The Imperial court is responsible for handling political affairs amidst Arcelia. With the Emperors most trusted advisors they shared secrets, spoke about rumors, and monitored their future emperor.

"Count Lennox," Marquess Vanderbilt spoke, he was a sophisticated man "How's the prince doing in his lessons?" His voice was rough as rubble, his frowning mouth made it seem as if he was sad or angry. He talked slow as a turtle but not fast enough as a hare.

"The prince seems to have not taken a liking to our everyday lessons, but fear not, with enough time, his highness will be comfortable enough to attend with enthusiasm." The count responded, "The prince seems heartless towards you, count. I didn't think you'd be able to scare a child."

"Watch your words, Viscount Yeratt. Don't act like you haven't being scaring more children than I have." The viscount gritted his teeth as Killian smiled innocently "Those rumors are nothing but mockery and lies!".

"Yet those rumors seem to speak of the truth more than your mouth ever has, don't you think so Viscount?"

"...Why you..." he muttered, clenching his hand into a tight fist.

"Gentleman stop with such foolish and useless arguments. Watch where you spit such words." Duke Atreus interrupted, but despite the duke's harsh tone, Killian remained smiling.

"My sincerest apologies, especially to the viscount." he bowed, then raised his head keeping his right hand near his abdomen "Seems I may have spoken too harshly. Please forgive me." The men turned their heads and began to whisper, catching the young count's attention.

"What a mouth he has. Especially for a count!"

"Indeed. But isn't he Aspen's bastard?"

"Keep your voice low. He's been staring."

Killian didn't seem bothered by the sudden whispers across the room, he'd gotten used to it, considering his father's reputation across the kingdom. Nobles were quite surprised seeing him rise to nobility at such a young age, even with his background, he had earned a title with that mouth of his.

Turning his gaze back to the court, he kept his confident smile on his face. The duke however, didn't really like the count. Even if he's heard good or bad rumors escalating around, he saw Killian as an intimidating and calculating person, as if he was a threat to the empire.

"Does the prince show improvement to his behavior?" the marquess asked, raising his thick white brow "I doubt such thing can be improved within a few days, my lord. It's even possible the prince is wearing a mask whenever he is around someone like me." The men hummed in agreement, the duke crossed his arms, staring at Killian. "Do tell," the duke replied, squinting his eyes at the count, "But, it is his birthday the day after tomorrow."

"It's his nineteenth birthday, I presume?"

"You presume correctly, Countess Hillary".

"Then, what is your point of bringing it up?"

Killian expected that question, making his shoulders relax a bit. He raised his head as his hair swayed to his shoulders.

"As the future ruler, it would make sense to get closer to the nobles he has yet to rule. He was having quite the trouble looking for a place to celebrate his birthday. He suggested the center of capital, and I agreed."

The room was filled with whispers and widened expressions, they turned their heads to the sides as they began to steal glances at Killian.

"The center of capital?" Viscount Yeratt spitted, in a mocking tone "Do you want the future ruler to dance with the common folk as they sing their songs about the gods?".

"I believe that if they familiarize themselves with their future ruler, he will learn of their situation and find a solution for them. As you know, the poor have been losing hope for the monarchy and within a few years, they'll obey the beings which they call gods. In truth, they must love the people they serve, no?" the whispering resurfaced as he finished his sentence, causing the nobles to stay silent once again. This was one of Killian's many tricks, he knew how to silence or even amuse the people above or below him. Who knows what other tricks the jester of court has to offer?

"My point being, is that to send at least someone in your name to the prince's celebration. To cut him some slack, since he's been preparing ever since he arrived. Send in your sons and daughters or maybe, even attend your selves if possible. Expect a letter from the prince after this discussion."

The nobles eyed the count, seeing he wasn't bluffing. And with that, the court was dismissed.

