Rod Ch3

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Chapter 3
A Change of Pace

Lucette: I will ask Rod if he will pair up with me.

Lucette: *I know we do not have a good relationship. Rod has spared no effort in telling me how cruel I have been to his family.*

Lucette: *But I feel that rectifying whatever mistakes I made with them might be an easy way to get three good deeds.*

Delora: Oh? This is going to be very interesting.

Parfait: But Lucette, didn’t he tell you that he didn’t want to break his curse?

Lucette: Yes, but that may not be the whole truth.

Parfait: He is still reluctant to break his curse despite all the advice I have offered him. Perhaps… you will be able to encourage him where I could not.

Lucette: I do not care if he does not want to break his curse.

Lucette: I only need him to help me remedy the supposedly bad things I have done to his family. I believe that will be the easiest way to break my curse.

Lucette: But the problem is that I rarely see him here. He is usually at the palace.

Lucette: In order for this arrangement to work I will need to be in the palace.

Delora: I for one, think it’s a terrible idea. What if…

Delora’s voice trails off. She averts her gaze to the floor, her expression a mixture of anxiety and solemn consideration.

Lucette: What if what? Is there something I should know?

Both the witch and the fairy just stare at me silently. After a few moments, Parfait speaks.

Parfait: You would be far away from us, princess. We would not be able to assist you.

Parfait: Witches could be lying in wait for you, knowing that you’re the true crown princess of Angielle. They might seek to use you for their own purposes.

Lucette: What sorts of purposes? Why would the witches be after me in the first place?

Parfait: Many of them have been corrupted by the Tenebrarum. Darkness has invaded their hearts, making them bitter.

Parfait: Many of them simply want to see the Fairytale Curses continue on undisturbed.

Parfait: This is all just speculation, but it’s better to be safe rather than sorry.

Lucette: What would you have me do?

Delora: Hmm…

Parfait: Delora?

Delora: I have an idea. I think I can get her into the palace and make sure there’s someone there to look out for her.

Parfait: How?

Delora: Just trust me. Tomorrow, the Ice Princess returns to her palace.

Lucette: I have a bad feeling about this.

Lucette: …

Lucette: *This cannot be happening.*

Maid: Don’t dilly dally. The princess will soon be awake and expecting her new maid.

I close my eyes and suppress my urge to groan.

Lucette: *How is it that Delora was able to turn me into Emelaigne’s personal maid?*

Lucette: *She thought this would be funny, did she? Well, I will make her pay for this.*

Maid: I expect you not to be late again. We have very strict rules on how the palace staff should behave.

I am not exactly sure how Delora managed this. She told me she was going to cast a spell on me and that it would be over as soon as I opened my eyes.
I closed my eyes and sure enough, when I opened them, I found myself here in a maid uniform.

Lucette: *What did she do?*

The maid continues to babble at me.

Lucette: *How annoying.*

I pretend to listen to her as she leads me through the palace hallways.

Lucette: *Emelaigne and Rod’s chambers are located here…*

Emelaigne: Oh!

We come to a halt when Emelaigne suddenly appears from around the corner.

Maid: Your Highness.

The maid ducks into a neat curtsey.

Emelaigne’s eyes meet mine. I tense as I wait for any signs of recognition from her. But she only gives me a curious look, as if wondering who I am.

Lucette: *She clearly does not recognize me.*

The maid suddenly reaches back and pulls at my shoulder, forcing me into a bow.

Maid: You are in front of the crown princess of Angielle. Show some respect, girl!

Maid: My apologies, Your Highness. She is new and clearly needs to be taught some manners.

Lucette: Excuse me?

Emelaigne: Oh please, there’s no need for that.

Lucette: *What is she trying to achieve by pretending to be kind to a palace maid?*

Lucette: *Who is she trying to fool?*

Maid: Your Highness, this is your new personal maid.

Emelaigne glances at the maid, looking confused.

Emelaigne: Why do I need a personal maid?

Maid: It is the king’s orders, princess.

Emelaigne turns to look at me again.

Emelaigne: What is your name?

Lucette: …

Maid: She’s talking to you, girl.

I scowl at the maid before facing Emelaigne.

Lucette: *I cannot believe I have fallen so low that I am now being ordered around by a maid.*

Lucette: … Lucette.

