The Stranger Beneath the Crumbling Crown

Chapter 10: A Dangerous Game

"Are you paying attention?" I asked peering into the eyes of the prince. He quickly blinked looking away from my hair.

"Ah... uh... apologies Al... it seems I lost myself for a moment," the prince coughed into his fist. He moved his hand to the tips of my hair.

"I just can't get used to it...," Regulus used his hand to slick back his wispy golden locks, looking at me from different angles, while he mumbled. I sighed, finishing buttoning up his shirt. I could see his red cheeks. As of this moment I was still taller than him, only by a few centimetres. He had rather tall genes though, so it was most likely he'd be taller than me in a couple of years.

"Your royal highness," I tried to gain his attention back, but he seemed so focused on my hair. If he continues like this, cutting my hair would become a greater detriment rather than benefit.

"To be honest, it annoys me." Regulus held onto a bit of my hair. It wasn't particularly short in all honesty. My hair was medium length for a guy, and it was parted to the side. My hair was still neatly tied into a braid, although it was tied into my head now. I had tied the ribbon into the braid, and neatly strung it behind my ear.

"I suppose it's because you didn't even bother to tell me," his grip tightened until he was pulling on my hair. I internally let out a sigh, this shitty dog-like act is about to bite me back. His glare was childish and stupid, but I knew I needed to play along. Annoyingly enough I needed this foolish prince to give me every ounce of trust he has.

"My apologies... I thought the new change would be more convenient for you." Luckily all I had to do was pretend everything I was doing was for him. It wasn't any difficult task since I already had a reason set up.

"I guess I thought that my hair was getting in the way, I thought this would make things easier for your plan," I manipulated my words rather obviously. I needed him to believe he was in power. I was cruel and without worth so it didn't matter how I felt, the only thing that would matter was results. This... this was the only way to get results. My words were returned with a silence, I peered into his eyes. I'd be just fine. The prince let out a sigh, moving his hand away from my hair. He reached behind him, into his drawer, pulling out a red ribbon.

"You usually wear that worn down golden one, so I bought you a new one." He took my hand into his own, turning it over and gentle placing the ribbon within. It matched the tie he had also given me... red... a vibrant red matching his eyes. It felt more like a collar than anything else. I smiled a usual liar's grin.

"Thank you, your royal highness, I'll cherish it," my voice grew warm, as my eyes curled.

"Well... I'll go over what needs to happen once more," I spoke. The prince nodded his head in return.

"You'll be entering with your siblings, more specifically, your youngest sister... as per the plan I'll need you to leave her behind once your entrance is complete. You'll go chat with your brothers on the third floor, northside, and meet with The Treasured Consort in the gardens, and after I completed the necessary procedures I'll meet with you," I relayed the plan once more. The prince nodded his head.

"You'll most likely not see me, so if you need anything ask the other servants," I landed my eyes on his.

"And make sure to begin that as well... it's better to gain some favour with the nobility as well." I untied the golden ribbon in my hair, tucking it into my pocket. I still had to change myself for the ball.

"I'll see you soon your royal highness, be sure to watch your movements. The third eldest prince is quite the cunning and perceptive fellow, don't let your guard down," I bowed my head. I left towards the door. I was being too rude... I had to show a gentle smile. Based on his expression, he was beginning to become wary of me as well. Before I left, I turned my head.