Do you dream of me in the next life?

Chapter 16: Teatime disruption

Violet cried into her bedroom pillow. She turned from her face down position onto her back and hugged the pillow.

"Why did I..."

***

"Sorry Sweetie. I'm too busy to hang out today. Maybe next week?"

"You said that last week! And the month before that. When can I be with you?"

Lucy took out her tele-crystal. She was about to speak until she looked through her window and saw Alice with someone else at the castle entrance.

"Let them in, I want to hear them out."

"A-Are you sure my queen?" questioned Charles.

"Absolutely. Please bring them to me."

"As you wish." he sighed.

Violet was speechless. She stood there open mouthed, then her lips quivered and her eyes shut for a moment. Tears rained down her face.

"Y-You pinky promised. Remember? A promise must be kept...you taught me that."

"I know..."

"Why can't we be together like all those times!? When we read books together, played hide and seek, or when we danced to music?"

"Because I am queen! As queen, the people of Illusha have expectations of me. I can't ignore my responsibilities. You have responsibilities as princess to study. One day, you'll be queen-"

"Who cares about responsibilities!"

"Go to your room!"

"You can't tell me what to do! You're not my mother!"

Lucy was shocked. Violet felt surprised and ran into the hallway. With tears in her eyes, she saw Charles with two strangers. Then she ran into her room.

***

"...Why did I do that!?"

Violet rolled back and forth in her bed. Eventually, she slowed to a stop and sat up.

"Maybe I'll read that book again."

***

Three Nightmares were running. A Nightmare signaled them along the way, avoiding the patrolling guards as they hid behind the topiaries. When the group approached the castle, one of the Nightmares tossed a grappling hook onto the roof. They swiftly ascended. The last Nightmare tapped the grappling hook away in their magic. Then the leader of the group donned his hat and took out a handheld mirror.

"How do I look?" said the leader.

"Great!"

"Like perfection itself!"

"Oh, stop," he took rope out of his magic and tossed part of it to them. "Alright, don't mess this up. I know not everyone can be as beautiful as I, Cortez! But this plan must not fail."

"Yes sir!"

Cortez walked across the roof. When the two Nightmares were ready, he jumped off facing them.

***

"How about this? Nope. Maybe that one? Nah..." said Violet.

Cortez was beside the window. He peeped over and saw the princess.

"Hmm...could it be over here?" she turned around and headed towards the window.

Cortez smirked. "Showtime."

***

"Stay back! Or else." the Nightmare growled.

"H-Help me!" whimpered Violet.