There wasn't any time to think. She'd been near the doorway, putting away Verita's records when she'd felt Luctus' inkblood stir. She only had seconds to jump out of the room, right behind the thick wooden doors when his second command exploded out in a shockwave. The walls seemed to shield her from the incantation. Roche peeked her head back into the room. Everyone was moving in slow motion. She could see Tigris' hand curling around her dagger, too slow.

"Ocwelan!"

The inkblood pulsed with vicious, lethal intent. Roche could feel the Luctus' determination for a death tucked into the incantation. She wasn't aware she was running until she was halfway across the room. The inkblood thickened into an arrow.

Luctus smirked and flicked his fingers. Roche raced forwards, reaching for the inkblood within her. She looped it around the arrow, slowing it down for a second.

Then, she was leaping through the air, crashing into the target. They were a tangle of limbs and fine fabric as Roche tackled the princess off the dais. They went rolling to the side, the inkblood arrow crashing into the dais where Tigris had stood.

The dais exploded into a million fragments. Roche couldn't move as she and Tigris rolled to a stop.

The explosion seemed to have stunned Luctus into releasing his inkblood, and suddenly time was moving normally again. Roche was on top of the princess, nose to nose. She felt Tigris inhale, flabbergasted.

"You... saved me." Tigris muttered incredulously. Roche gaped back at her, just as surprised. There was an enraged snarl. Tigris squirmed. "Get off!" she shouted, shoving Roche off roughly and jumping to her feet. She pulled her gun out of her holster as the guards struggled to hold down Luctus.

BOOM!

Tigris lowered her gun. Aodh was already there, his gun pressed to Luctus' temple. A bloody hole had surfaced on the other side of the man's temple. Luctus didn't even have the chance to fight back. He slumped to the side, his eyes already vacant.

Roche fought back a gag.

The king had been thrown off his throne from the explosion. His crown was lopsided on his head, but he didn't seem to care as he raced towards Tigris.

"Tigris!" he shouted, panicked. He grabbed his daughter's arms. "Are you hurt?"

"No," Tigris sounded stunned, "I'm fine, father."

The king's eyes drifted to Roche, who tried to blend into the shadows. The king's ice blue eyes were wide. His chest heaved with emotion.

"You saved my daughter's life." he said, almost reverently. Roche blinked, wishing she knew how to use her inkblood to disappear. She squirmed under his intense, almost reverent gaze.

"Uh," she said dumbly. The king smiled widely, an eerie expression on his face.

"You must be rewarded!" he decided. Murmur broke out among the gathered nobles. Tigris' cheeks were flushed a bright red. Roche felt her face burn as well. An inkblood had just been killed. She really didn't want any extra attention right now.

"N-no, that's quite alright! I don't need a reward!" she stammered, but the king clapped her on the back, hard enough to make her stagger.

"Nonsense! You require something truly special. The highest honour I can bestow you. You shall be Tigris' handmaiden!"

"What?!" Tigris shouted, looking red enough to pass as a tomato, "Father! I don't need a handmaiden!"

"You need one, and it will be an honour for this girl to be promoted to such a revered role!" the king insisted, pushing the two girls together. Tigris took one glance at Roche and rolled her eyes haughtily. Roche felt like she'd been smacked upside on the head and then tossed down a mountain. Seriously? She was going to serve Tigris.

TIGRIS!

This was a nightmare.

The council room erupted into applause, and Roche was forced to stand there awkwardly until it died down, at which point she fled back to Verita's side.

"I saved her life and now I need to serve her?" she whined. Verita chuckled, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"It'll be an honour to care for the princess." Verita laughed, her cheeks rosy. Roche stewed in her misfortune until the trial was concluded. Luctus' lifeless body was dragged out the doors. Roche looked away.

Luctus had been a terrible man, but his grief was real. And though she was glad he would no longer be stirring up trouble, she understood the rage he felt. Her inkblood pulsed under her skin fearsomely.

As she stepped over the blood trails the body had left behind to follow Verita out of the room, Roche forced herself to confront the truth.

Being in the Faultless City was dangerous. Not just to her and her mother, but to Verita as well. The more friends she would make, the more people would be harmed when the king inevitably found out her secret. She could try to hide it as long as she could, but it would be impossible to practise controlling her inkblood and hide it from the royals, not when she'd be working for them every day.

Roche steeled herself, grabbing Verita's wrist when they were outside the council room doors. A crowd of nobles streamed past them, creating a cacophony of sound. Verita stared at Roche in surprise.

"Verita," she said softly, "I need to tell you something. I-"

"Roche!"

