The Princess & The Twilight Blade

Anne

"I'm coming in, My Lady." I said after knocking on the bedroom door and not hearing a response. Light flooded into the dark bedroom from the hallway as I slowly entered, and I quickly activated a magic lamp before the external light was once again cut off. Quietly moving to the bed, I leaned over and spoke again, trying to rouse my charge. "My lady… Please get up, His Majesty is requesting to speak with you." I tried again, doing my best to keep my composure.

My heart broke as I reached out and gently shook the shoulder of the girl I had been watching over most of her life. I had been assigned as Lady Sasha's attendant from the day she was born, and had always counted myself lucky to serve such a bright and kind master. Even after we had moved into the Duke's estate, she had always been a pillar of light not just for me, but I knew for Lady Audrey as well.

"Don't touch me." I didn't flinch back at the cold voice that came from beneath the sheets. I only slowly removed my hand and stepped back as I waited for her to sit up. My lady had dark circles beneath her light-green eyes, and her long brown hair was tangled around her body, down to her waist. "Get me some water." She ordered, and I swiftly nodded and turned to retrieve a pitcher and fill a glass before handing it to her. My lady took it without a word before gulping the liquid down. I refilled it for her, and she seemed satisfied after the second glass.

Her breathing was a bit shallow, and concern filled me as I reached out and cupped her face with my hands. Her skin was flushed and damp with sweat.

"I said don't touch me, Anne." She said sharply, but made no move to push me away.

"You have a fever, my lady," I replied, brushing past her complaints. "I'll inform His Majesty that you need to rest."

She scoffed at that, and her hands raised to peel mine away from her. "As if that man would care. Get out of my way." Despite her harsh words, I felt her true intentions in the gentle way her hands held mine. If I reported to the Grand Duke that his daughter was sick, I wouldn't leave his office unscathed, and my lady knew that. But I was willing to take a few hits if it meant protecting her, even if just a little.

"Get me something to wear." She said as she pushed past me to her feet. I couldn't help but feel angry as I bit my lip in resignation and moved to enter the closet.

Being a lowly maid, I had grown used to the superiority complexes and discriminatory ways of the nobility. Even more so while being employed at the Rose household, where I witnessed firsthand just how cruel some people could be. Yet, I'd been able to survive knowing that at least my lady wouldn't have to experience such things… At least not the way Lady Audrey had to.

I fought my emotions as I ran my hand over the countless dresses in my lady's wardrobe. The colorful pastels and light colors had all disappeared over the years since Grand Duke Rose had claimed the royal castle as his estate, leaving only dresses that would fit right in at a funeral. It was as if the taller My Lady grew, the darker her wardrobe became. But I couldn't bring myself to say anything, because I was powerless to change how she felt.

The new Grand Duke had declared his victory, and the deaths of the previous royal family shortly after taking over the capital. The Divine Guardian had also been declared dead, but during the first year, Lady Sasha had clung to hope that her sisters would return. Not only Lady Audrey, but her royal highness as well. I remember the way she cried into my chest nearly every night, praying aloud for them to save her.

"It was only a few months last time… Sister defied death once… I know she'll come find me!" She had cried out. Every time, I had only been able to hold her tightly and grit my teeth.

She had been defiant of her Father's new position, which only earned her bruises from the man as he enjoyed his new power. Over time, the light from the girl's eyes vanished, and I could do nothing but watch as she spiraled into despair… and then hatred.

I still remember the morning she had woken up with nothing but darkness in her gaze. Whatever resolution she had made, or feelings she had come to terms with, I didn't know. All I felt was fear that the wonderful, kind person I had come to love was lost forever. She hasn't shed a single tear since, and never accepted my comfort again.

Finally deciding on a dress, I shook my head to clear the thoughts of the past clouding my mind. I took the black day dress back to the main bedroom and promptly helped my lady change into it. Then, I touched up her makeup to help hide the exhaustion she no doubt was feeling, and did her hair.

