Tonight is the best time to take our plan into action.
Marquess Jarvis utilized his influence to restore calm among the people. While I may not have earned the complete trust or respect of the Eurhyians, his intervention put an end to the riots.
I had attempted to convey my appreciation through a letter inviting him to meet, but he declined. Despite his refusal to meet, Jarvis continues to support my safety, though he has not allowed me the opportunity to explain that my intentions and plans have significantly changed.
It's quite disappointing to almost lose a friend, but I can't dwell on it forever. Maybe he's one of those people who will serve as a lesson to me – that aiming to be on top by stepping on others will only destroy friendships.
If I followed my old plan, I'd probably become an evil leader who's greedy for power. Loving Azriel is not a part of the plan, but because of love, I turned an enemy into an ally.
But that love is forbidden, making it imprudent for me to nurture hopes of us being together. Taking a step back to look at the broader picture, it's clear that I have lost everything – a friend, my parents, a place I once called 'home,' and even Azriel.
At times, the circumstances lead me to wonder if I'm being punished by God. If that's the case, I need to uncover the lessons to be learned from each heartache I've endured, as these experiences will guide me to be wiser in the future.
“Is everything ready, Your Highness?” Vera whispered, avoiding the risk of getting heard.
“Yes, we should go. There’s a carriage waiting outside the palace’s secret passage, so we can leave this place in secret. His Majesty is already aware that we’re leaving tonight, so there’s no reason to stay.” I said, and going through the secret passage reminds me of the last time I was here for the same reason – to run away in secret.
Jeremy opened the door of the carriage and entered first to assist me and Vera. He closed the door and gave the coachman the signal that we can leave. I looked out the window to see the palace for the last time, and looking at it gives me mixed feelings. Even so, it won't make me change my mind. Leaving, for now, is my best option.
“Both of you can sleep. It will be a long journey, right? So, don’t mind me,” I suggested. Vera and Jeremy exchanged looks, and that was enough for them to communicate what they have in mind.
“We appreciate that, but it would be best if one of us will stay awake to keep watch. The reason why His Grace sent the two of us is to ensure your safety,” Vera assured.
"Well then, whoever feels sleepy should go to sleep. We'll be arriving at the port by dawn."
The mere utterance of the word 'sleep' seemed to cast an immediate spell over me. As soon as I voiced it, my eyelids descended heavily, leading me swiftly into the realm of slumber without any further resistance.
***
“Your Highness, we’ve arrived,” Jeremy announced, waking us up. Good, at least we managed to leave the capital without anyone getting in our way.
"We already put your belongings in the room for the three of us," Vera said, and now that I think about it, this is also the first time I'll share a room with people I hardly know. As long as we're on this journey, I'll need to keep my sword next to me at all times just in case.
“Thanks, you two. There’s something I wish to discuss; we can go to our room for privacy.” Without further questions, they followed as I asked. This would be a four-day trip, I should make it productive.
We sat on our beds – the room was cramped, but I suppose I’ll get used to it. It’s not like there are tables or chairs around where we can sit.
“I know you are serving the grand duke, but is there any of you who knows the banished princess, Eviona Ruivenfiere?” Vera pressed her lips together and avoided my eyes upon hearing my question, while Jeremy kept a blank facial expression. By any chance, are they feigning ignorance?
“Her Highness, Eviona Charlioni Ruivenfiere – actually, I was one of the maids serving her when she was still in the palace," Vera's voice was low but clear.
I had initially assumed they merely knew of her, but it appears that Vera is quite familiar with her. Typically, it is considered inappropriate for a servant to address their master by their first name, yet Vera seems to be doing just that. It leads me to wonder if there might be a particular reason behind this unconventional form of address.
“What is she like?”
“Her Highness is a … powerful, cunning, and terrifying person. She hears everyone’s inner monologue, so nobody can lie to her. It makes it easier for her to see through people and know their insights, including fears. She's nice to those who are sincere, and ruthless to those who try to test or offend her. She's too powerful to the point where she can't spend a day without using her powers one way or another because it'll torture her to suppress them. Cleaning dead bodies is one of my jobs when I was working for her," Vera buried her face in her hands as she recalls the memories. I couldn’t believe my ears.
“You don’t mean that she had a bad hobby of killing people, right?”
