༒
"Who the h*ll are you?" She scowled at me. I was taken aback by the sudden change in her tone.
"I can help you get what you want, and you can help me get what I want." I said.
"Is that so?"
I nodded. She sat back in the chair slightly. An unreadable expression flickered past her face. "I have already gotten what I wanted."
"Have you?"
"...." she stared at me. " What do you want?"
"Did you know the 3rd Prince?" I asked. She shook her head. I glanced at her, a small smile evident on my face. "Liar."
"I've met him once, before his death. That's it." She said. I nodded.
"What do you know about his death?" I asked.
"It happened a little while after the 4th Prince returned from war. Rumors that the 4th Prince killed him sometime then." She said. I nodded once more.
"Where were the other Prince's during this time. Do you know?" I asked. She glanced at me skeptically but nonetheless answered.
"All the brothers except the 2nd and 4th Prince were meeting with the King." She said. "During the time, the 2nd prince had recently gotten a new concubine, Lady Lily. She attested for him that they spent the day inside. The only one missing was-"
"The 4th Prince." I cut her off. I quickly understood who the culprit was. But still, I needed more. I glanced up at her.
"Charlotte, if there's something your not telling me right now-"
"I've told you all I know. Now tell me what you know." Charlotte said. I pursed my lips but nonetheless sighed.
"Your carriage was also attacked on the way here. Wasn't it?" I glanced up at her. "The reason your arm is hurt?"
"You know that's not what I meant."
"You are looking for your brother's killers. Right?" I paused. "Saying this person's name, I could be killed for it." I said softly. Her eyes squinted down.
"Who was it?"
"....." I pursed my lips and remained silent.
"You!" Her face turned red in anger. "Do you think this is some game? My Brother is dead!"
"Then tell me what you know."
"I've told you what I can." She said.
"And so have I-"
"Please. Tell me."
"...."
She was staring at me, her gaze was strong and held determination. I sighed. It wasn't like I didn't want to tell her. I simply didn't know.
So far the original plot has carried this story. However, I couldn't push my luck. There was a high chance that the person who killed Charlotte's brother was not the same anymore. She stood up, her fists clenched.
"Fine. You have made your choice, Black Jade." She repeated my title with sarcasm dripping off her voice. I couldn't help but frown.
"If I was certain who did it, I would tell you." I said as she walked away. She didn't respond. I sighed as I heard the door slide open, shortly after, Bella came in, closing the door behind her. She rushed towards me.
"Miss! Your nose is bleeding!." Bella exclaimed, pulling a handkerchief out, she helped me wipe my nose. I pulled the handkerchief from her hands carefully.
"Bella, please set a special outfit aside for the night of the festival. Make sure it is something pretty. Okay?"
"Miss! The festival isn't until two weeks from now! You should worry about your health first." Bella lectured. I laughed softly.
"Bella, I'm okay. Really. I just need to rest a bit. "
Bella glanced at me, still skeptical. Finally, she nodded.
"Miss, please do not push yourself like this. You will get sick again." She said. I looked at Bella, a happy expression on my face as I quickly brushed away my interaction with Charlotte.
"Bella. I am happy to have someone like you caring for me. I promise you that I'll take better care of myself. Hmm?"
Bella nodded after hearing my sincere promise. I smiled at her while scanning her figure, my eyes landed on the scar on her neck.
"Miss?" Bella said, noticing my gaze on her neck. I glanced down at my hands.
Before, I was too weak. I barely knew how to control my power. But now, maybe I could try again.
"Bella." I said as I looked back up at her.
"Yes Miss?"
"Can you...come over here? It will only take a moment." I said. Bella looked confused but moved closer to me, sitting by my side. I took a closer glance at her neck. Noticing my gaze, Bella covered her neck with her palm.
"Miss, my neck is fine. It no longer hurts and-"
"I can heal it. Your scar."
Bella looked at me, wide-eyed.
"Really? Miss, is that really possible?"
I gulped slightly. I wasn't certain.
"Well, I could heal the Queen's internal illness. I think yours should be… easier."
Bella remained quiet as my fingers glided over her scar softly. My eyes flickered up to her own before returning to the scar.
"Stay still. Alright?"
Bella let out a hum in response. I took a deep breath as I closed my eyes, placing my palm over Bella's neck.
'Please….please work.' I thought to myself.
I waited a couple of seconds before pulling my hand away. I opened my eyes slowly, holding my breath. My shoulders dropped as I pulled away from Bella. I frowned.
"It didn't work…" I said slowly. I looked at my hand as I tried to think of what went wrong.
"R-really?" Bella looked at me for a response. Hearing nothing, she moved over to the mirror, looking at her neck. I gloomed.
'Was I not focused enough? Did I do it wrong?'
Seeing my expression, Bella moved back over to me. She helped me stand up.
"Miss, you are probably very tired right now. You should rest."
"Hmm…" I only hummed in response.
Bella carefully guided me to the bed and helped me lay down. The light outside had quickly faded as I fell asleep, disappointed.
༒
(Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed.)