"You look beautiful, Rene!"

Rayvis' aquamarine eyes glistened like gems at the sight of his sister, dressed elegantly in a newly-made dress perfectly fitting her petite body. Gold threading intricately blooming flowers on a teal skirt, white frills lining the hems of her dress, and thin layers of lace adorning her torso. The silks they bought from Izadellian merchants were stunning as dresses.

As the siblings stood outside their carriage, moments away from heading for the grand ball taking place at the palace, Irene felt her nervousness lessen slightly with her brother's compliments. He and Mikael were dressed handsomely in elegant suits befitting royalty, but just one look at the blonde's face, and any person would be able to tell it was suffocating for him.

His unsmiling, gloomy aura was not helping Irene's anxiousness. Everyone was aware he detested events like these and was likely going to disrelish this one just as much, considering he would be at the centre of attention. Irene only prayed things wouldn't go sourly between him and Daniel as a result.

For someone who loves his brother, he doesn't seem the least bit excited to see him.

"Is everyone ready to go?" A gentle, deep voice resounded from behind and Irene turned to see her mother and father exiting the manor. Rudien's silver hair was elegantly swept back, and he was dressed elaborately in white and gold, with a long, deep blue cloak. The colours syncing perfectly with Sarah's beautiful sapphire dress.

But even he wore a look of apprehension. Somehow Rudien and Mikael were not masking the tension in their minds and it was not helping Irene with staying calm.

I really can't let anything go wrong today.

One too many things were going to happen all at once, at this unforeseen event. The princes would reunite, but there was bound to be political tension, considering Mikael had a lot of nobles supporting him for emperor. This wouldn't make it easy for either of them to communicate freely with one another.

In her original novel, a ball like this was never held - because Daniel's character was introduced to society on the day of the victory banquet after the war with Izadel. That was also the day Isabella and Daniel first met - and a vital point for the story.

But events had changed drastically. Daniel fell ill and was unable to attend the banquet, but even as he snuck out, it was Irene who approached him instead of the real female lead.

Everything became a mess of unpredictable outcomes, and Irene had little idea about how this event was going to play out. All she could really do was keep an eye out and act naturally.

As Irene took a seat between Rayvis and Mikael in the carriage, with her parents taking a separate compartment at the front, she remained lost in deep thought, nervous for the day ahead. The drive to the palace was quite a long one, so they had a large and comfortable ride prepared. Irene was rather relieved it would take a while to get there - she had more time for mental preparation.

Daniel and Mikael would reunite, but more importantly — Isabella and Daniel would also meet for the first time today. Considering she was the daughter of Duke Einfred, there was no way she would miss an event as huge as this.

Irene wasn't certain the original couple would interact and have the same relationship they did in her story. In fact, she was sure that the changes she made leading up to now would probably make it less likely for this to happen.

I can't really force either of them into falling in love. It's something that needs to happen on its own...

"What are you thinking so deeply about?"

Irene glanced to her left to see Mikael observing her keenly. He seemed to be watching her for a while now, and it caught her slightly by surprise.

"Ah- I'm just a little nervous," she smiled, trying to conceal her tension, or at least make it less obvious. "A lot of things are going to be changing with the prince finally showing his face, so it has me a bit worried."

Mikael stared at her for a moment, but his gaze was rather gentle. "Don't think about it too much, and just enjoy yourself with Isabella as always."

Easier said than done.

"What about you, Mikael? Aren't you excited about seeing Daniel again?" Irene asked him, remembering how much he used to prattle on about his brother at the start. But ever since news of Daniel's disappearance spread throughout Laydel a few years ago, Mikael never brought him up again.

"I'm practically dying of excitement." He spoke in the most monotonous voice, and Irene tried not to heave a sigh from his sarcastic response.

More importantly... Irene glanced at her purse, sat upon her dress and matching in its teal colour to her skirt. She remembered the handkerchief she received from Daniel when they encountered by chance not too long ago, and as of now, it was neatly folded into her bag so she could return it to him.

Honestly the thing that makes me the most nervous is having to face him myself. She thought, remembering how their previous encounters were rather abnormal. Irene only hoped he wouldn't try to get revenge on her for being horribly rude to him in the past.

Come to think of it, I called him things like "weak" and "dying rabbit."

...I am doomed.

Just as she thought this, the carriage abruptly came to a halt. Irene jolted out of her thoughts, and almost stumbled forward, but her brother held an arm in front of her to keep her in place.

She glanced up at Rayvis, who had been napping but woken by the sudden halt, noticing the intimidating look of confusion plastered to his face. "What was that?"

Before Irene could say anything, Rayvis opened the carriage door immediately and stepped out to check what was wrong. Both Mikael and Irene blinked at the open doorway for a moment, bewildered.

Why did the carriage suddenly stop?

Irene gulped.

We haven't even arrived at the ball yet and there's already trouble?

"Mother, are you alright?"

"Sarah- what's wrong?"

Irene's heart froze.

Without wasting a breath, she lifted her skirt and leapt out of the carriage. Mikael's eyes widened watching her do that, but he followed after her immediately.