Emelaigne: It’s nice to meet you, Lucette. I hope we can get along.

Lucette: …

When I do not respond, Emelaigne’s face falls.

Emelaigne: I… I was just heading to breakfast with my family.

Maid: Of course. Lucette will escort you to the dining hall.

I raise my eyebrows at the maid, irritated.

Emelaigne: There is no need for concern. I can get there on my own.

I breathe a sigh of relief.

Lucette: *I am not here to babysit her.*

The maid leans forward and whispers something in my ear.

Maid: I don’t know how it is that you landed in this position, but you owe the royal family your diligence and respect.

Maid: If you continue to show disrespect, I will be having a word with the king.

The maid pushes me forward so that I am forced to stand next to Emelaigne.

Lucette: !!!

Maid: She will escort you to the dining hall, Your Highness. Her job requires that she follow you everywhere in case you require assistance with anything.

Emelaigne: But-

Maid: It is almost time for breakfast, Princess Emelaigne.

Emelaigne frowns and looks at me.

Emelaigne: I’m so sorry.

Lucette: *What is she apologizing for?*

Emelaigne: Good morning!

King Genaro: Good morning. It seems that you have met your new personal maid.

The king’s eyes widen as soon as he spots me.

King Genaro: You look familiar....

Lucette: *Does… does he recognize me?*

I feel a little tremble in my heart as I consider that hope.

King Genaro: Are you not the girl who came to the gates before?

I deflate with a soundless sigh.

Lucette: *He remembers me as the peasant.*

King Genaro: This is the first time I am meeting you as Emelaigne’s personal maid. What is your name?

Lucette: … Lucette.

King Genaro: That… is a lovely name.

King Genaro: We are glad to have you here, Lucette.

The king gives me a warm smile. The softness of his gaze makes me angry.

Lucette: *He never treated me so kindly when he remembered me as his own daughter.*

Emelaigne takes her seat while I walk to stand at the walls beside the other maids and butlers.

The door opens and Rod walks inside. He greets the king, Ophelia, and then his sister.

He is just about to take his seat when his eyes suddenly fall on me.

The shock is apparent on his face.

Ophelia: Rod? Is something wrong?

Rod: I see there is a new maid on staff.

His tone is almost accusatory. I bristle at his words and am about to say something when Opheila speaks.

Ophelia: She is Emelaigne’s new personal maid, Lucette.

Rod: ...

Rod stares at me for a few moments, his expression unreadable. Eventually he moves to take his seat.

I stand silent and watch the royal family eat their breakfast. The small area is filled with happy conversation.

The four of them smile at each other when they speak, and it is easy to see how comfortable they all are with one another.

Lucette: *When I was still here, our meals were always so quiet…*

Lucette: *But everyone looks so happy now.*

I bite my lip to will the heavy feeling away.

Lucette: *Rod told me that before, but I did not want to believe him.*

I turn back to the conversation at hand.

King Genaro: We have something very important to discuss with you, Emelaigne.

Emelaigne: O-Oh?

King Genaro: I have brought this up before, but now the matter is more pressing.

Emelaigne: Is this about…

King Genaro: Yes. This is about the ball.

Ophelia gives the king a disapproving look.

Ophelia: Dear…

King Genaro: I know it seems like a strange proposition, but this is royal tradition. Emelaigne is at a suitable marrying age and this ball may yet help her find a suitor.

Ophelia: But a husband…

Emelaigne’s cheeks are tinted pink.

Lucette: *A royal ball for Emelaigne? For her to find a husband?*

Lucette: *I never would have agreed to such a thing. The king never forced me into one because he knew that.*

King Genaro: I will not force you to marry someone you do not love, Emelaigne.

King Genaro: We agreed on this ball to uphold tradition. All eligible bachelors will be invited in four months time, and you will choose the man you want to court you.

King Genaro: I did find my true love through a ball, after all.

He glances at Ophelia, who responds with a fond smile. Her expression falls back into something more worried when she looks at her daughter.

Emelaigne: But… what if I can’t choose anyone?

King Genaro: We will throw one ball, as per tradition.

King Genaro: We will not force you into another ball if you do not find a good suitor, but we must uphold traditions at least once. Perhaps this will push you to think more about the future.

King Genaro: I will not put any added pressure on you, Emelaigne. But I would be happy to see grandchildren before I have to give up my throne. I am not getting any younger, you know.

