Putting him to the test

Acacia frowned. She looked at the angry face of prince Shermandin, the man that was supposed to love her. Sure she chose his brother, but that did not mean she was willing to give up his love to that ugly creature. Still, even if she did not give a damn about him, this was getting out of hand. Shermandin even if not the crown prince anymore, was still a vary prominent figure, most trusted adviser to Valentine and one of the best generals of Dali. Acacia could not afford to loose her face in front of him. It helped that just like his brother, he was always underestimating her and weak to her tears. She trembled with excitement as she always did before a good performance, but to the outsiders it looked as if she was weak and scared. Her eyes became watery and tears started pouring down her face. Shermandin was suddenly taken aback . "How could you accuse me of such things. I truly did see her face and it scared me, but this dose not mean I look down or dislike Lola in anyway. It hurt me so much, that she just refused to be consoled by me. Maybe I exaggerated some parts, but was still all truth. How can you doubt me after knowing me for so many years."

Shermandin was stunned. What was the truth? She was a sweet little girl he watched grow for years, crying in front of him, begging for his trust. Yes he thought he loved her once, but it was just a brotherly attachment and nothing more. He would never stand in the way of his brothers and Acacias love, he never needed to anyway. Now she was asking him to believe in her instead of a princess of a foreign country he had only known for a few months. The answer was so vary obvious that it scared him a little. The confused look left his eyes and strong determination remained. "I know you are a sweet and kind girl. So maybe the jealousy got the best of you. I am not saying you are lying, but jealousy can cloud ones judgment sometimes. I know that Lola would never have done anything that patty so you should never speak of such things again."

Acacia was shocked by his words. How was it possible for prince Shermandin to choose that wench over a beautiful sweet girl like her. How dare she still his heart away from her. She was fuming with rage and it was beginning to show on her face. Acacia immediately snapped herself back. She was being stupid. Just because prince Shermandin defended that monster did not mean he had changed his heart. From the beginning he was always a righteous and kind person. This was the trait of his she loathed the most. Yes he was probably just feeling sorry for that thing. What else could there be. He could not be in love with her. Acacia was laughed to herself for thinking about something so stupid. She smiled at him.

"Thank you for your understanding prince Shermandin. It has been a truly tough time for me. To share someone I so love with another woman. I can not imagine how I can survive all this." Tears started to pour download her face again. Shermandin felt pity for this young, innocent girl. In love and unable to fulfill the sad love. He petted her on the shoulder. "I understand Lady Acacia. It must be unbearable, but please try to stay strong. I am sure Lola is feeling helpless herself. In a strange country, with people she has no familiarity with. We were the ones who offered this marriage, so it is not her foult that Valentine already had someone else in his heart. We are not to treat her badly because of our own shortcomings. This is all for the benefit of the country. I know it is unfair to sacrifice yourself for this reason, but what greater reason is there?! Valentine has to take the responsibility befitting of the future leader and you as the one he loves ought to understand this better than anyone."

Acacias was getting impatient. There he was prattling on about dignity and responsibility. She had no obligation to do anything she did not wish to do. Who the hell was he to lecture her. If she had been already sitting on the throne his head would be rolling right about now. Her face remained unchanged. She was sobbing. "Yes I understand. Even tough it is killing me I would never do anything to endanger this union. That is why I have been trying my hardest to please princess Lola but, she dose not like to be in my presence."

"Well, Lola was not the kind of person to force herself to pretend. So maybe she really did ignore Acacia" thought to himself Shermandin. He placed his hand on her shoulder and said - " I understand Lady Acacia and please do forgive me for the harsh words I have spoken to you. It was never my intention to make you in anyway unhappy." They began to chat about unimportant things and some news of the mutual acquaintances. Some laughter was reaching Haer in her hideout, behind the tall bushes. Her face remained stone cold throughout the whole thing. After everyone walked there separat ways, she turned around and disappeared.

"So that was what happened?!" Said to herself Lola while leaning back on a chair. Haer had finished her briefing and was standing with her had down awaiting further instructions. She was always trying to avoid looking at her masters unveiled face. Even after all this time she could not completely get used to it. Lola was deep in thoughts. Finally she spoke. "I do not hate his kindness. That is what will get him killed, but it is still a trait to be proud of. The most important thing is that he can make a choice and stand by it if need be. And that choice was me." She smiled. "The plan B seems to be reliable."

This was dragging on longer that she expected.

Time passed and every day it was a new kind of turmoil for Lola. After the welcome gala she was never again invited to any events. Even if Matti Ushgul did not care about her and Acacia was actively ruining her reputation behind her back, this was still odd. After some investigation Haer found all the invitations to be blocked by lady Acacia. For Lola to be so rude to not only not attend, but to not even reply to any of the invitations, ruined her reputation further. Valentine also attended all this events with Acacia accompanying him, never once bringing his fiancé to be. This showed how strong Acacias position was and how insignificant of an existence was Lola. Soon everyone stopped caring about her and only the invitation to official events were being delivered, but even they never once reached Lolas residence. Acacia had successfully cut Lola of from the outside world. Still, now that she had told Valentine about the pregnancy, it was only a matter of time before the news reached Lolas residence. Ujarma would absolutely not tolerate such a breach of agreement and the engagement would be canceled. This was not acceptable. Lola needed to stay here. She still had many uses for her. Acacia was holding a small pink bottle in her hand and shaking it while smiling. The game was finally reaching the culmination. The servant came in and bowed respectfully in front of her. "Kari has arrived as per your instructions."

"Sand her in!" The door opened and Kari walked in. Without saying a word she bowed respectfully. Acacia looked down at her and spoke. "Today you shall send the invitation to prince Shermandin and when he arrives, pour this bottle in both of there cups. Afterwards make sure they are undisturbed. Do you understand? Make a mistake and you will pay with your life."

She understood. This was her last chance.