"What about his brother?"

Hildebrand turned to the doorway, where Mathazar had suddenly appeared. "Forgive me, Your Highness. Prince Eliezer has just been informed of some... rather upsetting news."

"Is that so?" Mathazar raised an eyebrow. "May I have a word with my brother alone, Sir Hildebrand?"

"Of course, Your Highness," Hildebrand responded, before promptly leaving the room.

The secondborn sat beside his twin and pulled him into a firm hug. "Welcome back, Eliezer. It is good to see your again."

"What troubles you this time?" The younger then inquired, before letting out a chuckle. "Honestly brother, I seem to be asking you this much too often recently."

Eliezer gave his twin an uncomfortable glance. He wanted to tell him everything, but knew that he could not until he was sure of the truth. He missed the times when he would trust his brother fully, when he was absolutely convinced that Mathazar would be there for him no matter what. It hurt him to know that this was no longer the case.

"Ever since I have started seeing Lady Omrea, to be exact," Eliezer pointed out. "I am well aware. It would seem that the more I learn about her, the more I doubt her intentions, although I do not wish to."

Mathazar waited for a moment, expecting an elaboration, but it did not come. It was not often that Eliezer would be this brief with him. This caused him to wonder what Allister had been telling him.

"Are you suggesting that it would have been better if you had never met her?" Mathazar asked.

"I desire to deny such a thing, but if I were to be absolutely truthful, I do not know the answer to that."

Mathazar nodded knowingly. "You are most definitely in love, brother. I can only advise you to be aware of anything that may influence your judgement. Do keep in mind your safety and the interests of Dainia."

"That I shall. Thank you, Mathazar."

That was when Robynne turned up at the doorway and address Eliezer. "Your Highness, the king and queen are currently available to speak with you regarding the agreement with Sorene."

Eliezer nodded. "Thank you, Robynne, and pardon me, brother."

Once the crown prince had left the room, Robynne spoke to Mathazar. "It was the butler. He knows everything, and he is the one providing Prince Eliezer with the information. Thankfully, your brother is still hesitant in believing that you want him gone."

The younger prince scoffed. "Of course his is, I have been much too good to him. I have also frequently been hearing the Red Robin's name lately. It is best that she do not show her face for the time being. I am unsure of how easily you would fold if you ever get caught, but it is something that I do not wish to find out."

Robynne looked hurt. "I would never, Your Highness. Do you doubt my love for you?"

"There is no reason to be absolutely sure of your true intention, is there?"

The maid shook her head. "I see that you and your brother are similar in one way. Neither of you think yourselves capable of obtaining another's love, or deserving of it."

"Would I be wrong to think in such a way?" He then looked her in the eyes. "What would you do for me if you could not have me?"

He smirked at her silence. "Just as I thought. Is this truly love then, which you speak of?"

The prince stood without another word and walked past her out of the room, leaving her to herself.
[hr]
The following day, Eliezer took the letter and thanked the servant before she walked out the door, nearly brushing shoulders with Hildebrand as he entered. He watched as the prince sliced the envelope open, and waited for a minute before speaking.

"A letter from the lady, Your Highness?"

"You are right, Sir Hildebrand. It says here that she wants to see me again, and that she has a gift for me. How... adorable," Eliezer commented, feeling slightly guilty for his condescending attitude, though, it was only natural to question what kind of gift would amuse a prince, who basically already had everything.

"It would be courteous to accept," Hildebrand pointed out.

The prince stayed silent for a good moment before saying something else. "I am not ready to see her."

"That has never stopped you before, Your Highness. I have observed that you have no issue putting on a pleasant front regardless of how you truly feel-" The knight then cut himself off when Eliezer suddenly turned to face him, realizing that his statement might have possibly caused offence. "Forgive me, Your Highness, I did not mean it as an-"

"It is true, is it not?"

"Your Highness?"

"You may be frank with me, Sir Hildebrand. How apparent is it that my demeanor is... studied?"

The knight shifted uncomfortably. "It is... quite so, Your Highness, only up close. Before I became your personal guard, I had always wondered what truly went on inside your mind."

Eliezer nodded. "It is strange that I had managed to convince myself that it was who I was. Nobody seemed to mind until she came along, and compared me to a 'doll'."

"Considering that it is how she currently knows you, I doubt that there would be an issue if you decide to meet her soon. Also, she might grow suspicious if you avoid her for too long. I do believe that you are safe, at least for now, but I shall still be close by should you require my assistance, Your Highness."

The prince took a deep breath and agreed. "Well then, I believe that I should write her back."

Hildebrand smiled and nodded as he turned to leave. "May I suggest having it delivered with a little gift of your own, Your Highness?"
[hr]
The letter from Eliezer would arrive with an elaborately-wrapped pink rose stem, and it would read as follows:

[i]My dearest Raven,

I trust that you and your companions are doing well. Your gesture is much appreciated, and I would like to inform you that I am available the day after tomorrow at noon. I hope that you shall not be opposed to meeting at the lake west of Dainia Palace once again, for I recall that you had enjoyed your time there previously. I eagerly await your response.

Best regards,
Eliezer of Dainia[/i]