"All done, My lady."

"Let's go, then."

We left the room, and I noticed the way my lady flinched at the early morning light in the hallway. She always kept her room dim, even with the magic lamps, and I made a mental note to try getting her outside more.

My lady kept her gaze forward, not even glancing at the long-changed castle hallways. Long gone were the elegant patterns of white, gold, and blue. In a petty show of triumph, the previous colors of the royal family had been replaced with abrasive shades of red and black.

After a few minutes, we finally arrived in front of the Grand Duke's office, and my lady took a few inconspicuous breaths to calm herself before knocking. A moment later, the dreaded voice of her father found our ears.

"Come in."

I hated that man for everything he's put my lady through, but I hated myself more for failing in my promise to Lady Audrey.

I hope you never forgive me. I'm sorry I couldn't protect your precious little sister.

***

Sasha

"How can I be of service, Father?" I said. After all this time, it was easy to keep my tone flat and even. The man looked at me with a broad smile that filled me with anxiety. He only looked like that when one of his plans came to fruition.

"His Imperial Majesty has decided to take you as one of his wives."

My breath froze in my lungs. W-What? I did my best to conceal the shock, which wasn't helped by the aching I felt through my body, as Father clasped his hands beneath his chin and looked me up and down.

"Unfortunately, his taste veers more in the… Mature direction. But after seeing your latest portrait, he said you'd no doubt grow to become even more beautiful." That's why he requested an artist the other week…! I said nothing as my mind reeled, but he didn't seem to notice as he continued. "Once you become an adult, you'll enter the imperial harem. You must become his favorite. To that end, you'll be taking even more lessons starting tomorrow." His eyes narrowed at me as he tossed a paper to the edge of his desk in my direction. "Here's your new schedule. I trust you know better than to disappoint me, Sasha."

I barely contained the shaking of my body as I stepped forward and accepted the paper with a bow. My head was starting to spin, but I didn't know if the cause was the sudden news or my fever. The daily schedule listed was utterly unreasonable. There's not even time here to sit and have a proper meal anymore… But it was expected from the man who dropped all his pretenses after securing more power.

"I will exceed your expectations, Father," I said blandly while bowing once again, trying to keep a grip on consciousness.

"If you understand, then get out of my sight." At his cold words, I turned on my heel and headed to the door, which Anne opened for me. I could see her hands shaking on the handle, and I shook my head at her. It's not worth getting angry over… Not anymore. As we began walking back to my bedroom, a voice called out to me from behind.

"Sasha…" Mother's voice reached my ears, and I let out an imperceptible sigh before turning around with a plastered smile. I don't have the energy for this…

"Mother! I'm so happy to see you!" I said, doing my best to keep the act up. She hesitated, her face flickering with uncertainty as her mouth parted slightly.

"H-How are you doing?" I scoffed internally at her question. It's nice of her to pretend she cares, at least.

"I'm perfectly fine, Mother." It was exhausting, having to keep so many masks on. Father wanted me to be the perfect pawn, with no will of my own. Meanwhile, Mother was desperately clinging to the girl I used to be. The only silver lining was that they were seldom together anymore.

I wasn't sure when the change had occurred exactly. I suspected the Queen had done something to her all those years ago, when I'd had tea with Sister Lydia for the first time. Rumors started circulating among the servants that she had a change of heart and was treating the staff better. But it didn't matter to me. If she had the capacity for kindness… Why did Sister have to suffer so much? Why couldn't we have become a real family?

"Could we perhaps… Spend some time together?" Mother asked timidly, bringing me back from my meaningless thoughts. I wasn't so blinded by my anger that I didn't notice her newfound attitude, but it was too little, too late.

"I apologize, Mother. I'd love to, but I'm afraid I have lessons shortly. Perhaps another time?" I said with mock pleasantness. I'm going to throw up.