Emelaigne: !!!

Emelaigne: F-father!

I can tell that the king is trying to make light of the situation, but there is an undertone of seriousness.

Emelaigne eventually sighs, and then slowly nods.

Emelaigne: I understand.

My gaze shifts to Rod to search for a reaction but his expression is impassive.

Lucette: *No reaction at all.*

Lucette: *Did he know this was going to happen?*

Emelaigne: But… can I really be the princess the kingdom of Angielle deserves? I feel so unprepared.

King Genaro: You are the crown princess of Angielle. You must be confident.

Emelaigne looks down, looking genuinely distressed.

Emelaigne: I…

Emelaigne: I’m finished. May I be excused?

Ophelia: But sweetheart, you’ve barely touched your food.

King Genaro: You may.

Emelaigne stands up and ducks into a quick curtsey before rushing from the room.

I do not move until I feel Rod’s glare on me. I realize that I am meant to follow Emelaigne.

Lucette: Excuse me.

I curtsey and follow after Emelaigne.

I barely make it a few steps away from the dining hall before the door flies open and Rod is rushing after me.

Rod: What are you doing here?

Lucette: …

Answer him. (+2 Rod)

Avoid the question. (+1 Rod)

Lucette: I am here to break my curse.
Rod: You expect me to believe that when you had people offering to help at the Marchen?

Rod’s expression changes, anger clear in his eyes.

Rod: No, I know why you are really here.

Lucette: What are you talking about?

Rod: You thought you might take back what is rightfully yours, didn’t you? You have no qualms about hurting my family again.

I stare at him, nonplussed by his accusations. I carefully quell the simmering anger inside me.

Lucette: *The last thing I want is to be fired before I break my curse.*

Lucette: I am not here to hurt anyone, so stop accusing me of such things.

We glare at each other in silence.

Lucette: *I had always thought that Rod was closed off and quiet…*

Lucette: *But his emotions are always blazing in his eyes.*

Rod: You shouldn’t be here.

Rod steps back but his gaze is still fierce.

Lucette: I do not have time for this.

Lucette: I am going to find Emelaigne.

Rod: Why? So you can insult her?

Lucette: No, because it is now my job to attend to her.

Lucette: Excuse me.

Rod begins to advance toward me, but he stops in his tracks when I speak.
Lucette: I do not have time to argue with you, Rod.

Rod: If you are here to break your curse, then you are not getting any help from me.

Lucette: You are not the only person I can ask for help.

I turn away from him to follow after Emelainge but Rod grabs my arm.

I stop and turn to glare at him.

Lucette: What now?

Rod: Where are you going?

I wrench out of Rod’s grip.

Lucette: Where do you think?

I turn and walk away.

Rod does not attempt to stop me.

The last place I expect to find Emelaigne is in the throne room.

Much to my surprise, I find her standing alone inside, staring up at the throne.

Emelaigne: Oh!

When she turns to face me she has a guilty expression on her face.

Emelaigne: I’m sorry.

Lucette: *What is she apologizing for?*

Emelaigne: I was very rude earlier. Walking out on everyone at breakfast.

Emelaigne gazes back at the throne and sighs.

Emelaigne: I’m sure any other girl would be happy to have a ball. I mean, it’s like something out of a Fairytale.

Emelaigne: But I…

She sighs again and looks down at her clasped hands.

Emelaigne: It all sounds so perfect in the Fairytales. Three days is all it takes before everyone’s found their true love.

Emelaigne: But I don’t think that’s how it works out in real life, do you?

I have nothing to say in response when Emelaigne turns her beseeching gaze to me.

Emelaigne: I just… I don’t know how I’m supposed to marry someone I barely even know.

Emelaigne: Is this really what it means to be the crown princess?

Lucette: Isn’t this precisely what you wanted?

Emelaigne: Excuse me?

Lucette: When your mother married the king, you became a princess. You went from rags to riches overnight.

I cannot keep the bitterness from my voice when I speak.

Lucette: Your life here is playing out like Cinderella’s, is it not? All you are missing are the glass slippers, and even then I am sure the king could arrange for a pair.

Lucette: I cannot understand why you are so unhappy.

Emelaigne: … Neither can I.

