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The other prince turned round in my direction.

— Is it really that important? I\'ll tell you when we get out of here! — He said impatiently.

He looked very agitated, for we could have been caught at any moment. But even so, I never moved.

— Leriana, what are you doing? — Do you know how hard it was for me to get here? This might be our last chance!

I sighed heavily.

Even though our meeting was very unexpected, and I had no idea when Razor had had time to return to the Empire, but… I knew perfectly well that I couldn\'t do that now.

— Razor,» I smiled wryly, «if you\'re here, you must know all this by now.

— I know!» he said nonchalantly, «That\'s why I\'m going to get you out of here.

— No need.

— What…?

The prince opened his mouth in amazement, apparently thinking I was joking. But the expression on my face remained the same.

— Razor, I… I don\'t want to involve you in any of this.

As much as I wanted to leave the Imperial palace, I was also aware that I couldn\'t take every chance I got. Especially the ones related to my loved ones.

I could no longer remain as reckless as I had been a few years ago. After all, this story had long ago transcended the confines of the Royal Academy, and had taken a much more serious turn. There was no place for games anymore.

But Razor didn\'t understand that.

My sudden words stumped him, and after he stepped back, he moved abruptly closer, grabbing me by the shoulders.

— Leriane, what are you talking about? — If you\'re talking about Rachel Cassius, I\'m not afraid of her! Come on! Let\'s get out of here together!

Despite these words, I looked away.

— Razor, I can\'t go with you.

— Why not?!

— You\'re the second prince. Rachel has more reason to kill you than anyone else. If we are caught, you will not be spared.

He\'s stumped.

— I\'ve already thought of a backup plan. We leave the palace without anyone knowing…

— I suppose so. But what happens then?

— Hmm?

— It will take some time to leave the capital. Rachel\'s men are all over the city and will recognize me for sure. Chances are we\'ll be caught as soon as we\'re on the street.

Razor opened his mouth and seemed tense.

— Even if something happens, I can fight them, and…

— Then the entire Imperial guard will know where we are.

— …

— Razor,» I sighed as his grip on my shoulders loosened slightly, «I know you mean well. But Rachel is not an opponent you can easily underestimate. She\'s got the whole empire in her power now…

With that in mind, I\'ve been thinking a lot about my escape in recent weeks. And I\'d come to the conclusion that my only safe option for doing so was if Rachel let me go herself. But that wasn\'t so easy to do. All my hope remained in my father, who could pressure the girl with his influence of the first Archduke. True, there was still no news from him.

Razor did not like my idea, and it was clearly visible in the expression on his face. But just as he was about to say something else, I stopped him.

— Blake, please.

The guy flinched when I called his name.

The last time was a long time ago, and it served as a sort of reminder of our old friendship. He understood the sign.

After hesitating for a while, the prince nodded.

— All right… But you must promise to take care of yourself.

I smiled.

— Of course. You have to take care of yourself, too.

— If I find out that this scum has done anything… I\'ll come back for you!

We hugged each other briefly, for staying together was too dangerous. Razor gave me one more hard look before he disappeared from the balcony.

I exhaled in relief.

Even though it was my rare missed chance, I regretted nothing. As long as Razor and Maxie and the others didn\'t put themselves in danger, I could pretend everything was all right.

As long as I didn\'t go too far myself…

I watched the night sky for a few more minutes before I decided to head back. The ballroom was surprisingly lively, and I soon realized why.

For a while I hid unnoticed in the general crowd, eavesdropping on the conversation.

— …A private secretary is a serious duty. I don\'t think such a young girl is ready for it.

— Your Majesty, I\'ve been studying science books since I was young. I can assure you that I am very organized, and capable of carrying out any order you give me!

— And yet, I am not so needy.

This conversation lasted until Rachel «noticed» me. She probably sensed my presence right away, but she just didn\'t show it. She seemed relieved at that moment.

— Leriana, come here.

The guests only seemed to notice that I was standing among them, completely immersed in the conversation. But when they did, they instantly groaned and parted ways.

I walked up to the emperor\'s throne, and Rachel held out her hand to help me sit beside her.

The next moment she asked a question:

— What do you think of her?

— Hmm?

I turned and turned my attention to the girl who was kneeling in front of the throne. At first glance she looked beautiful and quite pretty. Dressed in a delicate pink dress.

— She is the daughter of Viscount Fernandez. She wants to be my secretary.

I was a little surprised.

It wasn\'t every day that young noblemen showed a desire to take a job. Most of them just wanted to live off their parents to continue their work in the future. Therefore, such an offer seemed quite unexpected.

— Why do you want to work at the palace? — I asked.

— It\'s…» The lady looked flustered, «Because I consider it my duty to help the empire prosper.»

— So,» I nodded a little surprised, «You seem to have a very noble heart.»

— Thank you for those words, Your Highness!

Rachel looked at me with interest, while I spoke nonchalantly:

— This is your business, so you must make up your own mind.

— Not at all,» she objected quietly.

— What…?

— It\'s our business. You forget you\'re going to be queen, don\'t you?

I hesitated. She had to be reminded of that.

— So you want my opinion? — I asked uncertainly.

— Yes. If you\'re against it, then I\'ll refuse too.

— Mmm… Okay then.

— Are you sure? — I asked just in case.

— You need an assistant,» I said simply.

The viscount\'s daughter was pleased, while Rachel didn\'t argue and agreed. She turned to the noblewoman and waved.

— Good,» she said, «You have the crown princess\' approval. You can begin your duties tomorrow morning.

— T-thank you, Your Majesty! — The noblewoman\'s face lit up with happiness,» I promise I won\'t disappoint you!»

— Hmm… I hope so.

By this time it was the middle of the banquet, and it was time for Rachel and I to open the second part of the evening with a traditional dance.

We walked to the center of the ballroom where the girl put her arm around my waist and I on her shoulder. Beautiful music began to play and we almost stopped paying attention to our surroundings.

That was probably why I hadn\'t noticed that Rachel\'s new secretary had been staring at me the entire evening.