We negotiated for a while after that, but the boy never once opened up.

I left the dungeon without being able to persuade them. I should go to Vians place soon. It was already late.

As I was walking a little faster through the palace, Victor walked right in front of me with a terrible look on his face.

What? Why were you so angry?

I spun around reflexively and retraced my steps back the way I came.

Hey, wait!

Victors voice echoed through the hallway, and I could hear his shoes getting closer and closer.

Why are you chasing me!

Why are you running away?

Because Im afraid of your face!

As I turned around, I raised my voice. And then he quickly caught up to me. He grabbed my arm as hard as he could, and I yelled at him.

What do you want?

Have you already forgotten your promise?

I didnt remember making any promises to Victor. I tilted my head back. He sighed heavily.

Youve been sleeping in the cabin for the last few nights, havent you?

Yes.

Have you already forgotten what I said about sleeping in my room?

Ah!

Oh, I remembered that we had talked about that, and because of the amount of work I was doing at Vians place, it had all but slipped my mind.

I was so busy with my workload that there was no way I could remember going to Victors room.

Im too busy. Besides, I cant do that while Im dispatched to Prince Vians place.

Did you find out anything about that guy?

Victor asked me with a serious look on his face. I thought for a moment, then answered.

Hes hes a bit of a jerk.

A bit of a jerk?

Hes doing a lot of work.

He stiffened a little at my words. I continued.

He must be really talented to be able to do that amount of work all by himself.

Before I could finish, the look in his eyes changed, and he gripped my arm with tremendous strength. Strong enough to bruise, no doubt.

If you ever praise him again, Ill break your arm.

Why were you so short-tempered when it came to Vian?

Besides, I wouldnt lose in a place like this. I stepped as hard as I could on his toe. I jumped as high as I could and heel-dropped him until he was in pain.

He fell down on the spot while I crouched down and peered into his face.

This was what you get for not treating a lady with respect. You deserved it. Well, I guess a heel drop on a prince would definitely be more than enough for a death sentence.

You really are a brat to send me to Vian without permission and then get mad when I give you a fair assessment of him.

I said that, and then, ignoring the fallen Victor, strode over to Vians room.

I might be in for quite a punishment later, but Vian likes me so much that Im sure Ill avoid the death penalty.

I knock on the door of Vians room.

Who is it?

Its me.

I received no answer. Just as I thought about why there was no reply, the door opened with force. I dodged lightly to the side so as not to bump into the door.

Youre late!

With that, a slightly unhappy-looking Vian came out of the room.