I Love You, My Cursed Prince

The day after Prince Emil had been kicked out of the castle, Princess Arya went to visit Prince Vidar alone. Of course, nobody was allowed to follow her. She stayed up in the prince's quarters for approximately an hour.

Then later, in the evening, Princess Arya told Muriel to follow her to an empty room that was almost never used. The ever loyal Doctor Bergson stayed outside the door to keep a lookout. The women sat down on cushioned stools and kept their voices low.

"I honestly wish it was easier to find good servants," the princess said with a sigh.

Quite a few servants had been questioned, and some had confessed to telling Prince Emil about Vidar's gifts to Muriel. They didn't understand why he gave her gifts. So there was only so much information they could give him. That was of little importance in the princess' mind. She had personally slapped each of their faces and ejected them from the castle. Servants were expected to keep their masters' business out of their mouths, you see.

"I'm quite disheartened for you," Muriel said as she folded her hands together.

Princess Arya shook her head. "I shouldn't have mentioned the issue. We have a much more difficult series of knots to untie."

"Yes, Madam," Muriel said with a sad nod. "If there's anything I can do, please give me the order."

"Well, there might be something for you to do."

Muriel wondered what in the world the princess had spoken to her son about.

"I never wanted my dear Vidar to hide himself. I wanted him to face the world as any man should." Princess Arya reached up to angrily pinch and jiggle an ornamental comb that was in her hair. The shadows on her frown had her looking very grave and tired. "But he was too devastated. He begged me to keep his form a secret, and I'm ashamed to admit this, but I agreed to it. But now, this has become too onerous, and it's my opinion that for his own survival he needs to go to his father and tell everyone what happened to him."

Muriel let her fingernails scratch at her palm. "Do you suppose he'd be willing to do such a thing?"

"There's a possibility," the princess said as she pulled the comb out of her hair. Then she put it on the other side of her head. She didn't seem to need a mirror. "However, he'll need you to do something."

Her heart soaring into a state of pure exhilaration, Muriel touched her neckline and said with a breathy tone, "Anything, Madam. Anything."

"Hmmmm ... I'm not sure if you'd be willing. My son might wish to discuss it when he next sits beside you." She laced her fingers together hear her belly. "You'll need to keep a tolerant mind, and please be patient. This is a difficult issue, and dear Vidar's mental health is at stake ... or rather ... his existence could be at stake."

His existence?

Muriel didn't want this conversation to end. "Madam, please tell me what I must do."

Princess Arya shook her head. "It's not my place to ask it of you, but I will say this. If you agree, and you see my son with your own eyes ... and then you suddenly disagree ... please don't betray him. Don't cry the truth to the world without his consent. If you do, then once again I must warn you. We will have our revenge."

"No matter what his appearance is," Muriel told her, "I swear I will not reveal him. If anyone else learns of this truth, then I want it to be of his own accord."

Princess Arya nodded. "Yes, well ... I don't want to give you any details ... you should ... you should agree to his suggestion first. Then he'll reveal himself."

"This action you want me to take," Muriel said as she leaned in a bit, "it must be something quite necessary. Is my reasoning correct?"

"Yes, but my Vidar has to be the one to tell it to you. Otherwise, it will all be tainted in a way."

"I'm afraid I don't understand. I'm not as clever as you."

Princess Arya waved her fingers at her, "Don't be such a negative thing." She rose from her stool. "Hopefully, you'll have the matter discussed tomorrow, and perhaps you'll have made your decision soon after."