Raven looked at him and was still going to kick his ass later for she told him to not cause trouble for she did not a war started between Diana and Soren she did not need that on her hands. She looked at him and was glad he was thinking of helping wit this ‘Red Robin’ but she already had a good guess who it could be but she had no proof and did not want to worry Eliezer.

She looked at him as she felt him touch the side of her face and blushed a bit from what he said. For even though he was not really selfless for she can be selfish. But she soon did a small smile at him. “I guess you are just lucky.” She said to him wanting to sound cute with him for she was happy with him and she has not been this happy in a long time. But she soon felt his hand cup her chin to lift it up to him so they see more eye to eye and she had noticed him gazing at her lips.

Once he basically asked she just smiled at him and gave him a small nod saying he can.

---

Allister was at his desk writing on some documents and signing paper work as he waited for the Arrival of Prince Eliezer and Hildebrand the knight. BUt one of the lunar assassins appeared. “So you are all out already.” He said and the assassin nodded. “Yes sir and we come to tell you that the one who ordered us we only know he’s by the name ‘Red Robin’ She wears a red carnival like mask and we have never seen her before so we can not compare her or give you a good clue who she might be.” He said and Allister sighed. “I have a good idea who it might be but unfortunately I need proof for now you all need to vanish temporarily but watch over Raven and Eliezer.” Allister ordered but the Assassin was hesitating.

“I know how you feel about the Royal family about this kingdom but the same thing that Moon Raven saw in Eliezer I saw also he is not like his father, mother and brother I can see even though he follows duty but I see him changing the more he is with Raven I see him opening up more Nd seeing things differently.” Allister said as he folded his hands together. “He is who Raven has chosen those two unintentionally are the key to peace finally befalling Lunar and Diana and is still that what both kingdoms have been craving especially after the death of Prince Aster.” Allister said to the lunar assassin and he nodded.

“You are right more then anything all we want is peace and treated as equals it is the only reason most took on the profession as assassins to survive just as the missing princess did.” He said and Allister got up.

“That is correct but soon we might finally have peace and move towards being treated as equal its a long path but a path that is worth it now go and hide in the shadows for now and stay away from the ‘Red Robin’ she obviously knows Moon Raven origins and wants her dead for she is helping the one that originally hired moon Raven.” HE said and the Assassin nodded and disappeared in the shadows and sent his orders off to the others.

At his lady's consent, Eliezer leaned in, gently brushing his lips against hers. Their first kiss seemed a tad long, but he took delight in every second of it. He did not move away when the lip contact ended, but stood with his eyes shut and his forehead against hers, relishing this special moment and enjoying being this close to her. He only wanted to stay like this, and for the first time, he had found the courage to acknowledge that he desired something. What then, however, if this could not last? He had been afraid of the pain that such a possibility would cause him, which was why he had been in denial all these years, but he would cross that bridge when or if he came to it. He would have never thought of taking such an approach before, and now, he could not help but wonder about his own change of heart.

He eventually muttered a "Thank you," to her as he took a step back, the light smile formed by his lips a rare sight to her, or anyone for that matter. "It would seem that all is well here. I shall therefore take my leave, for I must return to settle matters concerning my visit to Sorene. It was lovely seeing you again, my lady. Farewell, until we meet again."

He then turned and walked over to join his guards, who were waiting by the door, before leaving with them. In spite of everything being as it were, he realized that it all simply felt... lighter.

---

The moment the carriage arrived back at the palace, Hildebrand was out to greet the crown prince as soon as the latter alighted from the vehicle. The knight briefly informed Eliezer that the interrogation had been completed, as well as of Allister's request. Eliezer had noted that his knight looked to be rather agitated as they spoke, and wondered if it had been a good idea to allow him to speak to the Lunarian assassins. Surely the butler wished to speak to the both of them about this issue? What did Hildebrand already know?

Both the knight and the prince soon turned up at the doorway of Allister's office, and Eliezer got his attention. "Allister, Sir Hildebrand has alerted me of your request. What is this regarding?"

Raven felt like sh was walking on air once they kissed for it was their first kiss and she could not believe how amazing it was. She did not want it to end for she wanted time to stand still and stay still until she grew tired. Once it had ended she just smiled at him for she felt truly happy. When he has said thank you she smiled more at him. “You are Rey welcome Eliezer.” She said to him and it was obvious she had also enjoy this movement they just shared.

She saw him off and told him to have a safe trip back to the palace. “Hope to see you again soon also I will be counting the days until we meet again.” She said to him and once he was gone and she closed the door she was still on cloud nine. Until Andy came in. “So Sis am I still in trouble?” He asked and Raven glared and him and threw his dagger at him and he ducked just in time. “OK that is a yes.” He said and ran for it as Raven chased him.

---

Allister okey at Eliezer and Hildebrand and motioned them for both of them to sit. “Yes indeed I took the pleasure of overhearing Sir Hildebrand's interrogation with the Lunar assassin though before investigating further into the matter like I have he ran off as soon as he was told about the Moon Raven or as I am sure he has figure it out that Moon Raven is none other then Raven from the village that you have been contently seeing.” Allister said and Hildebrand looked shocked that even Allister already knew this.

“But they claim she is from Lunar and is a deadly assassin what if her motive is once she marries into the royal family she kills them off making her ruler of this kingdom we have to stop her.” HIldebrand said and Allister got up from his seat and went over to HIldebrand and grabbed him by the throat.

“Let me give you a warning touch my niece and I will personally send you to where your brother is before you can blink.” Allister said in a dark voice letting go of Hildebrand watching him cough.

“N-niece?!” He said shocked and looked at Allister.

“Yes she is my dead sisters daughter and she has no alternative motive against Eliezer at least not anymore not since she broke the number one rule of the assassin code.” Allister said as he went back to sit.

