Lord Aeron had that creepy grin on his face ever since a while ago. Valeriana was starting to feel cautious of however the wheels inside his head were turning. Whatever he had been thinking, it was a sure thing that it wouldn't be a good thing. The scheming man was probably scheming once more. Whatever he was scheming, on the other hand, the girl did not like to know.

Corvan and his companion proceeded to occupy a vacant table, just a few steps away from where they were. They both seemed unaware of their presence. Corvan had his back against Valeriana while the strange girl faced him. She could've sworn she glanced her way, her eyes possessing a strange glint.

The stranger was a peerless beauty. Fair skin with cat-like amber eyes emphasized by a thick line of kohl and her long lashes. She had silken, soft hair the color of ochre which she had put up into a complicated updo. The curls rested in soft folds at the back of her head, with intricate ornaments pinning them in place. Her nose was straight, a bit upturned, and her lips were painted a bold shade of red.

Valeriana could not help but envy the girl. She was so beautiful it was illegal. The current fifth-ranker consciously patted down the messy hair she had put up in its usual ponytail. She was sure some of it had strays flying up in all sorts of directions.

Yanking herself out from the rush of insecurities which had been bothering her a lot lately, she tried to focus on the matter at hand and talk to the Court Leader seriously.

"Anyhow, Lord Aeron." Valeriana surreptitiously swallowed the chunk of water that had pooled inside her mouth, her eyes darting to meet his glinting ones. "I can't not tell the Twelve about this. They look forward to helping as much as I do. This involves us a lot than you, Headmaster Kylon, and the others think."

"No. We perfectly understand." He countered, throwing a short wave of refusal in the air. "You kids caught on this problem first compared to the Celestial Knights, but it does not remove the fact that this is beyond what you can handle. Speaking strictly professionally, we acknowledge your efforts and skills, but we prefer you stay out of this."

"You can't tell us that." Valeriana argued.

"Then give me a good reason." He challenged her. "You lot's rebellious nature have been getting out of hand, lately. Though you say you've handled the problem in Preluresia quite well, there were still some dire situations you have failed to handle properly, some of which could've been fatal."

His voice had grown serious it instilled fear into Valeriana. His eyes, not to mention, were set ablaze. His lips were pressed into a thin line, hiding his teeth. The neutral form of his face made his age not too evident. In fact, the expression he had on was very unlikely and unusual for him to sport.

"I have received a report from a certain Knight."

Could be Laz, Valeriana guessed.

"You were put to sleep after a surge of demonic energy, which some of you were not immune to."

"It was part of the plan." She reasoned out.

"And you believed that?" The Lord pressed firmly. "You have been told that because Charles is very clever. He knows some things may not go as expected, so he always shows as though things are always under control, when, in fact, the reality is that he himself only tries to make do with what he has to counter whatever's thrown at him. I have been there, my dear, I know all too well how it is."

"Charles is . . . ?"

"Is not as invincible as you think. He may have all of you fooled but he cannot fool me. Strategizing is a game of risks. Charles loves to play with things that seem impossible to accomplish. He likes to make a laughter out of things which seem drastic, which makes him cunning."

Valeriana did not know what to feel about that. There were lots of things about the Twelve she was unaware of--very personal things she was certain they would just not talk about out of the blue; not unless you ask. But, of course, Valeriana was not the type of person to pry.

"Even so, no matter how admirable, I do not believe you are all ready. You each have your own demons to face. If you cannot fight them first, you can never truly defeat what you are trying to seek out." He paused. "Of course, I am not saying I'm done fighting mine, but you children have a lot to do. Taking this on is not in any of your list to do at the moment. We do this not to control you, but to cherish the growing treasures you are. Roses need thorns. You still don't have yours."

"I actually don't want to take any part in this, forgive me if that sounds so impersonal of me." She apologized, the formal speech rubbed off on her. Her fingers scratched an itch around her lower chin and she looked down in shame.

Her image reflected on the tea sitting in front of her, having lost its steam from the stillness it was abandoned to. The shame on her face was evident.

"I just want to find out about my father and everything he has to do with this--whatever he was trying to do, why he died, who killed him, how he died, and what killed him." Her voice gradually faded, the last word ending in a soft note that trailed to silence. "I . . . want to find out about me. I'm confused. There are lots of things I don't think I can accept easily without explanation."

Her gloved hands were getting used to having the fabric around her skin, and she was unsure if that was a good thing. She wished for the air against her palms and not the tightness surrounding it. She was scared of seeing the growing mark, but at the same time, she could not and would never want to loathe the gift she was given.