Killian walked the hallway, with a book or two in his right hand pressing them against his sides. He hummed a soft melody, his hair swaying as the wind brushed against it. His eyes glancing out the tempered glass windows, smiling and greeting passing maids or butlers, his black boots pressing against the smooth marble floor as he walked gracefully. His smile faded, and his feet stopped moving upon hearing someone behind him. With the corner of his eye, he tried to peak as to who would sneak up on him, if it was a rat, he'd kill it instantly. Maybe even feed it to the dogs he'd see around outside the palace walls.

As he slowly moved his shoulders to the side, he was greeted with the face of a young girl behind him. His expression changed a bit, seeing that it wasn't a rat but a young girl who wore that of a servant's clothes. His friendly smile returned once he had fully faced the girl.

"May I help you?" he tilted his head slightly, as the girl straightened her back seeing him. She had tan but smooth glowing skin, her black wavy hair was tied into a low bun, but strands of hair made it look messy, the cloth around her long skirt had soil and stains in them Killian guessed she was a servant from the kitchen perhaps.

"...My apologies" she stammered, dusting her clothes and keeping her hands behind her waist "I didn't mean to startle you or anything." Her accent was different, Killian showed amusement the more she spoke, "It's alright, do you need anything, my lady?" he asked, extending out his hand but she simply rubbed the back of her neck "I was actually wondering if you've seen a little boy run around here? He's about this tall, doesn't talk much but runs really fast."

"Are you his sister perhaps?" he raised a brow as he pulled his hand away.

"Ah, no." she replied waving her two hands, as she shook her head "I just happen to spend time with him. He always visits me in the kitchen, the cook finds it irritating so we'd often play in the gardens." Her sudden mention of the garden intrigued the count, "I can help you look for him, if you don't mind".

Hearing this, the girl's black eyes widened. "I wouldn't want to bother you, my lord! You seem like a busy person as well." She glanced over at the books in his hand, he took notice of it and hid it behind his back "These books have no importance. I have free time, so I wouldn't mind finding the young boy."

She smiled sincerely and kept on thanking him for his kindness.

"Quite late for me to ask but, what is your name?"

"Tara, Tara Taveras" she bowed, he nodded and stepped aside "It's nice to meet you, Tara."

The two walked side by side, with each room that they passed, they searched for the young boy but continued having a conversation. The more they talked the more Killian's suspicions made sense. Tara wasn't from Arcelia. She was a rather open and optimistic young girl, with such positivity, she was able to make the count laugh and smile a bit. Tara came from Kasar, the country known as the riches in all of Ataxia. She travelled to Arcelia to study and explore a bit, but she lacked money and so she switched job to job, so she could leave Arcelia within the year.

She had recently been hired as a cook in the kitchen for her excellent knowledge in her national dish and had possibly even served a local soup from her home country to the Emperor and the Empress. But Killian turned his eyes, knowing how the Emperor hated sour foods and possibly even spat the bowl.

As the two walked out of another room, to their dismay they did not find the young boy, Tara kept apologizing to Killian for wasting his time, but he assured her that he didn't feel annoyed. His eyes lit up and turned to her.

"How about we visit that garden you mentioned earlier?"

The garden was filled with all sorts of flowers and plants. Bushes full of sweet and ripe berries surrounded the stone pathway leading to a gazebo in the far corner, statues of cherubs and small horses can be seen beside a hedge or even around the rose garden. The sun's ray of light touched each leaf and petal, a gentle breeze caused flowers to dance and sway into its song. A tree stood out the most, with its strong and mighty trunk. It stood out between the rose petals and tulips. Its leaves whisking away as the wind takes them far from its branches. A slim hand was able to catch one fallen leaf, bringing the leaf closer to his face, he observed it twisting it between his fingertips. It was none other than the prince himself. His arm rested on his leg which pressed against his stomach, his free leg was rested against the soft and gentle grass to which he sat on. With his back leaned against the tree trunk, he smiled letting the wind take the leaf.