Something wasn't right.

Irene hurried to the front compartment of their carriage a few metres away, where Rudien and Sarah sat together. Both her parents and brother were standing outside, but the sight of her mother's figure stumbling forward caused a great wave of worry to settle in Irene's stomach.

"What's going on?" She asked, alarmed at the sight of Sarah's eyes screwed shut, as though she were suppressing agonising pain. Her gloved hand clasped over her mouth, as though nauseous - and Rudien held her toward his body, protectively.

"Get her some water." The duke firmly instructed the startled driver, who immediately nodded and hurried to find some in the carriage.

Irene held her breath, watching as her brother used a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his mother's brows. She had turned pale and looked quite unwell, and this sent a wave of dread through the princess' stomach.

No... My mother is healthy...

She's fine... Right? Maybe she just got motion sick...

...But that doesn't look like motion sickness.

Just then, a gentle hand reached out for her own, and Irene flinched at the coldness of Mikael's fingertips. There was little room for her to process his fluid movement in attempt to calm her down - and before she knew it, her hand was desperately clinging to his in perturbation.

Mikael didn't mind how strongly she held onto him, squeezing his palms in that moment. Irene's body was burning up and he could tell it was a shock to her, seeing her mother looking so unwell all of a sudden.

All of the worst case scenarios were playing through her mind in that moment.

The fact that Rayvis and Rudien appeared just as distressed wasn't helping. Usually, they were collected and calm under any situation.

"I-I'm fine, Rudien," Sarah smiled weakly, gently resting her head on her husband's chest as he held her closely. "I just felt light-headed for a moment."

She wasn't convincing him very well. The duke's scarlet eyes were shadowed with deep concern. Promptly, the servant arrived with water, and Sarah drank slowly.

No one said a word, and just watched her silently drink, for what felt like forever.

Irene's fingers trembled in Mikael's hand. Even though he was equally as confused as she was about this, he was aware this was affecting Irene much more.

"Snow." Irene called out, almost in a silent prayer, and waited for her Phoenix to appear before her. He manifested from thin air, and with his usual lively tone, he responded.

"Sprout? What's up?"

"I need you to place protective spells on my mother, and her health." Irene instructed, and upon seeing the dread in her eyes, Snow almost instantly realised something was wrong.

He didn't say another word, and carried out his task. Beady eyes focused intently on the duchess, he focused his magic and directed multiple charms toward her. Although he was a spirit, Snow could only protect others from physical harm - but this didn't necessarily mean illness too.

Still, if Sarah was unwell, Irene didn't want a single thing hurting her.

"We should go back," Rudien stated, his gaze serious. "You're in no position to-"

"No, Rudien, it's fine," Sarah stood upright, smiling softly. "I'm fine, really. We can still head for the ball."

There was still doubt displayed across the duke's face. Rayvis seemed to be in agreement with his father.

"You shouldn't be pushing yourself when you're unwell, Mother. Father is right, we should return. Your health comes first-"

"Absolutely not. This is a vital day for the Empire," Sarah shook her head. Although she was still pale, her condition seemed slightly better than before. "We are still going. If we don't attend, it will largely impact the princes' reputations. There will be rumours. I can handle this, so let's go."

Sarah didn't even leave room for negotiation - and marched right back into the carriage. Irene felt a little relieved that her mother was feeling slightly better now but her mind became a flurry of doubt.

What if she gets worse later?

What if she collapses, while we're at the ball?

Why did this have to happen now of all times?

"Irene," Mikael's voice gently called out to her from behind, and it was then she realised she was still gripping onto his hand. Their eyes met, and the prince gazed at her calmly. "It'll be alright. Her life isn't in danger, so don't worry."

She pursed her lips. How would you know that? She wanted to ask, but was unable to let the words out. Perhaps she was overwhelmed - and unable to keep a rational mindset after seeing her mother so unwell.

"For now, just believe in those words. The Duchess will be fine," Mikael told her, releasing her hand and holding Irene by the shoulders. "Let's go back in."

Irene couldn't think to do anything but follow him as her led her back to their seats. Rayvis followed shortly after, ensuring his mother was comfortable. Thankfully Rudien was with her, and convinced his wife to get some rest by sleeping on his shoulder.

"Brother- what's wrong with Mother?" Irene asked as soon as he returned to the carriage, and a servant closed the door behind him. He seemed to be much more calmed down now.

"I'm not sure. I think she felt nauseous from all the heat and the long carriage ride. She also didn't get much sleep, and hasn't had much to eat," Rayvis sighed softly, still a little concerned. "I'm sure she will recover once we arrive. So don't worry too much, Rene."

Her brother offered a gentle smile, which put her slightly at ease. But to no avail.

The carriage soon continued on its course, but Irene continued to feel uneasy the entire way there. No matter how hard she tried to stay calm, so many things had her on edge. Sarah's state, all the characters meeting Daniel and finally being in the same place all at once - and the fact that life would certainly change after this day.

Is it really going to be alright...? I have a bad feeling in my stomach...