"O-Oh. Of course, Sasha." I gave her one last smile before resuming the path back to my room. She really had lost most of her sharpness, it seemed. But... There's no going back now. House Rose will come to an end with me.

***

I need to accelerate the plan. I had two more years until I turned eighteen and became an adult. Everything needed to be settled before then, but I only had one option. Over the years, I've rejected countless attempts to contact me. The surviving princes had a competent intelligence network, but I couldn't bring myself to be involved with them after everything that happened. My revenge would only be sated if I personally killed everyone involved… But I knew that was unrealistic. Even more so now that I had a time limit.

My magic had grown multitudes since the Kingdom's ruin, but it still wouldn't be enough to face my father. Especially if he once again borrowed power from the Emperor. It won't be as I imagined… But I'll still strike the final blow.

In the event I changed my mind, the last agent from the 'rebellion' had left instructions to contact Prince Luke, and, once we entered my bedroom, I quickly drafted a note before handing it to Anne, along with the guide.

"Make an excuse to go to town and follow those steps." It more or less amounted to leaving the envelope in a particular mailbox that I assumed was used for their communications. The best place to hide is in plain sight, after all.

"As you wish, my lady." Anne took the envelope and bowed before leaving the room.

If I couldn't do it on my own, I'd make use of those who shared a common goal. If I could instigate them to attack, I knew the Princes themselves would be at the forefront to avenge their family. Both were quite powerful, even before the war. But even the King and Queen had fallen at my father's hands, so I didn't expect them to win. He was severely injured last time… I'll continue to be his pawn until the end, then finish him off myself.

I took a deep breath as I looked toward my vanity. My reflection was clearly visible, and I couldn't help but frown at the image. Dead eyes… Long, drab hair… Sister would be so disappointed in me. The only thing I'd ever wanted was to be happy with her. I'd wanted to have plenty of teatime and sleepovers. I wanted to see her genuinely smile while patting me on the head like she used to do.

I wish I could've seen them get married… I'm sure both my sisters would have looked so lovely in a wedding dress…

I reminisced on pointless things for a few minutes more before pushing the dreams away and steeling myself once again. Pull yourself together, Sasha Rose. You must succeed by year's end; there is no time to waver.

***

Thomas

"—mas!" Who's that? I want to sleep more… The sunlight felt so nice, and the wooden bench beneath me was surprisingly comfortable. Unfortunately, whoever was speaking refused to leave me be, and hands suddenly clamped onto my face as my head rested backwards, squishing my cheeks together.

"Thomas Rose! Wake up already!" The sweet voice finally pulled my heavy eyes open, and two beautiful sapphires looked down at me. Strands of slightly curled scarlet hair fluttered in the warm breeze as the girl smiled.

"There you are! It's not nice to ignore your fiancé, you know!"

"Cecelia...? How are you here...?" I mumbled. My chest tightened with something bordering on pain, but the sensation passed just as quickly as it came.

"What a silly question. Did you have a weird dream?" She replied teasingly as she finally released my face and moved around the bench to sit next to me. The black and red blazer, paired with the white pleated skirt of the academy uniform, only enhanced her image as she brushed some hair behind her ear. The dark grey ribbon beneath her collar matched the necktie I wore, symbolizing our status as second-years.

"I guess I did..." I said with a wry smile. "Though I can't seem to remember any of the details."

"I see, I see~" She hummed, one of her hands finding mine on the bench, our fingers interlocking. "Well, I hope it wasn't a bad one! You can enjoy some time with me to chase it away!" I chuckled a little as she leaned her head on my shoulder, a slight blush staining her cheeks.

"I have such a generous fiancé," I observed playfully.

"That's right, don't you ever forget it."

We sat together for a while, our eyes closed as we just let the warm spring wind wash over us. However, good things don't last forever, and we both stirred as footsteps approached us.