Emelaigne turns away from me to face the throne once more, and in the sun that streams through the windows I see something shining on her cheeks.

Lucette: *Is she crying?*

Emelaigne: I am so ungrateful.

Emelaigne: Lucette, what would you do?

Lucette: What?

Emelaigne: If you were in my place… if you became crown princess overnight, would you go through with the ball?

Emelaigne: For the sake of Angielle’s tradition? For the sake of your role?

Lucette: I would never do anything so worthless.

Lucette: *The king never brought up the subject with me.*

Lucette: *He most likely knew I would have refused.*

Emelaigne suddenly pats her cheeks and turns to me, a wry smile on her face.

Emelaigne: I could do with some fresh air.

Emelaigne: Shall we go to my friend’s shop in town?

We have only just exited the throne room when Emelaigne stops short and I almost bump into her back.

Emelaigne: Oh!

Mythros: Your Highness what a pleasant…

Sir Mythros abruptly stops to stare at me.

Lucette: *Why is Sir Mythros looking at me so intently?*

Emelaigne: Is something the matter, Sir Mythros?

Mythros: No, nothing at all, Your Highness. I am just… amused.

Lucette: *Amused?*

Emelaigne: Oh you haven’t met my new maid. This is Lucette.

Mythros: Lucette?

There is something in Mythros’ gaze that I do not trust.

The silence is stifling so I curtsey at him.

Lucette: Sir.

Mythros: …Charming.

Sir Mythros turns his attention back to Emelaigne.

Mythros: Where are you off to on this pleasant day?

Emelaigne: Oh, just off to visit a friend.

Mythros: Make sure you bring your guards with you, princess.

Emelaigne: Of course.

Emelaigne: I wonder what’s taking him so long.

Lucette: …

Emelaigne decided to invite Rod to join us on her visit. One of the guards offered to get Rod for her but he still has yet to return.

Another stands with us by the gates, ready to escort us into town.

Lucette: *Why does the king even keep these incompetent fools if they cannot find a single person?*

Emelaigne: Maybe we should go look for Rod.

Emelaigne: But then, what if he gets here as soon as we go searching for him?

I sigh.

Lucette: I will go look for him. You can stay here.

Emelaigne: But you don’t need to run errands for me.

Lucette: *She has yet to ask me to do anything. What does she think a maid even does?*

I look at her solemnly, not answering her. Finally, she relents.

Emelainge: Thank you, Lucette.

I incline my head just slightly before walking off.

Lucette: *I feel like a babysitter. I cannot believe I have to search for Rod.*

Lucette: *This is only slightly better than being dragged around by that broom.*

I turn around the corner and nearly bump into someone. I take a few steps back just in time.

Fritz: Princess?

I look up in shock. Fritz’s surprise mirrors my own.

Fritz: Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you everywhere!

He pauses to stare at my clothing.

Fritz: Why are you wearing a maid’s uniform?

Lucette: Fritz, you remember who I am?

Fritz: I would never forget you, Princess Lucette.

Fritz: But… it does seem like I am the only one who remembers you.

Fritz: What is going on, princess?

Lucette: *The only people who remember me are the witches, fairies and…*

Lucette: Fritz, are you…

I stop when I hear the sound of approaching footsteps.

Fritz turns at the sound and then stoops low into a formal bow when he sees Rod.

Fritz: Your Highness.

Rod’s impassive face twists with annoyance when he sees me.

Rod does not even acknowledge Fritz as he walks past him to stop in front of me.

Rod: Shouldn’t you be attending to my sister?

Fritz: …I don’t understand.

Fritz: Prince Rod, do you know why the princess is dressed like this?

Rod: !!!

Rod is clearly just as surprised as I am that Fritz remembers me.

Rod: You recognize her?

Fritz: You remember the princess too?

Rod: …

Fritz: But if you knew, why didn’t you say anything when she first went missing?

Fritz: And can someone explain to me why she’s attending to Princess Emelaigne?

Fritz: This is-

Lucette: Fritz.

I cut him off before he can ask any more questions.

I can feel Rod’s gaze on my back as I turn to look at Fritz.

Lucette: No more questions.

Fritz: But princess…

Lucette: Right now I am a palace maid.

Fritz: A what…?

Lucette: It is a long story, and I have no time to explain now, so do not ask.

