The Royal Curse

One - People Never Learn

Senna Aldorban

After the tenth time of Kace slamming the door in my face, I've determined a few things.

Firstly, Kace adored me. Whenever he called me a nuisance to society, it made my womanly heart melt. Maybe it was because of the pent of fury I felt, but that couldn't possibly be it.

Secondly, the media seemed to have a growing interest in me. After last month, when the world found out he got married to Odaya de Mertaire, they wanted to know why the infamous party boy Kace Holland was spending time with my wonderful company. When I went to explain my complicated situation, Kace laughed and shoved me behind a barrel of potent beer. I think it had something to do with the fact he was drunk, but who knew?

Thirdly, Kace Holland was a sneaky little roach. Did he honestly think I didn't notice the increased papers on his desk? Every time I coincidentally ended up in his room for stirring trouble, I'd note down the tiny changes. A specific paper, in particular.

Lord Idrice Astley. Known for his pitiful ruling over the southend of Entorre, but also known to be good at winning support. Charismatic and faker than the rumors of Nicholyn Holland being alive.

Unfortunately, he was also good at hiding his worldwide weaponry circle. He'd sold over forty million weapons in the past five years to countries that I didn't even know existed. Our treasurer had compiled a complete report on Idrice and his son, Rafe Astley. Nothing came up for the son as far as we knew.

If Lord Idrice Astley was able to hide a global exchange of weaponry, what else could he be illegally selling around? That I planned to find out. If it meant taking down Entorre's government in the process, then so be it.

Packing my bags, I shoved aside my dignity and got ready to go to Kace. He'd probably be in the library or talking with the secretary of economics, so I'd start there.

Or rather him to come to me.

"Princess Senna!" a loud voice yelled from beyond my door. "Open it right now!"

"Coming!"

"Right now!"

Shoving my bag under my bed, I hopped to the door and swung it open. From head to toe, Kace was dripping. "Oh my. Whatever happened to you?"

"My guards... You know what, never mind. I'm not dealing with you today." He spun on his heel, then spun back around. "This is why—"

"—women stay home. Whatever. So when are we going to the southend?"

"In an hour—Wait, no, you're not coming. Don't make me lock the door again." He stormed away, and I pranced behind him like a drunk cheetah. "Be a good girl and go away."

"Just because you locked the door doesn't mean I couldn't get out. Remember?" I cooed, riling him up.

He didn't stop marching. "I'll make sure to bolt the windows and place extra guards." He shuddered just remembering what I had done that time.

"You do that."

Kace paused, jerked his head back, and muttered, "What are you planning to do this time?"

"A lady never tells her secrets."

"You are no lady."