The melodious chirping of birds filled the air, their voices distinct as they danced in the sky. A grand tree nearby cradled a bird’s nest, where the mother diligently fed her offspring.
“You’re growing so quickly, my little ones,” Rihannan whispered, her gaze fixed upon the nest.
Some time ago, she had stumbled upon this hidden haven and clandestinely observed the avian family. A week ago, the mother bird had delicately laid her eggs, while the father bird attentively tended to them.
And then, the day arrived when Rihannan heard the gentle chirps emanating from the nest—the hatching had occurred, and the nestlings had flourished.
Rihannan stood transfixed, her eyes unwavering in their intensity. In contrast, the mother bird embarked on a quest for sustenance, while the father bird perched on a nearby tree, his gaze fixed upon Rihannan, vigilant and gleaming.
Amusement sparked within Rihannan as she observed their actions. The dedicated parents took turns nourishing their ravenous progeny, one feeding while the other stood guard.
As Rihannan witnessed the fledglings gulp down wriggling worms with their vibrant beaks, she unwittingly caressed her own belly.
There had been a time… a time when she had envisioned cradling a precious child within her loving embrace… feeding and cherishing that sweet little being. She would have swayed the baby gently, offered soothing words, and whispered enchanting lullabies.
But… in the end, her child had departed without warning, without farewells. Regret gnawed at Rihannan. If only she had known…
“Miss Rihannan!”
Rihannan turned, her attention captured by the approaching figure of Mary. The maid appeared weary and breathless.
“Miss, I’ve come to escort you,” Mary stated.
“My apologies. I seem to be late, haven’t I?”
Mary shook her head. “It’s quite all right. What occurred at the palace?”
“The princess decided to partake in a game.”
“Oh my, is it Kiritte? Why the sudden interest?”
Kiritte, a game beloved by all, regardless of age or gender. Mary knew well the violence that could ensue when players became consumed by their fervor, often resulting in multiple injuries.
Rihannan smiled. “Perhaps. The princess was determined to join, but the other ladies dissuaded her.”
Mary breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s a blessing.”
“Why?” Rihannan inquired, curiosity evident in her voice.
“We wouldn’t want that troublesome girl to get hurt, but perhaps a dose of reality would do her some good,” Mary waved her hand dismissively. “In any case, Miss, it seems you’ve been in good health as of late.”
Not long after arriving in Chrichton, Rihannan had succumbed to a fever. Whether it stemmed from the anguish in her heart or the sudden relief of escaping her haunting past, she could not discern. During her illness, she struggled to consume even the simplest of meals, weakening her further. Her uncle deemed it necessary for her to visit the royal physician for treatment. After a modest recovery, Dimitri, her cousin, took her by the hand, insisting on guiding her outdoors to rebuild her physical strength.
“I cannot leave you to suffer alone. You remain fragile, and as your cousin, it is my duty,” he had declared.
Under Dimitri’s watchful eye, Rihannan reluctantly engaged in walks and observed her cousins hunt and partake in Kiritte. Gradually, her health improved.
Slowly… her healing commenced. It was a gradual process, an eternity of pain, of descent, of shattering, but Rihannan persevered. She afforded herself the care she had long denied.
She was healing.
Rihannan radiated with joy. “It is all thanks to Dimi. I no longer need to grovel before others. I can stand on my own, with my own strength.”
“Yes, Chrichton may seem somewhat uncivilized,” Mary remarked. “Well, not entirely, but it does possess a wildness absent in Arundell.”
Rihannan chuckled at Mary’s words.
Unlike Rihannan, who had been exposed to the Crichton way of life from childhood, Mary had not. The maid had experienced a profound culture shock, startled by the ruggedness inherent in Chrichton’s lifestyle.
For instance, when it came to hunting competitions, Arundell’s approach was far more refined and controlled. They released a select number of deer within a designated hunting area, engaging in an archery-driven pursuit. In contrast, Chrichton’s hunters ventured deep into the untamed mountains.
Mary had been utterly terrified on one occasion. She had witnessed Rihannan’s uncle and Dimitri present a bloodied, frothing bear right at their doorstep.
“So, Miss,” Mary coughed, clearing her throat. “Would you like to return to Arundell?”
Rihannan mustered a feeble smile. “No, Mary. I have grown accustomed to this place. Besides, what purpose would it serve? I have no family left in Arundell. What about you, Mary? Do you yearn for home?”
“To be honest, Miss…” Mary responded cautiously, “When the Count passed away, I thought you would visit Arundell, even if it was just to pay respects at your mother’s grave…”
The marquis, Rihannan’s uncle, and Dimitri were taken aback, realizing that she had no intention of journeying to Arundell or attending her father’s sorrowful funeral. However, they silently set aside the matter, refraining from prying further. Though unaware of the details, they sensed Rihannan’s disdain for Arundell.
What had transpired there, they wondered.
