The sunlight spilled gently across the courtyard.

  It was the kind of warmth that made even marble seem soft. The air smelled faintly of jasmine and rain-washed stone, and somewhere beyond the walls, a fountain whispered quietly over its own reflection.

  Mary sat at the center of it all - a small white pavilion surrounded by a ring of clear water, the bridge leading to it arched and narrow. She looked completely at peace, a porcelain cup balanced delicately in her hand, her other resting on the book beside her.

  A book that seemed awfully familiar.

  Where have I seen that book before? Leather with gold embroidery - expensive.

  I sat opposite Mary, attempting the same posture.

  The tea was good. Maybe too good. I was halfway through a sip before realizing I’d been holding it like a child holding medicine - stiff, cautious, and very aware I was being watched. I wasn't used to such an atmosphere, and I was like a duck lost in a swarm of swans.

  I cleared my throat. “So-”

  Her gaze flicked up, and that single expression was enough to shut me down.

  “What did I say?” she said, voice smooth as glass.

  I blinked. “Pardon?”

  Her brow arched ever so slightly. “You can speak soon. Not now. Let me enjoy my tea while it’s still warm.”

  My smile strained a bit, but I held it and nodded, lowering my cup.

  “Yes, your Highness.”

  She gave a faint hum of satisfaction and returned to her cup.

  The silence stretched. Only the sound of the water and the faint chirp of birds filled the air. I tried to keep my posture straight, but my thoughts refused to stay still.

  Mary said this was a good opportunity for me to learn 'proper noble etiquette'. I don't see a reason to but I played along nonetheless...

  But since when did she sound so authoritative?

  Was it the events from last week? The shock? Or maybe she was always this confident, and I was just a bit blind due to the stress of the previous days.

  I frowned slightly to myself. Truth was, I hadn’t known her long enough to say what she was really like. But I was beginning to get the feeling she didn’t have much left to hide.

  …Or maybe she was secretly a demon.

  “Damian.”

  Her voice snapped me back to reality.

  “Yes?” I said quickly.

  She sipped her tea before glancing at me over the rim. “Stop thinking so loudly. Your face gives away everything.”

  I furrowed my brows, my smile almost collapsing. “Since when were you so good at court politics?”

  A smile ghosted across her lips - soft, amused, just a hint of pride. “Who said I wasn’t?”

  I exhaled quietly. “Fair point, your Highness.”

  She tilted her head, studying me with that same composed amusement. “You’re more expressive than usual,” she noted. “For the past week, you looked like a stone fish.”

  I smirked faintly. “Stress tends to do that.”

  “Understandable,” she said, setting her cup down with quiet grace. “Still, you’re welcome for my help. Your quite lucky, you know?”

  I raised an eyebrow. “And you’re welcome too. For getting you out of the cage you so detested.”

  Her eyes flicked up to mine. For a moment, neither of us spoke - then we both laughed softly, the sound echoing over the courtyard water.

  I took another sip of tea, savoring it this time. “Whoever made this deserves a medal.”

  Her smile deepened. “I did.”

  I blinked, then with slight shock I gave a genuine compliment. “It’s nearly as good as the café I go to.”

  Mary’s eyes narrowed, her smile thinning. “Almost?”

  I froze mid-sip. “I - I meant they only get extra points for effort, not quality. Inferior leaves, terrible water. If we’re judging purely by skill, your tea is… well, heaven and earth.”

  She nodded, satisfied. “Good. Your flattery's getting better.”

  I sighed inwardly.

  At least she's in a good mood. Hopefully she's not the bipolar type.

  Then, more seriously, I set my cup down. “In all seriousness, you’ve shown capability I didn’t expect. I underestimated your intellect and determination. That was… demeaning of me, to put it lightly. I apologize.”

  She regarded me quietly for a moment, the sunlight catching in her golden eyes. Then she took a measured sip of tea before saying, “Apology accepted.”

  Her tone was calm, but her gaze softened slightly. “And I should apologize as well. For being… hostile, when we first met. It was not personal. It’s simply how I learned to survive.” Her lips quirked faintly. “The Capital isn’t kind to those who trust too quickly. Especially among royals.”

