Stitched Heart

Chapter 16: Spilling Tea

Dinner was silent, it was awkward. Gradient really didn't know what to say. She saw the Princess... the one who had attacked her brother and kept on whining for Crescent's attention. She made her blood boil. She did not know where this hatred came from. It was worse than the day she had tried to hurt her brother. Why did she even want to be queen so badly?

As everyone was heading to their beds, Crescent, Gradient, and the princess had fallen a bit behind. She had tried to start a conversation with Crescent, which encouraged Gradient to grab Crescent's hand and pull him along. And as a final unnecessary yet strange desire to do so, she smiled back at the princess and stuck her tongue out.

That night, Gradient slept with questions to herself.

✩•̩̩*˚ Gradient˚*•̩̩͙✩

The morning sun shone gently, warming her body up as she stared out the window. The trees slowly swayed from side to side. Birds chirped and flew around. There were no sounds of trotting through the halls. No sounds of guards training in the early morning. Or carriages arriving or leaving. Just peace and quiet.

Gradient could get used to this. But her life was in the castle, she was royalty. Maybe she could escape... live a life that wasn't of royalty. She knew she'd have to work for long periods of time to even survive. But at least she would be able to do something. Instead of being treated like some kind of outstanding being. Yes, she liked the attention, she wouldn't deny that. She loved it but still. After a while, it oftenly got boring and tiring.

Something touched her. Making her whole body freeze up and move away from the window. She looked behind her to notice a drowsy-looking Crescent. He smiled softly, his eyes closed as he did so. He looked out the window, admiring the visual granted by the land.

Both relaxed against each other's warmth. Feeling a bit tired yet comfortable. But those feelings didn't last long. A knock on the door immediately made both of them move away from each other. Crescent looked at Gradient wide-eyed, he seemed to have finally completely woken up. And seemed more alarmed.

Gradient just straightened herself up, looking at the door as it opened. A soft yet annoying creaking sound was made by it as it was open. There stood King Nightmare. He didn't seem very happy but he gave a quick smile as he glanced over at Crescent. His serious face came back as he looked over to the still-sleeping StarDust and Miyako. He breathed in and out tiredly.

"Wake those two up, and then come down for breakfast" Nightmare ordered.

Crescent immediately fixed his posture and walked over to Miyako and StarDust. Nightmare looked over at Gradient before walking away. Heading down the hallway towards the staircase.

Gradient slowly drowned in her thoughts again.

Why was Nightmare in such a bad mood? Or at least seemed to be

What was going on?

When would they go back to the castle?

What would all the other princesses and princes think after they had disappeared?

Biting her bottom lip in worry. Gradient didn't notice her brother talking to her. Raising suspicions on those around her. Luckily she snapped out of it quickly. She changed quickly in the bathroom. Grabbing a dress she found in the closet. She had asked Miyako, the princesses had said it was okay. Even she grabbed a dress from there. Both took turns in the bathroom. Before both headed together to the dining room

On the other hand StarDust had just entered the bathroom to change, and Crescent was still choosing an outfit. Both didn't seem happy with seeing each other. Crescent seemed more confused than annoyed, StarDust looked furious.