Royally Ours (Yandere x Reader)

Chapter Thirteen

"You know," the princess began as the three of you prepared to ride back to the castle. "I heard about that stunt you pulled, Ashe."

The prince snorted, "You'll have to be a bit more specific than that, dear sister."

She frowned, "You're involved too, (y/n)." you felt your blood run cold. Does she know? How did she figure it out?

"Ooh, what did she do? Has (y/n) been a naughty maid?" the prince clasped his hands in excitement. His behavior was unsettling—why would that be so interesting to him? And how did he not instantly realize what the princess was referring to? You felt sick. You were going to get punished.

"Are you seriously that dense?" Emeline scowled. "I know you sent that letter. You know that's not allowed."

The air was still for a minute as Ashe processed the words. He was a little dumbfounded—how did she know? He was extremely careful—for your sake if nothing else. He took note of your wide eyes and quivering form, and he quickly put an arm around you, "Aw, Em, you're frightening her. You know it's my fault, not hers. Don't be cross with the maid."

Emeline took a few even steps towards the two of you and tilted your head up. You couldn't help but meet her gaze; she made sure you kept your eyes on hers. "I'm not cross. There's just something (y/n) should know," she began. Even though the princess denied her anger, you could see the fire that burrowed in her mind. She spoke to you now, "The decisions I make are thought out and thoroughly considered. I didn't refuse your request because I wanted to—I refused because it was just too risky. Incarcerated staff can't send letters because there's a very good chance that spies from other countries would be imprisoned for the sole purpose of spying. I doubt you are a spy, but the punishment for communication beyond the castle walls is imprisonment—and possibly an elongated sentence. Is that what you want?"

"No," you almost stuttered shamefully. Words were getting stuck in your throat, both from anxiety and from genuine guilt, "I'm sorry."

The prince pulled you towards him, "Seriously, Em, lay off. I did this—if our parents find out we can blame the whole thing on me. We can even say I wrote the damn thing as a joke, ok?"

She sighed, "I'm not really upset with (y/n), but I couldn't allow either of you to think I didn't know or that I would sit idly while you made stupid risky decisions. I am aware that the person most at fault here is you. Unfortunately, I can't get you in any trouble without incriminating our dear maid as well."

"I understand," you said dutifully. You didn't regret sending your family a letter, but you do wish that you didn't have to break rules to do it. "I'll refer to and adhere to your advice from now on, your majesty."

She nodded and softened her gaze, "Good. Let's go back to the castle, I want to spend my last couple of hours with you in the study." Her heart warmed at your words considerably. She knew you were a good girl and a good maid. It took very little for you to understand a concept—she admired and enjoyed that. Emeline often found herself in the company of people who would argue and disagree for hours on the dullest of subjects, so for you to be a maid with enough sense to understand her made the princess joyful.

"What about me?" the prince gaped. "I rode all the way out here to be with you two, and now you want to go off without me?"

"Is that seriously all you have to say to me?" the princess frowned. She had expected an apology, at least.

The prince didn't reply, though, because in a swift motion he had yanked you onto his horse and began riding at an irresponsibly fast pace. You were on the horse for a good moment before you processed what had happened, and now your back was pressed against his chest. He was laughing.