  I nodded. “You have, what - ten siblings?”

  “Eighteen, actually,” she corrected, smiling faintly. “Though only seventeen are still alive.”

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  I grimaced. “That must be… difficult.”

  “It was.” She stared down into her cup. “After my Divinity manifested, the Church claimed me almost immediately. I was pushed into the line of succession before I could even read the word ‘succession.’” Her eyes softened with a distant sadness. “My uncle - the Regent - was the only one who made sure I survived long enough to grow into it. Without him, I doubt I’d be here.”

  I hid the grimace that tugged at my mouth.

  Of course it was him. The snake of snakes. I bet he's a real pain in the ass on the political stage.

  Mary continued, voice steady but thoughtful. “I’m third in line now. Two of my older brothers, the first and third princes, hold first and second - years ahead of me, both in experience and alliances. But… I’m learning. And with the backing of the Church and my Uncle the Regent, I only lose out because of how entrenched they are in the politics of the high court.”

  I leaned back slightly, studying her. “Seems like you're a new threat - and one they'll take very seriously. His Majesty the Emperor would be paying a lot of attention to you - but so would they.”

  She gave a faint smile - not proud, not humble. Just aware.

  “I'm aware of that fact - unfortunately. I was a mere nameless child to my father before my awakening. My Uncle pays me more heed. Not to mention my elder brothers. The Third Prince has his hands in the military extensively, and the First Prince has both the majority of the high court, and now the Imperial Navy in his hands which his Majesty granted him six months ago. Which has angered my Third brother deeply.”

  Mary shook her head, and sipped her tea with a stern expression.

  "I'm a mere fledgling to them for now, so they'll focus on each other for a bit. I plan to gather power in the meantime, and consolidate myself under their noses."

  I furrowed my brows. “It seems like you’ll have hell waiting for you when you go back to the capital.”

  Mary’s lips curved, calm as ever. “I imagine so. All the meanwhile, I’ll be attending the Aurelis Academy as well.”

  That caught my attention.

  I looked up to find her studying me, an almost childlike spark flickering behind the practiced serenity in her eyes. Excitement, though it was hard to tell.

  “And you?” she asked. “You’ll be attending too, won’t you?”

  I nodded slowly. “That’s the plan. But isn’t the next semester still three months away? Maybe a bit more?”

  “It is,” she admitted, setting her cup down delicately. “Which is why you should apply now.”

  I tilted my head, my eyes gleaming with slight suspicion. “Why are you so invested in whether or not I go?”

  Mary coughed lightly, straightening her posture. I watched as the teasing calm melted from her features, replaced by something regal - precise, deliberate.

  “I suppose,” she said, “we should move on to the real reason I asked you here.”

  She adjusted her seat, lifted her chin, and folded her hands on the table with elegance that seemed rehearsed - not because she was faking it, but because she’d done it all her life.

  Then she spoke - formally, her voice taking on a commanding grace that almost made me forget we were sitting in a courtyard surrounded by flowers.

  “Damian,” she said, “who has no family, by my authority as Mary Magdelene, Seventh Princess of the Empire and third daughter of His Imperial Majesty, I formally request-"

  Marys eyes gleamed with something between excitement and nervousness.

  "-that you join my faction.”

  I blinked.

  Huh?

  Then blinked again.

  “Wait. Are you trying to recruit me for your bid for the throne?”

  She coughed, just slightly, her expression flickering between pride and embarrassment. “For lack of a better term… yes.”

  I leaned back in my chair, letting out a long, quiet sigh. “That’s quite a troublesome thing to ask. You do realize that aligning myself with a royal faction would make me a target for about half the Empire’s noble houses - and a convenient pawn for the rest.”

  Mary nodded, perfectly composed. “Especially since you’re such a recluse.”

  I gave her a flat look. “Thanks for the addition.”

  She smiled faintly. “You’re welcome.”

  I raised my eyebrow. "And should I ask why you want me in your faction."

  Mary smiled. "Your a Veilwalker to start - one who inherited a wandering pathway - thats already unheard of. Not to mention your accolades so far at such a young age. Your personal attributed aren't to be looked over. And..." Mary scratched her cheek, her eyes averting mine. "...other reasons that I won't bore you with."

