They should just talk. I don't feel ML is bad, but he has different experiences. It seems like he thinks no one would like him without black magic because his own family hates. It's natural to have doubts. Unlike many here, I like him. Just on dreams alone he can't be declared a bad person, when he tries so hard to keep his promises.
I like that friend of FL better than second lead. At least she is trying to make sense of situation. Even though she is not directly related to prince or the situation. These people are too much, so they will commit another crime so they get away with previously committed one. And say they don't have any choice? Like WTF are you kidding me?