“And what would that be?” Hildebrand asked ad Allister looked at him.

“Never fall in love with their target.” Allister explained and Hildebrand looked shocked. “She was originally I will admit hired to kill Eliezer which is why at first I poked and prodded at her with questions and to gain information, which as you saw Eliezer is the reason why she does not like me.” Allister explained to them and could see the look at Eliezer.

“Eliezer remember how you to first meet she was trying to be alluring and do anything for your attention even getting you away from the palace the first two times you were with her were attempts on your life the first time the amateur assassin got in the way then the second time she took you to the village....you were not suppose to come back Eliezer you were suppose to be dead by night fall.” Allister explained and Hildebrand raised fast from his seat. “Sit Hildebrand before I get angry.” Allister said to him glaring.

“As I said she was hired but she betrayed the person who hired her so he sent the “Red Robin” on her because she fell in love with Eliezer which as I said is a taboo in the assassin world.” Allister explained and sighed.

“It is a price to pay to be an assassin once they betray the assassin code they do become a target and as you learned it was her only way to survive and as you know she sent her comrade to protect you Eliezer for she knew since she did not finish the job the one who hired her would try again.” Allister explained to the both of them. “Eliezer know this her feelings for you are true I see that sparkle in her eyes when she is with you it was the same for my sister when she talked about Ravens father before they ran off to marry.” Allister explained.

“I only told you this so you know that someone does not want you to take the throne and since the last two failed they are going to try again and also if word about this gets out you will be questions and so will she and I garuntee that one who wants you gone will try to make the villagers question your integrity which is why I already came up with and set it into motion.” Allister said with a smirk.

Hildebrand shut the door after he and Eliezer entered the office, the both of them then taking their seats opposite the butler. The knight had come to a realization that in an effort to reveal the one responsible for the death of his brother, he had been pulled into something much bigger. He could only hope that this was something that he was ready to handle, though, he was not about to make any lack of confidence known to anyone. His duty was to the royal family, especially to the crown prince, which was the reason he felt the need to voice out his findings from the interrogation as well as his concerns. Little did he know that the butler would have such a strong reaction to his words. This raised an even bigger worry as far as he was concerned, but he decided that it would be best to discuss this with Eliezer in private.

It was clear to Eliezer that the current atmosphere in the room was extremely tense, with Allister making no effort to be tactful with his words while addressing or referring to his knight. He was unsure if this was a wise move on the butler's part, considering that Hildebrand may not be in the best psychological state at such a time. Frankly, neither was Eliezer, with the information that was currently being revealed to him about his lady. He was also stunned to see Allister laying his hand on Hildebrand, though, before he could say anything, the shocking details about him initially being Raven's 'target' were made known to him. All he had known before was that she had wanted revenge on the king.

A large part of his mind was occupied as he took some time to process that just earlier on, he had locked lips with a woman who had originally intended to end his life. He instinctively felt nauseous at the thought, but was eventually distracted as Hildebrand shot out of his chair at what Allister said. Frustrated at the entire situation, he finally snapped at the two others.

"Gentlemen, please! Calm yourself, Sir Hildebrand," he addressed the knight before turning to the butler. "I greatly appreciate your assistance and guidance, Allister, and you are aware that you have my utmost respect, but threaten my knight, especially in my presence as you have just done ever again, and you can be certain that you shall lose it."

The prince sighed, almost apologetically, and his usual mild and phlegmatic demeanor returned. "I do acknowledge that this issue is a personal one to all of us, but let us have peace in this room before we even speak about maintaining peace in Dainia."

Eliezer then continued. "I find that Sir Hildebrand's concerns are valid. I shall have to take time to think through what I have learned today. I have to ask, Allister, for how long were you aware of your niece's initial intention to assassinate me?"

Allister gave a death glare still to the knight for he did not trust the fool around his niece but turned back to the prince. “I knew since the night of the ball for how she was alone and her skills in fighting are the ways of the assassin.” Allister explained to the prince ELiezer. “But as I said the day you were not suppose to come back from the village with her was when I notice the change in her and turning back on her employer.” Allister explained to him and HIldebrand looked at him. “Then you must know who hired her.” He said and Allister sighed and looked at the prince.

“Eliezer who was the one that brought Raven here who was the one the pushed you towards her in the first place and I know you snuck out one night like your brother has done to gloomstavern and learned he was there in a place known to house refuges and mainly assassins.” Allister said to him basically making him think about it but it was Mathazar who hired Raven.

“She sent the kids away in fear for her employer threaten to harm the orphans if she did not finish the deed so to stall as long as she could and protect the children she sent them away even though she did not want to do so.” Allister explained to the prince. “She did all this so she would have no ties and risks that could cause her to turn on her heart get rid of what is being threaten and bring in her siblings and it creates a bit more protection for her and you.” Allister explained to the prince.

“But still does not answer who is this person that hired her?” HIldebrand said confused.

“AS I said to Eliezer the one who hired her pushed him towards her the night of the ball and to keep meeting her multiple times until recently for he found another to do his dirty deeds for he has now gained the help of the Red Robin.” Allister explained to them both and opened a drawer.

“Also Eliezer I know all this for she has spoken to me and she has confirmed her love for you but I have not even told her this.” He said and pulled a book out with lunar history of all the royal family with illustrations and it was still waiting to be written to involve Raven. “This book is Lunar history of the royal family it holds all the past rulers of lunar how ow they all shared the same features in hair, eye, and skin color every first born with those features is always named heir and their precious heirloom that is passed down to each heir to the throne.” ALlister said to Eliezer. “When the time is right I will let you look into it Eliezer but for now I will hold onto it for this involves Ravens past that she does not know.” He finished explaining.

Having asked the question, Eliezer had gotten the answer he feared. "You knew all along, and yet you said nothing until now..."