Roche turned to see Kai and Finn bounding towards her. Verita squeezed Roche's shoulder.

"I'll be waiting in the library. Come when you're ready." the librarian said warmly, hurrying off before Roche could stop her. Kai and Finn reached her quickly. Roche leaned over, hugging Kai. The warmth of him against her body was a comfort.

"You're okay!" she exclaimed, leaning back. The boy's face had mostly healed, though there was still a slight discolouration at his temples. Kai noticed her concerned gaze, and he offered a small smile.

"I am. Thanks to you, I hear." he replied gently. Roche's cheeks warmed.

"Bah, it was mostly Tigris."

"Not true." Roche's throat dried. She turned to Finn, dipping into a curtsy. He grabbed her wrist before she could get low enough. "Please," he said, his eyes dancing with amusement, "You of all people don't have to do that, after everything you've done."

Roche stood reluctantly, offering a shy grin. "I didn't do anything, my lord."

Finn and Kai snorted in unison, glancing at each other with familiar warmth that made Roche's heart melt.

"Tigris told me about everything you did." Finn explained, ticking off a list with his fingers, "Going through the library for the antidote, sneaking into Lord Luctus' room, helping to brew the cure, trying to get Kai out of jail-"

"Not to mention you just saved Tigris." Kai pointed out. Roche groaned.

"I don't think she's very happy about that."

Finn's lips tilted with a half smile. "Tigris is a bit prideful. She likes being the one saving others, not being saved. But no matter how she feels, you have my eternal gratitude. You saved both my sister and I."

Roche looked away. "Wasn't too hard, my lord. Tigris helped a bunch."

"Humble," Finn noted, his eyes wrinkling as his smile widened, "You're humble too. You'd make a great protagonist, Roche."

"I thought you only read non-fiction!"

"I indulge. Occasionally."

Kai glanced between them and rolled his eyes. "Not everyone here reads, you know!"

"Sorry, Kai!" Finn chuckled. Roche shrugged and said,

"I have the perfect story for you, Kai."

Kai frowned. "I don't really like reading books." he muttered. Roche smiled shyly, reaching into her wagon. She grabbed the wrapped present she'd hidden.

"I know you don't. But Finn thought this might be something you'll like." she offered shyly. Kai lifted an eyebrow.

"A gift?"

"Prince Finn helped a lot," Roche replied, mirth bubbling within her, "It's a congratulations for being proven innocent."

"And an apology," Finn added, rubbing his neck with embarrassment. His cheeks flushed red as Kai's brows scrunched together. "You were imprisoned because of me."

"Finn," Kai chided gently, his nimble fingers slipping under the wrapping paper adhesive, "That wasn't your fault, you know it."

Finn's smile turned sad. He clapped his friend's shoulders instead of replying. The wrapping paper fell away in a large curl. Kai's jaw dropped.

"I found the blueprint for this device in the archives," Roche explained, excitement bubbling in her chest as Kai gaped at the rectangular device in his hands, "And Prince Finn made it. It can record audio, like songs and stories. Rare, and requiring even rarer materials, but Prince Finn gathered everything he needed to make it."

"I know you only pay attention to books when I read them aloud. So I thought of one story you might like." Finn leaned over Kai's elbow, pressing one of the shining buttons. Kai's hands shuddered as the device sprung to life. Finn's voice played quietly from the tinny speakers.

"Chapter 1. All good stories start with an idea. But this isn't a very good story. It starts with something much more boring. A closet."

"A closet that unveils worlds." Kai breathed in unison with the recording, his eyes shining with wonder. He looked at Finn, smiling broadly, "This was the book my mother used to read to us when we were children!"

"And it was the first book I read to you as well. One of the few you still enjoy." Finn replied, his eyes turning wistful, "I want you to always have someone to read it to you. And if I'm not here for any reason, I want you to enjoy it." Kai drew Finn into a large hug as the story continued to play. Roche paused it as the two men hugged it out.

"Thank you," Kai whispered, sternly adding, "But you aren't going anywhere, Finn! No more near deaths."

"No more dungeons for you either." Finn replied tearfully into Kai's shoulder. Roche sniffed, her own eyes watering at their tenderness. At the reminder that Roche was standing there, the boys sprang apart with red cheeks. Finn looked at Kai endearingly, patting his shoulder.

"Enjoy your gift, my friend. Meet me at my chambers in a few moments, I just need to finish up with Roche."

Kai nodded, giving Roche a quick hug before running off.

The hallway was much emptier now, with only a few nobles straggling behind. They glanced at Roche and Finn curiously. Finn beckoned for Roche.

