the life in the palace of Dali was torture for Lola. Valentine, to spare his lovers feelings never visited her again. The mandatory breakfast once a week, was always a silent one, where he would not even acknowledge her existence. Not that it ever ruined Lolas appetite. He did not bother her to much, but instead gave Acacia full power to do so. Lolas respectability was ruined, after the word of her everyday visits to Acacia got out. No one ever went to her residence and the food delivered to her was something worthy of servants. Even her squad was isolated from her and not allowed to enter the palace. Kari was constantly delivering updates to Acacia about Lolas situation, but her information was always lacking in detail and more often then not utter nonsense. Lola was cutting her of and feeding bad intel to ruin her credibility. It was working perfectly to. Acacia had started doubting Kari and her loyalty. It got to the point where she was considering getting rid of her for good, but Kari pleaded to her and explained how Lola was trying to trick her with this past actions, but not anymore. The information delivered was more precise then ever and causing great damage to Lola. Soon Kari won back Acacias favor. So Lola got what she wished for. Kari was on her payroll. Scared of getting killed of, Lola managed to convince her and bring her to her side. She even found Karis week spot her illegitimate child hidden in the far away village. Acacia had no way of knowing this, but for Lola getting this information was easiest thing in the world. As a show of loyalty Kari was forced to still some documents Lola told her to. She looked over them carefully and could not understand a single word. It was not even a real language so she did not mind giving them up easily. In her mind Lola was still to dumm to compete with someone as vicious as Acacia. She made copies and left the fake ones to cover ger tracks, so Acacia could never suspect her. Still someone as wicked as Kari could not be truly trusted, even if so far she showed no signs of betrayal.
Lola continued to play her part to perfection.
Every day it was new childish tricks played by Acacia, that belittled her as a princess of a country. She spread rumors about how she saw her face and even words could not describe the disgusting thing hidden behind that vail. As Acacia said, Lola was so revolting that she could not eat breakfast for days after seeing her. Still after witnessing it, Acacia tried to console her and apologize, but got a slap on the face and insult in return. People were shocked hearing how vulgar and petty a princess of a great country could be. Even if Lola endured all of this without retaliation, Valentine still believed every word from Acacias mouth, about how cruel and ugly Lola was being to her. His eyes were always full of hatred and resentment whenever they looked at her. More then Acacias childish tricks, his eyes hurt Lolas heart. The only time she could relax a little, was with prince Shermandin, with whom she would bump into often as if it was on purpose. Acacia never dared to humiliate her in front of such a powerful witness and show her true colors. They soon became close friends and enjoyed each others company everyday. Shermandin loved how free-spirited and kind Lola was. Her knowledge in war tactics and every type of weaponry known to man enchanted him. Even though her face was always covered, Shermandin still thought she was beautiful in every move she made . Lola could tell what the prince was thinking every time her eyes met his, but her heart was still. It was clear how kind and loyal the first prince was, but she still felt nothing towards him. That is why she never once told him of how his brother treated her. She was not a pushover, but for many reasons she needed to endure this cruel treatment she received, each and every day. If Shermandin knew, he would definitely act upon it and ruin his relationship with his brother. This would spoil Lolas plans completely. Yes it would have been grate if Valentine was a gentle man who only had eyes for her, but that would not be happening any time soon. Only thing he had to do now was to keep his promise. Than she would make sure his eyes were open to the truth and finally grant him some comfort and happiness. If not, the plan B still needed to be valid. She had a lot of time on her hands and spent most of it with Shermandin, but she made sure there were no misunderstandings between them. Lola always kept her distance, so Shermandin never made his affection known. How could he when even he himself was confused by it. To feel so drown to a woman whose face was known by everyone to be so ugly, that it had to be covered up.
"Are you sure about his highness prince Shermandin, my princess?" Asked Haer with a concerned voice. "Lady Acacia turned out to be far more vicious and petty than we expected. You have seen the investigation reports as well. There is no line she will not cross to seat on the throne. After all that she has done, to still smile and pretend to be sweet in front of prince Valentine."
"Yes. She is a true sociopath." Said Shali while grabbing her arm as shivers run up her spine. " Haer is right. Prince Shermandin can not be trusted as he is known to love Lady Acacia and anyone who can love that freak show must be sick in the had themselves. Pardon my impudence."
Lola chuckled. "You call insulting a royal and calling a Lady of high society a freak show being impudent? If anyone heard you your had would be rolling."
"Well good thing it is just us here, as I get nauseous from rolling."
Lola laughed out loud, but quickly regained her composure. She looked out of the window. "Well you are right. It is time to find out where his allegiances lie. One can not have two woman in his life, as man in love are blind and cruel creatures. Haer arrange a meeting between Lady Acacia and Viscountess Ninalea Skamershut. As the two pettiest people in Dali I am sure they will have a lot to say about me. When the timing is right arrange for prince Shermandins entrance."
" I hear and obey your highness." Said Haer placing her hand on her heart and bowing.
Lola was deep in thought. She new the outcome of this experiment vary well, but still needed to make sure.
Next day after one of his meetings with Lola Shermandin was going back to his palace. While walking through the garden he overheard Acacia speaking with viscountess Ninalea and some court ladies about Lola. He could not believe his ears. How did the sweet little girl he new turn out to be such a ugly creature. He swiftly walked over and startled the two laughing ladies. Acacia was shocked for a second. Did he overhear her words? Still she did not hesitate and immediately leaped for a hug. "O my, prince Shermandin. It has been far to long. I am so vary sad that you do not visit me anymore." She looked up at him with a sweet smile and was shocked to find what was steering back at her. Shermandins face showed nothing but disgust at her. He pushed her away. " How can you spread such malicious rumors? I know you are better than this. Lola is a princess, with a Warriors spirit. She would never be so patty to get into such arguments with you. Even if she did get angry she would never slap you. Punch or stab, maybe. Tell everyone here that what you are saying is not true." Everyones heads turned towards Acacia. She was silent.