Allister had known about Raven's intention from the very beginning, yet he still let it all happen. What if she had not decided to back out and had finished the job? There was a possibility that he would not be sitting where he was at this time. Granted, his safety was mostly his own responsibility - something that he had neglected the day he had left the palace to go to the village, but it still hurt that the butler had let him do it, knowing full well that the woman he had gone to meet was an assassin after his head. What was then implied about the one who had hired Raven to kill him was even more disturbing. It was rather apparent that Allister was suggesting that this person was his own brother.

"I- It cannot be... Prince Mathazar would never..."

Mathazar had been Eliezer's closest confidant for as long as he could remember, and until Raven came along, he seemed like the only person who truly understood him. It could not all have been a big lie, could it? The crown prince had trusted nobody else as much, until recently when Allister had earned that same trust due to the matters concerning Raven. However, after the butler had admitted to keeping quiet about something that had put him in danger, he was unsure if it had been wise to have given him that trust.

Hildebrand was appalled, and flared up once again. "You are in no position to play any games with us when you had said nothing and watched our crown prince walk right into what you knew was his possible death, Mister Cornell!"

That jolted the prince out of his thoughts, and he turned to his knight. "Sir Hildebrand!"

"Your Highness!" Hildebrand protested.

Eliezer simply shook his head at Hildebrand in response, indicating for the knight to say no more to the butler. Overwhelmed, he then rose from his seat, finding it a good time to take his leave.

"If you would pardon me, Allister," he addressed his butler, before signalling to his knight that they were leaving. "Sir Hildebrand."

Hildebrand immediately stood and strode ahead to open the door, and as the two young men left the office, the knight glanced back and returned Allister's death glare before shutting the door.

---

"I worry for your situation, Your Highness," Hildebrand began, as the two reached the prince's quarters.

Eliezer let out a sigh and sat down. "I... do not know who to trust anymore, Sir Hildebrand. My butler had thought it acceptable to have me in danger, my brother is being accused of betraying me, and my lady had initially only wanted to be close to me so that she could run me through."

"Mister Cornell insists that she truly loves you. Do you believe that is so, Your Highness?"

"Am I not fortunate that she fell for me? Otherwise I would have been dead. I wonder myself how love happens, I wonder what it is about me that makes her feel such a way. She tells me that I remind her of her father before he met her mother, that I am unhappy, just as he was. Perhaps she is sorry for me."

As Eliezer shook his head at the ideas he was sharing with his knight, Hildebrand shifted uncomfortably. He had not the slightest idea how to respond to what the prince had just said. As far has he had been concerned, Eliezer had always had it together, and he had never thought that he would see his crown prince in such a mess. He eventually decided to pose another question.

"Will you continue to see the Moon Raven after knowing her initial intention?"

"I do not need the pity of someone who was after my head, but I desire her attention. I find that she has made me want something that I should not. I appreciate her, yet I despise what she has done to me. I am therefore unsure."

"I may be wrong, Your Highness, but from what you have just told me, I believe that you might be in love."

"And what enjoyment it has brought," Eliezer commented bitterly, the statement obviously being one of sarcasm.

Hildebrand thought it appropriate to stop prying into the prince's feelings, and his next inquiry concerned his duty. "Permission to begin investigation on the Red Robin, Your Highness?"

Eliezer nodded. "Granted. In spite of everything, I at least owe the Moon Raven this."

"I shall work to discover who she answers to, and I sincerely hope that I am not led to your brother."

“What was I suppose to do just flat out yell stay away from the girl she is a cold hearts assassin that your dear brother hired for he wants the throne instead of Eliezer.” Allister said to the knight getting angry at him. For he could have but he was still a true Lunaran and he would not of mind seeing the death for what happened to his sister and the prince of the king from he hailed from. “I could have caused an uproar in the ballroom and the day he went to town I did not find out after I returned on some business.” Allister explained to them.

“Eliezer think hard what you are going to do with Raven if she is anything like my sister and gets her heart broken she will vanish and you might never see her again.” Allister warned Eliezer and sighed as they walked out and knew it was a mistake to tell Eliezer that she targeted him and it was his brother but he was just trying to protect him and her but he may of just caused a possibility to get Ravens poor heart broken.

“She can go either way she could go totally dark and kill with no remorse or vanish as if she was never here and I can not lose her she is the last family I have and for the King of Lunar.” He said to himself.

---

The next day Raven was up and about with her siblings and Andy had a good shiner around his right eye. Amy was Busy sewing a new dress for Raven since she needed to at least look a bit nicer when she is out with the prince.

Raven was in town with Scott getting food for everyone back home and also looking around a bit to see what the market had to offer. She and Scott walked around and she soon stopped at a stand that had trinkets and other small things. She soon spotted a pen and ink set that was a lot nicer then she ever seen. It was black with gold detailing on it of roses and it had two ins one deep black and the other was a gold color which was are to see. In the end she haggled the sealer down to a good discount and bought it and got it wrapped up.

Scott saw the whole thing and the big smile as she carried the quil pen and ink set. “Let me guess a gift for your beloved prince.” He said and Raven smiled and nodded.

“Yeah he has already given me a nice brooch and my favorite moon flower before he left for his important meeting so I wanted to give him something.” She said with a smile for the kiss was also still on her mind.

“Well write the letter and I will relieve it for you sis.” Scott said with a smile.

“But I want to give this in person he has given all my gifts to me in person I want to do the same with my gift.” Raven said to her brother.

“Then write a letter saying you want to meet with him to give hi a gift and I will get it sent to him for you.” Scott said with a smile and Raven thanked her brother and they both returned home and she went to write to Eliezer.