"Cecelia Mays! I sent you out here to bring him back, not to hide with him!" A different girl's voice chided. Long blonde hair flowed in the wind, and her Icy blue eyes glared at me. "How indecent of you to hide away, even if you are betrothed!"

"Aw! Bella!" Cecelia shot ot her feet, jumping toward the girl and wrapping her in a tight hug. "Are you jealous? You know you're the only girl for me!" My fiancé nuzzled their cheeks together, and I couldn't help but scoff at the cute sight.

"I-I was not!" the blonde tried to say, but didn't sound convincing at all.

"Careful there, Bella," I said with a laugh. "Or you might create some misunderstandings with your own fiancé, hm?" I gestured to the black-haired boy following behind her, but he just waved his hand with a small smile.

"I've already resigned myself." He said lightly. "I love her, even if I have to split her affection with the brute."

"Bella! Stephen's being mean again!" Cecelia cried out, only to stick her tongue out in defiance as she received placating head pats.

"You brat!" So much for the indifferent act. I thought as Stephen and my fiancé began another one of their squabbles. I suppose I should step in...

Standing up, I placed my hands on the redhead's shoulders and peeled her away from Bella, wrapping one of my arms around her waist from behind.

"Don't forget, I'll be the one standing with you at the altar," I whispered against her ear as I held her close.

"T-Thomas! How assertive..." She replied bashfully, and I couldn't help but appreciate the adorable sight as her ears reddened this time.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

"Hey! Get your hands off my Cecelia!" Bella cried in defiance, only to be held back by Stephen.

"Darling... Aren't I enough for you?" He pleaded. The angry blonde in her tracks, and he looked at her with hope.

"Of course not! I need you both to be truly happy!" She said bluntly, "I'll take care of both of you for the rest of our lives!" And... Hope crushed.

"What about me then?" I asked curiously.

"You'd be lucky to be our butler!"

At that, a charming laugh escaped the girl in my arms, and she had no intention of hiding it.

"I hope we can stay like this forever."

We were the children of some of the most prominent families in the country, but what did status mean when it came to friendship and love?

It was almost enough to make me forget.

***

In contrast to the warmth I felt at the academy, my home was ice cold once I returned for the long break.

"What a disgrace!" My father shouted angrily at me. The glass in his hand was sent flying in my direction as I stood against the wall, trying not to show my fear. The cup shattered right next to my face, and I felt a warm trail down my cheek as the shards of glass fell to the carpet. "The prince is one thing, but how could you score lower than some girls?!"

I bit back my anger, as I had grown used to my father's unreasonable outbursts. The cause of it this time was the results of our final exams of the year. As always, Stephen placed first in our year with perfect marks, followed by Bella and Cecelia, who tied for second at ninety-eight points, then me at ninety-seven.

"House Rose is destined to rise even higher in the annals of history! Yet, my useless son dares to fall behind some inconsequential nobodies!" He scoffed.

"They earned their ranks just like everyone else." I suddenly said, unable to stop myself from defending the girls. "I'll just work harder—!" My words were interrupted as he stood from his desk and crossed the floor in an instant. My cheek stung even more as he slapped me. Hard.

"Pathetic. Don't tell me you've fallen in love with that girl?!" His voice dropped low as he held me against the wall by my collar. "It seems you've forgotten your place, Thomas. The only reason you're engaged to that Mays girl is to absorb their house and lands to bolster House Rose!"

I couldn't help but frown at him in defiance. "I won't." I said coldly. "I'd rather die than be the downfall of Cecelia's house!" Never before had I stood against my father. I've always done as I was told, but that girl... Her smile flashed through my mind, giving me courage. We'd only been engaged a year, but she'd already impacted me.

"Disobedient brat!" he snarled at me, and I suddenly found myself gasping for air as his fist dug itself into my stomach. He threw me away from the wall and onto the floor. "Let me remind you of your place. We are nothing but tools to further raise the glory of our name. I will not let your personal feelings stand in the way!" His foot ground into my side, and I did what I knew best.

