Bertram opened the carriage for me and helped me inside. There was a spot open by William and also by Dante. Sure enough, the Queen must have forced them to sit across from each other in order for me to sit by William.

William glanced at me and crossed his arms. He gave a smug expression, "I can't believe my mother really sent you in here to sit by me."

I frowned. Why is he saying that like it's such a bad thing yet he clearly looks overjoyed by it?

Dante glanced at me, "You don't have to sit next to him."

William frowned, "Yes she does. My mother wants her to."

Dante argued, "Who cares about what your mother wants."

William's eyes flashed, "Y-you can't say that!!!"

Dante shrugged, "She should sit where she wants."

"What if she wants to sit next to me?!"

"She won't."

"She will!!!"

Dante chuckled darkly, "Why do you want her to sit next to you so bad? Don't you usually complain about sharing a carriage with her?"

William flushed red, "It will be fine just this once!!"

I stood staring at them both in disbelief. Are they really fighting over who I should sit by right now?

In my books, I've read about the male leads fighting over the female lead. I've always wanted to experience that. It seemed so romantic.

I didn't know it would actually feel annoying. I don't think I like this at all.

Dante looked at me, "So who will you sit by?"

Just then I felt like I was thrown in a game. Sit by Dante: Gain his favorability. Sit by William: Gain his favorability, lose Dante's favorability.

To bad for this game, I make my own rules.

I sat next to William and he gave a smug smile. Dante scowled at us with a dark expression. I chucked at his reaction.

I giggled with a hand over my mouth, "Fufu. Dante, are you perhaps jealous I chose to sit by William?"

Dante glared at me then turned his head out the window, "No."

I realized that his scowl wasn't as scary anymore. It was a bit cute, if not endearing.

William chuckled, "I knew you would sit next to me."

My. My. He can be such a cocky bastard sometimes.

I smiled at William, "William. When I puke, should I puke on you? Or should I puke out the window?"

William looked horrified and scooted away from me, "Out the window! Out the window!"

I pretended to hear him wrong, "Huh? On your lap? Alright if you insist."

"NOOO!" William looked like he would faint. He tried to cling to the side as much as possible.

Dante chuckled while still looking out the window.

William hurriedly spoke, "You can rest your head on my lap!"

I put a hand over my mouth feigning shock, "My head on the lap of a Prince?! I wouldn't dare do that."

He blushed slightly and squeezed his eyes close in embarrassment, "It's fine! I'm okay with it!! I will do anything so you don't puke!"

I glanced at Dante who looked at me in the corner of his eye. I smiled teasingly at Dante and spoke to William, "Well, if the Prince insists then maybe I should..."

Dante snapped his head over and glared at me. Hehe. You're too obvious.

Bertram finally climbed in and sat next to Dante with a scary expression. He spoke in a husky voice, "Young Miss. Your father instructed me not to let the boys touch you."

I sighed, "Ahh. Bertram you're ruining my fun. I was only teasing the two of them."

Bertram spoke, "You're father said if one of them touches you, even slightly, that I should take off their hand."

William slunk back in fear, "S-Seri! Why is this man scarier than your father?!"

I smiled at Bertram, "Hey Bertram, how many people have you killed with your own two hands?"

His expression darkened, "Too many Young Miss."

I smiled at William, "Isn't he dependable?"

William became instantly pale. Dante glanced over at Bertram trying to decide how much of a threat he was. Bertram glanced down at Dante making him flinch.

Bertram spoke in a low voice, "You're Dante right?"

He nodded, "That's right."

His face grew more intense, "If you even dare to turn down Young Miss Seri, I will personally end you."

Dante looked shocked and confused by this at the same time. I shouted in embarrassment, "Bertram! If you word it like that, he'll misunderstand!"

Bertram turned to me, "How do you mean?"

I groaned and hid my face. I peeked around my fingers at Dante and noticed him looking at me in expectation.

I sat up a cleared my throat, "On an unrelated note. Do you perhaps dislike gifts during the winter time?"