My Dearest Eliezer,

I wish to see you soon for I have a gift that I wish to give you in person and hope to be able to see you as soon as it is convenient for you. Also I still can not get the kiss out of my mind for it was like as if we were in another world. I never wanted it to end and all I can think about is how happy I am to be with you and how I wish to return the happiness to you also. SO I hope to meet you soon so I can give you your gift.

Love, Raven

Raven finished her letter and gave it to Scott who went off and delivered to the palace and asked a servant to take it to Eliezer saying it was from Raven. The servant then went to ELiezer and held the letter to him.
“Your majesty a letter just arrived from Lady Raven.” She said and handed him the letter and left the room.

"What about his brother?"

Hildebrand turned to the doorway, where Mathazar had suddenly appeared. "Forgive me, Your Highness. Prince Eliezer has just been informed of some... rather upsetting news."

"Is that so?" Mathazar raised an eyebrow. "May I have a word with my brother alone, Sir Hildebrand?"

"Of course, Your Highness," Hildebrand responded, before promptly leaving the room.

The secondborn sat beside his twin and pulled him into a firm hug. "Welcome back, Eliezer. It is good to see your again."

"What troubles you this time?" The younger then inquired, before letting out a chuckle. "Honestly brother, I seem to be asking you this much too often recently."

Eliezer gave his twin an uncomfortable glance. He wanted to tell him everything, but knew that he could not until he was sure of the truth. He missed the times when he would trust his brother fully, when he was absolutely convinced that Mathazar would be there for him no matter what. It hurt him to know that this was no longer the case.

"Ever since I have started seeing Lady Omrea, to be exact," Eliezer pointed out. "I am well aware. It would seem that the more I learn about her, the more I doubt her intentions, although I do not wish to."

Mathazar waited for a moment, expecting an elaboration, but it did not come. It was not often that Eliezer would be this brief with him. This caused him to wonder what Allister had been telling him.

"Are you suggesting that it would have been better if you had never met her?" Mathazar asked.

"I desire to deny such a thing, but if I were to be absolutely truthful, I do not know the answer to that."

Mathazar nodded knowingly. "You are most definitely in love, brother. I can only advise you to be aware of anything that may influence your judgement. Do keep in mind your safety and the interests of Dainia."

"That I shall. Thank you, Mathazar."

That was when Robynne turned up at the doorway and address Eliezer. "Your Highness, the king and queen are currently available to speak with you regarding the agreement with Sorene."

Eliezer nodded. "Thank you, Robynne, and pardon me, brother."

Once the crown prince had left the room, Robynne spoke to Mathazar. "It was the butler. He knows everything, and he is the one providing Prince Eliezer with the information. Thankfully, your brother is still hesitant in believing that you want him gone."

The younger prince scoffed. "Of course his is, I have been much too good to him. I have also frequently been hearing the Red Robin's name lately. It is best that she do not show her face for the time being. I am unsure of how easily you would fold if you ever get caught, but it is something that I do not wish to find out."

Robynne looked hurt. "I would never, Your Highness. Do you doubt my love for you?"

"There is no reason to be absolutely sure of your true intention, is there?"

The maid shook her head. "I see that you and your brother are similar in one way. Neither of you think yourselves capable of obtaining another's love, or deserving of it."

"Would I be wrong to think in such a way?" He then looked her in the eyes. "What would you do for me if you could not have me?"

He smirked at her silence. "Just as I thought. Is this truly love then, which you speak of?"

The prince stood without another word and walked past her out of the room, leaving her to herself.

---

The following day, Eliezer took the letter and thanked the servant before she walked out the door, nearly brushing shoulders with Hildebrand as he entered. He watched as the prince sliced the envelope open, and waited for a minute before speaking.

"A letter from the lady, Your Highness?"

"You are right, Sir Hildebrand. It says here that she wants to see me again, and that she has a gift for me. How... adorable," Eliezer commented, feeling slightly guilty for his condescending attitude, though, it was only natural to question what kind of gift would amuse a prince, who basically already had everything.

"It would be courteous to accept," Hildebrand pointed out.

The prince stayed silent for a good moment before saying something else. "I am not ready to see her."

"That has never stopped you before, Your Highness. I have observed that you have no issue putting on a pleasant front regardless of how you truly feel-" The knight then cut himself off when Eliezer suddenly turned to face him, realizing that his statement might have possibly caused offence. "Forgive me, Your Highness, I did not mean it as an-"

"It is true, is it not?"

"Your Highness?"

"You may be frank with me, Sir Hildebrand. How apparent is it that my demeanor is... studied?"

The knight shifted uncomfortably. "It is... quite so, Your Highness, only up close. Before I became your personal guard, I had always wondered what truly went on inside your mind."

Eliezer nodded. "It is strange that I had managed to convince myself that it was who I was. Nobody seemed to mind until she came along, and compared me to a 'doll'."

"Considering that it is how she currently knows you, I doubt that there would be an issue if you decide to meet her soon. Also, she might grow suspicious if you avoid her for too long. I do believe that you are safe, at least for now, but I shall still be close by should you require my assistance, Your Highness."

The prince took a deep breath and agreed. "Well then, I believe that I should write her back."

Hildebrand smiled and nodded as he turned to leave. "May I suggest having it delivered with a little gift of your own, Your Highness?"

---

The letter from Eliezer would arrive with an elaborately-wrapped pink rose stem, and it would read as follows:

My dearest Raven,

I trust that you and your companions are doing well. Your gesture is much appreciated, and I would like to inform you that I am available the day after tomorrow at noon. I hope that you shall not be opposed to meeting at the lake west of Dainia Palace once again, for I recall that you had enjoyed your time there previously. I eagerly await your response.

Best regards,
Eliezer of Dainia

Raven was busy getting this done along with the cooking stuff for the day and she had pulled out her kit to engrave the pen with Eliezer’s name when the massager arrived and she smiled at the beautiful Rose and read the letter smiling glad he was able to meet her and figured that he must be playing catch up back in the palace after being gone so long in Sorene. She told the messenger to wait and went to write her response to Eliezer.

