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It had already been a week since I confronted Charlotte. Since that day I hadn't bothered contacting her again. She was most likely still upset with me. I sighed while walking back to my room.
My time here had been dull since I came back. I had training classes every day for much longer now, it had become harder to find time to explore the palace gardens like I usually did.
It had also become harder to see the 4th Prince.
Ever since I asked him to come to the festival with me, I hadn't seen or heard from him. I pursed my lips gently as I walked. We had both been busy, him more than me of course. Should I have contacted him?
I shook my head and quickly brushed away my thoughts, they always caused me to start panicking.
'I used to only have my job to focus on… now that I'm thrown into such a strange world, I must've forgotten things run similarly.'
I sighed once more as I quickly collected myself. I clenched my jaw tightly, remembering why I wanted to ask the 4th prince to come with me in the first place.
"That's right… I need to ask him about the murder.."
The atmosphere quickly dropped as I arrived at my room. Upon raising my hand to open the door, I heard a voice call out to me.
"Miss Adedora!!" Bo yelled. Stunned, I turned around to look at him with confusion.
"Bo?" I said once he ran closer. "What are you doing here?"
He was panting heavily as he caught his breath. Gulping, he looked up at me.
"The… The 4th Prince." He heaved out.
"What? Is something wrong?"
"The 4th Prince wants to escort you the night of the festival."
".....a-ah, I see."
"Then, that is all."
"W-what? Where are you-"
Before I could finish, Bo had run off once more. I blinked dumbfoundedly but only sighed. Turning around I walked into the room.
Bella helped me out of my clothes and into the bath before leaving the room to guard the door. I let out a breath of fresh air as I sat in the wooden tub, my body fully submerged in the warm water. I quickly regained focus on my original thoughts.
Since I came here, I had completely forgotten to use what I already knew. The original plot of the book.
I rested my chin on my knees.
'That is easier said and done.'
I had no idea what to expect now. Especially because of the night of the festival…
That was when the Queen died.
The poison given to her by the 1st Concubine would have killed her by now. There would be a small scene where the main female lead (Charlotte) has with her love interest, but now.
The love interest was dead. And the Queen was qno longer poisoned.
I rubbed my head frustratedly. Would this mean I was in danger? And the Queen as well?
'No...nothing will happen to me, I still have Alastair as a backing. For the Queen…'
It was hard to say. The 1st Concubine could take advantage of her slow recovery and try again. But who was the 1st Concubine working with? I lifted my hand.
'The maids have been changed," I put a finger down. "It isn't possible for it to be the 1st Concubine herself…'
I clenched my hand. "Who poisoned the Queen???"
I let my hand rest in the now room-temperature bathwater. I only had a list of people to stay away from, but I still need to figure out many more things. Who did the 1st Concubine use to kill the Queen, who has framed the 4th Prince, And most importantly,
Who killed the 3rd Prince?
I slowly stood up from the bath, reaching for my towel, I grabbed it.
'For now… the only way I can get these answers is through the 4th Prince."
***
I studied diligently for the remaining week before the festival, there were many things I needed to understand about this place before I made my next move.
It was already the night before the festival. I couldn't help but feel slightly nervous, like something bad would happen.
"Of course something bad will happen…" I muttered. "This day was supposed to be the death of the Queen. But now…"
I shuddered, shaking my thoughts away. I couldn't imagine what would happen to replace it.
As I stood, I noticed a note that was slid underneath the door. I glanced at Bella who was brushing out the back of my gown. I looked at her.
"Bella, there's a note on the floor. Next to the door."
She paused, slightly confused.
"A note?" She wondered. Moving away from me, she bent down to pick up the small white card, handing it to me. I raised a brow.
"Can't you read it? It will be a waste if it's a prank." I said, turning towards the mirror to adjust my hairpins. Bella moved the paper closer to my face.
"Miss… this paper is….from a member of the royal family."
I whipped my head around to face her.
"What?"
Pulling the paper from her hands, Bella continued.
"They have a signature stamp that only they can use. If my guess is correct then...the letter is from-"
"The 4th Prince…" I said softly. My heartbeat sped up as my hands fumbled to open the letter. Bella was staring at me nervously.
"Come to where the lanterns are. I have a surprise for you." I read softly. "Signed by… The 4th Prince…"
I heard Bella gasp softly. A small smile played on my lips at the letter. I quickly stood, turning to face Bella excitedly.
"Bella. I'm going now."
"Mmh!" Bella nodded. "Be careful, miss!"
I waved at her before quickly rushing outside of the room, excitement bubbling in my stomach. I couldn't help but wonder, what is the surprise?
***
I arrived at the festival as soon as I could. My eyes widened in awe as I looked up.
Lanterns, lights, and stars filled the sky. A smile made its way to my lips as I watched. My mind quickly forgot any bad thoughts I had before. I slowly followed the lights. From afar, I could see a small opening, bright lights radiating from the hidden path. I slowly followed the path as my heartbeat sped up.
'What did the 4th Prince want to surprise me with?'
'Is he here already?'
'Is this the right path?'
The lights got brighter with every step I took, my nerves rising as I was fixated on finding what was at the end of the pathway.
Suddenly, the light disappeared. A frown quickly made its way onto my face as my footsteps froze. I looked around confused.
'W-What?' I thought to myself. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand. Something was telling me to get out of here. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed my mark radiating softly. My body tensed as I turned around to leave the now darkened alleyway.
"Where do you think you're going?" A scratchy voice said. I didn't bother tried to find out who it was and started running. My arm was grabbed roughly as I was pulled back forcefully, hitting the body of someone else. I squirmed and wiggled relentlessly, attempting to break free of their grip. A thick cloth was placed over my mouth and nose as I resisted. I froze and squeezed my eyes shut while holding my breath.
I started to feel lightheaded, and I knew I wouldn't be able to hold my breath much longer. Shaking my head vigorously I felt my hairpin loosen and tumble to the ground. My eyes started to feel heavy, the drug was taking effect. Through my blurred vision, I watched the mark dimly light up before my eyes shut completely, my body limp.
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(Author here! Thank you for reading this chapter! I hope you enjoyed!)