To purify others and help them ascend smoothly to the other side in exchange for a time of her life--literally. Though quite a skeptical matter, she could not find it in herself to abhor the ability. After all, Cifaro left her words that gave her the strength.

Though she was still unsure what for she was given this ability, she had a feeling she would find out. Soon.

"I know you seek answers. It is only a matter of time before they're all answered. This is like a puzzle, my dear. Some questions cannot be comprehended when a part of the picture is missing. You need it as a whole. When all is laid out, then everything will make sense." The Court Leader gave her a smile, something which sent a strike of calmness through her skin. "You are impatient, I can see that. But if it's all thrown at you so easily, then I do not think you can bear their weight. Remember, you need do nothing. The answers will come to you in the right time. Do not look for them for that will be futile. Just wait."

A sense of nostalgia flooded through her. "I heard those words before somewhere. I can't remember exactly."

"Just carry with you your heart, that is all you need." He then chuckled. "Now I even do not know why I said that!"

She rolled her eyes.

"Do me a favor, dearest. Get me some of that Darjeeling tea, and those freshly baked bread they offer. The blueberry muffin would make an exquisite pair. Would you please?" He pleaded, setting down his saucer with a small clink.

Valeriana looked over her shoulder to see where he had been pointing her to. The spot was so very close to where Corvan and the lady were, which made her hesitate. She glanced cautiously and tiredly at Lord Aeron, sending a message of complain his way.

"Can I not . . . ?"

"I promise to answer more questions of yours if I can." Aeron bargained.

Flashing him her angry face, she balled up her hand in front of her into a fist, threatening him with it. After that, she stood and half-stomped, half-walked towards the desk wherein a brunette boy stood waiting for further requests. Along the way, she passed by their table and was within earshot distance.

Stupid Court Leader! She inwardly huffed. Now I'm was eavesdropping without even wanting to eavesdrop!

"Your Lord Father wishes for you to be present. Her Excellency, Grandmother, will be present to witness the proceedings. Aside from that, there is strange activity that His Highness wishes for you to investigate on. It concerns Your Excellency's familiar . . ." The strange woman drawled.

Avaro. Was the first name that came to her, almost simultaneously when Corvan uttered the same loudly.

"Avaro." The young lord leaned forward, his attention drawn. "What is with my familiar?"

"Well, his clan to be exact." She added, a quirk of her pinky as she set down her cup of tea. "The behavior of the beasts on the mountains is very strange, to say the least. It is unknown whatever is going on. The guardian beasts of our continent are very territorial, which is why, you, milord, as the contractor of their alpha leader, should be the one to see over the matters."

"Alovia,"

Alovia. Valeriana echoed, frowning.

Goodness! The girl could not comprehend what sort of feeling had been bothering her since a while ago. It was wild in her stomach which made her want to kick someone back to Earth!

"Excuse me, miss? What can I help you with?" Asked the boy before her.

Valeriana realized she had been standing there stupidly the whole time. She wondered how long she had been that way.

How embarrassing.

"Darjeeling tea." She blurted. "With a . . . blueberry muffin."

As the boy went to get as she asked, her ears turned automatically.

"I do not see as to why you, of all people, should be the one to deliver this message when someone else could've done so. Stop playing the role of a messenger, tell me what it really is you came here to do."

The girl named Alovia chortled, the sound of her laughter like ringing bells.

Well, church bells. That girl really was grating on Valeriana's nerves for some reason.

"Oh yeah, I feel so pretty." She rolled her eyes and made faces, rolling her eyes until it landed on the brunette boy, holding out a tray with the blueberry muffin she asked for.

He was looking at her as though she had two heads. "Um . . . are you alright, miss?"

She went red with embarrassment and puffed her cheeks out. "I am. Just doing face exercises."

The boy nodded hesitantly. "Alright . . . here's the blueberry muffin you wanted. The tea will be up in a minute."

"Yeah, sure, thanks." She ducked her head in shame.

"Well, milord, does that need excuses?" Alovia blinked at Corvan, her lips intentionally curving to a sad frown. "Is it not only because I wish to attend this festival as well? It is such a grand moment for the Academy to be holding festivities such as this one--a very rare one, at that! You question my seeking for fun, that is absolutely cold of you."

"I have no time to be bothered by your idea of fun." Corvan leaned back on his seat, that usual frown on his face. "Do me a favor and leave this academy, if my continent needs me, know that I shall be there immediately. I will not forsake my responsibilities as heir." He stood to leave.

"Wait a moment, milord." Alovia held her hand up to reach for him in panic.

This made Corvan stand in place, glaring at her with sheer irritation.