“No, but it's something that she isn't afraid to do. She has short patience like the grand duke, you see. Sometimes she’ll laugh it off, but threat follows. When she’s angry, she throws whatever she can hold around – for example, a couch. She can carry that by herself, and the moment she throws it off the ground, it will be broken into pieces. There’s no day where she didn’t break anything. She can kill people by just slamming their heads on the table because of the powers in her hands. The empress despised her and saw her as a threat – so even if she’s the Ruivenfiere heir, she was banished before her debut in high society because the empress believes that her lack of control of her powers would cause further chaos, which I agreed on.”
Silence followed Vera’s explanations, rendering all of us speechless. In short, in Eviona’s perspective, it goes, ‘one wrong move and it’s over.’ I thought Corianne was the worst person existing, but now I'm beginning to see the idea that she's not even close to worst.
Just … how can Azriel and I defeat a woman who’s that powerful? Hervouet is also with her, and the strongest regions are on their side. It’s not like I know what else is under their sleeves, because such people will always have something more – but that can’t mean that it’s impossible.
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I have to meet Hervouet before it gets too late. I have to know what else he’s planning.
After enduring the estimated 11-day journey, I found myself utterly drained, feeling as though any additional time spent in transit would sap the last remnants of my energy. The constant switching between carriages and boats, coupled with long stretches of travel on land where sitting was the primary activity, proved to be exhaustingly paradoxical.
Despite not engaging in physically demanding tasks, the mental strain of constant contemplation and intermittent conversation with my two companions rendered the experience far more tiring than I had initially anticipated.
The grand duke's castle perched atop a hill, embraced by a serene setting adorned with abundant trees. As I disembarked from the carriage, a chill wind immediately grazed my face, sending shivers down my spine. I stood there, enveloped by the gusts, and surveyed the landscape. A pristine white blanket of snow adorned various sections of the castle, the surrounding trees, and the ground beneath my feet. Strangely, the frigid atmosphere seemed to rouse my senses, rendering me less fatigued than those moments spent confined within the carriage.
“Welcome to Herzoyona Eskal, Your Highness. I hope you'll enjoy your stay here and find the long journey worthwhile. We'll do our best to make you comfortable in the castle,” Jeremy said, and he led us inside the castle. The servants seemed to be expecting our arrival because I couldn't see anyone looking clueless about who I am. They even bowed upon seeing me, welcoming me to the castle. Perhaps the grand duke instructed them to do this.
At first, I was impressed, but not until we stood in front of the grand duke’s study. From the outside, I can hear his voice loud and clear, and even if I can’t see who he’s talking to, I can tell that person must be feeling pressured and speechless.
The sound of shattering glass on the marble floor rang into my ears. I wanted to exchange looks with Vera to ask if I heard things right or if I'm only imagining things, but the sound was too real and it was impossible that it only fell off the table. It was smashed on purpose and it's obvious who did it.
“What kind of crap is this? Didn’t I tell you to reject the marriage proposals from these people? Do I still have to spell things out for you? How many times do I have to tell you that their family are only taking advantage –”
The big door was opened, and despite the creaking sound, his voice was louder making him fail to notice our entrance.
“Your Grace, I hate to break it to you but the Lady Thyra has arrived,” Jeremy announced, and the grand duke's eyes went wide as he looked in my direction. He averted his gaze and squeezed his eyes shut out of embarrassment. Without further ado, all the servants stepped out of the room, leaving the two of us alone.
That says it all. These people learned enough from their master’s short patience, and they already knew the best response in such situations. I wasn’t surprised that he’s short-tempered since he told me that before, but I didn’t know it would be this bad.
He placed his hand on his forehead, and though he was hiding it, I can tell that his cheeks were slightly flushed.
He let out a sigh before speaking. “I’m sorry you had to witness that. It was a terrible way to welcome a lady,” he admitted.
I nodded expressionlessly at his words, maintaining my manners as an aristocrat. Part of me wants to laugh, but doing that would be the worst idea in this situation.
“Seeing you not saying a word makes me even more guilty.”
I waved my hands in front of me to show he shouldn't stress about it. "No, it's fine. I would lie if I'll say I wasn't surprised, but I know I shouldn't because you mentioned this to me when we were at the banquet." I paused, and he finally looked at me and blinked. His expression is now calmer, but a bead of sweat falls from his temples.
“It seems like there’s something else you want to say. Please, don’t hold back and just be honest with me.”
So, he knew. It seems like he’s good at reading people.