The prince would come here to clear his head, with the sudden change of plans he felt like he was being suffocated to death by tasks he had yet to finish. Lessons from Killian were also part of it.

It didn't take long for the prince to realize that the count was snickering to the court. He didn't bother wanting to open his heart and mind to him, knowing the tricks he pulls against the people he's around. Since all the nobles practically distance themselves from the prince, he was rather lonely. Aside from Albert, who was probably looking for him wondering where he disappeared to.

The prince was indeed popular amongst the ladies, but he had no intention of being masked as a 'womanizer' or 'lady's man'. The day after tomorrow would be an exciting one for him, he's waited to learn the teachings and stories of his people, he wanted to use that day for everyone to get to know him better than just having a pretty face and childish personality. He raised his head up and heard a young boy, weeping faintly. His lips turned into a thin line, as he kept silent, the boy sniffed and wiped his face, but more tears kept pouring. Avery had no choice but to get up and go over to the boy. He stood up and dusted his pants and sleeves, peaked behind the tree and stared at the sobbing child. He looked young enough to be at least five to six years old. His hair was fuzzy but not too short, the boy seemed to have scratched his knee a bit. The prince sighed and walked over, startling the boy as he knelt in front of him.

"Are you alright little one?" he asked, tilting his head making sure to catch a glimpse of the boy's face. The boy slid his arm across his eyes and looked away "I'm okay..." he muttered.

The boy was silent for a moment, the prince rummaged through his pockets and brought out a small bag with a ribbon around the end, keeping it from opening. The boy stared at the bag, wondering what was inside such a small container. The prince smiled faintly as he removed the ribbon, the small bag opened and inside were gum drops, all differ in color and flavor.

"I can't seem to finish this, so do you mind helping me eat them?" with that offer, no child would dare turn it down. And the prince knew of this, he was aware that not all children had a sweet tooth, but he took his chance anyways.

The two sat down beside each other, eating the gum drops as the boy kept his legs on the gentle grass. The prince shot a few glances at his knee, it looked bad, but it didn't seem to hurt the child. Or was it something else that made him cry?

"Your knee, what happened to it?"

"...I tripped" the boy responded rather quickly "From...running away..." the prince raised a brow and turned to the boy.

"Why were you running away?"

"...Someone, I know is leaving...I didn't know what to do so I just ran away. I don't want her to leave..." his mouth quivered, as he brought his knees close to his chest. The prince found this situation familiar to him, it was as if he was talking to himself all those years ago. He leaned a bit closer, as he rested his hand on the little boy's head. In a comforting manner, he smiled.

"I'm sure she doesn't mean to hurt your feelings when she has to leave. She still cares about you and I'm sure of it, if she's leaving then doesn't it mean to spend more time with her while she's still by your side?" Saying those words felt strange to him, but he kept his past thoughts away and focused on someone who also suffered the same as him.

"Spend more time with her, talk to her about what you feel as well. I'm sure she'll understand."

The boy stayed silent but felt warm hearing such words even from a total stranger. The prince lifted his hand from the boy's head and placed it beside him.

"I'm sorry if I bothered you..." he muttered rubbing his eye "You seem like a nice person, you remind me of her." The prince chuckled slightly, pressing his body against the trunk he smiled "I don't get much people commenting on my actions but thank you. It means a lot to hear that." The boy turned to the prince and grabbed another gum drop from the tiny bag "What's your name?" he asked.

"Raul..." the boy chewed on the sweet "What's yours?"

"Avery. It's nice to meet you, Raul" Avery said, extending out his slim and pale hand to Raul. The young boy took his hand and shook it gently, his hands were warm and small, fragile to say the least, as the two let go of each other hand, Avery glanced at his knee once again.

"Your knee is scratched up. I could patch it for you." he suggested but the boy shook his head "It doesn't hurt that much. It'll go away." His remark made Avery chuckle, "I see...but wouldn't a certain someone be worried when she'll see the wound on your knee?" Raul stayed silent and looked away.