"You must not forget you and your father's deal." She told him. "Remember why you left the Ember Palace in the first place."

"That matter is not for you to be concerned with."

She stood with him, her height only reaching to his shoulder. "But I can help you."

"I do not need your aid."

"Then what do you plan on doing?"

"OH VALERIANA DEARY! WHERE ARE THOSE THINGS I ASKED YOU TO GET?!" Lord Aeron loudly called out, causing heads to turn his way.

"Holy shiznits, Lord Aeron. You old bastard. I'm gonna freaking kill you later. Rip your throats out . . ." Valeriana muttered under her breath. She fearfully saw Corvan and Alovia's attention being drawn to the Court Leader. Seeing him waving for her at the desk, their eyes turned to her next.

Shoot. Shoot!

Corvan's eyes narrowed at the sight of her.

Crap.

The brunette boy came back just in time with the pot of tea. He set it down on the trey just when Corvan started making his way towards her. Rushing for the tray, she jerked it towards her that she almost stumbled. Afterwards, she power-walked towards the table she and the Court Leader shared. But, of course, not before Corvan managed to reach her.

He made a grab for her shoulder and held her in place. "Valeriana."

"Yo." She chuckled nervously. "Funny meeting you here."

Inwardly, she hoped he wouldn't know that she eavesdropped on their conversation earlier. And inwardly, she was screaming at herself to find a place to hide in shame.

"Come with me." He ordered softly.

"I'm kinda . . ." She made the tray an excuse.

He took it off her with one hand and deliberately tugged her towards the table he and Alovia occupied. When they reached the table, he made her stand by his side, one hand on her arm and the other holding the tray.

He set it down on the table.

Alovia seemed furious. "This girl? Are you serious? This is shameful! That girl isn't even born of nobility!"

"You are wrong." He firmly retorted, his face stoic and hard. "Valeriana is the daughter of Garvyn Vernados Edgar, a relative of the de la Vernados family. In terms of lineage, she qualifies."

"You will settle for a relative?!"

"A relative of the highest noble families is better than a mere Count's daughter."

"I am no longer the Count's daughter, I am the Countess myself!"

"That does not mean you are equal. Valeriana is currently ranks fifth in the entire academy and she is a Direct Controller. I am quite sure my family will have no qualms about accepting her."

"Wait. What?" Valeriana stood frozen, wondering what the hell they were talking about.

"This is ridiculous!" She screamed, her face contorting into an ugly frown. "Even if that is the case, you have lost the family ring! Until that is found, things are not finalized!"

"If a ring is what you need, I have one right here." He said. Corvan reached into his chest and pulled out a necklace stringing a golden ring holding the brightest gem the girl had ever seen. He took it off him, pulled out the ring, took Valeriana's right hand, and pushed it into her ring finger. The glove she wore was made from a thin cloth barely a millimeter thick. It was something Sai had given Valeriana before as a compliment of some sort.

Now she was plunged into a swirl of confusion.

"That can't be . . ."

"Yes. It's the Wylden Cosmos." He had that most cunning smirk. "Valeriana is my betrothed, and no one else."

The bombs went off in Valeriana's head as she realized what he had been saying and suddenly figured out what they had been talking about.

How on Earth did Valeriana become Corvan's betrothed?!

Her heartrate skyrocketed and she felt as though her chest would explode. She could feel the blood being pumped up to her head, making her feel faint.

"This is not over." Alovia stomped off, throwing one last look at Valeriana that sent shivers down her spine.

When she disappeared, Corvan's face glowed with relief. It only lasted a few seconds before he hardened his expression once more and looked down at the confused girl at his side.

"You will come with me to Arlandia."

Valeriana stood stupidly, staring at the Arlandian heir with the widest eyes. "I don't know what's going on."

"I will explain later." He said.

"I didn't even say yes!" She screamed.

"I do not need your yeses." His hand jerked her forward. "You will cooperate and that's the end of the story."

"End of the story my butt, you jerk! What are you thinking pulling me into your mess?" As of the moment, they were the center of attention. "I have a lot of problems already and I don't need adding!"

Corvan looked around before gazing down at Valeriana. "Listen. I will help you if you help me in return. I have a lot of things that may aid you in your search for answers."

Now that seemed tempting.

"The Ember Palace holds plenty of information, not to mention the continent itself."

"But . . ."

"We leave tonight."

"Huh. Huh?" Her mind went haywire. "Have I got no say in this?!"

As the Valeriana chased after the first-ranker, Lord Aeron watched them while laughing his hardest. "Hahaha . . . interesting, entertaining . . . I couldn't have hoped for a better outcome! The tea and the muffin, though . . . what a shame!"