Chapter 3.

Many candles were burning in the dark, windowless room. A young girl with silky black hair that was below her knees stood near the mirror. Her eyes were blacker than night, as if they had absorbed all the darkness of the world, absorbing the light without leaving a glare. The smooth eyebrows on her pale face stood out.

The girl regarded her face with a dead stare. The gas bags along with the bruises gave away her poor health more than her unnaturally pale skin. Quickly tying up her hair with a ribbon, she put on dark green gloves that matched the tightly closed dress perfectly. The girl picked up her veiled hat and took one last look at her exhausted reflection. She sighed quietly and put the hat on, covering her face with the thick veil, and left the room.

Today the weather was overcast. Dark clouds blocked out all the sunlight, giving happiness to the young girl. With a perfectly straight posture, she walked towards the garden gazebo, ignoring the hustle and bustle around her.

- First Princess Rylin, isn't the weather wonderful today? - The girl mechanically spoke as she approached the gazebo. In it sat the first princess in a soft blue dress. Her copper-blond hair was braided into an elegant bun, with the front strands loose. The ethereal beauty of the girl lifted her light blue eyes and stretched her pink lips in a gentle smile.

- For you, little sister, certainly lovely. Sit down, - Rylene said, pointing to the seat across from her. - Will you have tea with me?

- Thank you, but I'm not in the mood for tea. I have a favor to ask.

- Oh, yes. I had hoped in my heart that you'd come to ask how I was doing. There was an assassination attempt on me the other day.

“But the assassination attempt was a failure, what a shame.” - The girl in green flashed through her mind. The involuntary thought gave her body goosebumps.

- What do you want, Rocklin? - The first princess continued, gripping the handle of the cup with her slender fingers.

- Give me the untalented maid Nirta.

- Nirta...” the hand with the cup of tea froze. - If you had asked for any other maid, I would have gladly given her to you. But you won't get a Nirena. You should already be thanking me, because I agreed to share it with you. - After a sip of tea, Rylin looked up at her companion, who was completely covered by her clothes. - You see, I'm a lover of all things wild. I can't let such a tidbit go to waste. Also, Nirta has been serving me since I was a child. She knows all my preferences, guesses my desires, performs her duties perfectly. I actually wanted to refuse my father's request to share... but he insisted.

- I'm sorry for the inconvenience. - Rocklin took a step back, but the first princess' voice made her linger.

- How are you feeling? I heard there was another aggravation yesterday...” Raelyn rose elegantly, walked over to her sister and took her hands in her own. Her gaze wandered over the dark veil, scrutinizing the translucent features of her face. - Why don't you get your blood tested and take your medicine? You might get worse...” Her voice was soft and worried, making Rochlin dizzy and nauseous.

- I'll think about it. Do you know where Ramlin is? - gently releasing her hands, the second princess put them behind her back.

- I don't know. I'll have the maid find him and bring him to your room.

- No need. I'll find it myself. - With those words, Rocklin turned around and headed towards the grounds.

- I wouldn't recommend staying outside for long. The weather is fickle.

Even though fall had just arrived, it was already getting colder. Her whole body was covered in goosebumps and she had to keep her body relaxed to keep from shivering. Looking around for the boy, Rocklin noticed that everyone was dressed relatively lightly and felt comfortable. Pressing her lips together slightly, the second princess headed towards one of the entrances to the palace.

- Thank you for your help, Hiro. Without you, I had to deal with this for much longer. - A familiar voice made the girl turn around abruptly. Standing next to some hunter was a maid with wavy hair and dark skin. Her bright smile along with her cloudy eyes were mesmerizing. Roklyn didn't know how long she stood still considering her. As if sensing it, Nirta looked at the second princess. Meeting her gaze, the half-breed norein froze for a second. The hunter named Hiro noticed his friend's reaction and looked in the same direction.

- Your Highness. - The maid bowed quickly. The hunter bowed, and then began to look at the girl standing in the shadows, whose appearance could not be determined under the cover of her clothes.

- I need you. - Rocklin spoke in a calm voice. Nirta raised her head and, glancing at the hunter, ran after the princess.

They walked down dark, windowless corridors. There was a certain area in the castle that only belonged to the second princess. In this part of the castle, only rare torches lit the way. There were no guards, no maids. It was almost always empty here.

Unable to hide the chills, Rocklin quickened her step. When they entered the room, the princess took off her hat and veil and threw it to the floor, then pulled off her gloves with trembling hands. Nirta ran up to the princess and grabbed her hand, it was wet and icy.

- Your Highness, let me get a healer.

- No. No healer. - The princess replied in a stern voice, pulling her hand away. - I don't want...” Her voice began to shake treacherously. - Just... just... just help me warm up. Bring hot water and more blankets.

- I will. - Bowing quickly, the half-breed ran out of the dark room. The candles had long since gone out, and there was no energy to light them. Rocklin quickly removed her dress and shoes, scattering them all over the floor. Climbing into bed, the princess wrapped herself in a blanket.

It didn't get warmer, on the contrary, the feeling of cold intensified many times more, making her body shiver and her lips turn blue. A severe headache clouded his thoughts. Breathing became labored and heavy. There was an unpleasant sensation in my ears, as if water had been poured inside. After getting out from under the blanket, the princess sat on the bed with her legs tucked under her. Her eyes began to ache and tear, and a cough came to her throat, which she tried to hold back by pressing her palm to her lips. Sticky trickles slowly rolled out of her ear lobe, accompanied by pain and ringing in her ears. Her cheeks were covered in moisture. Unable to hold back, she coughed.