"Wow," he said. It wasn't flirtatious. Just surprised. And maybe…curious.
He walked toward us slowly with his hands behind his back. I could feel Patricia straighten beside me, meeting his gaze with unflinching confidence. I, on the other hand, fought the urge to look away.
"This... is unexpected," he said, calmly. "I expected one person. Instead, I received two. And both still breathing."
Patricia gave a tight smile. "Sorry to disappoint."
"On the contrary," he said, stopping a few feet in front of us. "You've made things very... interesting."
No one spoke and silence filled the air.
"You must have questions," he finally said, gesturing for us to sit in the two chairs arranged across from a low table. "I owe you that much, at least."
We moved as instructed. Patricia moved like she belonged. I moved like my body wasn't quite mine anymore.
He didn't sit. He stood by the table, fingers resting lightly on the edge. "First, you should understand what happened earlier was not planned. I didn't know the queen would act so... decisively."
"You mean try to have us executed?" Patricia asked coolly.
His jaw clenched. "Yes. That."
Patricia crossed her arms. "This where you decide what to do with us?"
A guard moved, "How dare you? Kneel, greet and pay your respects." He hissed at us.
Christopher waved his hands in dismissal. "It's okay. You may leave us."
"But sir..."
"It's fine. Leave us alone." He commanded coldly.
I stood quiet, not able to look up or say a word. But Patricia, she looked him straight in his eyes. "Guess we are getting punished."
"No," he said, walking over slowly. "This is where I apologize."
We both stared at him, then at ourselves. Did we hear correctly?
"For what?" I asked cautiously.
"For everything," he said. "For the chains. For my mother. For the mess you were dragged into. None of this is fair. To either of you."
Patricia gave a short laugh. "You think?"
"Patricia," I warned, but she held up her hand.
"No, I want to know," she said, eyes fixed on him. "What part do you plan to play in this circus, Prince? You going to parade us around? Keep us quiet with food and dresses until the scandal dies down?"
Christopher took a step closer. "No. I'm going to try to fix it. The king and I are working on a way to verify the system. I need time. I'm not asking for your trust, I know I haven't earned it. But I'm asking for your patience."
I studied him. He looked exhausted. But not fake. Not mischievous. Still, I wasn't sure I trusted sincerity from a man born into power.
"So what happens now?" I asked.
He exhaled. "You'll stay here. In the B Block. You'll be treated with respect. No chains. No threats. You'll both have rooms, clothes, food. And I'll come by often...to talk. To understand this match. And maybe—" He stopped himself.
"Maybe what?" Patricia asked.
He hesitated. "Maybe figure out why the system chose you. And what it's trying to tell us."
Patricia's lip curled. "We're not puzzles. We're people."
"I know," he said quietly.
He turned to me. "Kimberly… is there anything you need?"
I blinked. "I… I need to go for a health check up tomorrow."
He turned to Patricia. "And you?"
Patricia rolled her eyes. "Nothing, just treat us right."
His eyes softened. " Fair enough. I'll arrange it."
The guard knocked, signaling time was up. As we turned to leave, Christopher called out, "Patricia."
She paused.
"I'm not afraid of your fire. But please… don't burn yourself to survive here."
Patricia didn't answer and she stepped out of the room with me.
"From now on, you will be staying in separate rooms." The guard said.
"What? Why?" Patricia gasped.
"They don't want us teaming up and plotting against them or the system, I guess." I spoke, trying to piece things together.
I didn't know how long we had been walking. The guards said nothing, their grip on my arms still firm despite the prince saying we would be treated with respect. Patricia had been taken in a different direction, and I wasn't allowed to speak to her. Just like that, we were separated. Maybe forever.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked again, for the third time, my voice cracking.
One of the guards finally responded. "Room 12, Wing C"
"Wing C?" I frowned. "What of her?"
No answer. Just cold silence and the sound of boots against the floors.