Closed my eyes and waited for the storm to pass.

***

I was limited in my actions throughout the break, and even my replies to letters were checked before being sent. I couldn't even tell anyone, even as they asked after my well-being. By the start of our third year, I was barely clinging to hope. When I finally saw Cecelia again after those long months of torment, it felt like I could breathe again, no longer drowning in the darkness.

Yet... every time her name appeared above mine in the rankings, I couldn't help but grit my teeth in frustration. It wasn't just a friendly competition anymore.

Can't she just let me have one win? It's all her fault that Father keeps hurting me.

I shook those feelings away for the entirety of our third year, redoubling on my studies so that I would finally win. Beating her is the only way to protect both of us...

But Cecelia was just too perfect. It didn't matter what the subject was; I always fell a step behind. Even in practical magic or swordsmanship, she always bested me. It felt like she was moving far out of my reach... Because I wasn't good enough.

Maybe if I just asked her... She'd let me win... Just once! Yet, my pride refused such an outcome. Winning like that would mean admitting I could never be better than her, and my heart raged with turmoil at the thought.

Somehow, I managed to keep it together through our third year, but my rank once again meant I spent the long break at my father's mercy.

"This is all that girl's fault!" He'd shout at me. "You were raised to be perfect, but you cling to these petty feelings while falling into obscurity!"

"Please, father!" I cried out in pain. "I'm doing the best I can! I'm trying so hard, so please..." Why won't you acknowledge me?

"You have nobody to blame but that girl." He spoke. "If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have to do this to you! Do you know how much it pains me to scold you like this?" His foot found one of my ribs with a harsh kick, and I groaned in agony

I didn't have the strength to fight back anymore, and I found myself wondering if he was right. She says she loves me... But if that were true, she wouldn't make me go through such terrible things...

I remembered every time she came out on top; she'd look at me with that sickening sweet smile. "You're really making me work for it! I look forward to the day your name sits above mine, Thomas!"

She's mocking me... The pain and stress whirled inside me until my love for her was finally twisted into ugly resentment, and I could no longer hold myself in one piece.

Bruised and battered on the floor one day, I finally gave in to my father. "I-I'm sorry... I was wrong, Father... Please spare me. I'll do whatever you want... for the glory of House Rose...." I mumbled through the pain, and his strikes stopped.

"Do you mean that, my son?" He asked, meeting my clouded gaze. Tears began to fill his eyes when I nodded slowly. "Finally... I apologize we had to go through this, Thomas, but from now on, I know you won't disappoint me any further."

"O-Of Course, Father," I replied, a little shocked even through the aching.

"Ah! Look at the state you're in! Let's get you cleaned up!" He called for the servants, who were used to seeing me in such a state, and they lifted me up. "It's been a while, why don't we have dinner together? I know how hard you've been working, Thomas. I'm very proud of you."

What? J-Just like that...? This is all it took for my father to look at me?

Why...? Why didn't I realize it? Of course, he cares about me... He's my father... How foolish I've been...

But I couldn't reply as the world around me fell into darkness. Out of sight, and in a way nobody would know, I'd been truly broken.

***

When I saw Cecelia again at the start of our fourth year, I could barely stand to look her in the eyes.

"Thomas!" She said excitedly and rushed toward me while waving her hand. What did we used to do again…? Ah, right… A hug. I let her into my arms, but I felt nothing from it anymore. Once a second passed, I pushed her away.

"Cecelia, you shouldn't act like that in public," I said, my tone much colder than I intended. I can't lose this marriage; father would be disappointed.

"H-Huh? Oh, I'm sorry." She said, her blue eyes wide as she stuttered from surprise. "Thomas? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Am I looking at her weird? I did my best to compose my expression into a pleasant one, and saw her release a small sigh. There we go, just like this.

As time passed, despite the interests of my family, I found myself ignoring her more and more.

"Thomas. What's wrong? Have I done something to make you angry?" She asked one day.

