That night I couldn't sleep. Mrs Jane came by to bring me something to eat but left after I asked her to.

Eating was a struggle but I got it done.

Hours passed and the pain in my chest went out to all those people stuck in their cells. Their fates all being sealed by the hands of that monster. Could I take in their place forever and in return give them their freedom back, I would.

It must have been close to dawn when the king came into my chambers. I didn't bother looking at him. Can't he just leave me be? I'm sick of his games and his controlling demeanor.

He slowly makes his way over to my bed and sits at the side of it. The smell of alcohol penetrating me nose as he spoke, "I have a suggestion for you."

I don't answer, out of protest I turn my head away. I can feel him take his eyes of me and he rests his head on his hands which are stemmed by his elbows on his knees.

"I already told you, I'm sorry," His voice seems beaten and I turn to look at him. He no longer looks like the fearful man I've come to know. He seems tired and weakened. He's clearly drunken but not to the point of slurring.

Curiosity gets the better of me

"Sorry for what?"

"For showing you."

"You should be sorry for treating people that way, not for showing me how they're being treated." Anger and sorrow trace my voice.

"That's why I'll judge them."

What? Judge them? I don't answer in confusion and the King goes on.

"I'll open a court. And be the judge of their sins."

"You'll just have them all hung or tortured."

"Fairly." He adds.

"How do I know you're not lying?"

"You'll join me and watch."

The room fills with silence.

"I'm trying, I promise." Is all the king whispers before leaving me alone again to contemplate. I don't know what he means, but giving my people a fair court is definitely better than having them cower in their cells. Then it hits me.

The idea is good in itself but I'm the royal princess of Lyria. If one of them recognizes me that would not only put my life in danger but also my family's life. He'd have something to blackmail my father with.

Then again I've never been involved with the army and I doubt anyone should be able to recognize me.

A few more day's have passed, my body has regained its energy and my boredom is killing me. I would love to read but playing the role of a noble's daughter I shouldn't know how to read. The King hasn't been visiting me but I know he's been going in and out of his chambers. Going to the bathroom has left me wondering through his room, but he was never there.

I've been brought meals regularly and my strength has returned. A doctor came to check up on me again, but he only told me that I'm getting better.

I'm stuck in this room with only a bed and a table, and my thoughts.

I hear the doors to the Kings chamber open and close again. He must be back. I jump of my bed and hurry to the door only to creak it open slightly.

I spot the King sitting on his bed.

"If there is something you want, you'll have to come out and speak with me." He looks right in my direction.

Crap.

I open the door and awkwardly clear my throat.

"I wanted to ask you something." My voice comes out hushed. Why is it that I can never sound confident around him.

He raises his eyebrow, as if expecting me to go on.

"Did you mean what you said?" I explain our gaze locking.

Seemingly confused he tilts his head lightly.

I take a deep breath and go on.

„About opening a court for the people in the dungeons?"

His grimace turns unreadable, and he speaks, "Yes, I am serious. I've actually been setting things up. Writing lists and such. Theoretically we could start the court tomorrow."

I can't help but smile a little. It was a sincere smile made of relief and hope.

The Kings eyes trace and study my face. "There is however something I want in return."

My smile fades. What could I possibly give him. Is he going to bargain about the truth again?

"What is it?" I bite my lip.

"You'll have dinner with me. Every night, from now on."

I don't know what he plans to gain, but if it means that my people get a fair chance at freedom I'm more than willing to do it.

"Alright."

"Perfect, dinner will be served in one hour. Put on something suitable."

I look down at myself sheepishly as I realize I've been wearing the night gown I've gotten from Mrs Jane for days.

Mrs Jane has told me that the she has put new dresses into my cupboard.

After changing into a light blue strapless dress, it didn't take long for dinner to start.

To my surprise, the King had already left to go to the dinning chambers. Being in the big room with the large wooden table brought back memories. Of how kind and of how cruel the Crimson King could be. His name originated fron his brutal acts. Killing so many that his armor is completely soaked with blood after every fight, giving him the name of the Crimson King. It was a scary story told to children before bedtime in Lyria, and for some reason it stuck in the people's minds and looking at him, it didn't seem too far from reality.

"Take a seat." His stern voice echoing through the chamber.

I do as he wishes, taking the seat next to him as it is the one he had gestured towards. I wouldn't have minded seating on the opposite side of the table. It would have been more comforting to be having some space between us.

Supper is served, and the room turns uncomfortably quiet. We both eat when the king has a servant bring some wine.

"Would you like some too, my Lady?" The servant boy asks politely.

I wipe my mouth with my napkin and reply with no, thank you.

"So Alice, tell me..." the King begins.

"Why is it that you care so much for your fellow Lyrians."

Because they're my people and it is my duty to look after them as a part of the royal family.

"It is not so much, that they are Lyrians. I just don't think anyone should have to live like that."

"How naive." He chuckles.

"I beg your pardon?" I try not to sound to offended.

"Tis naive of you. You clearly have no idea of war..."

"No, I do not, but I have a sense for what is right and what is wrong and that clearly crosses the line in my opinion."

He takes a big swig of wine before waving for the servant boy to refill his cup.

"I told you I will judge them, but I will not forget who has fought and killed my own men during this fight."

"But it's a fight you started."

His fist collides with the table with a loud bang making the cutlery clink. I jump and quickly the thought of how much more this table will be able to handle crosses my mind.

"It was that bastard King who started this war, not I!" His voice booms.