Fritz is clearly discontent. He seems to struggle for a few moments before he finally sighs and nods.

Fritz: Yes, Your Highness.

Lucette: *Though it is nice to hear someone here speak my title, it will not do if Fritz calls me that on accident.*

Lucette: It is just Lucette for now.

Fritz: But…

I turn to face Rod.

Lucette: Emelaigne is waiting.

Rod: What?

Lucette: *The guard could not even deliver her message?*

Fritz: Where are you going?

Lucette: Emelaigne wants to visit her friend’s shop in town, and she wants you to go with us, Rod.

Fritz: Town?

Lucette: *Ordinarily I would not mind Fritz joining us… but right now he might just be unnecessary company.*

Lucette: *He may very well give me away.*

Lucette: *Rod barely wants to speak with me when it is just the two of us. I doubt Fritz would make him more sociable.*

Fritz: I am assuming that accompanying you is not an option at this point.

Lucette: Yes.

Fritz looks down for a moment before looking at Rod.

Fritz: I am sorry to ask this of you, Your Highness, but since she refuses to let me do so, please look after Princess Lucette in my place.

Rod: …

Lucette: *Ridiculous. I do not need to be coddled.*

Lucette: *Even if I did, Rod couldn’t care less if I am hurt.*

Rod: I will do my best, Sir Fritzgerald.

Lucette: !!!

Lucette: *I cannot tell if he is being genuine or not.*

Fritz bows to both of us.

Fritz: Stay safe, prin… Lucette.

Fritz: And you, Your Highness.

Rod turns and begins to walk away without another word.

Rod: Come on.

Rod is silent as we make our way back to the palace gates. I am still thinking about what he said to Fritz earlier.

Lucette: *Why would Rod agree to Fritz’s request? Because he just wanted him to leave?*

I stare at Rod’s back as he walks in front of me.

Lucette: *Sometimes, I cannot figure out what he is thinking.*

Emelaigne: Rod! Lucette!

Emelaigne beams when she catches sight of us.

Emelaigne: Are you ready?

Rod crosses his arms. He does not look very happy with his sister.

Even though Rod is younger, I cannot help but think that he often sounds like the older of the two.

Rod: I am busy, Emelainge. I can’t keep dropping everything whenever you want to leave the palace.

Emelaigne: I’m sorry, but I just really needed some fresh air today.

Rod: You can get plenty of fresh air on the palace grounds.

Emelaigne: I felt I needed to be off the palace grounds…

Emelaigne’s face drops as she looks down at the ground.

Rod lets out an exasperated sigh before stepping inside the carriage.

Rod: Come on.

Emelaigne: Rod?

Rod: Just for an hour, okay?

Emelaigne: Thank you!

I soon come to realize that it is easier to walk around town now that everyone has forgotten who I am. The atmosphere around town feels brighter.

All the spiteful stares are gone.

Man: Princess Emelaigne!

Emelaigne: Oh, how are you doing? Is your wife feeling better?

Lucette: *Emelaigne has responded to most of the people who know her. She seems to know a good majority of the people in town.*

I hang back as Emelaigne speaks with the man. The knight escort hovers somewhere nearby, watching for disturbances.

Lucette: We are going to take longer than an hour if she continues like this.

Rod: I am not going to rush her.

Lucette: Don’t you need to return to the palace to continue whatever work it is that you were doing?

Rod raises an eyebrow at me.

Rod: I do have to get back to my studies, but my family always comes first.

Rod: If this makes Emelaigne happy, then I will gladly come with her to town. It’s a small thing.

Lucette: *Happy?*

I look more closely at Emelaigne.

Lucette: *She is smiling, but then, she always smiles.*

Lucette: I do not understand.

Rod: She’s more at ease talking to the townspeople sometimes because they don’t judge her.

Lucette: *Why would she have to worry about being judged? It is clear that everyone adores her.*

Emelaigne takes the man’s hand in hers as she wishes him well. Rod points out the gesture.

Rod: See that? That’s goodness.

Rod: You could learn something from my sister, Lucette.

Lucette: *Is goodness pretending to be interested in the lives of strangers?*

Emelaigne eventually says her goodbyes before walking toward a familiar store.

Lucette: *This is the toyshop I visited with Emelaigne and Rod before.*

I glance at Rod and notice the expression on his face.