"Not at all, Cecelia. I just have a lot going on right now…" I said, trying to placate her worry. This is exhausting.

Eventually, we just stopped meeting up naturally, only really seeing each other during our duties on the student council. The cold distance between was made my chest tighten with anxiety. It's because I need her to ascend House Rose even higher… I convinced myself there was no other reason behind it.

It wasn't until halfway through our fourth year that my fiancé had finally had enough. As I gazed up at the mid-year exam results, my fists clenched at my sides. Damn that woman! She's just a mere girl! How dare she not realize her place!

My thoughts were interrupted as murmurs ran through the crowd of students checking their scores, and I saw a mane of red hair move my way.

"Thomas." Cecelia's voice said from behind me, her tone flat.

I turned to face her with a neutral expression. She had grown even more beautiful, but it no longer made my heart flutter. Or so I claimed.

"Yes?"

"Come with me. Now." her eyes glared daggers at me, and she grasped my sleeve as she pulled me away from the crowd.

"H-Hey! This is no way for a lady to act!" I said, fighting back for a moment. She's looking down on me again! I pulled my arm back roughly to free my sleeve from her fingers, and she looked back at me in shock before turning around again and walking away without a word.

I followed her only because I didn't want to cause a scene in the hallways. After a few minutes, we were outside, behind a detached classroom that had an adjoining practice field.

"What is this about, Cecelia?" I asked coldly. "Do you have any idea how your actions made us look?" She ignored me as she moved to where the practice weapons were kept in a wooden crate, retrieving two wooden blades. Then, she turned and threw one at my feet.

"Pick it up, Thomas."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me!" She shouted, her eyes pricking with tears as she glared at me again. "You've been giving me the cold shoulder for months now, and you've refused to explain yourself! It honestly…" She trailed off, looking down. I thought she might break out into full sobs, but instead, her magic flared around her with crimson flames when she looked up again. "It honestly pisses. Me. Off."

I was so shaken by the sight of her anger that I didn't notice on the slang she obviously picked up from those adventurers she was so fond of.

"So, I'm going to vent my anger on you. You can either pick up that sword and attempt to defend yourself, or sit there a let me wack you on the skull a dozen times!" She cried out, moving into a ready stance. I scrambled to pick up the sword and just barely blocked her first swing in time.

"Have you gone crazy?" I asked, pushing her back slightly.

"I should be asking you that!" She shouted as she swung at me again. I ducked beneath and stepped backwards to create some distance. "What happened? Why won't you talk to me?! I'm supposed to be your partner!"

Her desperate words began to shake something inside of me, and I couldn't help but shout in return.

"And what could you possibly do to help me?!"

Her sapphire eyes widened, but that didn't stop her from advancing on me with an overhead strike.

"How can I answer that when you never confided in me in the first place?" I grunted as I parried her blow, then angled my blade for her neck. She leaned backward so it passed harmlessly above her skin and spun to kick at my leg. I stumbled, but managed to stay upright.

"Even if I told you, it's be pointless!" I said through gritted teeth as I thrust my blade toward her. The sound of wood hitting wood echoed across the field as we exchanged blows. But, like always, I was beginning to fall behind. "What do you even know? Someone as perfect as you wouldn't understand what I'm going through!"

"Is that what you truly think of me?" She asked, jumping backwards to pause the battle. "I'm not perfect, Thomas. I work just as hard as everyone else!"

"So do I!" I screamed, clutching at my chest as phantom pain racked my body. "I try, and try. Again and again. But it's never good enough! All I receive is scorn from my father, and pity from the people who pretend to be my friends!" I let out a roar as I rushed toward her, slicing at her wildly. "And on top of it all, it's always you! I'm sick and tired of always falling behind!"

She dodged my swings with a calm rhythm, only parrying when she couldn't.