"Okay...you can patch it. But please don't tell her about any of this!" he pleaded, Avery nodded, ripping off the edge of his sleeve, revealing his pale wrist. He learned a trick or two on how to patch up a wound, the doctor taught young Avery while fixing up a scar on his left ankle. After a minute, Avery had finished patching up his wound, Raul showed a little smile slightly moving his leg to each side.

"Does it feel tight?"

"No, it's alright" Raul smiled, Avery returned a small smile as well. The empty space beside Raul was taken by Avery. He was rather curious to know more about Raul's friend, judging by how he described her, she must be a kind old woman.

"This garden still is beautiful, no matter how many times I see it".

The two arrived at the garden, Tara beamed in excitement feeling the sun's warmth on the back of her palms, breathing in the cold but refreshing air. Killian wasn't too fond of flowers nor plants, but he recalled to a time when he and the doctor were young.

Barely even eighteen, young Aiko loved studying nature even in the academy he schooled in, he looked after the school's own garden as if it was his own private space. He loved helping his school mates and teaching them how to properly make medicines and herbs from scratch, on the other hand, young Killian was quite a troublemaker. Only wanting to cause ruckus in and outside the academy, he saw Aiko's interest in plants as boring and loathsome to the point he'd crush a flower whenever he'd see one. He hated the idea of beauty and saw it as a means of distraction. Even though the two were opposites, they were close. Killian may have found Aiko's hobby boring, but he did learn a thing or two on how to make medicine, with that teaching ,Killian kept a secret garden just beside his house. No flowers of course. Aiko learned a lot from Killian as well, even if they fought most of the time, they both knew that deep down. They enjoyed each other's company. Was it because they were just lonely? Yes, and even if that were the case, they would be lonely together. But fate isn't kind to others.

"Lilith's garden" Killian mentioned, snapping back from his recollection "I believe that's the name of this area."

"Mhm!" Tara hummed, clasping her two hands together as the wind brushed against her freckled cheeks "It was named after the late Empress. Although I don't know much about her, judging by the whispers that I hear. She seems like a good-hearted person."

"I wouldn't describe her as good-hearted." Killian mentioned, causing Tara to glance at him.

"What would you describe her as?" her tone was full of curiosity, Killian didn't like how he'd spit out words, catching the attention of others, their gazes deepened the hole inside his heart, with each word he'd speak everyone would be glancing and staring, full of curiosity. He soon grew used to the attention, he wanted all eyes on him. But at that moment, he wished he never spoke.

He shifted his gaze across the swaying roses to his side, despite not liking the flower. He knelt and picked one up. Admiring the flower, he twisted it between his fingertips as it spun around gracefully. The thorns pricked his skin with each turn.

"She was a mysterious woman. With such a high title, she was silent as a statue. Even moving around like one. But around her young son..." he chuckled softly "My, was she quite the chatter box..."

"Were you close with her?"

"Not exactly. I was a troublesome teenager back then. I've seen her during balls and gatherings, she seemed like a different person. But I'd catch her playing with her son, she showed a real genuine smile. You wouldn't know what she was thinking, if her expressions were real or not."

With the count's faint smile, his admiring eyes gazing upon the rose he picked, his dark yet smooth skin being warmed by the sun's rays of light. He looked vulnerable. He twirled the rose in his finger tips once again before tucking the flower behind his ear. Turning to Tara as she stared at him.

"Does it suit me?" he asked, with a playful grin.

"Oh, yes! It does! I guess it brings out your purple eyes." She giggled, making the count smile once more.

"Wear more brighter colors, Kil. It'll bring out your purple eyes."

The smiling count extended out his hand, words refused to come out, but Tara took notice of what he meant. She smiled and walked passed him, he followed her keeping a steady distance. Walking behind her, he took his chance and stared at her, he swallowed slowly as the more he stared. The more his eye brows began to furrow, she reminded him of someone, someone he once loved deeply till his heart ached seeing her go.

