Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

I stare at Alexia. Her look is piercing and cold. My mind scrambles to find words to explain the situation, but nothing comes to mind. Alexia is clearly more skilled with words. Which hurts.

Chapter Text

„Yes father, I can in fact survive on my own for 3 weeks"

My father was standing in front of me, a frown on his face. Worried about his 19 year old daughter spending 3 weeks alone (as if you can count a Castle with over 100 maids and guards alone) because he has a meeting in another kingdom.
„We both know our ideas of „surviving" are very different. You're a rebel,and I can't let you destroy our reputation while I'm gone"

There it is. The loving father I've been looking for in this conversation. I roll my eyes, looking at my brother, standing next to me, before directing my view back to my father. My brother has always been more obedient to my father,while gossiping just the same about him with me behind his back. „Well I promise that I won't destroy the most important thing to you,I swear to our goddess Nyx." I put my hands together in praying manner,though a little mockingly. I may believe in our goddess,but the way my father talks about her is just from another world. Though if anything this just made him more unsure of me.

„Well I'm not sure Nyx would approve of this promise,which is why i myself made some preparations. I hired a bodyguard for you James"-he turns to me-„and I will be sending you to a boarding school,to make sure neither of you do anything I wouldn't approve of." My hands fall to my sides in shock,meanwhile my brother already regained his words: „You hired a babysitter for your grown-up son and you're sending your daughter to kindergarten?" The audacity this man has.

„No, I hired a professional to keep my children safe from peasants and assassins, and the boarding school is to teach you everything you need to know for your life as princess while making sure you finally turn more obedient." The harshness in his voice is not to overhear. Me and James share a look of annoyance. To protect us? He did to keep us from rebelling, and we all know it. My father makes his way back to his throne to signal that this conversation is over. Without bowing I leave the throne room,hurrying to my room.

Chapter Text

Violet
„Who does he think he is?! He can't just send me away to be a housewife!" I'm visibly shaking with anger as I shout the words. James is sitting on my bed fiddling with his shirt. „I know. I'm sorry Violet." I take a deep breath.

„No,it's fine I guess. How are you?" He sits up straight. „Well there go my plans of spending this time with my boyfriend. Without having to hide him in the closet I mean." I smirk „Ironic that he has to hide in the closet,when you're the one who hasn't come out yet." James is foolishly in love with his boyfriend Michael,a cooking apprentice. But we both know how homophobic our father is. Another reason for why he's just such a good parent. Not that our mother was better,but at least she pretended to like us.

I walk over to the big window next to my bed. It has a view over the castle garden,displaying the flowers that I picked. Gardening is one of my safe havens. It's the one thing my dad likes about me,which is why I've thought about putting the hobby down,but I just like it too much. But then again I'm already confused on why I picked it up in the first place. I focus onto the gates. The gates to the „outside world" how my father calls it. Our kingdom, Ascylla. I've only passed those 9 or 10 times for longer than 6 hours.

„Hey look,someone's coming inside." I call my brother over. „I think that's your new guard." I point to the figure riding through the gates. They're wearing shiny armour,which looks straight out of a book for guards-to-be. They take of their helmet,revealing wavy brown hair. „Did father actually hire a girl for this job?" Our father is sexist,but he's weirdly never had anything against female guards,as long they weren't born royalty. „Seems like it". Oh and it did. She's stunning. Her long hair is reflecting the sunlight just right to make her hair look golden. Her curves can be guessed under the armor and, from what I can see, she's confident. Damn my type.

„Stop gauging your eyes out at the sight of my not so freedom." James' voice snaps me out my trance. „Sorry bout that." I turn away from the window,resisting the urge to look at her again. „She's just so pretty." „Well if that's the case why don't you make her your guard." He said it as a joke,but the sentence gives me an idea. „You're right. We should do that!" I continue explaining at his confused gaze „I'll take your place! I'll pretend to be you! And I'd say you take my place,but I don't think you'd like to spend the next weeks with hundreds of other princesses,so why don't you just...leave?  I doubt the boarding school will notify father." I expected him to hesitate but he just nods,taking it as a chance to run away with his boyfriend. He's always been looking for one,since they got together.

Not that I hadn't wanted to either,but father has always been watching me a little more carefully. I don't even know why,I've only questioned his authority like 7 times. In the last month.

Chapter Text

It's just a new job,like any other.

Except this one is in the royal castle. Protecting the prince. On behalf the king. But nevertheless,I have to treat it like a normal job. I get off my horse,as elegantly as possible in this armour. The suit of armour has always been more of a symbolic thing for me than an actual thing I use while working. I can't wait to take it off,but first I'll meet the king. Luckily it won't be a long meet-up,since he's already ready to leave. I've never been a fan of introductions when talking to people with authority over me.

I hand my horse off to the worker who let me in, before making my way into the castle. It's spacious and basically screams Wealthy! The doors to the throne room open and I enter with a quick pace. I fall to my knees infront of the king as a gesture of service. I'm never gonna get back up. „Alexia Jupiter, your majesty. I'm the new guard." He stands up and takes a step.

„Ah yes, welcome. You must be tired after such a long journey." Without even a short break to answer he continues: „Your job the next weeks will be to keep my son from getting hurt or causing trouble. I do not want any messages to reach me while I'm gone,so if something happens that requires my attention regarding my son,you have failed your job. Understood?" „Yes sir." I will not be letting this chance go to waste. He nods with acceptance before leaving the throne room,leaving me kneeling In front of the throne. My suit of armor weighs a lot. How am I gonna get up now?

A guard was nice enough to help me up,he clearly understood the struggle. We introduced ourselves and Phil helped me find my new room. „This is it. You have the key,right?" I nod and unlock the door. The room is small,but not empty. A bed, a wardrobe and a small couch. „It looks nice,thank you. Oh,and who's room is the one next to mine?" Phil points to the door diagonally across from mine. „That one? That's usually the princesses room,but because yours is here,James will live here until the majesty is back." The door has flowers painted along the edges,making it look like vines climbing up the doorframe.

Phil leaves,but not before giving me a timetable for the meals,as well the lessons of the prince. He also gives me a bag with the usual uniform I have to wear. It's a somewhat casual medieval fit,with many pockets and a few protection layers. I pin the timetable to the wall over my bed after putting my things away. I plop down on the bed,admiring all the decorations I put up. I wish I could've brought more, but the space is barely big enough to hold all necessary furniture, so I just did the best I could with what I have. I stuffed small plant pots in every niche I could find,and used the sideboard to store my sentimental stuff. That also includes a family photo, so that I can see my mother and younger sister everyday. Hopefully I can see them soon.

Chapter Text

Violet

„Looks Good,right?" „My dear sister,you've never looked better." I lightly push James. I put the scissors down,and admire the new haircut. His hair may not be that short,but I still had much longer hair than him, even with the (luckily) same hair structure. But obviously the bodyguard would notice if I looked much different from what she was shown. So I just.. cut it. Hair has never been much of an important thing to me, which may have resulted in a few dye-accidents. Tho it was definitely worth it if I remember the look on my father's face. As if I had just committed a felony.

He comes over,having picked up the box he just brought over. „These are some of my clothes,the ones I wear the most. Anything else would be too suspicious at the start. And make to always keep your hands where they can be seen. Dad taught me to never put them into my pockets, so that would be a dead-giveaway." I take the clothes from James. „Damn, what hell of a rule is that?" James just shrugs and lets himself fall onto my bed. „You should really go downstairs now,aren't you supposed to meet your new crush?" „My new bodyguard,And fuck im late." James shouts after me: „And I don't curse!" I sprint downstairs, my mind spiralling about everything that could go wrong,but before I can even think twice, I've reached the throne room.

I push the doors open,while scrambling to remember everything James explained about his characteristics. I keep my hands by my side,move my head a lot without looking up and probably walk horribly stiff. As my father has already departed, our head guard is supposed to do the introduction. Shortly before running into him, I stop and actually look up,which was probably a mistake. So close-up to the girl of my dreams and my entire played shyness wants to fly out of my body and let the bad pick-up lines commence. But I just take a breath and direct my breath back to the guard.

He steps between me and the brown-haired goddess. „James, this is your new guard Alexia Jupiter. Alexia,this is the prince James." Alexia bows down „It's an honor to meet you Sir." „Thank you for accepting this job." Her formality annoys me already but I can't correct her here in front of the head guard. Marcus is nice,but reports everything to my father. I learned that on the hard tour. How was I supposed to know he'd tell my dad that I had thoughts of „lesbianism."

Marcus explains some further rules; I have to check in with alexia once I woke up, I have to check in with her before going to sleep, that she has a spare key to my room, blah blah blah. Basically all I heard was that she'll accompany me like 100% of the time. Which on its own isn't that bad, at least every time I look at her it isn't, but that won't help if she's a person like my dad. He did hire her after all sooo, who knows? Before I know it, Marcus walks off, leaving me to take the initiative and figure out if I actually like her enough to not just runaway.

