Page 56 of The White King's Favorite

Tessandra’s eyes went back to her cousin, but Cessilia’s expression had gone back to being neutral. In fact, as she stepped away from the window, her eyes looked a bit lost, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.

“...Cessi?”

“I know what I will d-do,” she announced, visibly happier.

“Really?”

Cessilia nodded, and her smile made Tessa smile too. Although that Jisel woman was clearly a thorn in her cousin’s heart, she knew Cessi wouldn’t be so easily defeated. She hadn’t decided to come here all on her own, for her first time abroad, just to give up.

“Alright, the barbecue will have to wait. Come on, Nana, there’s probably more of this castle to see, and if we can avoid more annoying people on the way, that would be great.”

“They are allowed anywhere!” protested Nana. “It’s not like I can avoid the places they would go, I have no idea...”

While Tessa kept teasing her, the three women kept walking, seeing more of the incredible place. Yet, Cessilia’s heart wasn’t there this time. She was already focused on the upcoming banquet, and what she would do to get to the King’s heart. She knew the odds would be against her, the foreigner with little to no power here...

“Lady Cessilia! Lady Te-... Tessa!”

The shouts came from behind, and the girls turned around, spotting the poor Counselor Yamino running in their direction. The old man was having a hard time carrying himself at the speed he wanted, all sweaty in his toga and out of breath.

“Uncle!” exclaimed Nana, running to him.

“Why are you ladies so... hard to find?!” he mumbled, out of breath.

“We were t-touring the c-castle,” said Cessilia, walking up to him too. “What is g-going on?”

“It’s poor Yassim!” blurted out the old man. “His Majesty had him locked in the dungeons this morning!”

“What?! Why?”

“I’m not sure, but His Majesty was very upset with him for bringing the Princess. I had thought he had changed his mind, but this happened this morning! I came to find you to let you know, but... I don’t think there’s anything to be done, sadly.”

“He can’t leave Counselor Yassim there!” exclaimed Nana, panicked. “It’s such a scary place...”

“At least he’s not condemned to death,” Yamino shook his head. “I think he intends to leave him there until the end of the competition...”

“He’ll only release him if Cessi wins?” grimaced Tessa. “I’m not fond of the old man after he lied to us, but it’s not worth sending him to a freaking dungeon...”

“I’ll t-talk to the K-King.”

They all turned their eyes to Cessilia, who was standing there, calm and resolute. Nana went completely white.

“No, no, no, Lady Cessilia, that’s not a good idea at all. Especially if His Majesty is mad...”

“Where c-can I find him?”

“Who? The King? Lady Cessilia, no!” protested Yamino. “I came to let you know, not to have you killed or locked away too!”

“Nupia, t-take me t-to His Majesty,” ordered Cessilia, ignoring them.

After a hesitation, the servant bowed and turned away to guide her. Nana and her uncle were both still shocked.

“No...” Nana blurted, visibly panicked. “She’s going to get herself killed! Lady Tessa, I’m not kidding!”

“Don’t worry, Cessi isn’t kidding either,” chuckled Tessa. “Trust me, she’ll be fine. You might as well try to stop a dragon...”

Chapter 7

Nupia led Cessilia through the castle, the others following behind her in silence. As they approached the King’s apartments, things became strangely silent. Not just in their group, but the atmosphere in that area of the castle was noticeably different. It seemed as if all the people working or living there were deliberately avoiding those corridors and, thus, abnormally quiet. It was also one of the highest floors, and as it became more of a large tower, the windows were showing both the sea and the archipelago, and the rest of the Kingdom on the other side.

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