"Hah."
With a self-deprecating laugh, Arnold retorted, "I don't need anything like that. All I need is what is necessary to achieve my goals. Everything else can be eliminated, tossed aside on my way up."
"But, Your High—"
"I killed someone important to me with my own hands. If you get in my way, I'll toss you aside as well."
Theodore had told her that Arnold killed his own mother. Maybe that was what he was referring to.
"I don't know what you're planning with this Coyolles business, but…" Arnold laced his tone with cruelty.
"Don't make me get rid of you."
Rishe pressed her lips together, but not because she was afraid.
It's like he's pleading with me. Why?
If he truly only desired that which allowed him to reach his goals, why would he sound so plaintive?
Then, Rishe made up her mind. "I can't promise you that. Even if I become your wife, I'll still act for myself—for my own goals. I won't give that up even if it means you getting rid of me. However…"
Rishe thrust her chest out and declared, "Toss me aside all you want. I'll just come back."
"What?"
"If you drive me out and break our engagement, I'll just apply as a maid and come right back to this palace."
Arnold's eyes went wide. Rishe smiled, feeling like she'd pulled off a successful prank.
"If that doesn't work, I'll cross-dress and join the knights. If that doesn't work, I'll come here as an apothecary. I'll acquire any and all skills to allow me access and grant me the power to see you."
When she'd first come to this country, it was with the knowledge that she might one day be divorced and driven out. She had several strategies planned out to still have a life afterward. But right now, what Rishe wanted more than anything was to remain at Arnold's side here in the palace.
"So please don't worry. I won't let you get rid of me so easily."
As she made her declaration, Rishe came to a decision.
I know what I need to do for Prince Arnold.
She had to change his perspective, make him see new sides of the world. In order to do that, there were things she needed to show him. And maybe not just Arnold…
"I'm sorry, Your Highness."
Rishe reached out to him, took his face in her hands, and peered deeply into his eyes. She knew it was rude to touch him like this, but she couldn't stop herself. "I don't know the emperor. To me, these are not your father's eyes; they're your eyes. They may be hateful to you, but I'll say it as many times as I must."
She looked into that frozen sea and smiled. "I think you have the most beautiful eyes in the world."
Arnold scowled. She didn't want to force her own perspective onto him; if he truly despised his eyes, she wouldn't invalidate those feelings. But she wanted him to understand how she felt too.
The prince hung his head, putting his hands over Rishe's, wearing his usual inscrutable expression. It soon melted into something much kinder, and he said, "It's late. You should get to bed."
He gently removed Rishe's hands from his face. Rishe let go, although she didn't want to. She disguised her feelings by quietly telling him, "Good night, Prince Arnold."
"Yeah."
It was then that she realized she couldn't see the fireflies any longer.
Rishe went back to her own balcony and turned around, but Arnold had already gone inside his room. Her nightdress fluttered in the evening air. The night view seemed lonelier when she was gazing out at it without him.
He wanted to gouge his eyes out.
Arnold's words were replete with his animosity and disgust for his father. But simple discord between father and son couldn't explain the depths of Arnold's hatred for the color of his eyes.
Back in her room, Rishe went to her bed and took out the paper she'd hidden under her pillow. On it was the design of the ring Arnold planned to purchase for her. Rishe had spent several nights looking at it before she went to sleep.
Eventually, Rishe tucked the paper away again and moved to her desk. Checking the pocket watch she'd borrowed from Arnold, she picked up a quill.
**************************************
"I apologize for disturbing you so late at night, my lord."
Arnold's attendant Oliver bowed to his prince in his office. In his hands, Arnold held the document Oliver had just given him.
"It's fine. I was just about to call you to discuss this."
Oliver's brows scrunched; he hadn't expected that. "Are you planning to act? I'm aware of what needs to be done, but it's a bit premature, don't you think?"
"That's exactly why we do it now. He thinks the same way." Arnold said, his eyes cold.
"I've factored in the potential losses to my plan."