So You Might be Soulless (Season 2)

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During dinner, Diya vowed that she would spear the Second Prince with his bloody walking stick.

It didn't matter if she was executed immediately after, as long as she had the joy of watching his smug little face dissolve into terror just once.

Didn't he know that she was starving after spending all day completing the missions he'd set for her? That, at that very moment, she would let any assassin waltz over to the table if they paid her even a single slice of bread.

However, not even her hunger could stop her from noticing how different the Imperial dining room was to her own back home. She was bewildered; instead of pictures, portraits and certificates of the princes' achievements decorating the walls, there were only dull paintings of long-dead and probably unimportant people with solemn eyes and judgemental frowns. Where there should have been signs of magical accidents of childhood on the tables and chairs was the pristine furniture that constantly looked brand-new despite its antique brand. Where are the memories?

With a sharp shake of her head, Diya forced her mind to more important matters. She reminded herself that she did not care enough about these people to wonder at their past and present, or speculate about their future.

In her ravenous state, she risked sending a thin shadow coil to inch towards a small, vegetable tart. But Caspian snapped his fingers under the table and a shower of gold sparks caused it to run back to Diya like a frightened child hiding behind their parent. She scowled and glared daggers into the side of his head, not missing the smirk that played on his lips as he complimented the soup.

Her stomach rumbled at the delicious scent and she forced herself to stand upright, focusing on Sebastian's blue, bopping head as he dabbed his napkin to his mouth with more elegance than she thought possible.

"Mother, Father," he turned with a serious expression. "This food tastes quite strange, and I am particularly on edge after the earlier tea incident. Would it be acceptable if Diya had a taste to determine whether it is safe to eat?"

Emperor Carlos arched a brow and gestured for Diya to step forwards. "Of course."

What is he doing? Diya wondered, accepting the clean cutlery from one of the servants lining the room's perimeter. I fear he has gone quite mad.

Diya dipped her spoon in the tomato soup and took a tentative sip, biting back a cry of relief as the most delicious taste exploded in her mouth. "This is excellent."

"Are you sure?" Sebastian pushed. "I think you should have a few more bites- Cas, pass that clean bowl over- just to be completely sure. And two of the pies. And this jelly–"

"But you don't like fruit jelly, Sebastian," Empress Aurelia interjected, disguising her smile with a well-timed cough.

"Yeah, but you guys are eating as well and I do not wish to risk your safety any more than mine." The tips of the Crown Prince's were bright red and he scratched the back of his neck, ignoring the knowing gazes of his parents.

It was only after she'd demolished half of his meal (and declared the Imperial chef was fantastic) did Diya realise what he had done.

"Thank you," she murmured to Sebastian, the clatter of utensils being cleared away ensured that only he could hear. "You really did not have to do this."

He smiled and leaned back lazily in his chair, eyes brighter than usual. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Rej– Recruit Diya," Caspian hastily corrected at his mother's warning glare. "You are dismissed from your duties tonight, and may retire to your chambers if you wish. I have something private I wish to discuss- family matters, you see."