Lucette: *He seems… conflicted.*

Lucette: *But why?*

But before I can ask, Rod marches in front of me and decisively pushes open the door.

When I enter, Emelaigne is already hugging the shop girl, Viorica.

Viorica: Emelaigne, you look as beautiful as ever.

Emelaigne: Oh please, I look the same. You on the other hand…

Emelaigne steps back before nodding, a bright smile on her face.

Emelaigne: Being in love suits you. When is the wedding?

Lucette: *Wedding? She is already engaged?*

I catch a small movement out of the corner of my eyes and turn to glance at Rod. I notice his fingers clench into a fist before he quickly hides his hand behind his back.

Though his expression is as impassive as always, I notice a tenseness in his shoulders.

Viorica: Decimond and I haven’t set a date yet, but it should be soon. Would you…

Viorica trails off when she notices the rest of us.

Viorica: Hello, Rod!

Rod: Viorica.

His tone is surprisingly static.

Lucette: *Last time I was here I was sure he sounded friendlier.*

Emelaigne: So what can I help you with, Emelaigne? Looking for another doll?

Lucette: *Another doll? But Emelaigne is not interested in dolls.*

Emelaigne: Oh no, I’m just here to see you. I can’t stay long since Rod has things to do.

Rod: Emelaigne, I’ll wait for you outside.

Emelaigne: Oh? Okay…

Lucette: *I know it is my job to follow Emelaigne around, but I am not at all interested in hearing her talk to this girl.*

Lucette: *Does she even want me here?*

Stay with Emelaigne. (+1 Rod)

Go outside. (+2 Rod)

Before I can decide what I want to do, Emelaigne has turned to look at me with a smile.

Emelaigne: This is Lucette. She just started working as my personal maid today.

Viorica: It’s not like you to make a maid follow you around.

Emelaigne’s expression quickly becomes apologetic.

Emelaigne: I’m sorry, Lucette. I realize I didn’t even ask if you wanted to come with us. I just expected you to tag along.

Lucette: *Why is she apologizing? I am meant to tend to her regardless of where she is, unless she dismisses me.*

Viorica: I’m sure Lucette doesn’t mind. It’s such a beautiful day today, after all.

Emelaigne turns to me and smiles.

Emelaigne: You don’t have to wait with me if you don’t want to, Lucette. I won’t be long.

Emelaigne: I only wanted to see Viorica for a bit. I haven’t been able to see her as often since I’ve moved.

Viorica: Well that’s to be expected. Princesses shouldn’t be associating with shop girls like me.

Lucette: *Viorica has a point. Why does Emelaigne insist on this?*

Emelaigne: But you’re my best friend! I am still not accustomed to the fact that I can’t just visit you everyday.

Viorica: Those were the good old days, when we were still neighbors.

Emelaigne: I’d still live next to you if I could.

Emelaigne: Do you remember all those games of tag we used to play together when we were children? Remember how Rod always lost?

The two girls laugh together at the shared memory. I try not to roll my eyes.

Lucette: *So they were all childhood friends.*

Viorica: Are you sure there’s nothing I can help you with?

We all turn at the sound of the door chimes as a customer walks in.

Woman: Excuse me.

Viorica: One moment!

Viorica turns to Emelaigne with a guilty expression.

Viorica: I’m so sorry but I have to take this.

Emelaigne: No, no it’s all right. I’ll come see you another time.

Viorica: I promise, we can talk for as long as you want next time.

Emelaigne smiles and hugs her friend in farewell.

I follow closely behind Emelaigne as she exits the shop.

Lucette: *My time might be better spent trying to improve Rod’s opinion of me.*

Lucette: *If I could get him to tell me precisely what I have done wrong, I can make up for it. I hope that would give me a good deed.*

I curtsey to the two girls.

Lucette: Excuse me, Your Highness. I shall wait outside with Rod-

I cough to clear my throat.

Lucette: With the prince.

Emelaigne: Okay. I won’t be long.

Rod pushes away from the wall that he had been leaning against once he notices us leaving.

I move to stand next to Rod, who is leaning against the wall.

1/2
Rod sighs in annoyance.

Rod: Why do you keep on following me?

Lucette: Tell me how to rectify whatever wrong I have done to your family.

Rod: This again?

I cannot help but scowl at Rod’s answer.

