The plan

Keira's Pov

Princess Lyna stands beside her king-size bed with her hands folded in front of her chest. She wants the plan, one that is supposed that help her pass the test of wisdom without figuring out the right answers to the questions herself.

Helen and Lisa are seated on the floor once again, skillfully cutting pieces of soft white fabrics and lace to make a stunning wedding gown for the princess. 

She is already preparing for her wedding with the angel kings, like she is so sure that I can make her pass her final test. 

"I am assuming that you have come up with a good plan." She says in a frigid tone. "Tell me everything." She orders. 

"I have thought of a plan, but I will need your help." I say. 

"I already told you that I cannot answer the questions." She insists. 

"Yes, I will answer them for you." I reply. "But for that to happen I will need you to lie to Lady Doria and the council." 

"Lie about what?" She questions. 

"Having a sore throat." I answer. 

Her face wrinkles with confusion. 

"The council will not allow you to answer the questions just because her highness has a sore throat." Helen points, standing up from the from the floor to confront me. 

"They will allow it if she asks to be allowed to write down the answers instead of saying them. She will ask that I, her servant, read the answers to the council. I will create make my own answers while pretending to be reading hers." I explain further and they finally nod in understanding. 

"All I have to do is pretend I have a sore throat. That's a perfect plan." Lyna approves with a thrilled smile. "Just don't fail a single question. I have endured enough humiliation." She warns.

I refrain from agreeing as I cannot ascertain that I will get all questions right. Not even a genius knows everything. Wish I could find an easier way.

* * * * * 

Keira's Pov

My much dreaded morning is here, and everyone including princess Lyna looks excited as they rush around gathering makeup and picking the best dress.

"You must not speak when Lady Doria arrives, otherwise she will think that you're well enough to answer the questions verbally." I say to Princess Lyna as Helen and Lisa buttons up her dress. 

"Who shall inform her that I have a sore throat then?" Lyna questions. 

"I will, your highness." Lisa avails. 

They spend the next half an hour styling and braiding the princess's beautiful hair with bins and ribbons of gold. Helen uses some white powder to make the princess's skin look a little more paler while Lisa lines her eyes with dark and golden kohl. 

A knock comes just before Lyna turns to stare at her reflection in the mirror. 

"Remember not to speak well, your highness." I remind before going to get the door. 

Lady Doria walks in alone, a little box in her hand. Not bothering to acknowledge my presence.

"Good morning, princess of Silverthorn." She greets with a gentle smile. Lyna awkwardly tries to explain that she has a sore throat with dramatic hand gestures before Lisa intervenes. 

"Her highness had a piece of apple stuck to her throat last night. She managed to get it out, but her throat is very sore and awfully painful." Lisa informs. 

Lady Doria's face creases with shock. "That's quite unfortunate. How will she take her last test if she cannot speak?" 

"I . . . can speak. It just . . . hurts a lot." Princess Lyna stutters, managing to fake her pain convincingly. "I shall . . . ask the council to allow me to write down the answers to every question they ask. My servant . . . Keira will read everything out loud for them." She adds and points at me.

I nod my head. "I read well." I assure as many do not believe that servants can have the capability to read or write.

Lady Doria mulls over the suggestion for a while. "I see no issue with that. I am in fact glad you're willing to take the test despite the discomfort." She says to Princess Lyna. 

I sigh inwardly with relief. Now I have the chance to help my mistress answer the questions, but there is no assurance that I will get them right either. 

"This is a gift from the angel kings." Lady Doria steps forward and holds out the box in her hands for Princess Lyna to take. 

Lyna happily grabs the box and dips her hand inside. She pulls out a shimmering diamond necklace with the most stunning, intricate design. Her eyes glow with delight as a broad smile spreads across her lips.

"The kings were greatly impressed when I told them about your act of kindness towards that sick woman and her children. They decided to replace your precious necklace with a better one." Lady Doria explains, making the princess jump in elation like a little kid. 

A pang of envy grips my heart. The angel kings are yet to meet her but they have already rewarded her with the most expensive gift she has ever had. She didn't even make the effort to pass that test. 

Helping her become their wife seems like a good enough revenge though. Not that it will end my pain, but they will forever be in the company of a very selfish, ignorant princess. 

"I should let you know that the kings will be present during the test." Lady Doria says and I freeze. 

Were they not supposed to only meet their selected bride after she has been chosen by the council? It's against the rules of the contest for them to be present during the test. But I guess that them being the makers of the rules they can alter them whenever they feel like. 

It's going to be extremely hard to think with them in the same room. 

"Are you sure about this!" Princess Lyna exclaims in exhilaration. 

"Yes. I recommend you wear the necklace. It will show your appreciation for their gift." Lady Doria says. 

Princess Lyna hands Lisa the necklace so she can help her put it on. She then runs to stand in front of the long mirror. 

"It's perfect for your neck." Lady Doria compliments. 

Princess Lyna spins on her heels, taking quick glances at the reflection of her back. The necklace sparkles as she spins.

"Do you think my arms would look better without the sleeves? The sleeves make me look fat." She complains in a worried voice. 

"Your dress is a perfect match for the necklace, your highness. Your arms are the right size and quite lovely." Helen assures in a gentle voice. 

The princess relaxes once more.

"Follow me." Lady Doria turns to leave and we follow. 

Princess Lyna walks gracefully beside the woman, her head held high and an enchanting smile on her painted lips.

My stomach churns as we get closer to the second palace building. The alluring scents of my three mates hits my nostrils as soon as we walk through the front entrance.