I was thinking of breaking the contract for Max's safety if I ended up getting involved with the crown prince or the princess during the banquet. That was why I was refraining from any actions that would cause him to develop false hopes, although… I ended up accepting his gifts.

The hairpins Max gave me dazzled under the small chandelier in my room. I couldn't take my eyes off of them as their beauty reminded me of the person who gave them to me. Observing the accessories, I decided that I would make sure to let nothing happen during the coronation ceremony. Once I was safe, then I would…

I began fantasizing about my love-filled future for a moment. However, fatigue soon overcame me, and I was forced to drift off to sleep.

***

It was midnight when Max returned to the imperial palace.

"Your Highness," Victor bowed before bringing a man with a gag in his mouth.

"Let him talk," Max ordered, his voice apathetic. Once his subordinate released the gag, the crown prince began his interrogation. "Who sent you?"

The captive smirked in response. "Her Majesty has sent me to kill you off, you dirty butcher…"

Max kicked the man—once, twice, then many more times. Appalling screams filled the room. Eventually, he stopped the beating and asked the man again. The hostage was now bleeding from his mouth.

"All these years, she has never sent me an assassin in this manner. It isn't like her to be so obvious, so stop with the b*llshit and tell me the identity of your master."

***

The day before the banquet, Beatrice was busily moving around the palace hall, making sure that everything was flawless. Decorated with velvety red curtains and tablecloths adorned with gold, the hall was indeed gorgeous. Not only that, red roses filled the atrium, adding a fragrant scent.

Satisfied, Beatrice exclaimed silently. 'It's perfect!'

"Red and gold. What a terrible taste," a voice insulted just then. Beatrice frowned at her stepbrother who had been following her around the whole day, meddling in every little thing she was doing. He was donned in his black armor, resembling the devil he was. She couldn't understand why he was trailing her everywhere as he was usually locked up in his room.

Frightened, the princess' maids took glimpses of the crown prince. Realizing this, Beatrice spat out, "Dear Brother, if you have no intention of helping, please leave."

Max glanced at her for a moment before opening his mouth. "Why don't we have a little chat?"

"I have nothing to discuss with you," she flatly rejected.

Grinning, Max urged, "Well, I do. Follow me."

Beatrice couldn't gauge what had gotten into him. Normally, he wouldn't even care to say hello. It was peculiar that he was suddenly sticking his nose in her business. Nevertheless, she quickly realized from him standing around observing the banquet hall that he would continue to bother her if she didn't oblige.

'Ah, that wretched man. I will have to kick him out of here sooner or later,' she thought in irritation. She however realized there were others around and answered elegantly, "Sure."

The two walked down the corridor of the palace for a while. That was when Max turned to her. "You," he called.

Beatrice couldn't believe it. How imprudent could he be? Standing with her hands on her hips, she glared at him. "What do you want?" She showed that she was vexed on purpose, but her stepbrother did not seem to care.

'Why did he bring me here?' she couldn't help but wonder. After all, she didn't speak to Max much. The few times they had were not fond memories.

"You better keep your distance from your mother if you don't want to die," he would threaten occasionally. Before, Beatrice couldn't say anything as she had been afraid of his menacing atmosphere, But now, she was confident that she would be able to argue with him head-on. She decided she wouldn't back down this time.

That was when Max finally spoke, "Do not leave the palace tomorrow if possible, and don't even think about drinking."

Thoroughly aggravated, Beatrice scoffed. She realized that he had brought her here to quarrel with her after all. "Why? I guess you've poisoned the wine or something?" her eyes shone with hostility.

Although they were siblings, they had been enemies since birth. They were far from cordial—in fact, it was fortunate that they hadn't sent assassins to each other yet.

Staring into the fiery eyes similar to his, Max sighed. "Don't blame me later for not warning you," he said dismissively.

Watching him turn away, Beatrice muttered under her breath. "You lunatic! How dare you curse my coronation ceremony!" She was enveloped in an ominous feeling for a moment but was suddenly reminded of Jubelian.

Wearing a soft smile, she hoped that the lady would find the preparations agreeable.