„Should we go to my room? Well- the my sisters. While you're here that's where I live." Alexia nods and I start walking towards my bedroom. „Also please refrain from using titles like „sir" or „his lordship". I hate those formalities." She nods again as we come close to my room. „Okay let me show you my small non-permanent kingdom!" I open the door,leading into a spacious crescent-shaped room. There's two big windows, overlooking the castle-garden. In the middle is my queen bed underneath a star-painted canopy. The whole room has a mix of a night-theme and a garden-theme,making it look a bit like the nights in Pandora. On the bed sits my teddybear Plutos.

„Wow. This is...amazing." Alexia spins around herself once,admiring the decorations,before catching herself and straightening up. Well that can't be good. I sit down onto my bed,drawing patterns onto the blanket. „Why are you so stiff? I'm not a bad person, you know?" I can hear Alexia sigh,before she takes a deep breath. „I know,I'm sorry. I've just never dared to imagine I'd get the chance to see this place from the inside. It's even more expensive than i anticipated." She looks up to the starry ceiling. I admire the peaceful look on her face. „How about I show you around tomorrow? It's a little confusing at the start, and I think my father'd behead you if you got lost within the first few hours." I can see her face light up. „I'd like that,I think"

Chapter Text

Alexia

„And this is the entrance to the garden!" James opens a big wooden door, displaying a beatiful ocean of flowers. It's a colorful mix,under which I can identify daisies, hydrangeas as well as many types of grasses. The colours come together very well, while maintaining a wide variety. In between the many plants are small paths,that look like they just came to be from walking through the fields,instead of being planned from the start. I can spot a forest hind the flowers, dark green leaves growing alongside the garden.

I try to take all the beauty in at once. „Wow,it's... it looks so pretty." James smiles brightly. „You think so? That's very nice of you. I- My sister actually planned and planted all of this." I turn in surprise. „Really, she did? Please tell her my thanks or something. I really enjoy it." I look back,taking all the beauty in. I'll have to take some pictures of this later. „Uh- yeah I'll tell her,sure, I'll just write her a letter." James sounds a bit awkward. He probably just doesn't have the best relationship with his sister, it's very common after all. I'm glad my sister and I still get along.

„Should we go back now? There's still a lot to show you after all." I snap back into reality,turning to face James at the door. „Yeah sure,but I really have to come back here soon." James leads me trough the big hall we came trough. „If you like the flowers that much,you'll be ecstatic once I tell you about the Ascyllan Noxis." „What is that,I don't think I've ever heard of it?" He shrugs. „Honestly I would've been shocked if you do. It's a royal festivity,so only for guests and the servants,guard and Maids that work here. The ascyllan noxis is where we celebrate our goddess Nyx, by offering the flowers grown in the garden in a specific ritual at night time."

My jaw drops. „That sounds like a literal dream,you're joking." James laughs,pushing his hair out of his face. „See I knew you'd like it. And you're in luck. It's happening in 11 days,so still in your time here." If it weren't for the fact that James is quite literally a prince I would've hugged him until he can't breath,so I just settle for a smile. „That's so cool! I can't wait,I really can't!" „Well don't die of excitement,that won't do you anything!" We laughs little,before James leads us to another door.

He pushes a metallic door open, and a delicious smell instantly hits me. As it seems this is the kitchen. It's bustling with cooks preparing what looks like an absolute feast,but is, how I suspect, just the dinner. A dark-skinned girl stops in her tracks as she spots us. She readjusts her ponytail with locks,some dyed pink strands peeking trough before waving us over. „Alexia,this is Francine, the head cook. Francine, this is Alexia, my new personal guard." Francine looks me up and down before shaking my hand with a smile. „I'm here for you if you ever need a snack while working. I spend basically all my time here anyway, and all staff have constant food privileges." I nod along while trying to get a peek at todays dinner. „That's very nice of you,maybe I'll check in with you in the next few weeks." Francine smiles once again, before getting back to work.

Our next stop looks like chaos trough and trough and I'm in love. There's paint splattered all around, brushes,acrylics and multiple empty canvas sorted in no clear pattern. The heart of this mayhem is a big canvas propped against a wall. It's showing a deer sitting in a forest,with cages all around,except they're much too small to fit the deer. It's clearly a WiP, but I admire it. „This is Violets art room." James Voice sounds a little hurt when he continues. „Father doesn't know the state of this room,cause if he did,this would all be in the trash. Hes all for feminine hobbies for violet,but he's never liked the symbolism behind many of her paintings." I look at Violets brother staring at the picture. I expect an explanation for said symbolism,but he stays quiet. It's the first time he's been this quiet for the entire day now.

„James? Is everything okay?" I put a hand onto his shoulder, hoping he won't get aggressive with me. James looks almost bitter,before regaining his composure. „Oh yeah,sorry. I just- got lost in my thoughts. But we shouldn't bring this down. Let's continue the tour?" I nod,before leaving the gallery.

The next room he shows me is the Library. It's more a hall than a room, with bookshelves as high as the ceiling. Sections as diverse as „Futuristic Romantasy Manga" with basic booksections rare can be found all around the room. A big window causes natural light flooding the hall,especially the seating area. James and I decide to split up for a bit,so that I can calmly browse. He's sat in a reading nook with a favorite manga of his. I recognised it as being one of my favorite thrillers. Not what I would've expected, but who am I to judge royalty. A history book about the royal family catches my eye from a table of staff recommendations. I chat with the librarian, who allowed me to take the book back to my room.

Afternoon turns into late evening. James showed me a few more things, like the training range,  His own room, as well as the hallway infront of the bedroom of the king himself. James ended the tour by giving me a detailed map of the castle,and a simplified one,with only important things marked in. I would've studied it already but I can't focus on anything after this day. I'm standing in the shower, enjoying the way the water feels on my body. I shower everytime I just want my mind to be quiet. „Shower thoughts" aren't really a thing for me.

I turn off the shower, before drying off and getting ready for bed. I put my uniform next to my bed,before getting under the blanket. After such a long day,I drift off relatively quickly into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter Text

Violet

I finish with a dot. I seal the letter with our kingdoms symbol,which is a star, to my brother. I put it into my pocket to give to Francine later. She's the only person in this castle that knows of the switch between James and I. Francine's always been our most-trusted „advisor" if you will. When mom died,she promised to support us in anyway we needed and, well, she held that promise. Two knocks interrupts my train of thought. „Yes?" „James? Are you ready yet?" I hurry to open the door and let Alexia in. „I need a second more to get my things together, but you can come in already." I step to the side to let her in,while showing her my brightest smile. I just can't help it.

I start searching for my sketchbook. We said we'd chat in the park today,while doing our own hobbies. To get to know each other and stuff. I caught a look at what Alexia has in her bag,and as far as I saw, her hobby has something to do with paper. That's all I saw anyway. I find my sketchbook under my bed (how did it get there) before putting in my purse with my pencils. „Shall we?" Alexia offers her arm in a sarcastic manner. I clink in, ignoring the growing heat in my cheeks. „Thank you very much Maam. How generous of thee to offer support." „It's a pleasure on my side, sir." We laugh and joke on the way to the garden. Alexia points us to the big tree on the left of the flower field. I make myself comfortable on the grass, while Alexia leans against the tree and getting out her materials.

„I make cards. Like invites and stuff." She hands me a few examples, showcasing her various works. I hold up a green and pink one. „I like this one! Pink and green are my favorite colours." She tilts her head. „You can keep it if you'd like? I enjoy gifting these to people,so it wouldn't be a problem." My eyes light up. „Really? I would like that." I put it into my bag before taking out my materials. alexia giggles.  „Well, even if I didn't want to, I can't really say no to a prince,can I?" „Hey, I'm a respectful man. But don't try that with my dad."

I start sketching a head while chatting about how the hierarchy in royal family works. „Yeah for example, me and my sister are twins, so theoretically the older one is my sister,even if only by 8 minutes. But older one doesn't work in this kingdom if there's only one boy. He immediately is heir." She stops cutting the paper she was working on. „Isn't that unfair to your sister though?" „Oh yeah 100%. But that's the king for you. A .."traditional" man trough and through." I let out a bitter laugh. „On top of that, Violet would make a much better queen than I would."

It's true. James and I have talked, or better yet complained, about this often times. He thinks he just wouldn't be able to contain authority. „I feel sorry for your sister." Trust me I do too.

I get back to sketching. I've decided to try drawing Alexia in my style. Cause what better way to thank her for the card? I start with the hair,cause that's always my favorite part. I sketch out her wavy hair and the way it falls over her shoulder while bowed over the paper. The way it frames her face and compliments her green eyes. I move on to her clothes. Her defined features peeking trough, and how she styled the different layers together. And her face. Her sharp eyes, her slightly tanned skin and pinkish lips. Oh those lips. I wonder what chapstick she uses. How her lips taste. How she tastes, oh Nyx I wanna kiss her so- „Do you think Nyx listens to our wishes?"

I look up at Alexia. „Huh?" She laughs. „Do you think Nyx Listens to our wishes?" I put my sketchbook down and tilt my head. „In what way?" „Like does she hear our prayers? And answer them?" I consider it. „I'm not sure. Well, im sure that she listens to all prayers. But I'm not sure she answers all of them. I do think she answers some. But from what I've read, she doesn't just do that, especially with morally questionable ones." Alexia gives me a confused look. „In most stories she only answers prayers for selfless people, or morally good wishes. I've always found it weird that Father worships her so badly,when she's strictly against homophobia,racism and misogyny."

