The two girls smile at each other. Outsiders would be unknowing of this bond that will last from now to forever.
Meanwhile...
Maya sits in the carriage travelling to the Jun Empire with the knights all glaring at her. Most of the knights are the same as the ones who accompanied the princess to the Demigod Society Headquarters, so, of course, they knew the incident.
They really couldn't understand why the princess wanted them to bring along this traitor who even tried to kill her. Isn't she worried about being backstabbed? And wouldn't letting this traitor go first allow her to set up traps and do all sorts of stuff?
'The innocent princess must've been tricked,' all the knights conclude with pity and anger while shaking their heads, 'We must protect the princess well and kick out this back stabbing b*tch.'
The instigator of this whole mess sits at the side, feeling elated. Maya knew all the advantages and even more than the knights knew. After all, she actually knew the layout of the palace after working with Concubine Lotus.
'Hah, that princess is so naïve, to let me out. Even if she knows I would betray her, she will never be able to guarantee she can protect herself; I wouldn't let her anyways. No matter what she does, I still have my ultimate card. She would never expect that I know… magic…' she thinks with a foreboding smirk.
Violetta arrives at her last afternoon tea with Justine.
She walks gracefully towards the usual tea table, the wind blowing past her ears. The view is absolutely beautiful, as the season was changing to autumn soon. In the midst of the yellow and green leaves, blazing red hair shone bright, catching one's eyes.
"Justine!" Violetta calls out happily and cheerily, "How's it going?"
Justine looks up at her and waves laughing. She walks over to Violetta, bringing her friend over to the table.
Then, her carefree expression melts off, "Hey, I heard you were attacked twice at the Demigod Society and were in the infirmary. Are you ok?"
This one sentence stunned Violetta.
'She's not simple. She actually knew I was attacked by black magic,' she makes a mental note.
However, her facade never faded.
"Of course I'm ok! That's why I'm back!"
She then gives an innocent sorrowful look, "I'm gonna miss you when I leave for the Jun Empire tomorrow…"
"Don't worry, I'll give you lots of visits, and you can come visit me too!"
Violetta sincerely laughs and gives a brilliant smile.
She was a bit sour on the inside for deceiving her friend a bit. She knew that Justine is honest and a true friend. She has helped the original Violetta a lot, stirring her away from trouble, keeping her company, and allowing her to learn more about the world than she would by herself. To have such a friend makes her really grateful and happy about all the kind and good people in the world!
…
The next morning comes by quickly as tears stream down the Queen's face and a gloomy expression fills the King.
"I can't believe we're leaving our baby already…" he sighs.
"M-mother will accompany you to the border," the Queen says with tears.
The entire palace fills with gloomy and sad looks, some sincere and some fake… except for one indifferent expression… on the face of Leopold! Yes the heartless kid could care less about his younger sister, only being there to comfort Justine who is also tearing up.
Violetta's eyes water as she waves goodbye to her family, palace, her home for fifteen years. 'Even though I've 'matured' and all, it still feels bad leaving a place that I've been in for fifteen years with happy memories… even if only half of me experienced it.'
Violetta steps into the grand send-off carriage along with her mother, the Queen. The bumpy ride on the carriage -well actually not as bumpy to normal royals, but as someone from the 24th century, standards are very high.
The Queen sniffles, "Ah, ah! My daughter, you've grown so big now, and you're getting married, already. My baby girl…"
Violetta gives a sorrowful smile to the Queen, "Mother, I'll come visit. A lot okay?"
"Mmm! Yes, visit a lot! I will make sure to decorate the palace just how you like it."
The carriage ride continues, filled with many sniffles. Especially the dear honest servants around the Queen, and those who've seen the little princess grow so big.
However, Violetta's heart is still half ice, only melting a bit because of the motherly love and warmth, but never fully in the mood.
She pulls out a scroll, an official scroll exclusively for royals. Using a traditional feather pen, she writes in an extremely formal and professional cursive learnt by all royals.
"Oh, my dear, what are you writing?"
"It's a contract, mother. After thinking for so long, I decided that as my duty as Emperor Damien's friend's sister, I should not interfere with his responsibilities and daily activities. Therefore, I made this contract where we will both not interfere with private matters!"
"Ah, my daughter has grown up. That's an amazing plan!" she replies happily.
'Mm… not bad if I do say so myself but I'm getting rusty. The Queen is sharp. She definitely noticed something,' Violetta criticizes herself.
The Queen gives a sly smile, as if knowing what Violetta is thinking.
She then changes the topic smoothly, "Oh yes, we're getting close to the border."
Violetta looks out at the noon sun. Her eyes squint from the sun, giving an alluring effect.
Just as the sun shines on her, bringing her out of the shadow in the carriage, a dark color follows, contrasting the brightness.
As the sunshine caresses her hair, it turns dark. Black with a hint of purple, just like in her previous life. The sinister hint of dark purple completely tarnished Violetta's gentle appearance, bringing horror to the faces of the servants.
The carriage immediately stops.
The knights escorting the Queen immediately surround her.
"Answer, who are you?"