt anyone in this palace, you will be punished."

"Ravy."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Ravy called the guards to escort Leon away.

Before leaving, Leon stopped and looked back at me with a gentle smile.

"That little brat..." Kevin grumbled. "Why does he keep smiling at my daughter?"

Please calm down, Dad, I thought tiredly.

*****

Bella's Room

As soon as I returned, I jumped onto my bed.

"Today was really exhausting..."

But when I looked at the ceiling, I smiled.

At least I had saved Leon from that terrible prison. The first step was done.

Now, I had to change his heart.

I had to turn the future villain into a good person. I would raise him so well that he would never destroy the world.

Chirp, chirp.

Hmm?

I heard a familiar sound from the balcony.

I walked over and saw a small blue bird sitting on the railing.

"It's Leon's bird!"

Feeling relieved, I held out my hand. The little bird flew onto my shoulder and rubbed its head against my neck.

I smiled and gently touched its soft feathers.

"How have you been, my cute little friend?" I whispered.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a shadow dropped from the sky and landed on the balcony.

"Ah!"

I stepped back in shock.

As the dust settled, I saw a familiar face under the moonlight.

Leon stood there with a calm smile. His blue hair moved in the night wind.

What?!

My eyes widened.

Why is he here?! Isn't he supposed to be locked inside his room?!