Alexia fiddles awkwardly with her materials. „I never knew that. We don't get many stories about Nyx in our village." I raise an eyebrow.„Really? That's a bummer! Most of them are written very well. ... I suppose if you'd like to read some, I could help you find something in the library." „That would be very nice of you." She smiles,before seeing the sketch I made. „Did you just draw this? It looks stunning..I feel honoured to be your subject today." I'd draw her any day for that smile. „Anything for you." I swear I can see a small blush creeping onto her face.

I take out the sketch and hand it to her. „For you! For being the nicest guard I've had so far." „How many have you had before?" „Uh"-I have had many before,but James hasn't. Again, he's not the openly rebellious type-„None actually. But still." Alexia laughs her sweet laugh, making me smile. I can't turn my eyes off her, so I notice her starting to take some kinda interest in my blond hair. She seems to hesitate,but then speaks up. „May I, braid your hair? I know it's not that long, but I think it would suit you."

I can feel my body tense up and for a second it feels like time slows down. The leaves fall slower than before and she just stares. I quickly glance at the clock on my wrist and the time goes back to moving normally. I shake my head without any hesitation. „No. Sorry, no. I- don't really like my hair being braided. Never have." Alexia smiles and nods understandingly. She doesn't ask why, and I don't see any hurt in her eyes. I thank her in my thoughts.

The walk back to the castle is comfortably quiet. We stopped at the library to find Alexia a book about Nyx. While she talked to the librarian I managed to slip the letter to James into Francine's bag while Alexia wasn't looking. I feel bad lying to her,but I just don't know if she'd be able to keep that from the king in fear of being inloyal. I get it. I haven't always been this rebellious after all. But that's what comes with time.

Chapter Text

Violet

13 Years ago, Age 4

„Can you help me with my hair mom?" I look up at my mom. She's sitting on the throne, watching over the garden as usual. „What is it?" I brush my hair forward. „I can't get it braided the way you do. Could you do it please?" I smile brightly at her. I love spending time with mom. I always wear braids. „Come here." She nods me over and I quickly kneel in front of her, overviewing the garden just as she did. „One day, I'll make sure the garden looks good too! Just like you mommy!" I can feel her hands gently going trough my hair. „Sure you will Violet. I'll make sure of it"

 I walk back to my room with my freshly braided hair. I stopped in the book room before tho. I've wanted the fairytale book for days,and the book lady finally has it! I hold it tight and open my door and put it down before laying down about to read it - Sounds. I hear sounds. Mom talking with someone? Maybe dads back from his trip! I happily skip out of my room to where the sounds are coming from. The kitchen. That's definitely mom talking with a cleaning lady. I slow my steps to listen first. Mom doesn't like it when I interrupt her being the queen.

„Ugh she's so exhausting.- But she's- I know that Violets is my daughter,but she'll never be the heir!" „Maam with all due respect,but she's 4! And still a royal, and also still your kid." „Quiet. The last time I checked you're just a maid, and I'm the queen. So if you want to keep this job, you will not utter a word of this to her. Or anyone at this matter." „I- Yes ma'am." „Good thinking Francine. You may go now. Violet will know soon enough that she's utterly worthless."

Time slows down. My breathing slows down. The footsteps slow down. Worthless. I'm in my room. Worthless. I'm on my bed. Worthless. James comes in and asks what's wrong. Worthless. He comforts me. Brings me snacks. Books. His teddy. Puts it right beside me. Says I can keep it. I hug my teddy. Utterly worthless.

10 Years ago, Age 7

I brush my ponytail over my shoulder and start playing with it. „What is it mother?" I look into her eyes. I can't really sense the hate in them, but I've been suspecting hate in them for 3 years now. „Good Morning Violet. Did you sleep well?" I nod. „Good. I just wanted to tell you that your dream has come true." I get a bit curious. „Really? What dream?" She laughs at my newfound curiosity. „Your dream of gardening of course! Or don't you remember the day you told me you'd like to make the garden look good too?"

My breath slows down. Everything slows down for a few seconds, as my vision gets blurry, but I can see the clock in the background- and time snaps back to its normal speed. Worthless. „Uh no yeah,totally! Heh" „Well, the day has come. I'm passing this responsibility onto you. Just like you wanted." I swallow my anxiety down and smile. „Thanks mother. That's very...thoughtful of you." She nods to the window, and I walk over to it. „I prepared some Start-off flowers for you, but I recommend you talk with one of the servants to get whatever you want." My eyes light up. „Like Francine!?" I can see a small something flicker across my mothers eyes. „No Violet. Not Francine. She's just a maid."

I look out my window, admiring the flowers. A nice lady bought me all flowers I asked for yesterday, and I spent the entire morning arranging and planting them in patterns. Spirals out of green grass and pink tulips, and stars made from yellow lilies and blue babybells, and a border out of purple crocuses. The time this morning flew by. Gardening just comes to me. I open the big window wide to smell the fresh dirt and grass. „Well she could've done better. I mean, what are those colours? Pink and green? What an ugly combination." I close my window and lay down. My mothers voice spirals deep into my mind as I fall asleep. She could've done better.

6 Years ago, Age 11

A knock at my door. „Yes?" „Violet? It's Francine. Your father wants you to come to the throne room." I sigh and get up. What is father gonna critique about me today? Ooh maybe I ate too loud yesterday. Yeah probably. „Thank you Francine!" I pat down my dress and walk over to my door. While walking to the throne room, James catches up to me. „What are you doing?" I look over at him. „Father wanted to hear me in the throne room. I probably just ate too loud yesterday or something." He looks at me confused while matching his pace to mine. „Well that can't be, I'm here for the same reason. Any ideas?" I shrug my shoulders. As far as I'm aware, James and I haven't caused any trouble together lately. It's Been at least 2 weeks since we did something together besides gossiping.

I gently open the door to the room. The light falls trough the big windows onto my father standing with his back to us. „Come in both of you." We look at eachother and hold hands while walking over. „What is it father?" Father brushes a hair out of his eyes and turns around. „It's about your mothers trip. Her... her ship was hit by a storm and it- it sank. We just got notified that it was found. The emergency inflatable boats are...all still at the sunken ship." James squeezes my hand. I start Breathing faster.

„Did she..was she found yet?" Father sighs and turns back around. A few guards come in and start carrying the second throne away. „Her body was."

(A few weeks later)

Francine puts the pearl necklace around my head. The green and pink jewels glisten in the light of the sunrise. I look in the mirror. The black dress falls around my legs, hiding basically everything of me. I push my braided hair over my shoulder. And pull it forward again. And push it back. The two braids look nothing like me. I haven't worn them in years. 7 years. But my oh so dear mother just really wanted me to have this at her funeral. I sigh and pull them over my shoulder again.

„I can't watch you despise your mirror. Come on let's take these out." Francine takes my braided hair to take it out. „No! Father will not like it, and I can't have you getting fired." I can see her smile in the mirror as she takes the hair-tie out and gives it to me. „I'll just say we didn't have any ties left. I've been wanting new ones all year anyway. She takes the box of hair-ties and opens my closet, pushing the box onto a tall shelf. „Just pretend you didn't see that." „See what?" She laughs. „That's my girl. -If I can call you that of course princess." I smile. „Gladly. I think I'm ready now." I stand up to leave but Francine holds me back and hides my necklace under my scarf. „Let's not Rebell that loudly at a funeral Violet." „Okay Francine. Thank you."

Chapter Text

Alexia

I knock twice. Not the usual thrice. Why do we always knock thrice anyways? Well honestly why shouldn't we knock thrice. But James proposed knocking twice as a kinda symbol. That he knows that it's me, and lets me in. In theory, I wouldn't need any permission from James to come in. That's a privilege the king gave me as James' bodyguard. But it wouldn't feel right just intruding his privacy like that. And I want to have good relationship with him. I learned directly at my first job that people are more likely to listen to you when they trust you, and in serious situations fast commands need to be listened too. So-

James interrupts my train of thoughts by opening the door and waving me in. „Good Morning Alexia!" I step into the room and close the door behind me. James lets himself fall onto his sisters bed. I put my bag next to the door. „Ready to go?" We had planned that I show him  the city right outside of the castle gates. It's a little weird to show the heir of the throne their own kingdom, but I'm the one who grew up out there after all, so why not?

James pushes himself up from the bed and glances out the window. „Shouldn't we wait until the weathers gotten a little better?" Dark clouds pile outside of the window and hang heavy above the houses that can be seen behind the stone walls. I shake my head. „I think we should get going now. Your fathers instructions clearly state that we shouldn't be in the city for longer than 20:00 hours, and it's already 16:00. If we wait any longer we'd only have a very limited time." James looks to the side for a second before jumping up. „Alright then. It's not that long of a walk." I grab my bag and open the door.

