Ughcou- cough.

Are you alright?

Sezh nodded and gulped down her water.

If its alright with you, how about you start studying with Raytan at the library tomorrow? He often visits the West Library too.

Im alright with that, cough.

Well, she needed an excuse to get closer to him after all, and luckily Lises suggestion was helping her along. Meanwhile, Raytan seemed like he had no intention of listening to Lise this time around.

No.

Raytan.

Why should I become that kids tutor?

I am not a kid. At least mentally she wasnt, though technically, yes, right now she was physically in her twelve-year old body. Sezh parted her lips to respond, but Lise spoke first.

Raytan, dont say that

Lise wasnt able to finish her sentence since Orson suddenly burst into the room.

Excuse me, Lady Lise.

What happened?

The Emperor has asked me to bring you to him.

A strange silence fell over the small table. Sezh saw Lises beautiful face turn cold.

Alright. Please tell him that Ill be there soon.

I understand. Orson disappeared with a brief nod.

A strange aura loomed over the rooms remaining occupants. Of course, the atmosphere around them hadnt been very comfortable until now, but Sezh wasnt sure what to do with herself except look away awkwardly.

Im sorry, Your Highness, but I think we will have to end our conversation here.

Oh, I understand. Please dont mind me.

Could you wait here for a moment? I have something to talk to Raytan about. He will take you back to your palace once our talk is over.

You want me to go back with him? Sezhs eyes widened in surprise, but Lise just smiled back at her.

Lise rose from her seat and bade her farewell with an extravagant bow, so much so that Sezh briefly wondered if it was purposefully exaggerated. Raytan followed his mother out, leaving Sezh alone again. She was seriously starting to worry that she was going to lose her head today instead of in five years.

***

Lise was expressionless as she sat combing her dishevelled hair in front of her vanity table. She looked at her sons reflection in the mirror.

It seems like Princess Sezh is interested in you.

Ive never even thought about her. Raytan answered curtly, Not even once.

He meant it. He didnt care about that kid and whatever she did was none of his business.

You shall teach Kazaki to the princess tomorrow.

Mother!

Your answer?

No. Why should I take my time

Lise looked back at her son without a word. Her emerald eyes locked with his blood-red irises.

Shes Yerenas daughter.

Why does that matter?

I believe she will be useful someday.

Useful? That woman is the one who wants to kill mother the most in the Imperial Palace, and her daughter is useless!

That would be the case if the princess and Yerena were the same as the others, but she is not and you know it, right? They dont have a good relationship.

Raytan did know. Like him, Sezh was also infamous in the Imperial Palace but for a different reason. Yerena didnt love her daughter at all. Rather than embrace her, she would be angry with her all the time and would even go so far as to humiliate her in front of other people. Even Raytan was aware of how coldly Sezh was treated.

Although Yerenas family situation is like that, she holds the Imperial Palace in the palm of her hand. So, what if one day she dies?

If Princess Sezh also has the ability to hold influence over the Imperial Palace then it wont be hard to turn those who were in Yerenas group to me. Im sure there will be value in keeping the princess around.

Raytan nibbled his lips.

Wouldnt it be better to prepare thoroughly?

Lise smiled lightly. Then, she took something out from under the bed and handed it to her son.

Its your eighteenth birthday present. Do take care of it.

Raytan carefully unravelled the wrapping paper from the parcel. It was a sword. A sword of the finest craftsmanship that even the other princes didnt have.

Someday, things are bound to happen.

Raytan nodded.

Are you still going to visit the emperor?

I cant help it.The voice that came from her lips was cold. With an equally frigid indifference, Lise opened a drawer and pulled out a small bottle.

The light purple medicine within the small, transparent bottle was gleaming.

Lise opened the lid and drank it all in one gulp without any hesitation. Raytans expression darkened as he looked at his mother. After she placed the bottle back down, Lise turned her gaze back towards Raytan.

You are my only son, Raytan.

Now and forever. You must always remember that.

I understand Raytan answered her quietly.

Pleased with his response, Lise grinned.

Now, go and take the princess back. Remember to teach her Kazaki.

I understand. The small voice drifted from his lips. Raytan bowed politely before making his way back to the place where Sezh was waiting.