The maids skillfully and quietly got me ready for the dinner with the King. They dressed me in flowing pants connected to a strapless top and jeweled sandals. Over this, they put on an opaque robe with sleeves that flew in the wind. They wrapped a lightweight scarf around my head, hiding my hair while still showing off my face. Luckily, this feminine looking scarf-hat will hide my bad haircut.

After I was done, I took Simon's hand begrudgingly and was led to have dinner with his father and brothers. Ugh. I really hate acting happy with this monster. Especially after what he tried to do to me only a few days before. Unfortunately, I don't have much of a choice. I just have to keep this charade up for a few more weeks. Then I can escape with Dante and figure out how to kill Simon without being stuck in the same situation again.

Simon leaned over and whispered to me, "Follow my lead if anything happens. My father knows that you don't understand our customs, but you should still play it safe and behave. His mood often fluctuates."

Why do I feel like I am walking into a Lion's den?

I entered the room and noticed the brothers all standing in front of their seats, but the King wasn't anywhere to be found. Simon noticed my confused expression and whispered, "No one may sit until the King does."

My face twitched. I have to stand while waiting for that idiot?! Ugh.

I followed Simon to our seats where we stood waiting. The brothers were standing across from us all staring at me with expressionless faces. The meaning behind their stare was clear. They didn't trust me, nor did they like me.

I felt the hair stand up on my neck as I tried to refrain from breaking out into a cold sweat under those sharp glares. I feel like if I were to even breathe, they may try to stab me.

The King walked in and gave a nod as he sat down, "You all may sit."

We sat down with composure as food and drinks were placed in front of us. My hands itched to grab the fork to start eating, but I felt Simon hold my hand back. To the others, it would seem like he was holding my hand in a loving way. However, I knew that behind that wicked smile was him warning me not to dare take a bite of the delicious food in front of us.

Ugh. Do we have to wait for the King to eat and drink as well? Even though this delectable smelling food is assaulting my nose and calling my name?

Now I understand why the Sanki people are so excellent at torture…

I just need to get through this stupid dinner and then I can go find Gilyn. I still have not thought about how to bring him to my side. How can I even determine if he is loyal to the King or to the people? Since I am naturally good at observing people's reactions, it shouldn't be too hard. However, I still feel unnerved by the Bandit Chief's words.

"Seri?"

I turned to Simon with a gentle smile, "Yes?"

Simon motioned to my glass. I looked around and noticed that everyone was holding up their glasses to toast to the King. I quickly picked up my glass, "Oh! Sorry."

The King stared at me with sharp eyes, "I see that you still don't know our customs or traditions here. It seems I will need to hire a teacher to give you etiquette lessons every day."

My luck really is sh*t. I must attend etiquette lessons here too?! Wasn't once enough?!

I stuffed down my complaints and smiled, "Thank you, your Majesty."

He turned back to the food, "You may all eat."

I watched Simon closely and tried to mirror his actions. The last thing I want is to make the King even angrier at me. I'm supposed to lay low, not become a target.

As I scooped up a piece and took a bite, my mouth instantly felt like it was set on fire. My eyes teared up from the extreme spiciness. I forced myself not to spit it out. I swallowed it with difficulty and shuddered in pain.

I forgot that the Sanki meals were so spicy. No wonder Simon was specifically bringing me bland dishes for food. I thought he was just torturing me by only feeding me bread and rice. Now I know that he did it because there is no way I can handle this much spice. I grabbed my stomach as I felt the food burn all the way down.

My stomach can handle many poisons, but apparently it can't handle the Sanki spices.

The King spoke to me, "Do you not like your meal?"

I sat up quickly, "No! I do!"

Simon chuckled, "She can't handle the spiciness of the dish."

The King turned to the servants, "You dare serve my son's dear fiancé a dish she doesn't like and can't even eat?"

The servants trembled and quickly fell to their knees, "HAVE MERCY ON US YOUR MAJESTY!"

He waved his hand and responded coldly, "Kill them all."

I nearly fell out of my seat. He's going to kill all the kitchen's servants just because I didn't like a meal?!

I spoke quickly, "You don't need to do that your Majesty!"

He looked at me apathetically, "I would hate for my guest to think that I am insulting her with the meal."

I smiled, "I'm not insulted. I am happy to try a traditional dish of the Sanki kingdom. Plus, it's a good thing that I eat something so spicy. I need to build up my tolerance if I'm going to stay here, right?"

"Hmm... There is some truth in your words." He turned to the guards, "Just kill the cook then."

"..."

Holy f*cking sh*t. This man is a literal demon.

I've met plenty of terrible people in my life, but this man certainly takes the cake. Now even Simon looks like an angel compared to him. I really can't wait until he dies. I should make sure he dies slow and painfully.

I continued to force myself to eat the food in front of me, pausing occasionally to silently wipe my nose. After a while, the King spoke to me. "I understand that you were really close childhood friends with King William."

My hand wavered midair. I put down the fork and smiled at him, "We were."

His eyes never left mine, "Yet you aided Simon in escaping after he killed the previous King which also happened to be William's father. Why?"

Why indeed?

I spoke honestly, "The previous King was a horrible man. He was selfish and only thought about himself. He cheated on his wife in broad daylight and was constantly criticizing his son and telling him he was not good enough. The world wouldn't miss a man like that."

The King's eyes never moved, "Yet I am far more selfish and despicable than the previous Imperial King. Are you saying I should die as well?"

"Oh my, your Majesty. If I didn't know any better, I would think that you want me to kill you." I gave him a wink, "I may not be strong enough, but if you are willing..."

It would certainly save me a lot of time and stress.

Simon shot me a warning glance. His brothers all glared at me as if waiting for their father to give the order to cut off my head. Instead, the corner of the King's mouth turned upwards.

Is that... A smile?!

OH MY GOD! It looks like one peek at it will curse you for eternity! It's so disturbing I may actually have nightmares.

The King spoke, "Now I understand what you see in her Simon. She's truly an interesting one."

Simon praised me with his eyes before turning to his father with a smile, "I told you your Majesty. You will never meet such a unique person such as her again in your life."

The King nodded, "Don't let her slip away. You should think about moving up the day of the wedding."

Simon took my hand and squeezed it, "I agree."

I forced a smile at them while my stomach churned in disgust. Great. Even though I avoided death by Simon's father, I still haven't avoided death by marriage. I have a feeling that means even less time for me to lead a successful coup.

I tried to hide the glare I so desperately wanted to give Simon. I leaned over to him and whispered silently, "What happened to tradition?"

He whispered back, "We don't always follow tradition."

No sh*t.

The King spoke, "I will also move up the day of the execution of the prisoner Dante."

"WAIT!" I shouted causing everyone to flinch. I cleared my throat when I felt their predatory stares upon me, "I mean, you shouldn't be too hasty."

Another brother narrowed his eyes, "Why shouldn't we? He is a traitor to our country and is related to the Royal family of the Imperial City. He should have been killed much sooner."

I shook my head, "That may be true, however that's exactly the reason why you shouldn't kill him."

The King glared at me, "Explain yourself."