After a short walk, we reach the castle gates I came trough a few days ago. I hadn't left yet, but I actually kinda miss the inner city and I need some new snacks. A carriage awaits us, which confuses me. James had said we'd walk, hadn't he? The knight in the front stands up and bows. „Good morning your highness. I've received orders from the king to always accompany you on your way outside the castle property. You shouldn't leave alone." James tilts his head. „I'm aware of those Instructions Melark. But I won't be going alone. My bodyguard alexia will accompany me." Melark looks me up and down. I step forward and offer a hand. „I'm Alexia Jupiter. As far as I was aware, the king had informed everyone of my presence." He smiles and shakes my hand, before sitting back down. „Then I suppose you won't need me. Have fun, and be back before 8." James sighs and we start walking towards the city.

„Nyx, it's loud!" James playfully puts his hand over his ears, making me giggle. „Well I would say, the castle is just always super quiet." We've arrived the marketplace and everyone seems busy. Mothers pulling her children trough the crowds, merchants shouting their offers to everyone that can hear it. A little girl having a tantrum over spilled juice. An old man haggling with a young merchant selling fruits. Colourful clothes, varieties of fruits and vegetables and oh so many fish stands. Nothings changed-Wow I'm acting like I've been gone for years. I sigh. Why am I like this. I turn to James to see what he thinks, just in time to see him run off into the crowd with a big smile on his face.

„James! Wait up!" I quickly run after him, or better said run into literally everyone else. Suddenly everyone just has to buy something from the shop I'm next to. I squeeze myself along the people and finally catch up to him, grabbing his hand and accidentally yanking him towards me, ruining his balance. He topples backwards, about to crash into a merchant. „Gotcha!" I managed to catch just James by pulling him into my arms, finally being able to catch my breath. James quickly takes a step back and looks down for a second before giggling. „Why'd you chase after me like that? I wasn't gonna run away from you, yk?" I look up at James and smile softly. „Could you maybe not run off like that again? I'll gladly accompany you to wherever you wanna go, but I do have know where we're going for that."

James laugh again and nods. „I'm sorry I just got really excited! I've never been to the marketplace! It's so cool." We start moving again, fighting ourselves trough the people to see every merchant there is. „Really? I thought you visit the city once every month?" The princes monthly visits are always long awaited in the city. „Wha- Oh yeah! Well yes I visit monthly but It's mostly just a short walk around, and I've never come across this, yk?" James looks at me, almost as if he were waiting for approval. To be fair, I've never seen him at the marketplace either, so that checks out.

We stop our walk at a shop offering skin-care and make-up products. „Would you mind if I checked out this stall? I've been needing a new face lotion." James nods and I check out the lotion samples. I pick one just as The woman behind the counter speaks up. „Are you looking for anything else than the lotion? Perhaps you and his highness would like to try out some of my new make-up products?" She points to a small amount of blush, eye shadow and eyeliner. An idea sparks into my mind and I turn to James with a grin. „I think that's a nice idea, don't you James?" „Yeah they look like good quality." I pull James a little closer. „Great! You start then. Here, take some eyeshadow."

I put the eyeshadow into his hand, smiling expectantly. „Uhh, well only if you try this!" James hands me a bright red lipstick. „Same time?" I sigh and nod. Makeup is not one of my talents, but if he has to do it, then why not? We nod to 3 and start, squeezing in front the mirror to look at the same time. I concentrate on not outlining my lips, but my hand is suddenly unbelievably shaky. James on his part is doing really well actually, which surprises me so much I mess up my lipstick. „Well damn." James puts his brush away and looks at me. „Aww shucks. Seems like you lost." „Well first of all, this wasn't a game, and second, Shucks? Really?" James shrugs before paying the woman and pocketing the eyeshadow. „I don't like swearing. Also everything's a game for me."

„Yeah I noticed." I pack my lotion and turn around to see what other stores we should check out, but James grabs my arm before I can fully turn away. „You still have your messed up lipstick. Here lemme just-„ James reaches forward to grab hold of my chin and starts wiping the messed up lipstick away. He focuses fully, giving me a good look at his eyeshadow. It kinda suits him. He looks really feminine like this, but I like it. The purple eyeshadow matches his green eyes so well too. „All done!" James pulls away snapping me back from my train of thought. „I- thanks." James tilts his head and smiles sincerely. He really does look like a girl either way the eyeshadow. How pretty...

I check my watch to see that it's already 7 pm. After the makeup part, we continued with checking out all kinds of stores. James had bought a cute new top for his sister in a new super whimsical store. I got myself a new pair of shoes from the same store."We can check out one more thing before we have to start walking back, it's already 7." James hesitantly points over to a playground. A few small children can be seen playing on the swings and in the sand. „Could we go there? I know I'm a little too old to be playing, but I haven't been here in a while and I really just wanna play a bit." James eyes twitch nervously almost as if waiting for criticism, but I've always been a „childish" person.

Going to a playground at 17 has never seemed like a bad idea to me. „Absolutely! Let's go." James basically beams with joy and I sit down on a bench once we arrive. I want to make a mental note of how the playground is built before going on it, a bodyguard habit. I map out all the exits and obstacles, where the most people are coming from, where no one is- „Sissy!" A high-pitched voice interrupts me as I get assassins by the most dangerous species ever. Siblings. „Maya! How've you been?!" I pick my little sister up to make sure James is still live and then scan the park for mom. „Good! Mommy's been buying me ice cream!" As if god had sent her, my mother appeared from an entrance, smiling as she spots me and hurrying over to hug me.

„Alexia! It's so nice to see you!" „Hi mom, it's nice to see you too." James had jogged over and now greets my mother and sister. „Hello Madam Jupiter! Hey Maya! Your sister has told me so much bout you!" My mother shakes her head with a laugh as Maya wiggles herself out of my arms to cling to James instead. „Please just call me Sabrina, your highness. I dislike those formalities." „Only if you call me by my name too." James now picks my sister up, who immediately cuddles to him. „You're hair is so soft, lady!" My mother laughs again. „Oh honey, that's not a lady, that's our Prince. „No! Nice lady!" We all just collectively shrug before breaking out in laughter.

I shoulder the bags we picked up along the way. „I hope you didn't mind that we spent the rest of our time talking with my mother and sister." „Are you serious? They're so nice! I really enjoyed it!" I sigh in relief. „That's good to hear. My sister tends to scare people off easily, so I was a bit nervous as to how you'd react to her clinginess." The castle gates appear behind a few trees along the way. „I loved your sister especially! She's so sweet and just- oh I love her already." I chuckle. „I'm glad. Tho I can't really can't explain on why she insisted on your gender being a girl. She's never done that before." „Really? Well guess I'm just special." James flips his short hair, making me laugh. „Maybe you are."

Chapter Text

Violet

I tiptoe to my door, trying not stop step on the creaking floorboards. The stars and decorations in my room glow a luminescent blue and cast a slight shadow. I crack open my door to see a dark figure standing in the dim light from torches along the wall. „You got the snacks?" The figure raises a bag and I fully open my door to let alexia in. „So, what'cha got?" Alexia unpacks the bag on my desk, presenting gummy bears, chips and even a small tub of ice cream. I clap quietly: „Yay!" „We haven't even started the movie, so don't think about eating those yet."

I frown slightly but keep my hands away from the snacks. Instead, I help alexia set up our little movie corner. „Here's a few blankets I collected!" I hand them over to her before grabbing the projector Francine got me. I look for a shelf high enough to carry it. We plan on sitting on the bed, so I check for something somewhere next to it. My wardrobe would be high enough, but ill never reach that. I go to grab my desk chair, but Alexia stops me. „Let me do that! I think I'm tall enough." I glance up at her. She's a little less than half a head taller than me, but her arms are also longer. She takes the device from my hand after smiling at me reassuringly.

In no time we set up the entire thing. It's a cozy little nook on my bed, with the movie playing in front of us.  Well it would be, we haven't decided on one yet. „I'm telling you, we should watch Bewitched! It's such a good romance I swear! And that's coming from someone who doesn't like romances." Alexia sighs. „And I'm saying, we should watch something Fantasy...like Why write? A very classy movie, I can't believe you haven't watched it yet." I fall back into the pillows. „Ugh why hadn't we decided this before. We'll be here till dawn....lets just flip a coin." Alexia shrugs and pulls out a penny. „Okay, heads we watch my movie, tails we watch yours." I nod and watch with suspension as she throws it into the air and catches it.

„Tails." I jump up. „Yay!!" Alexia gets up and puts Bewitched on. She then lets herself back next to me and stretches. „Just please tell me it's not too cheesy, I will die if it is." „Cheesy? What? No, why would you ever think that?" I grin as Alexia lets herself fall face-forward onto the mattress and muffled „why" is heard.

The movie has been playing for an hour now and my favorite Szene is coming up. It's a heartfelt confession between the two love interests and I can already feel Alexia sighing in annoyance, it's great. The main character (Luna) shows up on screen, running after her ..friend.. Marvel. They're both coming from a ball and Marvel stops. Luna starts shouting at them on why they always evade any questions about past partners, only to be met by an emotional shouted: I love you! I look over at Alexia to see if she's okay, but she actually seems immersed in the story right now so I don't push it.