“You don’t have to answer if you feel uncomfortable but … is this always how you react when you receive marriage proposals?”
“Yes, the people rushing me on this matter gets on my nerves a lot,” He sat on the couch, and I sat across from him. He avoided my eyes again, embarrassed. "The truth is, the main reason why I don't want to get married is because of my personality. I'll end up hurting a lady if I'm this impatient. Besides, I also consider the reputation of the nobilities who are insisting. Most of them are doing it to gain power, and I don't like that kind of arrangement."
“In that case, I think it’s only good that you’re being considerate. But I can try to help you handle your emotions," I flashed a small smile, and he gave me a questioning look. "I'm just saying, not because that's how you now mean you'll always be like that. People change, and so will you."
His fixed purple eyes on me made me feel uncomfortable, and the silence made me feel tense. What is this, a staring game?
“Your Grace, you’re going to make a hole right through me if you’ll keep staring at me like that,” I politely reminded him, and he stopped gazing at me.
It makes me curious about what he's thinking, considering that he’s far from the ‘Raleigh’ I met at the banquet. It feels like I’m speaking to a different person.
“Oh, right. I didn’t notice. Sorry for being like this. I’m a mess right now, am I?”
"You don't have to say sorry for everything. It's fine, things happened to you so you're still gathering yourself together. Don't overthink it. You’ll be fine.” He gave me a slight nod.
“That aside, you must be tired. I won’t keep you for long. It’s been a long journey for you. Your chamber is already prepared, and Jeremy will escort you there. If you need or want anything, just ask. You can also tell me or the servants the food that you like and dislike, we’ll prepare whatever it is. We have a lot to discuss regarding imperial matters, but we should save it for tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry, Your Grace. I’m not a materialistic person despite being a princess. I once lived as a fugitive, so I learned how to live a simple life and I got used to it.”
Our second meeting was a chaotic departure from the formalities of our first encounter. Despite the messiness, I appreciated seeing a different, more relaxed side of him.
***
The relaxing scent of rosemary wafted from the sheets around me on the comfy, springy mattress. I rubbed my hands on the bed to feel it, and the friction made my hands warm. Wow, this bed is comfy. It’s not surprising that the bed here is better than those from the inns where we stopped by a few days ago, but this scent has some calming properties that make the person's mind at ease.
It was only about five in the afternoon, but even if I feel tired, I couldn’t fall asleep. I found myself lazing around, and before I know it, the sun has already set.
The night breeze drifted in through the open window. Its chilliness flowed through the thin fabric of my white silk nightdress, and I decided to roam around the castle. The third floor where my chamber is felt empty and not a single person can be found in sight. I took advantage of it and walked around to explore until I found a door leading to the balcony.
I put on my fur coat to cover myself. I held the railing and inhaled the scent of damp pine trees. The air felt fresh and clean, and from this spot, the town from below the hill can be seen. I looked up to the sky, and under the light of the full moon and stars above, a drop of tear fell from my left eye.
In this peaceful setting, the anticipation of an impending war weighs heavily on my conscience. It is not the time to relax, yet I understand the need to avoid pushing myself too far. Reflecting on the irony of my initial desire for revenge and now finding myself fighting alongside the person I once wished to harm, I question whether I should regret having loved him.
That would be pointless.
“I thought you were already sleeping," Raleigh's voice pulled me from the sea of thoughts my mind had been swimming through, and I turned to face him. “Were you bored or you couldn’t sleep?” he added.
"My mind is too loud, so I thought of walking to process my thoughts a little bit," I answered.
“What’s bothering you?”
“Let me turn it into a question. Will you give up on the person you love?”
“Let me turn it into a question. Will you give up on the person you love?”
“I didn’t know trivial matters will cross your mind,” of course, it’s something trivial to him. It’s not like he knows how to love someone anyway. But it’s too soon for me to judge. I no longer know how to respond now that I realize that I asked something foolish.
“I’d like to correct the mess I did earlier. Do you mind?" his expression softened, but I couldn't figure out what he has in mind. He gently lifted my left hand and planted a kiss on the back of it, just like how he did when he asked me to dance with him.
“It’s good to see you once again, princess,” he said, his lips still close to my hand, and I can only see his beautiful, purple eyes. A soft wind blew his ivory hair, and though he was waiting for my response, for a second, I saw a glimpse of Azriel watching from afar.