When Rihannan first arrived in the untamed and uncivilized realm of Chrichton (as Mary teasingly referred to it in private), she bore great anguish. Nightmares plagued her in the darkest hours of the night, a torment that repeated incessantly. In her dreams, Leticia offered her poison again and again, while wearing a sinister smile. Rihannan would witness herself lifeless, sprawled on the floor, her extremities cold as death.
Rihannan closed her eyes and exhaled softly. “Mary… I understand. Someday… I will have to return…”
There would come a time when she would have to face Arundell once more. But not now… not now. She needed time to heal, time to eradicate her hatred, nightmares, and suffering. She required time. Only then could she set foot upon Arundell’s soil.
“Let us go, Mary. We must not be tardy for dinner.”
Rihannan gently touched Mary’s shoulder, passing her and entering the carriage.
Mary sighed and joined her inside.
Upon arriving at the mansion, Dimitri awaited them by the front gates, mounted on his horse. He grunted as he dismounted and hurriedly brushed past the servant by the carriage door.
“Rhia, it’s me!” Dimitri bellowed.
As Rihannan stepped out of the carriage, Dimitri swiftly clasped her waist and lifted her up, as if she were weightless, akin to a doll.
“Did you play with that ill-tempered princess today? I imagine it must have been quite the ordeal,” he exclaimed cheerfully, stroking her head with affection. It had become a habit, treating the eighteen-year-old (soon to enter her twenties) as though she were still the innocent little girl he had known.
“You are correct. I spent time with her, and Princess Helena is actually quite pleasant. Cease your actions,” Rihannan reprimanded, slapping Dimitri’s hand lightly.
“They sent you there because they believed you would be of use to them,” Dimitri frowned. “Besides, I dislike seeing you constantly entering and exiting the palace.”
Dimitri had every reason to voice such concerns. Chrichton’s hierarchical customs resembled those of Arundell. The king’s word was law, absolute and unchallenged. To disobey was tantamount to rebellion. If anything were to befall the king, suspicion would inevitably fall upon those who resided within the royal palace.
Dimitri vehemently opposed the idea of Rihannan working and living there. Nothing good ever emerged from mingling with the royal family. Nevertheless, they could not refuse the king’s command.
In due course, Rihannan was instructed to keep Princess Helena company, a pairing that complemented each other well.
Young Dimitri had been distraught at the time. He had grasped Rihannan’s hand tightly, seeking refuge in the garden, unwilling to let anyone take her away. But eventually, he had to relinquish his hold.
To Dimitri, Rihannan was his whole world. He cared for her as if she were his own sister, his favorite among all. He endeavored to make her feel at home in Chrichton. Having no sisters of his own, he envied those who did. Perhaps that was why he showered Rihannan with the love he longed to give to a sibling. And perhaps, he aimed to fill the void in her broken heart from losing her mother at a tender age.
Young Rihannan found the situation peculiar. It had been quite some time since she had experienced unconditional love.
Eventually, the day drew to a close. Dimitri succumbed to a severe cold, while Rihannan was instructed to spend time with Princess Helena.
The melodious chirping of birds filled the air, their voices distinct as they danced in the sky. A grand tree nearby cradled a bird’s nest, where the mother diligently fed her offspring.
“You’re growing so quickly, my little ones,” Rihannan whispered, her gaze fixed upon the nest.
Some time ago, she had stumbled upon this hidden haven and clandestinely observed the avian family. A week ago, the mother bird had delicately laid her eggs, while the father bird attentively tended to them.
And then, the day arrived when Rihannan heard the gentle chirps emanating from the nest—the hatching had occurred, and the nestlings had flourished.
Rihannan stood transfixed, her eyes unwavering in their intensity. In contrast, the mother bird embarked on a quest for sustenance, while the father bird perched on a nearby tree, his gaze fixed upon Rihannan, vigilant and gleaming.
Amusement sparked within Rihannan as she observed their actions. The dedicated parents took turns nourishing their ravenous progeny, one feeding while the other stood guard.
As Rihannan witnessed the fledglings gulp down wriggling worms with their vibrant beaks, she unwittingly caressed her own belly.
There had been a time… a time when she had envisioned cradling a precious child within her loving embrace… feeding and cherishing that sweet little being. She would have swayed the baby gently, offered soothing words, and whispered enchanting lullabies.
But… in the end, her child had departed without warning, without farewells. Regret gnawed at Rihannan. If only she had known…
“Miss Rihannan!”
Rihannan turned, her attention captured by the approaching figure of Mary. The maid appeared weary and breathless.
“Miss, I’ve come to escort you,” Mary stated.
“My apologies. I seem to be late, haven’t I?”
Mary shook her head. “It’s quite all right. What occurred at the palace?”
“The princess decided to partake in a game.”
“Oh my, is it Kiritte? Why the sudden interest?”
Kiritte, a game beloved by all, regardless of age or gender. Mary knew well the violence that could ensue when players became consumed by their fervor, often resulting in multiple injuries.
Rihannan smiled. “Perhaps. The princess was determined to join, but the other ladies dissuaded her.”