"When have you ever fallen behind?" She asked calmly, my outburst of emotion seemingly calming hers down. "In my eyes, you're just as amazing as Bella and Stephen! Maybe it's prideful, but it's not like there's anyone else in our grade who can compete with us four!"

I faltered for a moment, before white-hot rage filled me.

"You just don't understand!" As I swung at her again, her blade moved to intercept mine, sending it flying from my grip. The force sent me flying onto my butt, and I looked down in fury and… self-loathing.

The tip of her wooden sword hovered in front of my face as she stood triumphantly above me with a small smile. She is always towering over me with that peaceful expression… "Then make me, Thomas. I'm not only your friend, but your fiance. We have our whole lives ahead of us, please… just let me in."

Shame joined the myriad of emotions swirling through my body, and I gripped at the grass below me so hard it began to pull out of the earth. I opened my mouth, before closing it again without a sound. My father's harsh words echoed inside my mind, and I remembered the hours I spent on the floor, being beaten in the darkness.

"I-I can't…! It's just all… too much!" That was all I managed to say as tears began to roll down my face. My fiancé stood silently for a moment, and I could feel her gaze on the top of my head as I refused to look at her.

"Then let's run away." Her voice was incredibly gentle.

"What?" Those hadn't been the words I expected to hear, and I finally looked at her in shock.

"I said, let's run away. The minimum age to register as an adventurer is sixteen, so we can." She began. "If whatever is going on right now is truly that bad, then let's leave." I had no words to respond with, so she continued. "You have a cousin who can become the heir, right? Obviously, I was never in the running for my family, so it wouldn't matter if we disappeared. We can explore the world together and witness all sorts of things!" Her cheeks flushed slightly. "Then, in a few years, we can settle down somewhere, maybe have some children… I love you, Thomas. I know the two of us would be alright."

What is she even saying right now? I thought as my heart trembled for the first time since the school year started, but it wasn't with love. No, what I felt in that moment was pure, unadulterated rage. She wants to… run away? After everything I've been through? She would disregard all my efforts and suffering… Just like that?

A cold laugh escaped my throat, which only grew louder and louder until my head kicked back. I was acutely aware that tears were still running down my face, but I didn't care.

"T-Thomas…?" Cecelia said, worried.

"You really think that little of me? Do you pity me, Cecelia?" I asked. Father was right, she looks down on me.

"What?! No! I wouldn't—"

"Shut up." I snapped, then slapped the tip of her blade away from my face as I stood up. "You're just a woman. How arrogant of you to think you'd understand a man's mind. Know your place." I pushed myself up and brushed off my clothes, then glared at her frozen expression. It was a mix of sadness and disbelief… and it made me feel good. Wait… Is this how I win? I stepped closer with a sneer on my lips. "Being quiet suits you."

Turning on my heel, I walked away and ignored her shouts after she finally came to her senses.

If she's perfect, like an angel descended to earth… What would that make me once I've clipped her beautiful wings? The thought sent shivers down my spine. I can't wait…

***

A few days later, Bella found me in the stairwell.

"Hey." Her voice was cold and dangerous, but I'd long lost my fear of such threats. When I ignored her, because a woman shouldn't speak out of turn, she grabbed my shoulder and pushed me against the wall with force.

"What the hell is wrong with you, huh?" The temperature visibly dropped around us, thanks to the ice magic that sprouted from the wall as she slammed her palm right next to my head. "You made Cecelia cry. Go beg for forgiveness. Now."

"I… Made her cry?" I said, in slight disbelief, before a euphoric smile stretched on my lips.

A disgusted frown mirrored it on the blonde girl's face. "Truly, I hate you. I could at least respect Cecelia's feelings for you before, since you treated her well. But I won't stand by any longer. She deserves better than scum like you!" Her hands gripped the collar of my shirt, pulling me towards her slightly before slamming me against the wall again, which only elicited a laugh from me.

"Assaulting the son of a Duke now, are you? I hope your family can withstand the consequences of offending House Rose." I said with a smirk.