Dante raised an eyebrow as he stared at me. I chuckled uncomfortably. I might have been a bit too ambiguous. Or maybe too obvious?

William spoke, "What are you even talking about? He usually gets gifts during the winter for his birthday. I even gave him a new practice sword."

I sighed. Ah William. Can you really not read the mood? I was trying to avoid mentioning the B word. Well, at least he didn't kill William so there's my answer.

Dante looked at me, "Why did you ask?"

I froze, "Uhhhhh..." Yet, for some reason I couldn't hand over the gift.

Luckily, the carriage lurched forward. I covered my mouth reflexively. Everyone knew that as soon as the carriage started moving, I turned into a mess. They wouldn't dare bug me now.

After eight grueling hours, we finally arrived in the Imperial City.

I felt someone elbow me and I groggily blinked my eyes. I spoke weakly, "Are... We... Here?"

William nodded, "Yes. We arrived in the Imperial City. You should look out the window."

I turned my head towards the window slowly. My eyes lit up from the bustling scene. I couldn't help but stick my body out the window smiling madly.

The streets were covered in a beautiful cobblestone and all the shops looked so decorated and cheerful. It was like looking at a vintage picture.

There were many people walking up the streets. Some were visiting stores and stalls while others sat outside on balconies chatting away leisurely.

It's been a while since I've seen such a lively scene. It's a bit nostalgic.

I heard William shouting at me, "Hey! What are you doing?! Are you trying to fall out?!"

I pulled my body back in and smiled. The hair Lona worked so hard on was messed up and reverted back to its flippy style.

I spoke in excitement, "There's so many people! And the buildings are so huge! And the smells! Ahh~ It smells like half sewage and half delicious food! How amazing!"

William frowned, "Why are you so happy about that?"

I smiled nostalgically, "It almost reminds me of New York City."

"Haah? New York City? Where is that at?"

I frowned and mumbled, "No where. I read it in a book."

William chuckled arrogantly, "Well this isn't a fake city. This is real and it's one of the most prosperous cities thanks to my Father."

I rolled my eyes and glanced back out the window. My voice grew serious, "William... Tell me the truth."

William looked surprised to see me so serious, "What?"

I turned to him, "Do we live in the countryside?"

William gave a look of bewilderment and irritation, "Haah? The countryside?"

I nodded, "Yes. This city is like 5 times the size of our town."

William sighed, "No. We don't live in the countryside. We still live in a large city, but of course this city is larger. It's the Imperial City. My father made it a great city so everyone flocks here."

I made a face at his arrogant tone. He's obsessed with his father, isn't he? Now I understand what they mean when they say a son idolizes his father.

The original novel never mentioned William's and the King's relationship. Actually, the King was only ever mentioned in the story for Ilene's trial and approving of William's and Mary's marriage.

I wonder what kind of person the King is.

William spoke, "If you're that excited to see something, we can take a trip into town tomorrow."

I gave a big smile, "Are you going to buy me lots of food?"

William frowned, "Why is your mind always on food?"

"Because food is the essence to life."

William rolled his eyes, "Well you don't need that much essence."

I glared at him, "This is why no girls like you William."

His mouth dropped, "What?! Tons of girl's like me!"

"Mhm. Suuuure."

William protested the rest of the way to the Palace. I just ignored him and waved him off. When we stopped I gladly stepped off and stretched.

Dante walked over to me and spoke in a quiet voice, "What did you mean in the carriage?"

I looked at him and raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

"About getting gifts in winter."

I froze and forced out a chuckle, "Oh... That? Oh.. That's... Well that's..."

My father ran over with his arms outstretched, "Baby girl!"

Oh thank god. Someone actually saved me from this awkward conversation. I thought for sure I'd have to give him the gift.

Even though it's my annoying father I stretched out my hands gladly. "Daddy!"

He picked me up and swung me around. He placed me down and looked at me carefully. I could only stand there awkwardly.

