Chapter 11

The image above is what Lady Victoria Puissante looks like except for the clothes and she looks older obviously.

Bellow are her clothes, just a more expensive and dark colors.

I don't own these images, all images belong to their rightful owners.

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3rd Person POV

Two weeks have gone by since, the incident... James remained locked in his room all day, every day, in fear that something might happen to him, but mostly, in fear of rejection.

The maids of the mansion took his meals and left them in front of his bedroom door, but he would only eat a few of those meals. His parents were extremely worried for his wellbeing but had no idea of what they could do, they didn't exactly understand the "problem" to begin with afterall. This brought a melancholic mood to befall the Azuree manor.

Meanwhile in the Puissante estate, the young mistress of the manor had been worried ever since the incident, and her worries only grew as time went on. She noticed the sudden disappearance of the future heir to the Azuree manor. The young master of the Azuree manor had not been seen in any social gatherings for two weeks and no one has heard of him either... Viola was worried. No, beyond that... she was scared, anxious, and worried.

She had figured that James would not attend the play date hosted by the Digne family from two weeks ago, it was to be expected really, the only reason she attended was because her mother had scolded her.

"Now Viola, you mustn't be bothered by such trivial matters. This is a social gathering, and among the children of the four dukes no less. I expect you to handle it properly so and be on your finest behavior... And of course, keep a reasonable distance from James Azuree. Am I understood? I am confident that you have learned well enough to handle your social image at least decently." Instructed Lady Victoria as Viola listened while hiding her unsure disposition.

But, to her surprise... she was not able to carry out her mother's instructions. For James Azuree did not show up to the playdate from two weeks ago... or the one after that... or the one after that...

Viola's POV

This is the third playdate among the four dukes and the royal family that James has missed... it has begun to look suspicious... Edmund being the prideful boy he is, wasted no time in complaining the first time... but, now even the crown prince is worried... Everyone has grown worried... I am worried...

To think... is it really true? Or could it be that he only said what he did for the sake of getting out of the engagement... to not marry me?

No, no... he is not that type of person... is he?

To think that... My mother explained it to me. What James meant when he said he "did not like girls." I had never considered that this was a possibility... After-all, marriage always seemed like a diplomatic affair to me... A responsibility if anything... I suppose storybooks are somewhat true then.

But now that I truly give everything long and careful consideration... I have realized that. I do not truly know him... James... I know so little about him. We have kept up friendly appearances, but we have never taken a true interest in each other... Or at least... I have not...

I have never really even tried to make friends have I?

My mother never said it was not allowed... But I feel like she does not want me to have friends regardless... It's all diplomacy with her. It's always been that way.

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He seemed... terrified...

James... His stare was akin to that of a mortified small animal, surrounded by predators. I have never seen him that way before...

Flashback

[Viola stands paralyzed with tears brimming in her eyes still, trying to process the words of someone she thought she had known so well. She looked at James. Legs shaking, hands trembling as they cover his mouth so tightly, she would have thought it would be painful, tears streaming down his face uncontrollably as he breathed raggedly. Eyes stricken with deep fear, as if he was trapped in a room with three monsters that could pounce at him at any second. Those eyes... he seemed... Terrified...]

He was not lying... there is no way he was lying... those eyes tell so much... so much pain and fear... I wonder why.

He does not like girls... He likes boys...

I've never heard of people like that... But mother has taught me now, of people who like the same gender... their tale has usually ended badly from what she has said... I wonder... Is that why he has always been so nervous and hesitant? Is he afraid we would do something to him?

Is he afraid of me?

I had always thought he was only shy... but that makes no sense considering his friendly and extroverted demeanor... albeit it could have been a possibility, but he did not seem the type, he struck me more as outgoing and cheerful... so I could not figure out why he was so reserved...

Is he alone?

He seemed so... broken, that day... I wonder if there is anyone to keep him company... to be there for him...

He must be alone...

I have been alone too. For so long. It has always been that way... It is not as painful as it may sound.

His mother seemed to be very kind, and I can tell she loves him dearly, but... parents aren't particularly easy to trust... they give in too easily...

My mother is...

If his mother is not on his side... I wonder... If he will end up... Just like me?