"Shut it. My family may be a marquisate, but we're more than capable of standing up to the likes of you!" She seethed. "You can be assured that I'll be petitioning the royal family to break off your engagement to Cecelia."

"I'd like to see you try." Getting tired of the game, I raised my hands and an earth spear shot from the floor between us, grazing her cheek as she stumbled backward. "Cecelia and her family will belong to me."

"Crazy Bastard!" She shouted, lunging at me, only to be stopped by her fiancé, who suddenly appeared on the stairs behind her.

"Bella, calm down! What's happening! I sensed your magic… Why is your face bleeding?!"

She just pointed at me, and I gave the crown prince a bored shrug. "She attacked me first; it was self-defense."

The blonde clicked her tongue in frustration, still struggling against the black haired boy who looked up at me with a sad gaze.

"I'm disappointed in you, Thomas. I heard what you said to Cecelia. I hoped you were a better man than that."

"Should I really be the one you're worried about, Stephen? It looks to me like your future queen is about to become a murderer."

"Don't tempt me. I wouldn't have any regrets after what you did to her." The girl snapped.

"Alright! I get you're angry Bella, but you can't—" Seeing the other boy focus on his fiance, I turned to leave, letting their conversation fade away. You'll all kneel before House Rose in the end.

***

I woke up with a start, sitting at the desk in my office. Did I doze off? How careless. How could I dream about those days? I'm no longer a naive child. Just because I had all the power now didn't mean I could idle. I may be one of the most feared and respected people on the whole continent now… But it wasn't enough. I needed to push House Rose even higher… Until our name became synonymous with the gods themselves. Still, I couldn't help but analyze the memories my subconscious had drudged to the surface. True to her words, my engagement to Cecelia was contested time and again by hers and the royal families, even after we had graduated the academy, but they never succeeded.

Mostly, because the previous duke didn't give Marquess Mays any room to object himself, and because of that… their family became ours, just as I promised. I so enjoyed the way Cecelia lost hope for me and fell into despair… Ah… If only I could go back and do it all again!

I allowed myself a small smile as I thought of my precious moments with my late wife, but then pulled myself back to reality before any... other emotions could make themselves known. There was still so much to prepare… More power to gain. I was grateful my own child had been so understanding of her duties. She hadn't been like my previous, foolish self. It had only taken Sasha a few months to realize my love for her, and how she could repay my affections. It's a shame I couldn't get the older one to understand, but it's no big loss in the end.

It seemed only a few issues stood in my way now. The first was the struggling remains of Bella's and Stephen's legacy. Their sons had managed to escape, and I had no doubt they were plotting their revenge. Luckily, we managed to recover the perfect weapon to use against the former princes from the rubble three years ago… It would definitely come in handy once they made their move. I couldn't help but snicker to myself as I thought of their inevitable despair when the day comes. If only the princess and that girl were alive… It'd be like reliving my favorite moments with their daughters! The feeling was just too overwhelming, but I took a few deep breaths to calm my excitement. Nothing good came from getting ahead of yourself.

The other major problem was getting Sasha to sit on the imperial throne, but my daughter seemed excited after I gave her the mission, so I had high hopes. Once she established herself as the only obvious candidate, I had faith the emperor would fall right into our hands. We only had to get rid of him after that. He may be a divine guardian, but he was still human. It wasn't something a bit of subtle poisoning couldn't fix.

Right… Cecelia?

***

Sasha

"My lady," Anne said as she entered my bedroom, sneakily retrieving an envelope from her breast pocket. It had been a few days since I had her deliver my first letter, and it seemed the response had finally come. I took it from her, cutting it open with a letter opener before reading the contents.

Tell me what you'd like us to do.

-L.V

Short and simple… Thank you for making it easy, Prince Luke. I thought as I carefully began to set the stage for my plans.

It wouldn't be much longer before the end would finally come for House Rose.