"Follow me," he said, his voice soft but firm. His tone was so different now that Kai was gone. It was something commanding. Something royal. Roche felt her throat go dry as she followed the prince down the winding halls. He walked slowly. Roche noticed that he was still slightly pale.

"How have you been doing, my lord?" Roche asked. Finn's eyes twinkled as he turned to her, stopping in front of a window overlooking the nearby forest.

"After everything you've done for me, surely you can just call me Finn."

Roche's lips twisted. "I think your father would disagree, my lord."

"Then it's a good thing my father isn't here, isn't it?" Finn replied smoothly, his lips twitching. Roche stared at him. With how meek and shy Finn appeared before his siblings and Kai, it was easy to forget that he was a prince. For the first time since meeting him, Roche wondered if she'd underestimated the man. He had a regal, almost feline air to him when he was alone. His green eyes, the same shade as Tigris', sparkled with the same cunning playfulness that Tigris presented exuberantly. Now though, his gaze seemed drained of amusement as he turned to face the stained glass window.

"I'm doing well, all thanks to you." Finn murmured, staring out into the forest. Roche tilted her head.

"As I've said, I didn't do much."

"But you did, didn't you?" Roche turned back to face him, finding Finn's eyes running over her face like he was searching for something. "You risked your life for me."

Roche's cheeks warmed. "I-it wasn't like that." she stuttered. Finn took a small step closer to her.

"Isn't it?" His eyes seemed to glow in the waning sunlight. "The castle hasn't been kind to Irulians lately. If you were caught in that lord's room, you would have been beside Kai in the dungeons."

Roche couldn't find the words to argue with the fervor in Finn's voice. She stared at him, lips parted with protests she couldn't find. Finn edged even closer. She could see her face reflected in those large, emerald eyes.

"There is also the matter of your inkblood."

The air left Roche's lungs. She tried to step back, but Finn grasped her wrist, gently but firmly, holding her in place. He held her arm up to the light, and her sleeve fell back revealing nothing but smooth skin. He stared at it calculatingly as Roche forced herself to laugh.

"See? No inkblood!" she chuckled. Finn didn't drop her hand. His gaze didn't leave her face.

"I remember what happened in the infirmary." he said simply, "Or bits of it, at least. The enchantment had me locked in my body, drifting in and out of consciousness. I wasn't there much during the final moments, but I heard your voice. Oid visscia-" Roche lunged forward, covering his mouth before he could finish the incantation. Finn's eyes widened with surprise. Roche recoiled, her jaw dropping with horror.

She'd used inkblood on the prince. And then she'd physically stopped him from speaking.

Oh, she was going to burn tonight.

She stepped back quickly, pulling her hand away from his soft lips. Her mouth opened and closed with wordless excuses.

"It's alright!" Finn said quickly before Roche could try to plead for her mother's life, "I'm not going to tell anyone!"

Roche froze, her heart stilling. "You're not?"

Finn stared out the window again. "You saved my life," he replied softly, "And risked yours in the process. If my father had barged in during the incantation, you would have been on a pyre by nightfall."

"It didn't matter," Roche said fiercely, "I wasn't going to let you die. Or Kai."

The prince's lips twitched. "You're so unlike Lord Luctus. I can scarcely believe you both have inkblood flowing through you."

Roche looked at her feet. "I didn't inject it into myself. I never sought it out." she said, not quite sure why she was pleading.

Finn quirked a brow. "Oh?"

"It just... showed up one day. And it's good at keeping itself hidden." Roche held up her bare arms. Her heart slowed when she realised Finn was watching her with cool curiosity rather than accusation. "You're really not going to tell?"

Finn scrutinised her for a moment. Then he flashed her a smile. "I see no reason to."

Still, she'd seen the king's rage at the mention of inkblood. She couldn't put the prince in the position of holding her secret. Roche blew out a breath, her short hair flying out of her face.

"Well either way, you won't have to keep it a secret for very long. I plan on leaving the city in the morning."

Finn's smile dropped. "What?"

"It's not safe here. Not just for me, but for my mother. Anyone associated with me is at risk of getting burned." Roche swallowed, surprised to feel tears forming. She looked up at Finn, his face a perfect picture of shock. "Though I must say, I've enjoyed your presence thoroughly, my lord. You make a fine prince."

Finn worked his throat for several moments. "You don't have to leave," he said softly, "If you enjoy living here, then you can stay. I swear I won't tell."

Roche chewed her lip hard enough to taste blood. "It's not that simple."

Finn hesitated before he placed a hand on Roche's shoulder, waiting for her to meet his eyes.