Lucette: You spout all this nonsense about goodness but refuse to help me. How is that ‘good’?

Rod: You haven’t given me any reason to help you.

Lucette: What?

Rod: If you’re not serious about genuinely learning how to be good, then I’m not interested in helping you.

Lucette: *Maybe I can catch him off guard by bringing up his response in the toyshop just now.*

Lucette: Fine, then I will make normal conversation. Who is Viorica to you?

Rod: !!!

Lucette: Has she done something to hurt your family too?

Rod: Viorica is a childhood friend. She is not like you at all.

Lucette: Oh? Then why were you acting so cold to her? You obviously did not want to be inside the shop.

[CG End]

Rod looks away from me and absently kicks a pebble on the ground.

Rod: That is none of your business.

I sigh, disappointed with Rod’s reaction.

Rod turns away from me as Emelaigne exits the shop.

Rod: Ready to go?

Emelaigne nods with a small smile. The two of us begin to make our way to the palace again.

By the time we return to the place, evening has fallen.

Emelaigne: I hope we’re not late for dinner.

The minute the carriage doors open, we are greeted by two familiar faces. Sir Alcaster and Sir Mythros stand before us.

Alcaster: Princess Emelaigne. Prince Rod. I was on my way to look for you when Sir Mythors informed me of your whereabouts.

He glares at the knight escort and the knight shrinks back.

Sir Alcaster turns sharply to me afterwards, his eyes narrowed.

Lucette: *Why is he looking at me like that?*

Alcaster: It was getting late and the queen was worried.

Emelaigne: I’m so sorry…

Mythros: Princess Emelaigne, Prince Rod, it is almost time for dinner. Please, let me escort you inside.

Sir Mythros gestures for them to follow him.

I am about to follow after them when Sir Alcaster suddenly moves to block my path.

His eyes are cold. He opens his mouth to say something, but then closes it and shakes his head.

Alcaster: You are dismissed, girl. You may go back to your quarters.

Lucette: But-

Alcaster: That is an order.

His gaze is piercing. Even when I was the princess I was not able to stand up to that gaze.

Lucette: Yes, sir.

After dinner I make my way back to the room assigned to me. As I walk down the hall, I notice Rod heading in my direction.

Lucette: Rod?

He suddenly grabs my arm and pulls me away, down the hall.

Lucette: !!!

Lucette: Where are you taking me?

Rod does not answer and just continues moving until we reach an unfamiliar door.

Lucette: What is going on-

Rod cuts me off by placing a finger on my lips. He looks around warily before finally pulling me in through the door with him.

Lucette: This place…

I have heard of this place before, but have never seen it.

Lucette: Is this the secret passage that leads to town?

Rod does not answer me. He simply keeps walking and I see no other option but to trail after him.

Lucette: How is it that you know this place?

He still refuses to answer.

Lucette: Are you deaf?

Rod suddenly stops and I bump into his back. I stumble back with a scowl.

Rod: You ask too many questions.

Lucette: Because you refuse to answer any of them.

I glare back at him until Rod makes an exasperated sound.

Rod: Lady Parfait is the one who told me about this passage. It makes sneaking out of the palace easier.

Lucette: Parfait?

Rod: She did not give me any explanation as to how she knew of this place.

Rod: There are only meant to be two copies of the keys. The king has one and Sir Alcaster has the other.

Lucette: Then why do you have a key? Don’t tell me you stole it from the king?

Rod: I am not a thief.

Rod: Lady Parfait also has a copy. She saw fit to provide me with a key for my own use.

Lucette: What?

Lucette: How does Parfait have a key to this place?

Rod: You’ll have to ask her that yourself.

Once I step into town, I realize where it is that we are headed.

We are going back to the Marchen.

Delora is the first person to see as soon as we enter the Marchen.

Delora: Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in.

Lucette: Delora, you-

Rod’s glare silences me. He steps forward and points back at me, gaze icy.

Rod: She is not staying at the palace.

Lucette: What?

Delora raises an eyebrow.

Delora: Why’s that? She works there now.

Rod: I do not know what game you are playing but I will not be a part of it.

Delora: Excuse me? This is not a game.

Rod: I do not want you meddling in my life as you meddled with hers.

The room’s temperature drops several degrees. Delora stares at Rod, her expression suddenly lacking any emotion.

