Separate Crowns of One Heart

Twėnty-Ønė

"Gods, I missed having braids so much!" I run my hands over my new tribal hairstyle, loving the feel of the braids' bumps under my fingers. "Thank you so much!" I call after the two maids who were with me for the past couple of hours working meticulously to make sure my hair was nothing short of perfect. And they are! They bow once more before hurrying out.

I return to the looking glass, appreciating the way the braids bring out my face and eyes. The only thing that the braids make inconvenient is wearing a crown but good thing we leave for the woods tonight and we won't be back for a few days-- that way i will not have to force the crown on my head while my head is still tender.

"Hey, Warrior Princess," the Prince calls from where he has been pouring over books at his desk. "Please leave some conceit for the rest of us." I shoot him a glare, making him laugh. "I'm only joking. I would be just as self centered if I looked that good in braids."

My glare transforms into a flattered smile. "You're damn right, my prince."

His laugh is cut short by a knock on our door. "Enter."

The door opens, revealing a skittish servant that I have seen around but never spoken to. "Y-you have a v-visitor , Your Highness."

"Tell them I'm busy," the Prince answers without looking up.

"I w-was talking to t-the p-princess." The servant turns to me, one of his brown eyes murky. "You h-have a v-v-visitor."

"Well, tell them I am busy too." I ignore the Prince as he looks at me with annoyance.

"It is M-Miss. Camille K-Katron," he says. "She is w-waiting in the s-sunroom."

The Prince lowers his book and slowly stands, eyes glued to mine. I just stare back at him, confused at why Camille is here to see me. We have nothing to converse about unless she does not intend on using her words...

"We will be there," the Prince tells the servant who wastes no time leaving.

"Do I actually have to talk to her?" I ask him. "Why are you making me talk to her?"

"Because," he comes from behind his desk and towards me. "She hates you and I'm sure that I am right behind you on that list so I want to know what it is she wants from you." He scans the array of crowns and tiaras atop my dresser and picks the most imposing (and heaviest) one.

"Should I also don the matching jewelry?" I ask, fiddling with the crown he's placed on my head.

"Yes."

I shove his hands away from my arrangement of jewelry. "I was only joking. I'm not dressing up for Camille." In the looking glass, I adjust the crown. At least it matches my gown. "Come on. Let's get this over with."

Taking his elbow like always, we leave the suite looking like the perfect image of happily married royals. The sunroom is not close to our suite so it gives me some time to prepare to see the Fem who's made it her life's work to torment me. We stop just outside the room, a fraction of all the light that feeds in from the large windows escaping into the hall where we stand.

From here, I can see Camille sitting on the cream colored armchairs. Her hair has been taken out of her signature twists and pulled into a knot atop her head. She fidgets nervously with her dress, waiting for our arrival.

I take the first step into the sunroom, the warmth from the sun outside already seeping into my skin. It takes Camille a few ticks to notice me until the Prince steps in behind me and clears his throat. She stands up from her seat, facing us. "Camille--"

"No." Her green eyes meet mine and stay there. "I will only talk to you. If he is here then I will leave."

Does she think I care? Does she think I want to talk to her? I look up at the Prince to see what he wishes to do. His face hardened as he stares at his former lover. "I will just be outside."