-Kashion-
"No, it is not that important. You need not ask your maid," Kashion finally said.
His appetite had vanished. All he wanted now was to be alone.
He waited until Evlina had finished her meal and then suggested that they return to the palace. She did not object.
-Prior-
Meanwhile, Prior and Yin had completed the examinations scheduled for the day. Prior was tired. For hours they had tested which materials could safely contain Aethereleum without degrading or releasing particles. Aethereleum was a highly dense and powerful gas, and it carried moisture. It could be transported in a strongly compressed state, but it expanded rapidly afterward. All of this required particular care.
The two of them sat at a free table in the common lounge of the laboratory complex, drinking tea and sharing a few snacks.
"Well then," Yin began with a smile, "now we come to the important matters."
"Important matters?" Prior raised an eyebrow.
"Let us gossip a little. Do you think there will be more than a trade agreement after your visit?" Yin asked with a grin.
Ah. That was what she meant.
Prior smiled faintly. "It would be desirable."
"I have not yet met your princess. I have only seen her in the news beside Prince Kashion. But you were with them. What is your impression?"
Prior considered the question. If she was honest, she saw only the image of two very perfect people. Their interaction had been smooth, effortless even. And yet there had been something she could not quite name — not even clearly in her own thoughts.
"Well?" Yin prompted gently.
"I believe they would make a very suitable pair," Prior said at last. "Princess Evlina is deeply loved by her people, and she is indeed a kind-hearted person. I believe she would be an asset to Earth."
Yin smiled. "Let us hope so. It would also strengthen the agreement and bring stability."
Prior nodded.
Yin nudged her lightly with her elbow. "And what do you think of him? Our prince?" she asked teasingly.
The question caught Prior off guard. Her eyes widened; she glanced down, then back at Yin.
"Is he not rather pleasing to look at?" Yin continued.
Now Prior smiled despite herself. When Yin looked at her mischievously, she could not help but laugh.
"And not only that," Yin added.
"Hm?" Prior replied.
"He is a true treasure. My nephew grew up alongside him, so I have heard many stories. He used to be a very sensitive and curious boy. I think his duties have pushed that somewhat into the background. But one always senses how deeply he cares for the well-being of his people."
"Ah," was all Prior managed to say. She did not wish to appear overly curious by asking who this nephew was. And she was slightly surprised by the description. Sensitive had not been the first word that came to her mind.
"What did the two of them have planned today?" Yin asked.
"Prince Kashion wanted to show Princess Evlina the city."
"Very good. There is much to see. Prior — shall we add each other on Messenger?"
That pleased Prior. It seemed she had found her first potential friend here.
"Gladly," she said. "Here."
They tapped their devices together and exchanged contacts.
"I am always eager to hear any gossip," Yin said with a smile.
Prior laughed. She was not much of a gossip herself — but occasionally, it could be rather amusing.
Eventually they parted, and Prior made her way back to the palace. She was quite tired, yet she knew she would still have to report to the princess.
When she reached the palace, her Messenger vibrated. She took it from her pocket. A message from Yin.
If you happen to see Their Highnesses again tonight, you must report how they looked at one another. Your reports are more exciting than any novel.
That Yin. Prior laughed aloud.
-Kashion-
Kashion, Oren, Evlina, and Talina had reached the palace and were approaching the entrance.
Kashion remained thoughtful and had spoken little on the way back. Just before they entered, he suddenly heard someone laughing loudly.
He turned.
It was Prior.
She was looking at her Messenger, still laughing.
How could she be in such high spirits?
Then she seemed to notice the small group before her and looked up. Her smile faded slightly.
"Your Highnesses," she said.
She was rather small, with light blonde curls and an ordinary, almost unremarkable face.
Kashion noticed how her gaze briefly met his, then shifted to Evlina before lowering.
"Prior, how good to see you at once! You may come to my room with me," Evlina said promptly.
"Yes, Your Highness," Prior replied.
Kashion realized that his right hand had curled into a fist. He had to restrain himself from accusing her — and thereby making himself ridiculous. But how dared she touch his Cheqi pieces? And leave him a message?
He saw Oren step toward her, about to say something.
"Oren," Kashion interrupted, "I will require you in my chambers as well."
Oren glanced at Prior and gave a small shrug. "Yes, Your Highness," he murmured.
Once inside his room, Oren looked at him carefully.
"Your Highness, something is not right today. You are not yourself. May I ask now what you could not say this morning?"
Kashion exhaled slowly. He felt foolish — and wounded in his pride.
"Oren. I want you to find out what Princess Evlina's attendants have been doing in the laboratory."
Oren looked surprised. "Your Highness, all of that was clarified beforehand with the scientists. They will do only what was agreed."
Kashion shook his head. "This Prior is not so simple. Who knows what strategies or plans she might devise."
Oren frowned. "Why would you think that? Have you even exchanged a single word with her?" he asked.
"And you know her?"
"I do not know her. But in the short time she has been here, she has done nothing unusual."
"I want the report tomorrow morning," Kashion insisted. He was so unsettled within that he simply had to know more. Even if it concerned nothing more than laboratory work.
Oren nodded. "Very well. I shall inquire."
"I wish to be alone. You may go," Kashion said quietly.
He knew this was not his usual manner. First there had been that feeling of joy — and then it had given way to something far heavier.
Disappointment.
No… it was more than disappointment.
But he could not name it.
When Oren had left, Kashion stepped outside and looked at the Cheqi board. He could hardly imagine Prior standing before it, arranging the pieces.
He reset them into their starting position.
Then he returned to his room, opened the drawer, and took out the note. He did not wish to look at it again.
He threw it away.
That evening he could not bring himself to do anything. He took a warm bath and retired early.
Yet he did not fall asleep easily.
He thought of his day with the princess.
But again and again, his thoughts returned to a different question:
Who exactly was Prior?