Never Ever

27

A chanting Meria seemed in a trance, but as Ever aimed a small spark of magic at her, the spell broke and the girl snapped out of it

Axel had just entered the room, followed by Romeo

Romeo: She's okay. She just woke up

Ever sighed in relief, but kept her gaze on Meria, who looked genuinely confused

Romeo: Lady Malice.. I don't believe it..

Meria: Your highness?

Romeo: You attacked our guest, our ally, were caught in the act, and you dare act all innocent!

Meria looked horrified, she covered her mouth with her hands: I - B-but I didn't do anything!

Romeo looked disgusted: Guards! Escourt Lady Malice to the dungeons

Ever kept frowning, there was that familiar hint of dark magic again, lingering in the background. It was very faint, but she definitely felt it
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Maya was recovering rapidly and Romeo was over wrought with worry over her. He couldn't leave her side for long

Ever: You know you should try to keep your distance for a bit..

Romeo: I never thought of you as unfeeling before, but now I do. How can I?! When the one I love..

He caught himself too late, the words have been uttered

Ever smiled at him: It's alright. I already knew. You know your highness, I wasn't trying to be cruel, except that, you giving up on her is what the enemy wants, I don't want or expect that to happen, but pretending to keep your distance might assure our enemies a little, that they are getting what the want. It might even lead them to be careless a bit, and slip up. I know you can't leave her alone, but just pretend, for a little while. Axel and I will explain everything to her. She loves you too, if you can't tell, and she will understand

He looked astonished, but finally nodded, reluctantly
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Ever kept her word, and explained the temporary withdrawl of the prince, ensuring that Maya knew his real feelings. The girl turned into a tomato..

Later on, the group, excepting Maya had a meeting

Ever told them about the faint trace of dark magic she felt

Romeo: That still doesn't mean that Meria Malice wasn't in on it

Ever shook her head: I still stand by my earlier opinion, Meria wouldn't risk anything like this, ever..

Romeo protested

Ever: I've seen her face, it was like she was in a trance and we've snapped het out of it, interrupting the curse. She looked confused

Axel said he'd also seen that

Ever: She might have been controlled..

Noire added in, dejectedly: It's not like it hasn't happened before..

He was remembering the time he was controlled..

Noire: I'm really sorry..

Romeo stopped him with a shake of his head: None of that..

The older guy sighed..

Romeo: I guess we're back at square one then..

Ever: Not exactly.. I'm certain of the source of dark magic being in the palace grounds

Romeo: Are you sure?

Ever nodded: Positive

Romeo sighed..
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ever went to visit Meria in the dungeons

Ever: Meria..

The normally snide, spiteful girl looked so scared, Ever couldn't help feeling sorry for her

Meria: Ever! I didn't do it. You have to believe me! I didn't do anything!

Ever: I believe you didn't do anything consciously.. Do you remember anything?

Meria slumped and shook her head: I went to sleep, and woke up with all of you you facing me, saying I attacked that human girl..

Ever: I see..

Meria looked at Ever again: You do believe me, right?

Ever nodded: I know thia wasn't your doing, at least not willingly. Don't worry, we will get to the bottom of this

Meria nodded and Ever turned to leave

Meria talked hesitantly: Ever..

Ever turned to her slightly

Meria: Thank you..

Ever only smiled slightly at her and left
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In a dark corner of the palace, there were a couple of people whispering

Man's voice: Tsk, tsk.. They have failed..

Woman's voice: I guess if you want something done, you have to do it yourself. I will enter the play field myself

Man: See to it that you succeed

Woman: Of course. Do you have any doubt of my abilities?

Man: No, but they're better than we thought

Woman: We can still make it, all is not lost..