  I got slightly suspicious at her expression, but chose to ignore it for now.

  “I suppose,” I said dryly, “this is the part where you tell me what’s in it for me.”

  Her smile widened. “Correct.”

  My eyes gleamed with greed.

  Yes, fatten up the pig. Lets see what you have to offer.

  Mary leaned forward slightly, her tone turning smooth and diplomatic. “First - full scholarship to the Aurelis Academy. All expenses paid.”

  I nodded, pretending to consider it.

  Five percent.

  She continued. “Second, you’ll be provided a permanent residence in the capital - fully furnished, and quite… luxurious.”

  Thirteen percent.

  “It would include isolation enchantments - soundproofing, privacy wards, the works. Something I know you'll appreciate it.”

  Eighteen percent.

  “And, naturally,” she went on, “being part of a royal faction would grant you considerable political access. Networks of power, information, alliances-”

  I interjected lightly, “I was planning on rising through the political ladder myself, but this would speed things up considerably.”

  Thirty-eight percent, since I'm feeling generous.

  Mary kept listing the benefits, her words flowing with practiced ease. I only half-listened, quietly increasing the imaginary percentage with every offer - seventy, eighty, ninety… until she finally exhaled and leaned back, watching me expectantly.

  Ninety-Eight percent! The piggy is satisfied.

  “Are you satisfied?” she asked, a mix of amusement and exhaustion slipping into her tone.

  I nodded, smiling faintly. “You've definitively sweetened the deal.”

  She looked somewhere between tired and annoyed. “Good. Then-”

  “I suppose we just need to sign something?” I said. “Contract, blood oath, declaration of servitude-”

  “Wait,” she said quickly, holding up a hand. “There is… a small complication.”

  I froze. “Ah,” I said flatly. “There it is. The catch...”

  “It’s not as bad as you think,” she said quickly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s just… due to your current lack of noble standing, your formal induction would appear suspicious. Not to mention the amenities I'm affording you.”

  “I’m listening,” I said cautiously.

  She hesitated, then cleared her throat. “So, until your rank is elevated, you would need to serve publicly as my Ecclesiarchal Assistant.”

  I stared at her.

  Blank. Silent. Processing.

  Then it hit me.

  “You’re telling me,” I said slowly, rubbing my eyes, “that I have to work for the Church? As your assistant?”

  Mary winced, voice small now. “Personal assistant, yes. But only temporarily!”

  “Oh, wonderful,” I muttered. “So I’ll be juggling academic work with holy service. That’s not going to end horribly.”

  She looked genuinely worried now. “I know it’s asking a lot,” she said softly. “But once I ascend the throne, I can offer more - titles, lands, authority. This is simply… what I can offer now. Given your station.”

  I leaned back, closing my eyes for a moment.

  She doesn’t know.

  That not only would I be in bed with the church, but I would also be a double-agent for the Inquisition.

  The risk is unfortunately - massive.

  The answers probably no, but I'll give her the respect to give it some thought.

  I opened my mouth - but then she reached forward - and gently took my hands in hers.

  Her palms were warm. Delicate.

  When she pulled away, something small slipped into my fingers.

  “I sincerely hope,” she said quietly, meeting my eyes, “you’ll give it some thought before you decide. I leave in a week.”

  Her voice was polite, but her eyes said more.

  Urgency. Worry. Concern.

  I nodded slowly, rising to my feet. “Then I’ll think on it.”

  I bowed slightly - the kind of formal gesture she liked - and took my leave.

  ---

  I didn’t open my hand until I’d reached a quiet alley, the sounds of the courtyard long behind me. The paper was thin, folded tight enough to be hidden in a handshake.

  I unfolded it.

  The handwriting was hers. Careful, deliberate - but the ink trembled slightly.

  I’m sorry. I’m most likely being watched.

  You must know - when you and I locked gazes in the church…

  your right eye was pitch black.

  I stared at the words for a long time, the breeze catching at the edges of the note.

  Then I folded it back up, slipping it into my coat.

  The sunlight suddenly felt colder.