Our vacation was short but it wasn’t fruitless. We had devised a plan for when we came back to the Empire. We had also spent this time getting to know each other more. We needed to pretend that we had become distant when we came back to the Empire. We can’t let our enemies know that we were on good terms. We have to make them think that I’m on their side. It’s easier to get information from the First Prince so I decided to go down that path.
We arrived back at the Empire. The carriage stopped outside my house. Before I left the carriage, I told Prince Shiro to be careful and to be wary when he gets back home. He kissed me before I left the carriage. I stood outside my house and I looked as the carriage left my view. I went in where my father was waiting for me.
“Welcome back, Hima.” He greeted me. I ran to him and gave him a hug. I spent the rest of the day talking to my father about what happened at the estate. Of course I left out a few details but he was m
I asked all of the servants when the last time they saw my father and they told me that they all saw him leave for court this morning. He never came back after that. Usually, he would come home before me but this time he's not even here yet. Could there be something wrong? I started overthinking about my father's whereabouts. Could it be that something happened to him? If so, who would target him and why? Could it have something to do with the Royal family? All of these thoughts ran amok in my head. I couldn't sit still and I paced the room."My lady, please calm down." The servants tried to calm me down but it wasn't working. I needed to know if the bad feeling I have in the pit of my stomach is related to my father. Although he's not my real father, I've treated him as if he was my real father. Just when I was starting to fully panic, there was loud banging on our gate. I came out with the servants and some guards. I asked them to open the gate and there I saw my fathe
I let my father rest before I decided to ask him questions about the night of his ambush. I made sure that he was well taken cared of and that he was in a calm state of mind so he could remember everything clearly."Father, how are you feeling?" I asked. He looked at me and smiled."I'm feeling better now, my dear. Stop worrying." He said to me. I couldn't stop thinking about what happened to him. They could've gone for me but why did they have to bring my father into this. I could feel my anger boiling up but I tried to stay calm. Nothing right can be done if I were to be angry. I calmed myself down and tried asking my father some questions."Do you remember what happened that night?" I asked. My father took a sip of his tea and nodded."Yes, I remember clearly although I will say this, I have no idea who those men worked for nor where they came from. I believe they were there to truly harm me. It wasn't just a group of bandits decidi
My father has been recovering nicely. As planned, Prince Shiro and I spread the rumors that my father was robbed on his way home from his duties and he got injured because of this. We made sure that the whole capital knew of what happened to my father. No one else apart from close family servants and Prince Shiro of what truly happened to my father. We did this to try and sound out the real culprits. They were after something and I need to find out what it was. 
After tea time with the Emperor, I went back home to check on my father. To my surprise, I saw the first prince waiting for me by the entrance of our manor. I quickly got out of my carriage and greeted him.“Greetings, your highness, the First Prince. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” I gre
The following day, I decided to meet with the First Prince. I needed more information about him and I needed to know what he knew. It was risky but as for now, this is the only way I could investigate without having to sneak around. I didn't inform him of my visit but I know that the First Prince will be delighted to find out that I am willingly coming to him. When I arrived at the Palace, one fo the servants offered to take me to the First Prince's room but I declined. I told them that I was familiar with the Palace and I know where I'm going. To be honest, I wasn't as familiar with the Palace as I thought I was. I only said that so the servants wouldn't follow me around. Maybe I could pass by the Emperor's study and see where the Empress hides the incense sticks she uses to poison him.As I was walking, I noticed that I was in a familiar part of the Palace. This was on the way to the First prince's room. There were no servants around but I could hear something in the d
After I visited the First Prince, I became more aware of the things he’d done. Not only was he responsible for the growing rumors about Prince Shiro, he’s also harboring ill intentions towards the Emperor. He’s willing to kill his father for the sake of the throne. But I have a feeling that he’s not doing it all on his own. I heard the Empress in his quarters earlier and I knew she was the one who’s pulling all the strings. I think she’s the one who wants the power. She’s just making it seem like it’s her son that will control everything. She’s treating her like a puppet.
“My lady, your father has been waiting for you.” One of the maids told me as soon as I got in our manor. I quickly went over to my father’s room and I saw him reading something and sitting up on his bed.“Father?” I called for his attention. He turned his head towards the door and whe
It’s been a few days since I spoke with Prince Shiro. I was so upset at him that I didn’t even try to explain myself anymore. He believed in all of those lies without even consulting me. I felt betrayed and I felt like my intentions were questioned. He knew I could never harm him or his father and I was doing everything I can to stop the rebellion. I knew I needed to prove my innocence and I would gladly do that even if Prince Shiro would never listen to me.