Tara resembled that person too much. To the point he was willing to keep his distance, afraid that he might do something that'll scare her away.

"Camille..."

The count calmed himself, inhaling and exhaling repeatedly as his gaze shifted to the stone pathway. Lowering his head almost made the flower fall, but he fixed it in just the nick of time. He raised his head up as soon as heard Tara yell as she ran, clenching her skirt tightly making sure she wouldn't trip. His gaze widened, as he saw the prince walking towards him. Tara had finally found the young boy she was looking for, and the prince was there with him. Tara embraced Raul tightly, resting her hand behind his head pulling him closer to her touch. As the two embraced each other tenderly, the count crossed his arms standing in front of the prince. But the prince did not look at the count, not at least once. His gaze was focused on the two, Tara hastily dusting off Raul's clothes while caressing his cheek. She told him not to wander off ever again, with her worried look, Raul hugged her yet again as he told her his feelings about her leaving. The prince placed a hand on his hip and sighed turning over to the count.

"I didn't to expect to see you here, especially since I know you dislike flowers." The count smiled, "As you can see, I assisted Tara on finding the little one. Thankfully, the Emperor wasn't around to cut off a servant's head, two of that in fact."

"Amusing." Avery sighed, rolling his eyes. Stealing another glance at the two, until he found himself staring at her.

So that girl was that someone, huh... she looks rather young, I can't believe I thought of her as an old woman. The prince's sudden chuckle startled the count. Her hands are dirty, yet she still cares about Raul's condition, he does look fragile enough to break, but he wasn't crying because he scratched his knee.

"Is that her name..."

"Pardon?"

"Tara. That's her name, right?"

The count's eyes widened, he nodded. He watched as the prince stared at the two. No, as he stared at her. It wasn't much of a surprise to Killian that someone would admire her, she was gorgeous in her own way. But he hadn't expected someone as the prince to take a sudden interest in her, was it because of her beauty or was it because of something else?

"Did you have your lunch?" the count asked. But the prince rubbed the back of his neck, moving his head in a circular motion, "It's way pass twelve to ask that but, yes. The doctor fed me these weird vegetables saying that'll make me feel better, but I've been feeling the opposite." He grunted, causing the count to chuckle "He may have the habit of not explaining things thoroughly but do not fear." The count found himself smile a bit. With this realization, he shook his head.

"What's with the flower on your head?" Avery asked, pointing towards it, "I thought you didn't like flowers."

I don't know myself.

"That girl over there gave it to me. It would be rude to refuse such an adorable gift, no?"

"I suppose."

"What's with your disliking towards flowers?"

"They're pretty."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment, or...?"

"I don't like them because they're pretty."

"I didn't know you'd be jealous of a plant."

"Shut up."

The prince stared at the two once again, he couldn't stop staring. Why? He didn't know himself. Seeing him stare at the two, the count couldn't help but open his mouth once more. "Do you find that situation, nostalgic, my prince?" the count showed his innocent smile once more, hearing the question, the prince clenched his jaw.

"...I don't know what you're talking about." His gaze shifting to the stone path they stood on, "You seem to find yourself a lot in the young boy."

"He was lost. All I did was help him, there's nothing nostalgic about it."

"I beg to differ, your highness. A woman who is utterly worried of a young boy wandering off around the palace, isn't it just familiar to you?" he was silent.

"Now that you mention it, I noticed the faint scar on your ankle. Did something happen to make you wear such an ugly scar?"

The prince couldn't stand anymore. He wanted to say something, but no words would come out, his hands trembled the more he stayed and heard Killian's 'innocent' voice. He shifted his feet and walked away, not looking back. Seeing him leave Tara walked up behind the count holding Raul's soft hand. "Was the prince busy? I wanted to thank him..." Tara said, her eyes shared a concerned look, catching the count's attention, "Ah, yes. He had something important to attend to, you needn't worry."

