Princess, though unnerved by the recent turn of events, remained too stubborn to act immediately. She challenged me to halt her legs once more, and when I failed, she dismissed it as mere coincidence. As for my nocturnal dominion over our shared body, she reasoned that it was a normal occurrence of our condition.

  Returning to bed proved futile, for she did not rest at all.

  Following our morning routine—during which Rascal was conveniently sent on an errand so that Fermina could assist in dressing us—I decided to inform someone who might better comprehend the gravity of our predicament. Alas, the result was far less significant than I had hoped.

  “You just want to read those books, whatever it takes,” was Fermina’s conclusion. “I know we are pressed for time, but there is no need to scare us so we can get you your reading material. It’s too dangerous; we can’t afford to do it that way.”

  “It is like she says. You are blowing this out of proportion because you want to get your hands in those Artalar books,” Princess agreed, and, as I had vowed I would, I faithfully repeated those words to her sister.

  “I am hurt that you both think this is my sole motive,” I defended myself right after pronouncing Princess’s words, which was a little uncomfortable and confusing. “Nevertheless, I shall abide by whatever course of action you deem necessary, regardless of my personal reservations.”

  “What you should have done was to wake me up, Dubart. We had already agreed that I would take care of changing, bathing, and the lavatory,” Fermina remarked, though, to be precise, the lavatory had not been part of our discussion. “That’s doubly true if Aufelia was asleep and couldn’t see you.”

  Thus, after a round of scolding and subsequent apologies, the matter was laid to rest. Princess, who had initially posited that my presence was growing stronger within her, now denied it when I was the one to raise the issue.

  Fermina, inexplicably intimidated by Eliziam’s empty threats, proposed that we distance ourselves from painting. The sisters, however, disagreed. Princess refused to grant the foreign prisoner the satisfaction and no longer minded my constant exaltation of her name. Fermina reminded us that, for the time being, she had been entrusted with decision-making authority, and we had no choice but to comply.

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  Assuming Bernan’s Constabulary had recovered our funds from Chelyo, our financial standing was not dire in the slightest. We had already received compensation for both Tirrha’s and Lord Niyulgen’s commissions, which brought our total to a respectable eleven royal seals, though it was unfortunate that our income would now cease.

  Our exchange concluded in the same manner as the previous day. Rascal returned from her task of returning several books to the library in time for breakfast.

  Fermina had also taken charge of determining what was permissible for us to consume. On this particular day, Princess had hoped to indulge in a generous portion of dessert, but it was denied under Fermina’s suspicion that I had influenced her decision.

  “But I am so hungry…” Princess lamented, her reflection hovering over the soup. “Dubart, tell her that we have even skipped some meals. I want a bigger portion of meat. And today’s the day they’re serving blueberry pie! That’s like my second favorite. Tell her to have mercy; we should be able to have a little slice… Dubart, ask her again.”

  “I already said no, Dubart. Even if you’re telling me the truth, Aufelia should know we should behave at the table. Just turn to your right and see Lord Amaror’s portion on his plate. And…” Fermina leaned in closer to ensure we would not be heard. “…he is a little on the heavier side. If you eat more than him, you could embarrass him and make it seem like he is going on a diet; what will people think about you, hmm? No. This is enough.”

  “Then can we at least have a drumstick? I hate liver! Dubart, tell her I want fruit or… or something! Oh… and they brought caramel drops this morning. Look at them, Dubart… so brown and smooth. They’re tiny! We can surely take one or two. You’ve never tasted them, have you? Dubart, ask her again.”

  “Dubart! Stop it! I don’t care how hungry you feel. The size of your meal is sufficient. You are in the body of a Lady. You can have another boiled egg; that is it. Now, stop asking me things. You’re becoming like Riatna.”

  “Boiled eggs? Ugh! Dubart, ask her if we can at least have a few more berries. Oooh! Oooh! Look, it’s Tirrha coming! Excuse yourself and sit next to her. I’m sure she will offer us a cup of cream from yesterday. That would hit my sweet spot.”

  “You both are staying right where you are. We sit next to family at the table. I already let Aufelia have enough time to be with Lady Lunatora yesterday. If you behave and stop asking, I may allow it again this evening.”

  “Dubart! Tell her she’s being unfair. How come Riatna can go sit next to Tirrha and not me?”

  It was unending. I could confidently say I did not care for being stuck as the messenger between the two sisters.

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