He rubbed his chin, "They didn't touch you, did they?"

I shook my head, "No Daddy. They were very well behaved."

My father glanced at Bertram, "Did they?"

He shook his head, "No my lord. After I threatened them, they kept their respective distance."

My father chuckled and high fived Bertram, "Good job!"

My mouth dropped, "Daddy! Did you not believe me?!"

He looked around awkwardly, "No. No. It's not that."

I glared, "I hate you Daddy."

He collapsed to his knees, "NOOO! BABY GIRL!"

I turned away from him and started walking away with my nose turned up. I ignored his panicked cries. Dante and William quickly shuffled after me, too afraid to be left alone with Bertram and my father.

William glanced at me worriedly, "Did you really just tell your father you hate him?"

I nodded, "I did."

"Why? He looks like he's going to start crying."

I turned to William and smiled maliciously, "That's why I said it. He's been too comfortable lately. I need to knock him off of his high horse to remind him who's boss."

William frowned, "Did you know you can be quite cruel?"

I thought about this for a moment. Am I really cruel? I don't think so.

I turned to Dante, "Am I cruel?"

He nodded once.

I frowned, "You're supposed to say I'm not."

Dante looked at me without any expression. He responded flatly, "Oh. You're not."

"Ugh. Dante! You're not being sincere!"

I bit my lip in irritation and stomped over to my mother and Queen Luna.

My mother looked shocked, "Seri! Your hair! How could you mess it up?!"

Queen Luna gave her the side eye, "Your daughter still looks adorable. Maybe you should compliment her more."

My mother instantly shut her mouth and looked away in embarrassment. I couldn't help but giggle at the sass in Queen Luna's voice.

Queen Luna looked down at me and smiled, "It's alright, dear. I'm sure my husband will find you adorable no matter what. But if you want, I can send some maids to your room to fix your hair."

I forced a smile, "I would be honored."

She giggled and clapped her hands. She spoke as if she was in her own world, "The King has been dying to meet you! I talk about you nonstop. I'm so glad we get the chance for an audience today! Kyaa! He's going to be so thrilled to see to his new daughter in law."

My face twitched. Just what has this royal b*tch been telling the King?!

The Queen motioned to the servants to come over, "Did you prepare Seri's room next to William's?"

One bowed, "Yes, your highness. It's been prepared."

William's face flushed, "Mother!! Why did you have to put her close to my room?!"

She smiled at him, "What? She might get homesick and need someone to comfort her."

William looked down in embarrassment and let out a whine. I couldn't help but understand his feeling. I really wanted to smack my head into a wall right now.

The servants came over to us and bowed, "We will show you to your room now."

We followed the servants as they showed us to our rooms. Luckily My parents weren't very close. Although, I did have to laugh at how they made sure to give my mother her own room that wasn't very fancy. It was pretty satisfying to see her being bullied.

When we got to my room I nodded to the boys, "I guess I will meet you later then."

They nodded back. William went into his room and Dante turned to leave, but hesitated. He glanced at me almost timidly.

I smiled at him, "What is it?"

He paused for a moment before speaking, "My room is down the hall."

I nodded, "Okay." He didn't move. I tilted my head, "Anything else?"

He glanced down at the ground, "You can visit... If you feel... Homesick..."

I stared at him blankly. I felt the urge to burst into laughter but I stifled it down.

I gave a big smile, "Thanks Dante. I will keep that in mind."

He glanced at me with wide eyes and nodded once. He quickly walked off. I couldn't help but giggle at him.

When I walked in the room a few servants followed. One spoke, "Young Miss. Please sit in front of the mirror. We will be preparing your hair."

I frowned, "Can't I at least lay down for a bit?"

They shook their head, "No. You're meeting the King in a few hours."

I sighed and sat down, "Alright fine."

My eyes bulged out of my head in front of the mirror.

Wait! I'm meeting the King so soon?! I haven't prepared myself mentally yet!!!