"After you risked your life for me so openly, I won't ask you to risk yourself again. But you and I are scholars in spirit, so let me share with you the one thing I've learned."

Finn's eyes seemed to glow as the sun set in the window behind him.

"Living isolated out of fear is a lonely life." he whispered, "I'm no stranger to that. If not for Tigris and Aodh and Kai, I don't know who I'd be."

"They won't know me truly. They never will. Whatever they see from me will be a lie." Roche murmured. Finn lifted his brow.

"Is it?" he asked, retracting his hand, "I saw plenty of you in these past few days without knowing about your inkblood, and I understand that you're kind. You're loyal. You put your life on the line for the son of a man who has persecuted many like you."

Roche shivered. She peered up at the prince.

"Why aren't you angry?" she murmured, "Your father hates inkblood. He banned it! You can't possibly be alright with me having it."

Finn's eyes hardened. "I love my father," Finn said quietly, "But if I've learned anything from our beloved books, it's that what is considered right and wrong is rarely so simple, despite what my father believes. For instance, Lord Luctus had inkblood. He tried to kill me."

The nonchalance in his voice chilled Roche to the bone. Finn continued, "But he'd also lost a sister. He had inkblood in his veins. He had to hide from everyone who he truly was."

"He tried to kill you." Roche hissed incredulously. Finn nodded.

"He did. But I can understand why. That is what sets you and I apart from the rest of this castle. We hold the knowledge of a thousand tales and the understanding of a million perspectives. But in the end, it can only be used to influence our choices and our understanding."

Finn's voice had softened into a dream-like tone. Roche wasn't following everything he was saying, but his gaze sharpened after a moment.

"All I can try to do, Roche, is try to understand you. And I understand that you have a good heart, a strong mind, and a scholar's spirit. From what you've told me, I cannot condemn you for something you cannot control and something that has clearly not corrupted you as my father says."

Roche was stunned. This conversation had been Finn's last test for her, to see where her heart stood. And she'd passed. She curtsied deeply. "That's... very kind of you, my lord."

Finn looked amused. "I've long since disagreed with my father on matters regarding inkblood. This is no exception."

Roche straightened. They stared at each other for a few more moments. Footsteps pounded from somewhere down the pristine halls. Finn turned to Roche.

"I should be going now."

"Of course," Roche nodded, "Goodbye, Prince Finn."

Finn shot her a lopsided grin. "Just Finn, actually." He disappeared down the adjoining hall in the blink of an eye. Aodh came running out of the hall from which they'd entered. His eyes shuttered as he found Roche.

"Oh. It's you."

"Prince Aodh," Roche greeted stiffly, curtsying. Aodh grunted.

"I'm looking for Finn."

"He just left."

"Ah." Aodh muttered, "No matter. Why did he come here with you?"

"He wanted to thank me." Roche replied, drawing her gaze up to Aodh's cold, blue eyes. They looked so much like his father's that it sent a chill down Roche's spine. His gaze flicked over her.

"I see," Aodh mused. His calculating gaze ran over her. "I suppose you expect me to get on my knees and thank you as well?"

The words were so brash and sarcastic that Roche nearly flinched. Aodh smirked.

"Here's the thing, Roche." he said her name like a curse, "I still don't trust you."

"Figures," Roche muttered. Aodh's eyes darkened.

"You're disrespectful to the bone. Yet you've managed to save two royals. Not to mention you miraculously managed to cure a terminal condition that our esteemed royal physician couldn't in mere days." Aodh stepped closer, towering over her. Roche's pride kept her standing under his withering gaze. "Some might find that... suspicious."

"By 'some' you mean you." Roche pointed out. Aodh's lips twitched.

"Yes," his voice lowered to a menacing rasp, "I know you have everyone fooled around here, including my soft hearted brother. But if you try to hurt Tigris, I'll see right through your act. And I will ensure you pay the price."

Roche swallowed, her heart lodged in her throat.

"I guess it's a good thing a 'filthy Irulian' like me doesn't plan to hurt anyone, my lord." Roche added the title in the most mocking tone she could manage. Aodh's jaw clenched. To Roche's relief, he didn't say anything more. He just stormed away, stalking down the hall Finn had just exited through. Roche sagged against the window with a sigh, realising how late it had gotten. She hurried back to the library, getting to Verita's quarters just as the librarian set down dinner.

A/N I think this is my most favourite chapter in the book because Finn proves he's not just a nerdy little thing but that he can actually be smart and all prince-like when he chooses to.

Do you have a favourite chapter so far?