86. Preparations For Dooms Day

**Serene**

The new day didn't begin the way it usually did. New guards and imperial officers from all around the continent marched in by the dozens. From where the maids worked, they could see everything. The team leaders were given rifles with special bullets made with a wooden head that came from a white oak tree. They patrolled both the inside and the outside of the palace walls. Servants could barely recognise their own guards. It's not like inside the palace was much different. The air buzzed with news of what some had witnessed last night. At first, the other maids thought it was just rumors, but when they saw that two maids were missing, and heard the confirmation from Jefferson, they were resigned to believe it.

Even Maricia had a hard time. Her hand went up and tugged at her short brown hair. She glanced at the men and women directing their teammates in the courtyard. Cassandra found her and approached the girl carefully. "Maricia?"

"I can't say I am surprised," Maricia said. Cassandra rested her hand on her friend's shoulder. "But I didn't expect so many people to be in on it. They were good friends, vigilant workers despite their flaws. I would expect anything from Tara, but not them. And not taking part in a coup."

Cassandra nodded and joined Maricia in staring out the windows. Once Tara was interrogated, she confessed to working for a figurehead in leaking information from the palace to them in exchange for recieving the prince as a reward if their plan worked. She exposed two other conspirators.

Sabrina heard of what happened and escaped before the guards could bust down her door. It was believed that she either went into hiding, or went back to report what happened to whoever was in charge. As for who that was, only the Kings and Serene knew.

Maricia turned her head to look at Cassandra. "Aren't you worried? There are so many rumors going around that the enemy might be more capable than we think, even managing to bring a few nobles to their side. This isn't like before when we experienced those disorganised rogue attacks."

"I know," Cassandra replied. "I saw some of the videos too. I can't say I am worried, though. We just have to have a little bit of faith, you know?"

"I would have faith if I knew more about the enemy," Maricia sighed, bringing her attention back to the strangers outside. "But you're right."

Serene carried a sack of flour with three other servants and left it in the storage room. Upon seeing her working, Mrs. G shook her head. "Dear, you're not working here anymore. Plus, you're sick! You need to help out."

Serene glanced away. "It's because, well, I thought you might need the extra help." When she heard this, Mrs. G sighed.

She knew Serene was referring to the fact that Alan was arrested as soon as he arrived on the property this morning. He got placed in an underground cell several blocks down from Tara's. Before that, Mrs. G was already in the kitchen prepping his breakfast, only to find out he had been in on it.

"It's alright. Besides, I've been handling things here long before Alan was ever hired."

Serene gave the chef an empathetic look. "Alan was a good guy. Maybe he won't be heavily punished."

"If he is, he deserves it."

She giggled and Mrs. G cracked a smile.

"Well," Serene said. "If you need me, I won't be leaving right away. Probably not for a number of months. So let me know, okay?"

"Fine, fine!" Mrs. G fanned her away. "You can leave now! And thank you."

"You're welcome."

As Serene left, she bumped into Leonard who had his right hand raised as if he were about to knock. "Uh," he awkwardly lowered his fist.

"Oh." Serene blinked. "Did you want something from the kitchen? Let me get it for you."

"No, no, um..." He looked away. "I heard from Emily that you were helping the delivery guys. I came here to help you."

When he gazed at her, her face was almost blank. Then a broad smile spread across her cheeks. "Aw, really? That's so sweet, Leo!"

An unfamiliar heat rushed up his neck. "It's nothing. I mean, what kind of friend would I be if I just left you to do everything on your own? Now come on, Laviere wants to make sure you're healing well and that there isn't anything he missed."

Leo turned and started to leave. He felt a tug on his sweater sleeve and looked at Serene.

Her eyes were lowered, legs twitching. He could see that she held him back using her thumb and forefinger. Slowly, she lifted her gaze and stared at him through her dark lashes.

"Leo," she said. "We're friends, right?"

He raised his eyebrow, but he nodded.

"Yeah, we are."

"And would you say we are close?"

"I mean, not as close as we could be. Maybe overtime we'll have a stronger connection, if that's something you would want."

"What if I said I liked you?"

Just as she spoke, she heard an annoying voice inside her trying to get her attention. Serene faked a calm expression. "Hey, I just realized I could enjoy some cold milk and cookies. Can you get that for me while I go to Laviere and wait for me in my room?"

"Oh, sure. Leave it to me."

Serene gave him a slight smile before letting him go and walking away. As soon as she was gone, Leonard covered his mouth.

Liked me? Could it be in that way?

He leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes.

No way, why me? I kind of understand why other girls might like me, for money or my status. Or just come to me for fun. But I have nothing that I think she would be into me for.

If for some reason she actually does like me, how do I feel towards her?

Leo spent several minutes going over the question in his head, and what he was willing to sacrifice for an uncertain future when he had just reclaimed something important to him.

Meanwhile, Serene locked her bathroom door and stared at her reflection. Her hands were on both ends of the sink. She looked up. Her reflection stared back at her with folded arms. Serene rolled her eyes. "What was that for?" She asked. "We were so close to hearing his answer!"

"What are you doing?" The reflection yelled. "Putting him on the spot like that? And when will you give me my body back? Huh?"

"Oh come on," Serene rolled her eyes. "You didn't even thank me for getting rid of Tara."

"Fine... thanks. I'm sorry that I didn't say that before."

Serene blinked. "Really? Hm, nice. I never thought you would say thank you, honestly."

"Why wouldn't I? You did help and you were brave enough to do something when I couldn't. You earned that gratitude," the Serene in the mirror, the real Serene, dropped her gaze. "So when are you returning my body to me? Why do you look so happy?"

She giggled. "Well, it's the first time you acknowledged me. Let's keep it up! Other than a 'thanks', there is something else you still haven't given me."

"Like what?"

"A name."

The real Serene blinked. "A name? I didn't know you wanted one."

"Meh, I never said I wanted one. I just noticed that you never referred to me as, anything. It's like you see me as a monster."

The two exchanged silent glances. The real Serene sighed. "I never knew you felt that way. I didn't mean to, I swear. At times it feels like, I don't know, there is a part of me I have no idea how to accept. You... you're right." She shifted her mouth from cheek to cheek, then smiled. "How about Daphne?"

"From Scooby Doo? Are you saying I'm only pretty and a damsel?"

"Just so you know, Daphne is pretty damn nifty!" They both laughed. The other Serene, now named Daphne, sighed. "Does that mean you're not scared of me anymore?"

"I was never scared of you," Serene smiled. She reached up to touch the mirror. Daphne placed her palm above hers. "I was scared of people knowing you existed. Even I don't know much about you."

Daphne nodded. "He likes you, you know," she said suddenly.

"Leo? He has no reason to."

"You like sire. I can feel it. We're the same, so I can tell."

Serene's gaze shifted and she rubbed her arms. "W-we, I..."

Her counterpart gave her a heartfelt smile. "Just think about it," says Daphne. "And don't try to run from your feelings.

Leonard King knocked and pushed open the bedroom door with a tray of cookies and milk in hand. He saw Laviere talking about something. Serene, now in her own body, gave him a smile.