I calmly walked back to the palace because I saw all I needed to see. I didn't want any other thugs coming after me. When I reach the palace I find that it is deadly silent. I walk through the halls. I then see a maid. " Oh, dear! Those clothes. Come with me dear!" She yanks me by the arm then we calmly walk to my room. " So you see, traditional japanese clothing is only worn when there is a traditional party or the king has given you permission. I can tell that hasn't happened because, well, he is on vacation with Lady Liya and the Queen." I can feel the maid looking at me. I don't show any emotion. Things have always been like this. Liya getting all the attention and me being treated like a commodore in my own home. It's all the same. I smile to myself. It won't be like this when I get the throne! Anne is really talkative. I learned that soon. Her red hair and freckles. Bring out her green eyes. She's kind and only a couple years older than me. While I am 16 she is 22. " So let me pick out a nice outfit for you Lady Chiyoko." When she's done I look into the mirror. Not bad, not bad at all. It isn't some fluffy and spongy royal dress. A simple black and golden dress. It's easy to move around too. " You did a great job Anne. How about you become my personal maid and you get paid more than what you are now?" " I would love that, my Lady." I smile triumphantly. Anne was later assigned to be the Queen's personal maid in the Queen's chambers so if I make her my personal maid and make her completely loyal to me. My chances as queen will also be higher!" "Your highness, A guess has arrived. The duke's daughter, Asamine Equine!" Asamine. She was Liyas best friend up until her death. Then after she met Courtney they became best friends. Asamine was my worst enemy. In this life I have to befriend her. Ethan is her 4th cousin and later they become quite close like brother and sister. She plays a huge role. I walk towards the door. " Introducing Chiyoko Vaticana!" I looked down calmly towards her as she smiled. She bows down. " Your highness, I was hoping we could talk." She smirks and sinisterly smiles. I need to be her friend but I also need to watch out for her too. She is smart and quick witted. She can figure things out easily but so can I. Just watch Asamine. She followed close behind as we walked to the meeting room. I sat at the head of the table. " So Lady Asamine, what did you want to talk about?" " Oh your highness, no need to say lady. Just call me Asamine." " Asamine." " Thank you, your highness. I wanted to talk about friendship. I think that we would make very good friends." I smirked. That would make things a lot easier for me. " I wanted to ask what traits make a good friend for you, your highness?" " Well, a nice loyal friend. Someone who wouldn't leave me for family like cousins or sisters." etc I went on and on and was very specific. I couldn't have her becoming friends with Liya or Courtney. Liya's death would not take place until about 2 years from now. And Courteny, oh if she became friends with her that would ruin everything. Everything. She smiled, nodded and got up. " I think I can fulfill all of those. She put her hand out for me to shake. Would you say friends?" I didn't want to seem desperate. " Why should I accept?" " Because," she whispered, " I'll help you take the throne this time!"