The rain began at midday and persisted until the afternoon, with the intense downpour drowning out other sounds against the glass windows.

I swirled my tea cup, causing my reflection to blur in the tea.

"Say, Raleigh. Are there criminals who are subject to capital punishment in your duchy?" the movement of the tea stopped, and it reflected my eyes that are void of emotions. Raleigh stood in front of the window with his hands behind him as he watched the rain fall.

“It’s something you’re not supposed to concern yourself with, as there are things that you need to know instead of those. You’re not the kind who’ll ask for something without you gaining something from it. What is it now?”

I chuckled at his intriguing response.

"I want to know what Azriel's powers can do now that they're on me. Of course, I'll be using this at one time or another, but I don't want to be reckless. You can say that I'd like to practice. If I can request it, how about ordering them to fight me? Whoever survives will be granted mercy.”

Raleigh’s expression darkened, knowing where I’m getting at.

“Fine. There are eight criminals approaching death’s door. Five of them were smugglers, two abusive husbands, and one serial killer. I’ll allow you to play with them. Their fates are decided anyway.”

“In that case, thank you.” Setting the tea cup back on the saucer, I raised my hand just as the door squeaked open, revealing Raleigh's aide.

He bowed his head respectfully, extended formal greetings, and informed me of the arrival of my adversary – Hervouet Jerr Ruivenfiere, whose blood was the last shed by my hand before my awakening.

Hervouet's eyes blazed with anger upon seeing me, further tempting me to humor him.

“I can’t believe I’ll see you here, of all people.”

The brooding prince occupied the solitary couch opposite mine, with Raleigh positioned on the lengthy couch situated between my seat and Hervouet's.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness. Who would’ve thought we’ll meet each other this way? In case His Grace didn’t tell you, I was the one who requested you to come here, glossing the letter as an invitation for a confidential meeting. Though it’s true, I was the one behind it.”

"Thyra," Raleigh called my attention, stopping me from picking on the second prince.

“What is this about? Are you seriously thinking that you can play around and call me whenever you wish? Who do you think you are?”

Hervouet’s raised his voice, but he wasn’t annoyed enough to lose his composure.

"But I managed to get your attention, didn't I? I outsmarted you for the third time. When will you ever learn?"

Hervouet slammed his fist onto the table with such force that the porcelain cups leaped and shattered on the ground.

"Alright, I'll stop beating around the bush. I requested an audience with you because I know something that may benefit you, and I'll be needing your help to accomplish my goal,” I began, and the second prince narrowed his eyes, trying to see through me. “I know where Azriel is.”

He lost his composure upon hearing my words as if I caught him off-guard. “I have a theory that Her Majesty is looking for his son, and both of us have been missing for five months. She’s using you to find him, right?”

“You’re telling me now that the two of you eloped, and now you want me to tell his mother to have the two of you married? Don’t make me laugh.”

My lips formed a frown as I shot him a piercing look. What a fool. If he continues to base his assumptions solely on appearances, he will never uncover the truth.

“No, but both of us were out of the public eye because we were both in a Rhinecrest. I cannot just march into the imperial palace and ask the former empress about how the Rhinecrest works. So, you’re the only reachable person I believe I can trust to a certain extent. After our battle, I was snatched into the realm of the Aquamarine Izavenes, and my life was in danger. I used my powers to set myself free, and thanks to the grand duke’s help, I managed to return to the water’s surface.”

I shifted my gaze to Raleigh, who didn’t bother to get the credit and kept a serious expression.

"He dove into the water and rescued me because I lost consciousness when I escaped from the aquamarines’ grasp. Azriel was waiting on the shore, and since I was about to breathe my last, he saved me by sealing me in a Rhinecrest that he created even if he has no idea of what it will cost him. The thing is, his body created its own Rhinecrest too as if to restore himself. I woke up five months later, but he didn’t. I have to know how to find ways to wake him up.”

Silence followed my words, only an answer from Hervouet can continue the conversation.

Although I can't read his mind, if he agrees to assist me despite our differences, he will likely have expectations in return.

