Lorelei POV

  Dolion has left. He went to see if the ribbon had been put up. Meanwhile, I am lying on the ground, all alone, staring up at the wooden roof ceiling.

  I can't help but think about the Prince's offer. By aiding him, I could save the twins. But what he wants in exchange, is just not possible. For me to stay with him, I can not do that.

  With the ability to silence his curse. I would hold the power over the Prince's sanity. I would be the most important person to him. He would do anything to keep me. Give me anything. That is both terrifying and tempting.

  What is wrong with me? What am I even thinking? I never wished for power. And what I want he cannot give me. I would be screwed if I trusted him. He is a blessed man who never had to struggle. Who thinks he can order everyone around. Even if I agreed to the deal, I know where it would end. As an untitled woman. I would never have a say.

  Pushing myself up from the ground. With clenched fists, I walk out. I am going to give the prince A piece of my mind. He is going to hear about the pain he and his family have caused me.

  As I enter the hall my body collapses. I gasp out a loud cry and smack my hand down on the floor. My knee took the blow, and the pain sprouted throughout my leg. "Damm it, damm it, damm it. How could this happen to me?" I did not realise I was crying, not before some of my tears landed on my hand.

  I am broken, ruined. All because of that stupid Prince. That fire, I had been caught in. I never experienced that kind of fear or pain. A part of me always had been fascinated by fire. Even though strange I always had a want for touching the flames. But this, the pain, the screams. It seemed as if I wasn't the only one screaming in the fire.

  I don't know how long I've been sitting here. It could be a few minutes or an hour. But I don't move, not until the door to outside slams open. The sound causes me to jump to my feet. Before I can attack the man, I see Dolion's cape. He slams the door behind him. His wrath reminds me that I can't trust him either. I am on my own here.

  "There is still no ribbon. It appears that the King does not care about his son.-" So that's why he's angry. "The plan is dropped. I have to handle this alone."

  "What about the Prince?" I ask.

  "I will take care of him. And you, it might be for the better if you leave the city, while you still can." He states.

  "What? No! I can not give up on the twins."

  "I have a more importent job to do. If you want to waste your life trying to save your friends, go ahead. But I will not help you anymore."

  "I will do that then. I have nothing else left anyway."

  With a gentle voice, Dolion says, "I admire the loyalty you have for your friends. But you cannot save them. Do not die for something impossible.-" He pauses and sighs, he does that a lot. "If it helps. I can get you the potion to remove the royal seal, then all you have done won't be in vain."

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  I had almost forgotten about the potion. At this point, it feels so worthless, it is not worth losing the twins for. But he is right about giving it to me, is the least he can do. "Where is the potion?" I ask.

  "Not here. I hid it elsewhere." How many hiding spots does this man have? He seems well-prepared. He properly had everything planned out, until the Prince changed everything.

  "Then go and get it," I say. Him leaving, might be for the best.

  I am done for, I can not save the twins on my own. With these wounds I am unable to fight my way to them. Hell if I was in my best health I still would not be able to. I only have one option left, which is the Prince's offer.

  "I will be back soon," Dolion says before leaving. The instant the door closes. I rush towards the stairs. I am done for, I can not save the twins on my own. With these wounds, I am unable to fight my way to them. Hell if I was in my best health I still would not be able to. I only have one option left, which is the Prince's offer.

  In the basement a ghastly sight awaits me. The Prince stands in the middle of the room, with a rope tied around his neck. Even though every step I take creates an echo. He doesn't look my way. Instead, his eyes is fixated on the ceiling.

  As I come closer I can see the noose is tight around his neck. He might be looking up to stop the rope from tearing into his skin. I had thought he didn't notice me. But then the Prince says "You alive? Are you... alright." His voice is a raspy whisper.

  "Yes, nothing better than almost burning to death" My voice is dripping with sarcasm.

  "You do not seem to be at death's door." He spat.

  A part of me wants to taunt him. But I don't have the time, Dolion may be back any minute. "Your father has chosen not to give into our wants. This means no rescue is coming for you." Dread spreads across his face. It must hurt knowing your father have left you to die.

  "We do not have much time. Dolion will be back soon. And he will kill you when he returns."

  The Prince starts to pray and beg "Oh god, Please Lorelei, you can still.."

  "Shut up.-" I silence the Prince. "If you wish help from me, you must give your word that the twins will be let free. Can you do that?"

  "I can. But why should I?!"

  What the hell? This man just begged for his life. What is wrong with him? "Do you not comprehend your situation here? You are about to die. Is that what you want?"

  "No. But with this curse, I might as well. I cannot live with it." Is he bluffing? Do he think I am desperate enough to let him make demands. "What do you want?" Because that unfortunately is what I am.

  "For starters to get free from this rope." He swallows.

  Against my better judgement I do what he asked, and pull the rope over his head. He grunts as it scratches his face. The Prince slides down onto the floor. His hands are still bound behind his back.

  "What if...What if I stayed with you? My life for theirs." I should not have suggested that. But It is something I know he wants. He wants me to sing for him, for eternity.

  He perked up for a minute but then becomes skeptical. "They must mean a lot to you, for you to even make that offer."

  "They are all I have. Would you not do the same for your sisters?"

  He looks confused and says "But those two, they are not your family." What does he know about what is and isn't my family? This boy can not comprehend how it is to be without anything and anyone.

  "We do not have time for this.-"I snap. "Dolion will be back soon. We have to be gone by then. Your offer of a place in court, I do not want that, it be useless anyway. No one would listen to me."

  "I would."

  I almost smile for a second. But I know that it is only words, he does not mean them. "Don't flatter yourself. All I am asking for is the twins to be safe, somewhere far from this Kingdom. And I will do what it requires." Even if it's being a slave to you, I add in my head.

  "I see. But how can I trust that you won't disappear after the twins are gone."

  Why is he asking so many questions, we do not have time? "You can not trust me. The same way I can not trust you won't betray me once we are inside the castle. But lock me up in a tower, if it makes you feel safer." I spoke loud and fast.

  The Prince crumbled together. "That could be a way... but it's not what I want. I would rather you be by my side, for better or worse."

  I tilt my head to the side. "What the hell are you suggesting?"

  "For us to get married."