Kaya walked back into her companion's room carrying a damp rag and was surprised to see her father sitting at the end of his bed, peering down at him with what must be contempt.
"Father?"
King Kojo turned. "Ah. Kaya."
Kaya removed the cloth that was on his forehead and replaced it with a new one.
"As you know, according to our laws, a daughter of the king must be married before her eighteenth." King Kojo said, watching her. "And I have finally picked the perfect husband for you."
Kaya almost dropped the rag and turned to stare at him. "What?!"
"Prince Xavier."
"What?!"
King Kojo gave a slight nod. "His father agreed that you two would be a great match. I'll make the announcement later today, I just thought I'd tell you beforehand."
Sure, Prince Xavier was handsome, but they had never been anything more than friends. At least...she thought. Prince Xavier couldn't have feelings for her...could he?
Kaya swallowed back her surprise, almost choking on it. "And what did Mother have to say about this?"
"She doesn't like the idea. But I haven't seen you talking to any other prince who's been trying for your hand." he raised a brow. "Is this going to be a problem?"
She needed to get out of there before her head exploded, but she wasn't stupid enough to leave the elf alone in here with him.
"No, Father."
King Kojo kissed her cheek. "Lovely to hear. The wedding will take place two weeks from now."
Kaya repulsed inwardly and held herself back from wiping her cheek with the sleeve of her dress. To hide these feelings, she smiled, "I can't wait, Father."
"I know you can't, my dear. Your mother will help you with the wedding preparations and designing your wedding dress."
Kaya nodded along.
When her father left, Kaya released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
Holy shit.
...
Master Lee was sitting in his study when a note slipped under his door. He rose from the desk and read the note quickly before shoving it in his pocket.
Princess Kaya and Xavier were back.
Interesting.
He left his room, locking the door behind him. He made his way through the halls, his eyes scanning around for a sign of the princess. He even asked any guards if they had seen her.
No luck.
Perhaps Luca would know.
He made his way toward the west wing and went up the steps to the room Luca and his brother were staying. He knocked on the door and waited a moment before it was opened by Foster.
"Can I help you?"
Master Lee smiled down at the child. "Would you happen to know where I can find the princess? I wish to give her a warm welcome."
"Oh. I'm not sure." Foster frowned slightly. "I think she may be checking in on her companion again."
"That's right. He was just released from the dungeons!" Master Lee chuckled and smacked his forehead. "My sincerest apologies for disturbing you."
Foster gave an uncertain smile and softly closed the door.
Master Lee hurried down to the infirmary where he found Kaya sitting next to a bed. He saw her lips moving as though she were talking to him but realized she was just singing.
He fluffed his clothes and cleared his throat before stepping into view.
"Princess."
Kaya looked up, the lack of surprise on her face was disturbing. "Master Lee."
"I heard that you had arrived and I wanted to come check on you."
"Is that so?" Kaya snarled. "And I heard that you were the one who murdered Millie and the one planning to murder my mother tonight at a feast."
Master Lee blinked. "I haven't the faintest clue what you're talking about, princess. I was the one who found Millie!"
"Hm. Fabian said otherwise." Kaya turned away. "I'm not going to kill you because I expect you to run away and crawl back to whatever rock you crawled from under."
"You dare-"
Kaya got to her feet, cheeks red. "Yes, I dare. Murderer. You were the reason the first elves were had here were dying off, either in their sleep or just killed in broad daylight." she took a few steps toward him. "And you know what's weird? You were the only person to have found the body."
"I had no part in that!" Master Lee snapped.
"Oh? Which is why that vial you supplied my mother with to give Nico was tinged with Poisonberry?" Kaya took another step.
Master Lee swallowed, holding his hands up. "How is that any different from you purposely getting the elves exiled?"
"Because I don't kill them. Unlike you, I give them a chance at life while you strip them of theirs. Don't you ever compare me to you." Kaya seethed, fists shaking. "I suggest you leave while you still can before I alert my father of your treachery."
Master Lee pounced but stopped when he saw a flame sprout from his chest. He screamed, dropping the weapon he'd been holding, and tried desperately to pat the flame away.
It slowly spread and Master Lee dropped to the ground but it was too late.
Kaya's nose wrinkled at the smell of burning flesh. She whirled toward her companion and saw that he had a hand extended in their direction.
His eyes were slits on his face.
She raced over just as guards swarmed in demanding to know what had happened. Kaya gripped the elf's hand in hers and tucked it back under the covers.
"What..what was he talking about?" he rasped.
Kaya shook her head. "Nothing you need to worry yourself about. It was just the ramblings of a madman."
He had beads of sweat falling down his forehead, and his skin was blistering hot. Kaya reached for another cloth and put it on his forehead.
"Everything's alright. Get some rest."