Luna grabs Marvels hand and I turn back to the movie, only to feel Alexia slightly nudging closer. Her hand is now right next to mine and our shoulders are touching, her raspberry perfume feeling intoxicating. I loose focus of the movie to hear Alexia's breath. She (unconsciously I think) matched her breath to Lunas, as she states to Marvel that those feelings are reciprocated.My own breath hitches slightly and if it weren't so dark, I'm sure she could have spotted the faint blush on my cheeks. I quickly shake those feelings off. Even if she were to, against all odds, fall in love with me, she wouldn't really be in love with me, would she? She'd be in love with James. She'd be in love with a boy.

The movie finishes with Alexia still being close to me, but my breath back to normal. „So? Did'ya like it?" „Eh well... I guess it was better than expected.. but I still would've preferred Why write?" I nudge her arm with a grin. „Y'know there's nothing wrong with enjoying a good romance movie, right?" „I'll pretend i didn't just hear that from your mouth." I stretch to grab the ice cream from the desk and hand Alexia a spoon." Which flavor did you get?" I turn the tub to get enough light on it to figure it out. „Raspberries. It's my favorite fruit."

We dig in and the ice cream literally melts on my tongue, it's so good. „Jesus this is good. Where'd you get it?" She quickly swallows what she has in her mouth. „Oh, Francine supplied me with it. I hope you didn't mind me telling her." I giggle into my ice cream. „She actually gave me the projector, so no problem!"

We quickly finish the ice, and move on to the chips. I open the bag, trying to stay somewhat quiet, and then pour them into a bowl. „Thanks." Alexia reaches into the bowl and puts a chip into her mouth, chewing slowly. I tilt my head. „Is everything okay? You seem... thoughtful." „Hm? Yeah it's just... I was wonder if you could tell me a bit about your mother?" I can basically feel myself falling out of time,only to be caught by Alexia's voice. „James? Did you hear me?" „What? No I did..I- sure I can. Uh what do you want to know?"

„Well. I know basically nothing of her. I mean of course i know things like her birthday and stuff, but nothing about her personality or the way she acted. But she always seemed like a nice person." I take a deep breath. Should I tell her? But what if she doesn't believe me. Or looses faith in the kingdom!? But I'd love to tell her. „I- She was kinda nice. She'd always tell us how good we did on festivities or things like that..." I look down. „But honestly? She was quite mean. Behind our backs I mean. My sister once heard our mother complain about Violet being annoying. She was 4 I think."

A tear makes its way down my cheek and falls onto the blanket below me. I can feel the weight of the mattress shift and open my eyes to notice Alexia lifting my chin up. „I'm sorry. You deserve better than that, you know?" I look into Alexia's soft eyes. She seems so sincere. „May I ask something else about here? I totally understand if you don't want to answer of course." I nod and wipe my eyes. „How did you find out that she had died?

„Father had called me and Violet down. He simply told us that the ship our mother was on was found, with our mothers dead body." „How did you feel?" I tilt my head. „What?" „Well the usual reaction to the death of a person that's mean to you would be neutral. But if that person is still someone close to you, it's absolutely normal to grieve, be sad or even angry."

„I- I... honestly? I was really sad. I loved her and I really wanted her to love me. And I cried, I did. But a few days after her death, anger hit me hard. It came with the realization that that wish of being loved by her, only came from me knowing that she didn't. And I was so mad. I just wanted her to apologize, to see that she was wrong and then I could forgive her. But a dead person can't apologize and a dead person can't change either. All that's left is what she was while I was alive, and what she was, was a bad mother."

„That sounds hard James, I'm sorry." I look up in confusion before realization kicks me in the guts. I'm still James to her. She thinks what I told her were James feelings. James' experiences. Which hurts more than it should. I know this. I expected this. Still hurts. „Thanks. It felt really good to talk about this." Alexia puts her hand on top of mine and smiles brightly. „I'm glad I helped." I smile softly, memorizing the way her hand feels on mine. „Can we just rest here a bit more before you go back?" Alexia nods and leans against the headboard.

I also lean back and rest my head on her shoulder. It feels too good not to and Alexia accepts the touch. I stare up at the luminescent stars on the ceiling, looking down at us laying there. It feels as if the vines growing along my bed move in the wind from the open window, humming a sweet song. I grab onto my teddy bear, holding it close as if James were here too. It feels as if time goes by slower than usual, and for the very first time, I am at peace with it. Minutes, or seconds? Not important right now. The moon starts showing behind the clouds, shining dim light trough the window. It falls onto the blanket, making beautiful shapes that dance over my bed.
I haven't felt this calm in a while.

Chapter Text

                                                                                                  Alexia
„Excuse me, V-James? Alexia? Are you awake?" I shake my head and slowly blink to get the drowsiness out of my head. James? Oh right. The sleepover. I glance up at the cook Francine, smiling at me. „Ah, good morning miss. Have you slept well here?" I nod, still quite tired. „Would you please wake up the prince? Today is the styling for the Ascyllan Noxis." I nod again. Francine leaves and I lay back to properly wake up.

After a minute I push myself up. James slips off me, still deep in sleep. Without any formal clothing he seems even more feminine than he already does, his slightly wavy hair falling over his face. I turn to him and start shaking his shoulder gently. „James? Are you awake?" I'm met with a muffled sound,but better than nothing, „We need to get up. Today is the styling for the Ascyllan noxis." James turns around again.

After a lot of bugging him, I finally get James out of his bed and into the styling chairs downstairs. Two stylists were specifically hired by the king to style the prince and I. So that we'd match somewhat. I basically melt into the chairs, theyre unbelievably comfortable and spin it to face James. „Oh come on. This'll be fun!" He groans. „Why can't I just wear a simple suit. No need for styling, right?" I laugh. „Well no! You're literally the heir to the throne. You have to stand out!" „Ugh. I just want to sleep."

A girls comes onto us from behind. „Hello,I'm Alice and I'm going to be the stylist of his royalty, and Bella over there will style your bodyguard, okay?" James and I nod and let them take the lead. Bella turns my chair towards the mirror and pulls out a few different pieces of fabric, different shades of light blue and purple. „Usually as a girl you would have to wear a dress for such an occasion, but you've notified us that that would hinder you job, so it will instead be a flowy suit. It would be a mermaidy color-combo, referring to a specific flower that will be sacrificed."

Bella explains more of that to me, what specific shades would look best, how to wear my hair etc. How many pockets I'll need was her latest question. „A lot. As much as you can give me without it completely destroying the look." „Alright, now we'll try on what makeup you'll wear! It'll also be done by me that day, so we'll find something nice today,yeah." She pulls out a big palette. „I'd recommend we go for some light blue glitter eyeshadow, with purple eyeliner. To that some cool blush..." I just nod along, I'm still really bad at makeup. Bella takes out multiple brushes and starts applying different things, which I can't name half of.

I raise my chin, trying to admire everything at once. I may not be the biggest fan of make-up but Bella did an absolutely fantastic job. „Thank you! This looks great!" I turn my chair and smile. „You did a very good job I think." She smiles and then starts packing her things. I turn the chair to the right, facing James. His stylist and him don't seem to agree quite as much as Bella and I did. They're still deciding on how he should wear his hair.

„Sir, it would be nonsense to wear your hair the way you usually do. I suggest we straighten it or completely curl it." „And I say that that would totally not look like me! Just let me put a hair pin in it or something and call it finished." Alice groans quietly, before putting her smile back on. „Please think of an alternative hairystyle to that until evening, or I will decide spontaneously on the night of the Ascyllan Noxis." Now it's James turn to groan, but Alice has already started packing. I laugh and pull James up from his chair. „C'mon I'll help you think of something."

„James I said sit down. I need to be able to see your hair properly from all sides to style it." „Ugh fine." He lets himself fall onto the chair in front of the mirror in Violets room. „Thank you. So, any ideas?-That would make Alice happy." „Well only until that second part." I rub my temples. „How did your sister get the title of sassy if you're around here talking like this." He shrugs and continues staring at his reflection. I pace up and down the room, trying to think of something. „Alexia?" I stop and to James. „Do you... Could you braid my hair? I know it's not super long... but it could look good?

„I guess so. But I thought you didn't like having it braided?" James shrugs again. „It's been awhile. That was while I was a child. Maybe my opinion changed." I nod and look around the room. „Yeah that makes sense. But do you know where your sister keeps her hair ties?" He hesitates before pointing to the wardrobe. „I think there's some on the top shelf. They're pretty old tho." I open the wardrobe and spit a small black box. „Yep they're here! Let's get you a short braid then!"

„So? Do you like it?" James turns his head to the left and right before lightly smiling. „I do. I looks really different from when I was kid. It's pretty. „I'm glad you like it. I used to do this a lot for my little sister." James continues looking at his reflection with soft smile on his face. „Well you can continue admiring yourself, I'm just going to tell Alice that we found something. I think she'll like this idea." „Could you maybe convince her to let you braid it on the day of? I really like the way you do it." I nod and leave the room.

Chapter Text

„Did you hear? James was seen outside of the city in a neighbouring kingdom a week ago."  „James? Prince James? I thought he had just gotten a new bodyguard." „He did! There's even witnesses that say he was in the castle at that point!" „..What? Does he like have a doppelgänger?" „I don't know! It's the talk of the city."

„Hey! Did you know the prince was seen in a neighbouring kingdom a bit ago?" „No I didn't. How did he manage that?" „Nobody knows! Apparently he was in the castle at the same time!" „That's very creepy, don't you think?"