He's alone.

He has no pillar of support.

His mother clearly hadn't known of his secret judging from her reaction.

I highly doubt his father did either.

He has no friends other than the children of the four dukes and his royal highness... At least not that I know of... And I wouldn't particularly count me in that bunch anymore...

But, if he is alone... how will he...

Will that cheerful smile fade away as well?

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That is far too tragic.

If he truly is alone, that must be so painful.

I doubt he would last. He wouldn't last... He would learn, yet... He would never be the same. To be abandoned like that.

In a world where everyone is your enemy.

Alone

In the dark

In the cold

In pain

HE IS ALONE!

Time Skip

3rd Person POV

As Lady Victoria Puissante sat on her desk chair taking care of some minor paperwork, she heard a soft knock on the door. "Enter" She says in a calm yet firm tone. Her young daughter enters and closes the door softly. "Mother. I must ask something of you." She says as Lady Victoria only looks at her daughter skeptically.

"What is it that you must ask me dear?" Says Victoria, emphasizing her daughter's supposed mistake. 'That was a bad move on my part. I should not have been so direct, especially if I am to request something so bold... but I will not beat around the bush, this is not a request after all this is a demand. But my mother's ego could never handle that.' Thinks Viola as her determination only increases.

"I realize that you might consider such a bold request to be unseemly, or even impermissible. However, I really must ask this of you and I deeply hope that could please grant it mother." Says Viola with a slightly pleading voice. At this Victoria narrows her eyes already preparing herself to deny such a request based on Viola's description. "My request is... I wish to visit James Azuree." Says Viola, cutting straight to the chase.

Viola's words are so shocking to Victoria she takes a second to process them. "Absolutely not!" She says in an authoritative voice. "Why would you even wish to go to visit that boy? Do not even think about enacting some form of revenge. To do so this openly. And to another of the four dukedoms no less! It could only bring disaster." Says Victoria disappointedly as she disapproves of what she assumes her emotionally swayed daughter was planning to do.

"No of course not mother! I-... I wish to speak to James, make amends with him." Says Viola pleadingly. "That is even worse! At least revenge could be justified by humiliation and pity but to make amends with such a boy would only bring your downfall! The downfall of the whole family!" Says Victoria now losing her composure. '*Sigh* as always all she ever thinks about is the family reputation and the future she has panned out for me.' Thinks Viola somberly. "But mother! I do not care for such a thing. James is my friend. And he is suffering all alone! Do not pretend you have not noticed it as well. I cannot just leave him like that!" Says Viola stubbornly as she refuses to back down.

"He is not your friend! He will be fine on his own regardless. But most importantly you should be preoccupied with your own life and future not someone else's!" Says Victoria angrily as she stands up. "My life and future can wait! Both are in perfect balance at the moment, but James is alone. I need to help him!" Says Viola once more trying to convince her mother. "You fool! Life is unpredictable you must not let your guard down! What even guarantees that the boy will give you the time of day?! It is a waste of time!" Says Victoria having already grown impatient.

"I have to at least try! Maybe he-" "Enough!" Victoria interrupts her daughter as she firmly yells and slams her hand on her desk startling the young girl as she immediately shuts her mouth.

"I have told you already. You are not to associate yourself with James Azuree. In fact, I have changed my mind. You are not to even treat him as an acquaintance. From now on, you shall both be nothing more than strangers, and that. Is. Final. Am I understood?" Asks Victoria as she is already at her limit.

Viola only stares at her mother with shock and grief in her eyes. "I said, Am. I. Understood?" Says Victoria with a warning tone. Viola's eyes tear up as she now looks at her mother with slight hatred. "Yes mother." She says, each word spitting as much venom as she can possibly muster as she immediately curtsies and swiftly turns to leave before Victoria can even protest on her tone.

'Hmph. As if I'd actually listen to that witch.' Thinks Viola as she curses her mother internally while already heading to begin plan B. Wiping her tears away and steeling her nerves to face what it to come.

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It appears that the obedient flower is beginning to show her thorns. Such a development is unexpected, more so, it should have never happened in the first place...

With that said.

You would do well, to proceed with caution, while playing a broken game from now on.