Delora: With all due respect, Your Highness, I do not want to meddle with your wallowing.

Delora: But just because you do not wish to break your curse doesn’t mean that others shouldn’t want to either.

Delora: You should be humbled that our princess here thought you would be able to help her.

Rod raises an eyebrow.

Rod: Where is Lady Parfait?

Delora: Of course you want to talk to Parfait. Because she puts things nicely.

Delora: Fine, I’ll fetch her for you.

Delora curtseys as she sweeps out of the room.

Rod sighs. He clearly looks irritated but he doesn't put a voice to his agitation.

Now that we’re alone in the empty room, the silence is deafening.

And so I ask him the question that has bothered me since we came here.

Why do you want me out of the palace? (+2)

Why do you not want to break your curse? (+1)

Rod: The further away you are from my family the better.
I glare at him.

Lucette: Your reaction is completely unwarranted. I am trying to make up for what I have done in the past.

Rod: Only because you are being forced to.

Lucette: Why should that make any difference? Besides, I am still willing to help you break your curse, even though it appears you do not want to.

Rod: I don’t need to explain myself to you.

Lucette: Do you even know how to break your curse?

Rod: I do.

Lucette: So why are you not doing anything?

Rod: It’s none of your business.

I do not realize the anger inside of me at first, and then I notice that my hands are fists and that I am shaking.

Lucette: You are angry at me for treating your family with unkindness and yet you do not treat me with any respect or kindness either.

Rod: Excuse me?

I realize that this is the angriest I have felt in a long time, and it makes words fall out of my mouth.

Lucette: You are guilty of the same disrespect you hold me accountable for.

Lucette: We are both being cruel to family, aren’t we?

Rod’s eyes are ablaze as he stalks toward me. He stops right in front of me, his mouth pressed into a firm line.

Rod: As you are so fond of telling Emelaigne, we do not share any blood. The only thing pulling us together is the king, and you do not share his morals.

Rod: Remember this, Lucette. You will never be part of my family.

Rod: And I will never see you as a sister.

Rod storms out of the reception area just as Delora enters.

Delora: Sorry, looks like Parfait wasn’t in.

She pauses, then gives me a wry smile.

Delora: Seems this partnership is going well.

I throw my hands up in anger.

Lucette: He is infuriating!

Delora: Not as helpful as you thought? I was surprised you were asking for his help in the first place.

Lucette: All I have been doing today is following around Emelaigne, and he still finds reasons to snap at me!

Lucette: In his eyes I can do nothing right, even though I am making an honest effort to break my curse.

Delora eyes me as she slides down into a chair.

Delora: Has he told you anything about his curse?Lucette : Nothing useful.
Lucette: Only that he knows how to break it.

Delora sighs.

Delora: Boys can be so secretive about the silliest things.

Delora: Rod has been aware of how to break his curse from the very beginning.

Lucette: Then why hasn’t he broken it?

Delora: I have no idea. I think the only other person who knows the full terms and conditions of Rod’s curse is Parfait.

Lucette: Parfait?

Delora: Parfait has known Rod for a while. She convinced him to keep coming to the Marchen even after he gave up on breaking his curse.

Delora: Parfait also thinks that working with you will convince Rod to try finding another way to break his curse.

Lucette: Another way?

Delora: Don’t ask me. I don’t know much about his curse either.

Delora: But if you keep trying you might convince Rod to talk.

Lucette: I doubt that very much. It seems that all I am doing is convincing Rod that I do not deserve to break my own curse.

Delora looks at me curiously for a few moments. Then she grins.

Delora: I have an idea.

Lucette: If it is another terrible idea-

Delora: Oh no, this one’s much better.

Delora: I’ll just stick around with you. You know, watch out for you.

Lucette: What?

Lucette: *Delora? Watch out for me?*

[Magic circle animation]

I am surprised when Delora suddenly stands before me in her doll form.

Delora: There’s no way you and Rod are going to sort yourselves out without some kind of help. So I’ll be tagging along.

Delora: It’s much easier when I’m travel-sized, mm?

Lucette: *Why do I feel like she’ll only make things worse?*

Delora: Come on then.

Delora somehow manages to jump into the front pocket of my apron, which is thankfully large enough to fit her doll body.

Delora: Let’s go find us a prince and get ourselves back to the palace.

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