„Sir, Marcus. There's important news you should hear." „What is it? It better be Important. The Asyllan Noxis is only two days away." „I know sir, but it really is important. About 5 days ago, his royalty James was seen in the city Majesto, of Faelia." „James? But that's impossible! He has his bodyguard and with him at all times, and we would have noticed had they sneaked out. And the kingdom Faelia is at least 3 days away, we would have noticed that. Are the witnesses sure it was James? Maybe Violet has run away again!" „I also thought about that, which is why I immediately asked the boarding school about. They..uhm...Violet had never arrived."

„What do you mean she never arrived." „The guards that were escorting her, didn't see to make sure she actually entered the boarding school. Apparently she acted very calm the entire journey there, no sass in sight. So they thought she'd make it alone the last few steps." „For fucks sake, even if Violet had an escape plan, she would have never acted calm just for the plans sake. That was James."

„Oh Nyx. What do we do now. I mean, how could we prove that?" „I don't know. She would not have told her bodyguard..." „So obviously I don't know her very well, but I do know of her provocativeness. Could confrontation maybe make her slip up?" „...Honestly that could work. She does not do well with staying calm when being confronted like that...and usually I'd say we wait a bit, and plan this. But with the axyllan Noxis coming up, we cannot wait. Come with me."

Violet

„Oh come on Alexia!  Give me my pjs back!" I reach forward, but Alexia hides behind my bed. „I will not! I need to get my camera first! How else would I prove to my mom that the prince wears pjs with a pattern of dwarves?!" I groan, before jumping onto my bed to quickly get close to Alexia. She flinches, and before I can grab her I loose my balance and fall backwards onto my bed, giving her a window of escape. „Hahah! You'll never get me!" I watch as she jumps towards the door, as it opens right before her. „Oh. Good morning sir." Alexia steps to the side, still holding my pjs. I have to hold back a laugh as the head head guard Marcus steps into the room, followed by a guard I don't know.

„Good morning Marcus. Is there a problem?" „I do think so. But maybe this should be a conversation without Alexia. His eyes dart over to her, who answers with a sceptical look. „I think it would be better if I stayed here. I cannot protect James as well if there's secrets kept from me." I nod along. Alexia has definitely grown into a comfort person for me, I want her here for this. Marcus hesitates before nodding to the other guard to close the door. „Well actually, you cannot protect James at all. As this isn't him." I can feel my heart drop, but try to keep my breath steady. „Excuse me?" „Drop the act, Violet. We know that this is you." Shit shit shit. „Yeah I don't know how you could come to this conclusion."

„I can tell you. James -the real James- was seen 5 days ago in Majesto. And we know it's him, and not Violet, because he has a mole on his wrist, that was seen by the witness. And you have that one too, but his is much darker, almost black. And the boarding school never even saw Violet. So tell me, if you're not Violet. How did you get to Majesto that quick, and where is Violet?" Shit. How? Literally how. I can feel the anger grow in my stomach, trying to stay calm. „I- I find it very presumptuous of you to assume that I am not James!" I try thinking about a good argument, but Alexia turns to me.

„Please tell me that's not true. James?" I look at Alexia and stumble over my words, getting up from my bed. Her eyes pierce into mine, as she raises her chin. „No-I -of course not! I'm James- I'm the same person as before! I swear!" My anger drains as soon as I look at her, being replaced with desperation. I can't lose Alexia, I just cannot. I step towards her, but she takes a step back, against the wall. Marcus speaks again with a smug look. „Hm Violet. I really thought you would've learned better acting in this week. But James has always been better at acting calm."

The anger pours back into me like boiling oil. Marcus looks so happy that he's destroying this. I look back to Alexia, hoping for support but she looks at me like she's never known me. She seems hurt, and I can see a tear in her eye. „Please, I'm still who you know!" Tears start swelling in my eyes. I sink down onto my knees, tears hitting the floor. „Please..I-„ I love you. „Alexia, I think it'd be better if you would leave now. I need to talk to the princess now." Maybe she'll stay? The door opens and falls back into lock.

„Oh Violet. Tell me, how did you think this was gonna turn out? Did you think you could pretend to be James forever? I mean no, you're not that dumb. Violet would have to return in 2 weeks latest. You know that. So what was the plan here, what did you think you were doin-" „SHUT UP!!" I scoot towards my bed and lift me up, staring at him. „Just shut up for once!" Tears are still flowing down my cheeks but the desperation is gone again, fully replaced by the anger that was so silent this past week.

„You do not know how it is. You do not know how I feel. About any of this. Why don't you question why my dear father decided to sent me away for no other reason than me being a provocative girl. James and I are not that different, but he'll forever be preferred because he's a boy. So please for once. Just. Shut your mouth!"

„I will not. But I will leave you alone. I have to tell the king something after all. Expect some rule-changes until the evening." The other guard opens the door again, but before Marcus left, he fished a key from his key chain. „And until those rule changes apply, you're on house-arrest. Have a good evening." The words arrive in my brain too late, as I jump up and run to the door, he's already locked it. „Marcus!" After knocking a while I sink down against the door, burying my face between my legs. Before I realize, I've started sobbing, tears streaming down my face.

I get woken up by the door being opened, pushing me slightly against the drawer next to it. I scramble up, but don't bother looking who it is. I know by the chuckle that came from the person when they saw me on the floor. „What do you want now." I sit down on my bed and lay back, staring up at the ceiling. Marcus closes the door behind him and walks into my field of view. „I'm here to announce the new rules, put into place by the king himself." I groan, Marcus clears his throat and continues.

„You are not allowed to leave this room without approved company. Alexia has agreed to continuously protect you, so she will be one of the only ones on that list, along with me. This door will be locked at night and Alexia will be stationed outside it in the daytime. She will check in in the morning, noon and evening. If you try to resist any of these rules, a full room confinement will be installed for 24 hours. Do you understand those rules." „I'm not dumb yk?"

„And do you agree to theses rules?" I sit up, facing Marcus. „You're not actually asking me that, right?" „No, I simply wanted to hear that you don't agree with these consequences, that was a question from your father." I really overestimated my father with how much he knows me. Itd been nicer if he'd just said I disappointed him. „Can you very kindly fuck off now? I've got insults to invent."

Evening

I look up from my book as the door burst open. Alexia steps in, avoiding my look, but standing with confidence. „ Good evening Violet, are you hungry?" Even with all this anger I can't quite bring myself to be fully angry at her. „Me? No I just haven't eaten since morning. Why would I be?" Alexia sighs, actually looking at me now. Her eyes look as pretty as always, but she just looks awfully neutral. „Todays dinner is potato soup. I'll ask Francine to bring a bowl up here."

I raise my head. „Can I...talk with her? Alone I mean. Marcus hasn't said anything about that." Alexia rubs her temples before nodding. „Yes. But I will be right outside the door, so don't get any thoughts." „I won't." I could swear she rolled her eyes at me right there. It's really hard to trick a person I poured my heart out to for a week.

Francine is in my room quickly after. She waits until the door is closed before quickly putting the soup onto the desk and coming straight to hug me. I fall right into her embrace, holding back the tears. „Violet, oh Violet. How could you just switch places? Why'd you lie to me?" I ignore her words successfully. After all, I can't risk her getting punished because she knew. I'm glad she's on the same page. We sit down against my bed. „I know..I'm sorry. I really thought that- well honestly I didn't."

Francine pets my head, calming me down. I grab my notebook and start writing. „I love you. I'm sorry. I love her. But I can't stay here. I don't wanna be a bird in a cage. I wanna leave. I will leave. Tonight. Please don't try to help me, I can't have you getting punished. Just... act normal. You've always been a good mom to me. You're amazing. I'll never forget you. And please make sure Alexia has an alibi. Don't let her get punished either."

„You need to eat now. The soup is getting cold." I sit down at the desk as Francine grabs the note and wipes the water off it. She presses a soft kiss on the top of my head. „I hope you can think about your actions and their consequences. Don't do something I wouldn't do either." She leaves, and Alexia enters instead. I quickly wipe a tear away and spoon away at my soup. Alexia is still standing there after a minute, so I turn to her„What is it?" „Nothing. Just doing my job."

Chapter Text

Violet
 
Escape. That's all I want to do. Leave and never come back. Hope James wasn't found yet and meet up. Who cares if father doesn't have any more heirs to the throne. He wouldn't have chosen me anyway, even if he weren't there anymore. I pick up the box of hairties from my desk, before throwing it out my open window. I won't use those anymore. I stay quiet for a second to hear for footsteps, before turning my flashlight back on.

My backpack is leaning against my door and I quickly stuff a change of clothes into it. Below it is my notebook, my secret stash of money and a medicine kit. In the side pocket, the most reachable one, I put a dagger. I would never attack anyone, except maybe Marcus, but it's always good to be able to threaten the people threatening your escape.

The sky is clear, and quite a few constellations are visible.  My favorite one, Nyxs, is especially bright tonight. Im aware that technically cloaks are really useless when running away, but its the literal only black thing in my closet besides that backpack. Dresses are a no, but who doesn't like pink? I pin the brooch especially tight, trying to cover as much of my purple jumpsuit as much. I sewed it myself a year ago and it's one of my favorite pieces.