Dear ELiezer,

I would love to meet you in the gardens again and can not wait to see you. I hope you will like your gift that I got you it is also a useful gift too. I hope all is well after your return from royal business in Sorene and not overworking yourself. Until we meet take care Eliezer.

With Rest regards, Raven

Once done Raven handed the letter to the messenger to send to Eliezer. Raven smiled once the messenger left and after she finished cooking and feeding her siblings she started engraving the pen.

“Sis you getting excited to see your prince.” Amy said with a smile watching Raven smile as she engraved the pen.

“Yeah I just hope he like this.” Raven admitted and Amy sat next to her for sure the two never got a long but Raven knew the meaning of a gift from the heart where Amy was used to getting beautiful expensive things that mean nothing.

“I am sure he will after all this is coming from your heart and those gifts are better then buying something shiny and fancy to impress people for they just discard it later its gifts like these that make people treasure them more you always had that gift about you Raven finding things rom the heart unlike me.” Amy said and Raven looked at her sister that she caught with a lot in the past.

Raven then smiled. “Thanks sis we may not have gotten along for a long while but you truly are there when I needed it.” She smiled as she finished engraving Eliezer’s name and used some gold paint to to make his name pop out more. Once she was done she put in the box with the two ink wells one being black and the other being gold. She then closed it and wrapped it with a ribbon to create a bow.

“There it is all set and ready for me to give it to him.” She said with a smile and Amy could not help but smile back for Raven was so anti love when they were growing up even before she meet Eleizer but Eliezer opened her up and to see her smile and do stuff like this was a nice change especially to see her so happy.

“Well just to let you know I made a new dress for you to wear when you go meet him that I am sure will knock his socks off.” Amy said and Raven laughed a bit for her sister was a great fashion designer. “You should just stick to designing dresses for nobility and even the royals you have a great eye for this.” Raven smiled and Amy ruffled her hair.

“Maybe one day for now my job is to keep you safe.” Amy smiled and Raven smiled back and waited for the day to come for her to meet with Eleizer to give him his gift.

On the day that Eliezer was to meet with his lady once again, Mathazar watched from his window as his brother left through the palace gates with his trusted knight and a couple of other guards on horseback. The younger prince's maid 'lover' conveniently came up behind him to observe this as well, before commenting.

"That young knight is going to be a problem, Your Highness."

Mathazar nodded. "Indeed. It would be best if we watch him carefully."

"Would it not be simpler to just get rid of him?" Robynne suggested.

"It would be too much of a risk at this time, my lady. There is already too much suspicion."

The maid smirked. "I would not recommend waiting too long to take some action. At this rate, he might very well replace you as your brother's confidant."

The prince scoffed. "I am Prince Eliezer's twin and a member of the royal family. I am not about to be threatened by some novice who has earned my brother's favor merely by chance."

Internally, however, Mathazar was rather apprehensive about the knight being a possible obstacle to him and a threat to his and Robynne's covers.

---

The midday light shone brightly on the glistening lake and the landscape surrounding it, the sight as beautiful as it always was. The warmth of the Sun's rays, coupled with the gentle breeze left one uplifted and rejuvenated, ready to take in the lovely view. A light smile formed on Hildebrand's face as he glanced around the place they had ridden up to.

"This place is beautiful, Your Highness. It is no wonder why you would choose to meet with your lady here. I supposed that you do not come here very often."

Eliezer shook his head. "I had stopped for a long time, until I met Lady Omrea. Back when Prince Mathazar and I were boys, we used to request to be brought out here rather often. This is a good place to make memories with the ones most important to you."

Deep down, the prince was saddened when he made that last statement, remembering that what he had recently been told about the two most important people in his life was causing him to distrust them. He had decided to take a chance at happiness, but all he had learned was that it was anything but simple. At this point, he had to question if it was all truly worth it.

To echo his mood on the inside, his knight then decided to ask a serious question. "Mister Cornell has made a bold claim about your brother, Your Highness. What if it shall turn out to be true?"

"You know how it feels to lose a brother, Sir Hildebrand. How about you tell me? Tell me how much it would hurt if it were true."

Hildebrand was slightly stunned, finding the reply to be rather antagonistic. "Your Highness, I... Forgive me if I have angered you."

"You have done no such thing, Sir Hildebrand," Eliezer assured him. "My frustration is with the situation itself. I have to be prepared for the truth, whatever it may be, though I am uncertain of how I shall achieve this. I also apologize if I have hurt you by referring to Sir Aldebrand."

"It is quite alright, Your Highness."

Raven was smiling as she walked towards the gardens to meet Eliezer while holding his gift and she just smiled happily and really hoped he would like it at least and be able to use it. She walked happily in her new dress that was inspired by Snow White since most of her siblings say she has the looks of Snow White with her dark black hair, pale skin and icky blue eyes. As she walked all she could think of how nervous she was to give him the gift for even though Amy was right it did come from her heart but still someone like Eliezer must have a million pens even though she tried to make the one she got different and engraved his name and painted it in gold to make it different and stand out a bit more. Though she did try to stay calm and relaxed while just hoping he at least like it a little since she did not really know what he fully liked yet since that has never been brought up in conversations.

AS she walked she looked at all the nature around her and smile at all the small critters doing their thing as she walked by before she soon finally reached the gardens but also noticed something odd for the guards were noticeable for last time she knew they were there but they stayed out of sight. “Hmmm I guess after the assassin attempts on the way to Sorene they must be playing it safe for now honestly probably not a bad idea to have some extra protection.” She said to herself before making her way to Eliezer.