The mention of Azriel’s name alone made him agitated, and his silence when asked about the former empress using him to find Azriel speaks is obvious.

His disdain for his half-brother is evident in his words, indicating he still views Azriel as a threat.

Good riddance. Azriel being a threat is the last thing he’ll be. He made it clear that he wouldn't pursue the throne unless I stood beside him.

“So, you're saying that you want to reach the former empress first to discuss the matter? That you'll use me to sneak you into the palace without getting noticed?"

“Yes, teleportation alone would suffice. Unfortunately, I couldn't do so as I have no knowledge of her whereabouts. Azriel informed me that her health declined due to his imposter wife poisoning the former empress. On the other hand, His Grace has a theory that Eviona has taken over the throne and implied drastic measures to eliminate her mother.”

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I am convinced that seeking assistance solely from the former empress is insufficient. The process of reviving someone who is partially alive may be more intricate than I can envision.

I can’t be wrong about this.

Only the members of the imperial family possess the capability to aid me in this endeavor.

“What will I gain if I lend you a hand? You can’t possibly be thinking that I’ll help you out of sincerity, don’t you? I want to know what you have in mind before I agree.”

Frankly, I didn't think this far. I have nothing to offer to him because I didn't know Hervouet well.

All I am aware of is his desire to ascend to the throne. But now that Eviona holds the position, would he dare to challenge her? Rumors suggest that Eviona is one of the most formidable Izavenes alive.

“Ask whatever you want. I’ll see what I can do.” Hervouet regarded me with suspicion, but his demeanor softend as he averted his gaze, contemplating my offer.

When he made up his mind, a fervent look crossed his face, and his gaze made my stomach turn.

I have a bad feeling about this, and I don’t like where this is going.

Hervouet directed his gaze towards Raleigh to garner his attention. “Grand duke, if you won’t mind, may I have a private conversation with this woman?”

“I’m afraid not. I don't like blood being shed on my carpets unlike before, and you two might kill each other, given the chance. I will remain silent and act as if I am not present if that suits you."

Raleigh's gaze was icy as he fixed his eyes on the second prince, his brows furrowed. He crossed his arms over his chest and shut his eyes.

Hervouet made a wry smile at Raleigh’s gesture – a gesture that says he’ll lay low for now and let the two of us talk.

“Then, I want you to marry me, Thyra Edevane.” His audacious proposal ignited a fire within me. His expression remained calm, yet stern.

“What’s wrong with you? Have you lost your mind? Just like the His Grace said, we tend to kill each other. Not because I'm trying to make an agreement with you means that we're friends. This is ridiculous."

“All this time, I’ve considered you as my nemesis. I can’t deny that, because you’re better than me in many ways,” he pointed out, and I can feel that more useless flattery would come out of his filthy mouth. “Which is why I wanted to keep you closer. So that I’ll be sure that you won’t betray me twice. Since you’re capable, do me a favor and make me become emperor just like before.”

Of course, we’ll end up using each other. It’s nothing surprising, but marriage is way too far. Just what is running in this bastard’s head?

“Let’s say we’ll do that illogical plan of yours. When you become emperor, you’re going to get rid of me, correct?”

“I don’t plan to.”

“And you’re expecting me to believe that? I’d rather be in hell than marry you. Even if Azriel were present, I would never consider becoming his empress, and he is aware of that. What makes you any different?”

“Do you think it’s easy for me to awaken my brother? He’s an obstacle to me. If he’ll see me marrying the woman he longed for, it’ll be enough to make him regret that he’s still alive.”

At the end of the day, he was still honest enough to tell me his thoughts about Azriel. I don't intend to awaken Azriel for us to have a happy ending, but I want to give him the life that he deserves in exchange for him saving me.

That’s all.

If Hervouet intends to subject Azriel to a miserable existence, what purpose does Azriel's awakening serve? Doesn't he understand how desperately I long for his return?

The audacity he exhibits is unfounded and appears to be nothing more than a delusion.