Fresh air plays with my hair and I look over my room one last time. And I even tho I love this room and the things in it, the goodbye isn't hard. I guess Ive always known that this moment would come. Tho I did imagine a different reasoning than „Girl I love fell in love with me as my brother is my bodyguard and then I hurt her." I turn towards the open window, step onto the windowsill and jump.

I roughly land on the thick tree branch under my window. Water droplets fall from the leaf, still left from the previous rain. Hopefully that wasn't too loud. I quickly scooch over to the tree trunk and slide down it. First step done.

Alexia

„The sky is really clear tonight, huh?" Francine comes up to me as I lean against the windowsill and hands me a cup of tea. I gladly take it and warm my hands on it. „You know you don't have to be here, right? I'm fine." I am. Totally. „Oh honey it's okay to be hurt. You were lied to. By a person you grew together with not to mention." I sigh and turn back to the stars.

„I just can't believe she lied like that. We got along so well. And then suddenly they're just a completely different person. That hurts." Francine takes a sip of her cup. „You're allowed to be hurt by this miss, don't get me wrong, but I wouldn't see it like that. From what you've told me this evening, you did meet Violet. With all her jokes and pent-up anger against the system. The only thing that changed was the way other people see her. Not you. But that's just my opinion."

Francine sits down on my bed, occasionally sipping on her tea while I think about what she said. Because a part of me knows what she said is probably the truth. But how could I ever trust Violet. And what good is being nice, if it won't bild the trust needed for a bodyguard? I might as well just not. „And I also think you should get some sleep now. You must be tired." I nod, turning to close the window.

Suddenly I see a dark shadow moving across the flower garden paths. Maybe I imagined it. I look closer to see if I can't spot anything. There! The shadow appears again, moving between bushes. „Francine? Come over here!" She gets up and looks outside too. „What is it?" „Over there! I swear there's a moving shadow!" For a few seconds nothing happens and doubt myself but then it appears again. Now I can also definitely identify it as a silhouette of a person.

„And? It's probably just a gardener. We do have some night working ones." I shake my head and squint my eyes to see the figure better. „No definitely not. That person does not want to be spotted. Look at the way they're sneaking between the flowers!" I pat my belt to figure out if I have any safety weapons with me,without having to look away. Nothing. The figure's cloak is momentarily lifted by the wind, showing purple.

Fuck. I recognize that jumpsuit. It was hanging in Violets closet from when I got those hairties.

I quickly step away from the window, frantically searching for the walkie-talkie Marcus handed me when he told me the new rules. Francine jumps up as do that. „Alexia, what is it?" I finally find it below my bed. „That's Violet." I press the first button on the object and wait for that familiar buzz. „Marcus! I just saw Violet in the garden!"

I leave Francine behind in my room, with no time to even grab my coat. Marcus answers after a few seconds. „Meet me at the library garden entrance as fast as possible." I wonder why he didn't even question me, but I'll think about that later. I arrive there a minute later, barely out of breath.

„Alexia, you need to stop Violet, she cannot leave, you're her bodyguard-" „I know I'm her bodyguard and even after all that I still need to protect her, escaping in dark is in no way safe!" Marcus looks stunned for a bit before regaining his train of thought and pushing a bit rope into my hands. „Get her back her, with all means possible if needed, she cannot leave." I hesitate for a short moment. Tying her up seems harsh, but if it's for her safety..I'll even do that.

Violet

So far so good. I duck behind a bush as the light in the library turns on. Do they know?  No how could they. I stay put until the light goes out and listen for footsteps but it stays quiet. One more minute goes by and I move. Soon the flowers will end, and all that'll come between me and the wall is a kinda long empty field. The wall won't be a problem, I'm good at climbing and there's a big tree next to it. But if any knight looks outside now I'm fucked.

Sounds make me jump out my thoughts. Footsteps. Quiet ones. But they're fast. And getting closer. I jump up and start running with no second thought. The tree is in my line of sight. They can't get me once I'm up there, not if they're alone. Adrenaline boosts my energy and it's as if I'm flying over the wet ,grass. I get close to where I need to be, maybe 50 meters more. I know that looking back would only slow me down, but I'm basically already gone atp.

I tilt my head backwards and directly lock eyes with Alexia. I stumble over my feet, the adrenaline basically disappeared. I fall forwards, slithering a meter over the wet grass. Not now, not her! I try scrambling up but the cloak and the backpack are too heavy and the grass to slippery. I open the brooch as quick as I can, but before I can get up Alexia is standing in front of me.

Her appearance amazes me far too long for this situation. She's catching her breath but keeps her confident stance. I search for a way to get away quickly, but her voice captures my attention. „Violet, do you have any idea how dumb that was? How dangerous?! You could've gotten seriously hurt!" „Or I could've gotten away! Which would have been worth it." She takes a step forward but also rolls her eyes. „And you really think it would have worked? That you, the princess, could just run with no one noticing?!"

„Yeah! After all only you did." That seems to stun her for a short moment, which I take to get up and try to run. But before I'm even halfway up, she grabs my arm and pulls me to her instead. Not roughly but firm. „Let me go! I'm a princess!" I struggle against her grip but she just sighs. „You're using that card now? Right after you tried escaping your princess-being?"

She's got a point but I will not tell her that. „Now, will you come with me of your own accord? As in, walking by yourself without you pulling against my grip?" I scoff. „Literally why would I do that?" Alexias eyes soften, seemingly with regret, but I don't get to admire them that much. She spins me around, throwing off my orientation for a few seconds. She uses those to change her hold on me, now having both my arms behind my back with one hand. Her other one is reaching for rope.

„You really gonna tie me up?" „You gonna come with me if I don't?" Now, I could lie..but I don't really wanna lie to her anymore. „No." I can feel the rope around my wrists, firmly holding them together. Her left arms then goes around my shoulder and she starts guiding me back to the exit. Well she tries. I firmly stand my ground, aka lean forward to the close point of falling over.

Alexia groans, and stops again. „Are you really gonna resist even in this situation. „I don't think I'd feel like myself if I didn't." Alexia rubs her temples and hesitates. „Please state again that you will not walk towards the castle yourself." „I won't walk back to my prison."

Suddenly I'm swept of my feet as she picks me up and throws me over my shoulder. She starts walking back and for a good 10 seconds I'm completely caught off guard. Not much longer though. „What do you think you're doing?! Put me down!" Alexia does not but actually speeds up her steps. „I offered you to walk yourself. You have only yourself to blame."

That held more weight than I like to admit so I just groan. But after a minute I start to accept that I have no way to escape now and stop struggling as much. Soon we reach the library. The light is now back on and I already know who'll expect me there. „Alexia? Is that you? Is she with you?"

Alexia enters the room with me still over her shoulder, facing me away from Marcus. „Oh- I did not accept you to bring her back like this, but I'm not complaining. Put her down on this chair." Alexia carries me over there and lifts me off her body. „You could at the very least pretend you see me as a person instead of an object you stupid fuck." I direct my words at Marcus even if Alexia is disrupting my view of him.

She sits me down on the chair before walking behind it. Technically I could try escaping now, but I still can't use my hands, and Alexia is definitely paying attention to me, so I just sit and stare right back at Marcus, who even tho he's got a smug smile on his face, he looks awfully tired. At least I managed to get him annoyed.

Chapter Text

„So. Dear Miss Violet thought she could just leave in a dark-at-night action, did she?" I lean back. Obviously I still feel shitty because of everything that's happened. But if anything, that just made my will to annoy everyone who stands in my way even more. „What? Nooo. I just- really felt like stargazing today. Outside. In a cloak. On the castle walls."

Marcus lets his head fall in frustration before putting his smug look back onto his face. „Are you even aware what position you put yourself in?" I put on an oblivious look and ask in a overly sweet voice: „What? I did something wrong? Oh Sir, please tell me what I did." Marcus sighs before signaling for Alexia to position herself outside the library door.

I'm a little surprised at that. He's not that stupid to assume I wouldn't try running away again. Alexia certainly knows me well enough, she's just as confused as me. But she does it without asking. I mean yeah, she's always been a rule-follower.Once she's closed the door, Marcus turns back to me and steps closer, towering over me sitting on the chair.

„Don't even try running now. Alexia is right there and the other doors are locked. But just to be sure..." He walks around me to the back and grabs my tied-up wrists. First it just feels like he's gonna hold onto me while this conversation - cause he definitely just wanted one without Alexia - but the pressure remains even as he stands back up. I look over my shoulder to notice that he's literally tied me to the chair.

I scoff. „Seriously? You're more wary of me than my father. But I honestly think this goes over what you're allowed to do with me soo" Marcus pulls a chair towards me and sits down directly in front of me.

„Well actually, it's not. From the newest rules since you're little switch came out, my highest priority is to make sure you remain in the castle. With no limits. So if I suspect you might try to run away, I'm allowed to restraint you. Alexia has the same privileges, but when I told her, she said she'd try not using them. Probably feels like it's inhumane."