“Hello Eliezer thank you for meeting me.” Raven said with a bright smile and gave him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before moving away from him smiling. She did notice the night Hildebrand but figure it was just his personal night and did not mind him at all. She had no weapons on her except her secret blade that she only carried for protection. But she soon handed him the simply wrapped gift to him of the pen with his name on it and the two ink wells so he could write. “Here this is for you while me and my brother were n town after you returned home I saw this and thought of you.” Raven smiled and let him take it. “I do hope you like it when I saw it I thought it could be at least useful and I even added something extra to it to personalize it for you.” Raven said to him.

Allister was there but hiding and watching the two interact e could tell that Raven was just acting like a typical girl in love for that was how his sister acted with Aster even though he had no clue it was his sister that loved the prince. “Eliezer I hope you do not break her heart for if she is anything like my sister she will be in great pain.” He mumbled to himself watching the two.

Eliezer exchanged a quick glance with his knight as his lady approached, knowing that this was the first time that Hildebrand would be meeting the frequently-mentioned 'Moon Raven' in person. He instinctively returned her hug and muttered a rather awkward "Thank you," when she handed him the wrapped parcel. He proceeded to examine it as she commented on it, mainly because he was unsure of what to say next. When she mentioned that she had personalized it for him, he realized that he had probably not given her much to work with, considering that other than being the crown prince of Dainia, there did not seem to be much else to him as a person. Then again, it would appear that she could somehow point out aspects of him that he was not aware of himself.

"My lady, this is my trusted knight, Sir Hildebrand Ward," he began, introducing his knight to Raven.

Hildebrand then bowed to his prince's lady. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Omrea."

Eliezer nodded to the knight, signalling for him and the other guards to step away. As they complied, the prince turned back to Raven, internally struggling to see the woman he did not want to leave at the orphanage a few days back. All his life, he had no issue with convincing himself that he was no more, and wanted no more than what he was told he should be or have. Why then, was telling himself that he wanted to be with Raven currently so difficult? Was it because that deep down, after knowing the truth, he knew that this was not right? That was the one thing he had just only come to realize - he had to be persuaded into believing that his act was the truth, meaning that all this time, he never was putting on an act. Nothing could change the fact that she had initially desired to assassinate him, and it was wrong to love her. Regardless, he would attempt to pretend all was well, at least for today.

"Shall we have a seat, my lady?" He suggested, gesturing to the familiar pavilion.

Raven was noticing something off with Eliezer she expected to see him a little more happy to see her but she noticed how he was all of a sudden awkward but her hug and he did not even open her gift at all. She gripped the brooch he gave her feeling that something was just not right it honestly scared her a bit. For they were happy and last time they had finally shared their first kiss.

But she did smile and said hello to Hildebrand and how it was also a pleasure to meet him also. But all this just gave her a bad feeling in her honest opinion.

When he offered her to go sit she did a small smile and nodded. “Uh yes lets go sit.” Raven said as she went to go sit in the Pavilion with him that over looked the garden. Once she sat down she just felt uneasy as if now the prince was just pretending with her and she just felt her heart slowly breaking.

Allister saw this form the distance and knew Eliezer was giving Raven doubts thanks to her ability to see and read things more then Eliezer can. When the servant was coming down with tea and snacks he went to her and told her that he would take it the rest of the way with a smile. The servant thanked him and went back to her other chores.

Allister took the tray to the Pavilion and placed it on the table. “Here we are you two some tea and snacks for your enjoyment.” Allister said with a smile and noticed the unopened pen gift. “My I see your lovely lady has brought you a gift and you have yet to open it isn’t that a bit rude your majesty.” Allister said and Rave knew what he was doing.

“Allister stop he does not have to open my gift I can see it was stupid to bring it now I thought he would like it but I ca tell I was mistaken.” Raven said looking down. Allister can see the pain and sadness in her face but also that she felt something was off off with Eliezer.

Preoccupied by his own concerns, Eliezer was initially unaware of Raven's true emotional state, taking her smile as an indication that everything was alright with her. He gazed out at the calming scenery from the pavilion as he sat in silence with his lady for a moment, though, just as he was about to turn to her to say something, his butler had appeared with refreshments, as he had done the previous time Eliezer had met Raven here. This time, the prince knew that it was Allister's intention to watch over them, and was hardly surprised like he was before. Frankly, Eliezer could have also used a break from having to interact with his butler, in spite of being grateful for all he had done for him.

The prince thanked Allister, and then listened in confusion at the exchange between his butler and his lady. In truth, he had been rather unsure of what to do with the wrapped parcel. The practice of unwrapping a concealed item in the presence of its giver was one that was new to him, and it was only now that he had learned that not doing so was considered offensive. His lady was clearly upset as she made the assumption that he did not appreciate her gift, though, it should not have hurt her to such a degree, should it? Eliezer had a feeling that there was a deeper issue other than the one about the gift, but he would proceed to settle things one at a time.

"Forgive me if I have upset you, my lady. It is not that I do not wish to see what you have given me. I was merely unsure if you were comfortable with me unwrapping it in front of you. How can I dislike it if I do not even know what it is?"

He put a comforting hand over hers, hoping that she would not take his failure to observe the practice as an indication of anything worse. It would seem that she was reading it all too far, though honestly, he had a habit of doing the same. Now having been informed that it was what he should be doing, he nodded to her and then started to peel the wrapping off the parcel. The lettering engraved onto the quill pen peaked his interest slightly, and he raised an eyebrow as he lifted it from the set for a closer look. A light smile graced his lips when he realized that it spelled out his name, and he gently ran his thumb over it before turning to Raven.

"It is lovely, my lady."

Raven didn’t know what to think for how she lived everyone opened their gifts in front of each other especially if it was not really a special occasions at least that as what it was like it’s her family. He dad always liked to watch her open the gift he had learn to make for her since they could not afford a lot for her. She then looked at Eliezer as he opened her gift and was glad that he liked it and had noticed that she engraved his name into it. She did a small smile back but she was still wondering why he felt well distant from him.

