After Maria bought a bunch of food from Sarah, the devoured all of it while walking back towards the palace. So much had happened to them the past few days that they never even realized how long they had been awake. Their bodies were at their limit and were going to collapse at any moment. They needed to finally rest.

"I’m glad Sarah’s business seems to be improving more and more each day. She has definitely earned it. Pretty soon she may need to hire some help!"

Maria started to chuckle.

"I can’t help but feel we are mostly responsible for the success. It almost feels like we go there every day! Maybe we should try some other places in the kingdom. Who knows what kinds of talents are waiting to be discovered here!"

Jacob smiled pleasantly.

"That sounds like a great idea. How about we do that once we figure out the situation with the noble clans. We first need to figure out where they currently stand on the idea of my dad staying in power."

"That’s smart. Do you want me to talk to the Rose Clan while you try the Katra Clan?"

"As scary as it sounds, I think it would be better that way for both of us. Katra would respect me as the king’s son, so even if he is still heavily loyal to the king, I won’t be punished too severely for suggesting such a thing. Similarly, I’m sure Lidia would want to protect you no matter what."

"I wonder why Miss Lidia is so protective of me sometimes. I feel like she just adopted me but we’re so close."

"I’m not sure you are aware, but one of her daughters was taken from her by the king. He said it had something to do with protecting the kingdom. I’m sure Lidia still holds some resentment at the king for that. In fact, she may be our ticket to success in this mission."

"I wonder what happened with to her."

"Not many know the full story. They simply just know Lidia had someone taken from her by the king."

Maria looked wistfully up at the castle as they approached the steps.

"To think this peace in this kingdom is only a storm away from completely changing."

"All the more reason for us to get some rest for tomorrow. I have a feeling things will only get more complicated from here."

As Maria and Jacob were about to part, they both stopped and looked at each other. Maria looked absolutely stunning in her armor. Her hair was smooth, her complexion was shining, her eyes were shimmering at him. Jacob slowly stepped closer to her. Maria copied his movements and did the same. Soon, they found each other embracing one another.

Their faces slowly grew closer together by the second. What Jacob wanted carried no thought, it was just something his heart had desperately been desiring for days. He let go of anything holding him back and brought her face closer to his. He could feel her hot breath gently flowing on his skin. Right as they were about to completely close the distance...

"Prince Jacob! You’ve returned!"

Both Jacob and Maria jumped and backed away from each other. Their faces were completely red, and their hearts were beating out of their chest. Joseph started walking towards them with a warm smile.

"I’m so happy you both have made it home safely! I-"

Joseph studied both of their expressions, and he suddenly grabbed Jacob and walked him out of earshot of Maria.

"I’m so terribly sorry, young lord. Am I interrupting something?"

Jacob kept stammering over his words. Everything that came out of his mouth made little sense.

"I- well... I mean you just... It wasn’t anything like... well maybe it was something, but-"

Jacob let out a heavy sigh.

"We were just going our separate ways is all. We are both really tired from everything that’s been happening the past couple days. If you see the king, tell him we have successfully retrieved the charm, and it is currently in my possession."

"Interesting... why don’t you tell the king yourself? He is sitting where you can normally find him."

Jacob rubbed his face. He really didn’t want to face his father right now. All he wanted to do was sleep for a week straight.

"I guess I can talk with him for just a moment. But only a moment."

"As you wish."

Jacob looked over at Maria and walked back up to her. She was still completely petrified of being caught doing nothing.

"Sorry about that. We’ll talk more tomorrow. Sound like a plan?"

Maria was little slow to respond but pushed the words out of her mouth.

"Y-yes! That sounds great. I-I will see you then!"

Slowly, they started to walk their separate. Jacob started running through his mind how he was going to convince his father to keep the charm. He even started questioning whether he should tell him he really has it or not. Opening the doors to the throne room, he saw his father sitting down looking right at him with an unreadable expression. His face had completely recovered form Maria’s attack already.

"You’ve returned. I assume that means you have the charm?"

"I do."

"Very good work. You and your friend are forgiven for what you both did to me."

Jacob was meeting his father’s gaze with an equally cold one. A small tension washed over everyone in the room.

"So, where is it? Are you not going to give it to me?"

"I thought I would suggest something else that I feel its powers would be much more useful."

The kings frown grew on his face.

"And what would that be?"

"I saw uncle with my own eyes. I know how big his army is and how powerful he is. You don’t even need the charm to defeat him, so I offer something else to you."

"Hm... Are you lying to me?"

"I am not. He said so himself that you are grossly overestimating his abilities."

"Trusting the enemy, are we?"

"I change my mind. I think what he said was you just don’t realize the power at your disposal is all."

"Explain."

"Think about it, dad. How much would our power increase if we had the noble clans fighting side by side? And if we had that charm with us on the front lines, we would be unstoppable!"

"I am already aware of their sparring that took place today. I heard they destroyed the lake from it."

"All the more reason you don’t need this charm. How is our uncle even going to get the water to attack us in the first place with the lake now missing?"

"I can’t underestimate his abilities to carry water for miles from other sources. However, you make a compelling point."

The king rubbed his chin for a few moments. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"You can hold on to it for now. However, if I ever feel the need to take it from you, I will do so without hesitation."

"Thank you, father. I will be going now. I haven’t had sleep in a few days and I must rest."

"Very well. Be on your way then."

As Jacob turned to leave the room, he unexpectedly heard his father’s voice one more time.

"And Jacob."

He turned around.

"You really do get your looks from your mom. I’m glad to see you’re growing up to be such a fine young man."

"Thanks."

With that, Jacob continued walking down the halls, entered his bedroom, laid on his bed, and went to sleep.