Alexia basically refused those? What happened to the rule-follower I know? Ehh I'm getting off track. „Maybe cause it is? I mean that's just a theory from my stupid female brain but..." I glance up at Marcus glaring down at me mocking him. „Let's talk real here then princess. You have basically no power right now. Not over me at least. And not over Alexia either. So why are you still acting superior?"

I laugh in his face before taking a deep breath and smiling. „Oh I'm aware of those things. I was aware of that as soon as you came in my room yesterday. I can actually still think even when sobbing yk? But then again, as much power as you have, you're still replaceable. And someday you'll be replaced. Maybe even as soon as father gets back. He doesn't like it when people make mistakes.

And you didn't notice I wasn't my brother for a good week. But me? As much as he dislikes my rebellious being, he can't replace me. Lord knows he'd try. But we both know the people would ask questions. Or revolt. Depends on what lie you tell. Either way, I'll leave traces. You won't. So, in a way, I'm still more powerful than you."

Marcus looks like he just bit into a sour apple. „Could you now so very fucking kindly tell me what consequences I'll get for this?" Marcus seems to be plotting my downfall, but he can't actually hurt me soo why not have a little fun with him?

„Only because you asked so very nicely. You won't be allowed to leave your room for 24 hours, food will be brought to you. And as much as I'd like to do that with no exceptions, you'll be allowed to leave at around 10 pm for the Ascyllan Noxis.  Alexia will then accompany you everywhere. If you as much as look towards an exit she has the right to handcuff you to her, and if you actually try leaving I'll make sure she does."

I scoff. Won't even respect the women's judgement who just caught me. Ironic. „Also, you'll be handcuffed to the styling chair while your stylist is there, as she'll have to leave a few times during it. Additionally, locks on your windows have already been installed." That's pretty mild. I expected him to throw me in a jail cell with a pillow and a blanket.

„Is this the part where you try intimidating me to never try escaping again? Cause you can spare it, we both know I don't actually give a fuck." This time Marcus scoffs but goes over to the door to let Alexia back in, but they seem to have a small discussion outside. See, a normal person would play nice if they ever wanna try escaping again...but where's the fun in that?

Cause while he held his monologue I realized that getting out of here from now on might be a little trickier than before. So I'll annoy this little piece of shit as much as I can. Starting now.Here's a fun fact that you, the imaginary people in my brain, probably didn't know; the chairs in this library break really easily. I once broke one while trying to get a book from a higher shelf. I wonder if Marcus knows that? He will know.

I start rocking my chair back and forth, and with a kick in the air, the chair falls backward with a loud crash. May be painful, but the back of the chair successfully breaks in pieces. I scramble up from the floor quickly. My hands are still tied, but how is that supposed to stop me from walking. A short glance towards the outside door tells me that they haven't even noticed me! I quickly walk to the other door to get out, but he did say he locked them.

And this isn't a simple door, it's basically a big inside gate so that's not an option. Technically I could still back down again, say I just fell over. Oor I make it worse for everyone including me. I feel like that's not a question.

The door to the garden bursts open as I jump against it, rolling on the grass for a second. I quickly get up and start running. I'm aware that there's no way this goes anywhere. But I can already hear him shouting again and oh it is worth it. I don't even get to the flowers before Alexia catches up to me. She grabs my tied up hands and yanks me back into her arms.

This time she doesn't wait and simply lifts me up to bring me back. I laugh against her skin, giggling with delight. „Oh that's hilarious c'mon. You can't tell me I didn't surprise both of you." Alexia's pretty eyes dart down on me before sternly looking forward again. „Don't ignore me! You can't just ignore me!"

„You'd rather I lie to you for a week about something crucial?" Ouch. Okay. I think she's upset. I really didn't mean to hurt her. We enter the library again and she doesn't even set me down. Marcus simply appears in front of me, even more pissed than before. That lifts my mood. „You really cannot listen to me? Ugh don't answer. Alexia please put her down, two other guards will escort her back up. I insist you get some sleep now."

Alexia nods and lets me down before quietly leaving. „Won't even let my bodyguard escort me huh? You're a very mistrusting person, you should work on that!" Marcus doesn't bat an eye and orders two guards in. They each grab one of my arms and start dragging me towards my room. Fair enough, they'd probably be much more gentle if I didn't literally go limp as soon as they grabbed me. Gotta make everyone's life harder today.

Chapter Text

Violet

A ray of light hits my eye, shortly blinding me. „Aughh." I lift my hand to block the light, the rope tightening slightly. I groan and Slowly sit up. My room is illuminated by the sun shining in trough my windows, feeling warm on my skin.

I don't even properly remember how the rope got onto my hand. I think the guards just got tired of me walking to the door as soon as they let go of me. I still slept quite good though. I can hear 3 knocks and my door creaking as Alexia enters the room. „Morning Alexia."

„Good Morning Princess Viole-" Alexia stops in her tracks. I follow her gaze to see that she's staring at the rope tying me to the bed. „What is that." „That? Oh the guards that escorted me to bed got tired of my stubbornness." Alexia stares for just a second longer before striding forward.

„Is everything okay?" Before I could even react, Alexia had taken the rope in her hands and cut it with scissors from my desk. „They did not have the right to do that." I stretch properly before leaning back. „Eh it's fine. I just felt like annoying everyone." Still do, actually. „Well if you're gonna make messing with me your daily routine, not that thats new, you cannot start today. Your stylist is coming in half an hour."

I groan before a realization hit me and I shoot up. „Wait, now that my father knows I'm me, is he still gonna allow me to wear a suit?" „No. You'll be wearing a purplish dress, similar to the way Nyx is portrayed in the book you had recommended me." „Nooo, please! Dresses are so uncomfortable!!"

„It is your fathers command. While your stylist does her job, we'll also be going over the story he thought of to cover up why it's you attending, not James." James...maybe she's heard something. Has he been caught yet? „Is he not attending? I'd assumed after figuring our play out he would've been caught already."

Alexia shakes her head while waving me to the styling chair. „No, he hasn't. After been spotted in the neighbouring kingdom, he clearly realized his situation soon enough." I sigh in relief. I wouldn't forgive myself if he also got punished because of my idea. Not that I forgive myself in the first place, but that's besides the point.

I slump onto the chair, resting my head on the table. „I will go get Alice and Bella now. Marcus is outside to substitute me while I do that." I groan. Of course that little bitch is here to make sure I don't Run. Who would've guessed. Alexia leaves and Marcus enters the room with a smug smile.

„Still here? Didn't try running again?" „Well honestly after my first try it was just to fuck with you. But you weren't there, so who was I gonna annoy? But now that you're here again..." I stand up, but before even taking a step Marcus pushes me back into the seat. Heh. He's got to hate me by now. „Aww. I Didn't even manage the window."

I can hear metal clink and he's cuffed my wrist to the chair. „You're very mistrusting. All you would have to do is leave and I wouldn't feel the need to anymore!" „You best believe I will leave. But I'd rather not have you even try while the stylists are here." I groan, spinning in my chair to waste time. „Then hurry up. Seeing you is basically torture at this point." Marcus put up his smug smile, before opening the door and hurrying outside.

Alexia comes in with the two stylists, all three of them giving a weird look to the handcuffs. Have they never seen a rebellious princess before? Alexia sits down next to me and Bella shows her the finished outfit. Alice does the same thing for me. She reveals a massive balloon, which could almost be a wedding dress just purple. Is my father fucking with me!? He can't be serious.

„You can't be serious." Alice puts in on my bed before taking out the makeup supplies. „I very much am. This was your fathers request. He wanted to highlight your femininity." He wanted to press it into my face that I was discovered. I swear to god he's never gonna let me forget this.

After one gruesome hour of putting on the most bitchy fem makeup I've ever worn, Alice lets me look at it in the mirror. I instead turned to Alexia, who's also almost finished.Fuck she looks stunning. She's wearing a toned down version of my makeup, same colours same style. I turn back to my mirror just in time to see Alice separating my hair into 3 parts.

I quickly pull away, turning my chair around. „What are you doing!" „You picked this hairstyle! Well, 'James' did. But besides that, his majesty also requested this hairstyle for you." She grabs my chair, spinning it back to face her, but I all see it in slow-motion. How could he do this to me. He has to know what memories I connect to that.

I slowly look up and see Alexia's eyes dart over to me. But she doesn't say anything. Alice grabs the 3 strands of my hair excruciatingly slow, braiding my hair with no second thought. Why shouldn't she. She just thinks I'm an entitled princess, an up-to-no-good. Maybe that's exactly what I am.

A voice cuts trough the fog that floats around in my brain and finally time feels normal again. Why didn't I- oh. My watch is gone. Where is it, and why haven't I noticed this yet? „Violet?" I look up to see Alexia's worrying face before mine. No no no I swore to never make her feel bad ever again. „Yeah? Is everything okay?" „I wanted to ask you that. You were really zoned out for a few minutes just now."

Only a few minutes? I swear I've been sitting here for hours. „No I'm fine! Just daydreaming!" Alexia seemingly relaxes, but I can tell she's still paying attention to me. She shouldn't have to do that, so I make sure to stay focused for now. I let myself be put into the prison of a dress and try to not look at my hair in the mirror. I'm failing at that. But it is what it is.