“Thanks I am glad you like it I learned how to engrave things in my spare time also was something good to learn when your siblings borrow things from one another and never return it.” Raven said with a small laugh.

Allister had walked away after things was taken care off but Raven looked at him. “Eliezer is something wrong?” She all of a sudden asked him. “You seem kinda distant all of a sudden did I...did I do something wrong?” She asked looking at him looking nervous and a bit scared now for she has seen this in the village with many couple before they broke apart.

Raven thought she finally found happiness again thanks to Eliezer and their fateful encounter even though it was an assassination job but she decided not to after she shallowly started falling for him. But now she felt like she she was just going to end up back in her dark world but only she would make it permeant t avoid pain again.

Eliezer had thought that he was in the clear when she started to speak about engraving and joke about her siblings. Unfortunately, that was not the case, and her suspicion was made clear when she eventually asked him if something was wrong. So, despite his best efforts, she could still sense that all was not right. He was at a lost as to how to respond to such an inquiry, knowing that what he said next would probably result in heavy consequences, depending on what he would choose to say. He wanted to avoid the topic, to simply continue acting as if he did not know what she was talking about, to make an excuse that he was just weary from the matters he had to settle upon returning to the palace. Surely that was an explanation that she would not question?

No, what bothered him was the fact that she still attempted to hide her initial reason for wanting to be close to him, and if he were to hide what he knew from her, he would be no better of a person than she was. That was not to say that she was not a good person. He was grateful for all she had done for him, and it was likely true that she had really developed feelings for him. However, he still could not let go of the fact that she had managed to deceive him into believing that it had always been the case. With a deep sigh, he pushed the things on the table between them aside and looked her in the eye, wanting to give her the chance to tell him the truth.

"My lady, for what reason were you actually at the ball on the night that we met? What motive did you have for obtaining my attention?"

Raven looked at him wanting for him to respond but when he finally asked she froze a bit for this was the second time he asked basically and this time she really did not want to keep lying to him anymore but her fear was he was not going to believe her that is was his brother that hired her. She looked around and took his hand and lead him away from the gazebo and waving for Hildebrand to follow them also. She led them both to a forestry area near the garden and walked through it. Hidebrand was wondering why she was taking them someplace far from the palace all of a sudden and had his hand on his sword ready to defend his majesty at all times.

Once in a clearing she sighed and turned to them. “I am sorry the palace has ears everywhere and I do not want them to hear what I have to say.” Raven said and stayed across from him not sure how he was going to react.

“use so you know Eliezer. Do truly love you with all my heart but the truth about the ball that night.......I.....I was hired to assassinate you and after seeing how you acted my plan was to gain your trust so I used that so call attacked from those mediocre assassins to start to get you out of the palace at least you were not suppose to come home from our first date in the village.” Raven admitted to him and Hidebrand looked shocked and got in front of Eliezer and pointed his sword at her but she did not flinch or even try to defend herself.

“I bet this is still a trick to kill him you are just playing games.” Hidebrand said to her mad.

“Please hear me out I have been set on revenge for so long after the king of this kingdom sent his army to my home village in the forest and slaughtered innocent people including my parents I vowed for revenge on the royal family the one that hired me promised me to get close to the king so I can finally kill him and end his bloodshed.” Raven explained to him. “You should know that feeling Hidebrand my brother who you know as NightOwl told me what happen to your older brother how he was slaughtered during the raid on the way to Solen unfortunately I only sent him and no one else.” Raven explained.

“But during that day out with Eliezer I admit he did remind me of my father but the more I spent time with him after that I started to fall for him not because he is like my father because he is Eliezer a sweet, kind, charming, and also someone who stole my heart so I turned my back on my employer but he threaten the orphans so while Eliezer was gone I sent the children to another kingdom to keep them safe that way he could not keep trying to control me and I could focus on protecting him for he will not stop until Eliezer is dead.” Raven explained to them while the sword was still pointed at her not budging one bit from where she was standing.

“Then you will not mind telling us who hired you in the first place.” He siad to her and she looked at them.

“I am not sure if you will believe me but...........It was Prince Mathazar that hired me he did it so he can be the sole heir to the throne.” Raven said looking away not sure what else to say or do now.

“You are expect us to believe that the princes own brother would I should strike you down now you are the enemy.” He said and tears soon fell frown her face.

“Then strike me down now and kill me then maybe I can be reunited with my parents then.” She said as she went to her knees on the ground and took out her hidden dagger and threw it to the side. “Do it I won’t stop you.” She said with her head down and more tears falling. “What’s the point of living if I will just end back up in my dark world of revenge for if I were to kill the king I was only going to kill my self in for I had nothing to live for all honesty.” She said crying. “I love Eliezer with my whole heart enough where even though i hate the king still I have no desire to take me revenge for I became happy again but if that is to end then strike me down.” She said as she sobbed waiting for Hidebrand to end her life.

Upon seeing the two leave the pavilion and Raven beckoning for him, Hildebrand immediately left his post and walked up beside Eliezer. He glanced at the prince, silently questioning if this was because the topic that they had discussed with Allister a couple of days back had already come up. The other clearly read his expression, and responded to the nonverbal inquiry with a regretful and weary nod. Once the three were hidden, Eliezer attempted to mentally prepare himself for what he would hear, though, he would soon find out that it would make no difference in how he would take the news.

