What… just happened? I followed along behind the king as he headed back toward the palace, seeing as though I seemed to have no choice. I was still in shock anyway—I was to be Prince Theo's personal attendant? The python slithered along but stayed back from the king as if he knew that the older gentleman wasn't a fan of his and didn't want to get in trouble. Behind me, Prince Theo's demeanor was even colder. It was quite clear to me that he was not happy with this arrangement, but he seemed every bit as trapped as I was. When I caught Prince Theo's eyes, he glared at me and then focused on his pet snake. Was he holding the python accountable for this particular situation? Perceval slunk to the other side of me, placing my body between himself and his master. He could tell that the