“Telling me that you’ll make Azriel’s life a living hell makes me want to choke you right now. You’re missing the point. Can’t you see that I’m trying to get his life back for him to get what he deserves?”

“Look who’s talking. Aren’t you the same? If you plan to abandon my brother when he wakes up, not having you by his side is a living hell for him too.”

Hervouet’s words felt like a cold bucket of water poured out on my head.

He’s not wrong. Azriel told me that as well, but I can't imagine myself becoming the lover of someone who's already married, even if they're separated. I'll end up being guilty for the rest of my life, and it’s the reason why I can’t love him wholeheartedly even if I wanted to.

If I awaken Azriel, he may experience suffering if I eventually choose to depart, but it doesn't signify that he won't eventually heal.

If I’ll decide to play with fire and marry Hervouet, despite the impact it may have on Azriel, I can always find a way to escape from Hervouet’s grasp. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that Azriel will suffer.

Whether I stand by Azriel or not, a sense of guilt will linger within me, and the relationship will be morally flawed.

Abandoning him would only intensify my feelings of selfishness.

Just … what other options do I have?

“I’ll give you time to give my offer some thought, so I’m out of here. I’m not willing to compromise on anything, so take it or leave it.”

Hervouet rose from his seat and I gripped the fabric of my dress tightly.

I bit my lip as I find words that I wanted to scream, but doing that won’t help the situation.

What I need is to stir up the courage to say it.

“Fine,” I looked at my trembling, clenched hands and Hervouet stopped walking. “I will accept your proposal if I’ll know how you want to play this foolish game. How do you plan to make this work?”

“You already made an appearance in high society when you attended Azriel’s wedding. You sat next to me and the former empress, and the nobles talked about who you are for a while. Many assumed that you’re someone I might marry, and considering that the empress let you sit next to her is another way of showing that she favors you.”

“How do you plan to formally introduce me then? Nobles will always see that marrying a commoner is forbidden. You’re not thinking of introducing me as the princess of Eurhyia, don’t you? Nobody would believe that.”

"I know a viscount in Greizenne who drown in debt, and he's mourning for losing his daughter. The reason why his wealth went down the drain is because of his gambling habits, and his spoiled daughter who always asked for the finest jewelry and dresses. I can have you adopted by him, and in exchange, I'll pay all his debts."

Is his plan out of impulse? It seemed as though he had it all premeditated before arriving here.

How could he be certain that the viscount would readily agree to replace his daughter with a stranger? Greizenne falls under Hervouet's jurisdiction, so it's not surprising that he has connections.

His confidence in the viscount's compliance could stem from the viscount's desperation.

The title of viscount is considered one of the lower ranks among the nobility. To think that a prince would marry a lowly noble, I have to expect that they’ll look down on me, and rumors would spread like wildfire if they discuss the viscount’s reputation of his current situation. Hervouet sure knows about this. But I might find a way to turn the tables one way or another.

“So be it. But we need to make a contract to keep boundaries in this marriage,” Hervouet is aware that I’ll end up living in hell while I’m bound in this marriage. There’s no way I’ll let him have his way and I’ll drag him down with me if I have to.

“I know I said that you shouldn’t mind me, but this is getting out of line,” Raleigh retorted, his eyebrows are furrowed, and his expression darkened – it was how he usually looks when he’s facing someone he wanted to kill. “We all know that the two of you are out of your minds, but I can’t stand this anymore.”

“What makes you against this? It’s our lives, so our problem would remain between us, grand duke. Thyra is not a child; she can make decisions on her own.” Hervouet exchanged glares with Raleigh, and the silent tension filled the room, making it hard to breathe.

"Cut it out, you two. I know everything is outrageous, and you're against this out of concern," I looked at Raleigh, and our eyes met. "I can't be more grateful that you've taken care of me when I was in the Rhinecrest, but I want you to have faith in me for the sake of our friendship. I know what I’m doing.”

Raleigh clenched his teeth, and without a word, he stormed out of the room, leaving Hervouet and me alone.

It was as if he was implying that he would allow us to confront each other as we pleased, even if it led to a conflict.

This decision … can cause me my life.