So, what his butler had said, about Raven's initial intention, and about his brother, was all true. He did not know what he was expecting. He had to consider the high possibility that this was so, but he had been hoping to goodness that somehow, it was not. Mathazar, the one person whom all his life, he had thought that he could trust, wanted him dead. How was he going to face his brother? How long would he have to keep pretending that he knew nothing? As for his relationship with Raven, it would simply be wrong to continue what they had, but he could not forget all she had done for him, and what she had put on the line to be with him. His mind raced as he tried to deal with the internal conflict he was currently experiencing while his knight and his lady interacted, but he was snapped out of his thoughts when the situation escalated and he found Raven on the ground.

Hildebrand turned to Eliezer, prompting the prince for some instruction. "Your Highness?"

"Stand down, Sir Hildebrand," came the response.

Hildebrand nodded and sheath his sword. "Shall I take the assassin into custody?"

Eliezer shook his head, much to the astonishment of his knight. "I do not recommend letting her go, Your Highness. You can never be too sure of-"

"She spared my life and went to great lengths to protect me, Sir Hildebrand," Eliezer cut him off. "It is only right that I return the favor."

The prince turned to his sobbing lady on the ground, but continued to address his knight. "She said that our relationship is her only reason to live. This should not be so. I am grateful that she loves me, but she should not need me. She has much more to live for apart from what we have together. Unfortunately, this is not so for myself. I live for one thing and that is Dainia. Upon inheriting the throne of this kingdom, I shall be shouldering the responsibility of making decisions for my people, and if the decision that I make today ends with my death, then it would mean that I am not fit to rule Dainia."

He stepped closer to Raven and knelt in front of her, offering her his hand. Though seemingly calm, he internally fought to keep himself together, for he had never experienced such mixed emotions before. Hurt, betrayal, gratitude, pity... love. He did not know which he would have acted on previously, but now, he was determined to confidently make his own decision, one he would make with his own heart.

"You spoke of my brother's intention to have me assassinated, my lady. If this is true, then aid me in exposing him, and my trust shall be yours once again."

Raven just sat there with tears still falling down her face as she listened to Eliezer as he spoke to his knight not moving her body or anything as she just sat there wondering why he was even sparing her. She had decided him in the beginning and tried to kill him why was he sparing her. All because she spared him and protected him. It only made her heart break making her believe she had just lost his love for her.

When Eliezer approached her and knelt before her she could not really meet his eyes with hers for it would just make her want to cry even more. As she listened she was not sure if she did help he would trust her again. But soon decided she will help for she did not want to see Mathazar become a King and turn into a awe full one like their father that massacred innocent people.

“I will help you I do not want to see him take the throne he threaten the orphans I took care of which is the main reason for me to send then away to continue to protect you.” Raven explained to him.

“As far as I know Mathazar feels nothing but resentment from you for he hated how you got all the attention but also how he believed he has more passion and drive to become the next king instead of you but since you follow the laws of who is first born you gained the title as heir and he believe you do not have have the true passion or drive to be king as if you are just doing it because it is your duty nothing more as first born.” Raven started to explained.

“And as for the night when you were attacked on the way to the other kingdom for your royal meeting and discussions Mathazar knew I was not going to try to kill you anymore and somehow must of teamed up with the “Red Robin” that’s the name she goes by and like most skilled assassins she wears a mask to hid her identity from what my siblings told me fore they investigated this is she sent the lunar assassins on you and your convoy as you headed to Sorene.” Raven said to him and she kept her face down looking at the ground wile holding her hands tight.

“But there seems to be some weakness already the night when the assassins came to my home Mathazar sent the guards to stop it....if he wanted me dead he would have allowed it I believe the “Red Robin” sent the orders to do it without discussing it with Mathazar and shows Mathazar is trying to keep this facade up that he is a good little prince for he does not want to draw attention of problems to him for he knows the citizens truly love and adore you over him as of now but I fear their next step might be to attack your character by using me since he knows of my ways of the assassins and my high rank as one he might use it to make the citizens question you for being one fooled by me and also showing favor towards me this is something I have witness mainly heirs in noble families.” Raven finished explaining all she knew and what she predicted.

“But if we find out who this so call Red Robin is and take her out he lost his upper hand and if we can try to get her to confess to the whole court he might fluster even the best of actors and those with the effect Facade even mess up when pressure is put upon them.” Raven finished explaining as she looked up finally at him to show her tear stained faced and how some tears were still falling.

Eliezer let his hand fall to his side when she did not take it, and just listened to what she had to say. It was surreal to hear such words being spoken about the brother whom he grew up with - his adviser, his support, the one person who understood him when nobody else did. He was aware that while Mathazar had always been there to listen to whatever was troubling him, he had, in turn, never shared any of his own issues with Eliezer. Eliezer had all the while believed that it was because his brother had it all together, and it had been something he had always admired about Mathazar. However, it was now clear that the real reason for this was that he had never trusted Eliezer. Eliezer could not even recall a time when his brother had expressed to him his desire to inherit the throne. All their lives... did he really mean nothing to his brother? When the time would come for all to be revealed, Eliezer wanted answers.

"All this time... I had believed that if anything should happen to me, Dainia would be left in good hands," he bitterly commented. "I could not have been more wrong."

"This is all the more reason for you to protect yourself, Your Highness," Hildebrand added. "And for me to guard you with my life, for Dainia. I am sorry that we had to discover this about your brother."

"If this is true, then my brother never existed, only a figment of one created by a stranger who shares my blood. There will be peace for you and your family, Sir Hildebrand, as well as for those of our soldiers who were killed in that convoy, I assure you."

Hildebrand nodded. "Much appreciated, Your Highness."

Eliezer looked Raven in the eyes, reaching up to brush some stray strands of hair from her face before wiping her tears with the cuff of his sleeve. Inside, he was lost, confused, and devastated, but he forced a light smile, wanting to comfort his lady. He stood, holding his hand out to her once again, and hoped that she would take it this time.

"Very well, we shall look out for the Red Robin. Do inform us if you or your companions spot her, but do not engage her until we have sufficient evidence."