"Are you sure? He seemed to be upset about something."

"I'm sure he's alright. He was just being childish about something I mentioned."

Dark clouds covered the once bright blue sky, losing the warmth it brought to passing folks. The wind blew harshly with rain drops following it, it was rather sudden for the weather to change. Hopefully by tonight, it'll pass.

Thunder echoed across the empty hallway, the sound of heavy boots clacking against the cold marble floor as they passed each room until they stopped and stood in front of a room near the end of the hallway. With the strike of lightning, their face glowed in the darkness of the empty hallway. Killian Lennox gazed outside the pouring rain, his black hair resting against his shoulders, his sleeves passing through his slim fingers, and his visible neck line.

He didn't move an inch aside from his chest that slowly rose up and down. His lifeless expression made it seem like he was in another world, as the thunder echoed across the hall way his trembling hands was clenched to a tight fist.

"Killian?"

"Killian?"

The doctor's wide-eyed expression caught the count's attention, Aiko stepped forward making Killian flinch. He looked away, holding his arm tightly, trembling in the cold, he stayed still but Aiko didn't.

He took another step forward towards the trembling count and wrapped his coat around him. Covering his cold shoulders, Aiko stared at Killian as he adjusted the coat.

"What are you doing out here?"

"I could say the same for you." Aiko answered, adjusting the sleeves.

"I couldn't sleep." He glanced away. Aiko stepped back a bit, placing his hands inside his pockets.

"Oh?"

"Is that all you have to say?"

"Well, I couldn't think of anything else-"

"Just answer my question, I already answered yours."

"I couldn't sleep either."

Killian's eye twitched as he gripped the coat, seeing the unbothered look in the doctor's eye.

"Liar. You sleep more than I do."

"Where'd you get that information?" Aiko raised his eyebrow and rubbed his left arm. Killian rolled his eyes and glanced away out of irritation, but his expression softened, wondering if he should stay any longer out here especially with him. Contemplating whether to stay or go, he sighed.

"I should get back to my room." Killian mentioned, catching the doctor's attention. "With my coat around your shoulders?" the sudden mention of the coat made Killian remove it from his shoulders, he threw it to the doctor, covering his face almost immediately.

"You didn't have to give me that damn coat. I didn't need it anyway."

"I was just trying to be nice." Aiko muttered.

"I don't need your kindness. Goodnight." The count shifted and turned around, clenching his fists together as he left the confused doctor behind.

"Wait."

Killian stopped walking.

"I visited the prince in his courters a few moments ago. He seemed upset about something."

What...?

"I was wondering if you knew something about it." The doctor continued, with a determined look in his eye. Killian slowly shifted his posture and faced the doctor from a distance.

"Do you, care for the prince?" Something was bothering Killian since he last saw the prince. The way the bandage was wrapped around the little boy's knee, the scar on the prince's left ankle and those weird vegetables. His suspicions rose once he learned that the late empress was the one that hired Aiko to be the royal doctor. The reason why he left the academy at a young age.

After a minute of silence, he spoke. "No." But Killian knew there was more, "I care for him as I am his doctor. But as someone more than that..." Killian knew the doctor more than anyone, he knew him long enough to know that...

"I don't see him as someone I care about deeply." He did care for the prince. More than his job, more than the title. He'd risk himself for anyone and he'd do it without hesitation. And Killian knew, how easy it was to use someone like Aiko. Especially since, he knew of how the late empress passed away.

The rain poured even harder as the two stared at each other, even if no words were being heard. Killian knew Aiko was lying, even under his stoic appearance. It felt good seeing him again after so long, took him years for his father to pass down the title of 'count' onto Killian but after four to five long years. He was able to see his best friend, but at what cost did it mean to break such a perfect friendship? No, it wasn't perfect. Which was why, blood had to be shed.