Mary breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s a blessing.”
“Why?” Rihannan inquired, curiosity evident in her voice.
“We wouldn’t want that troublesome girl to get hurt, but perhaps a dose of reality would do her some good,” Mary waved her hand dismissively. “In any case, Miss, it seems you’ve been in good health as of late.”
Not long after arriving in Chrichton, Rihannan had succumbed to a fever. Whether it stemmed from the anguish in her heart or the sudden relief of escaping her haunting past, she could not discern. During her illness, she struggled to consume even the simplest of meals, weakening her further. Her uncle deemed it necessary for her to visit the royal physician for treatment. After a modest recovery, Dimitri, her cousin, took her by the hand, insisting on guiding her outdoors to rebuild her physical strength.
“I cannot leave you to suffer alone. You remain fragile, and as your cousin, it is my duty,” he had declared.
Under Dimitri’s watchful eye, Rihannan reluctantly engaged in walks and observed her cousins hunt and partake in Kiritte. Gradually, her health improved.
Slowly… her healing commenced. It was a gradual process, an eternity of pain, of descent, of shattering, but Rihannan persevered. She afforded herself the care she had long denied.
She was healing.
Rihannan radiated with joy. “It is all thanks to Dimi. I no longer need to grovel before others. I can stand on my own, with my own strength.”
“Yes, Chrichton may seem somewhat uncivilized,” Mary remarked. “Well, not entirely, but it does possess a wildness absent in Arundell.”
Rihannan chuckled at Mary’s words.
Unlike Rihannan, who had been exposed to the Crichton way of life from childhood, Mary had not. The maid had experienced a profound culture shock, startled by the ruggedness inherent in Chrichton’s lifestyle.
For instance, when it came to hunting competitions, Arundell’s approach was far more refined and controlled. They released a select number of deer within a designated hunting area, engaging in an archery-driven pursuit. In contrast, Chrichton’s hunters ventured deep into the untamed mountains.
Mary had been utterly terrified on one occasion. She had witnessed Rihannan’s uncle and Dimitri present a bloodied, frothing bear right at their doorstep.
“So, Miss,” Mary coughed, clearing her throat. “Would you like to return to Arundell?”
Rihannan mustered a feeble smile. “No, Mary. I have grown accustomed to this place. Besides, what purpose would it serve? I have no family left in Arundell. What about you, Mary? Do you yearn for home?”
“To be honest, Miss…” Mary responded cautiously, “When the Count passed away, I thought you would visit Arundell, even if it was just to pay respects at your mother’s grave…”
The marquis, Rihannan’s uncle, and Dimitri were taken aback, realizing that she had no intention of journeying to Arundell or attending her father’s sorrowful funeral. However, they silently set aside the matter, refraining from prying further. Though unaware of the details, they sensed Rihannan’s disdain for Arundell.
What had transpired there, they wondered.
When Rihannan first arrived in the untamed and uncivilized realm of Chrichton (as Mary teasingly referred to it in private), she bore great anguish. Nightmares plagued her in the darkest hours of the night, a torment that repeated incessantly. In her dreams, Leticia offered her poison again and again, while wearing a sinister smile. Rihannan would witness herself lifeless, sprawled on the floor, her extremities cold as death.
Rihannan closed her eyes and exhaled softly. “Mary… I understand. Someday… I will have to return…”
There would come a time when she would have to face Arundell once more. But not now… not now. She needed time to heal, time to eradicate her hatred, nightmares, and suffering. She required time. Only then could she set foot upon Arundell’s soil.
“Let us go, Mary. We must not be tardy for dinner.”
Rihannan gently touched Mary’s shoulder, passing her and entering the carriage.
Mary sighed and joined her inside.
Upon arriving at the mansion, Dimitri awaited them by the front gates, mounted on his horse. He grunted as he dismounted and hurriedly brushed past the servant by the carriage door.
“Rhia, it’s me!” Dimitri bellowed.
As Rihannan stepped out of the carriage, Dimitri swiftly clasped her waist and lifted her up, as if she were weightless, akin to a doll.
“Did you play with that ill-tempered princess today? I imagine it must have been quite the ordeal,” he exclaimed cheerfully, stroking her head with affection. It had become a habit, treating the eighteen-year-old (soon to enter her twenties) as though she were still the innocent little girl he had known.
“You are correct. I spent time with her, and Princess Helena is actually quite pleasant. Cease your actions,” Rihannan reprimanded, slapping Dimitri’s hand lightly.
“They sent you there because they believed you would be of use to them,” Dimitri frowned. “Besides, I dislike seeing you constantly entering and exiting the palace.”
Dimitri had every reason to voice such concerns. Chrichton’s hierarchical customs resembled those of Arundell. The king’s word was law, absolute and unchallenged. To disobey was tantamount to rebellion. If anything were to befall the king, suspicion would inevitably fall upon those who resided within the royal palace.
Dimitri vehemently opposed the idea of Rihannan working and living there. Nothing good ever emerged from mingling with the royal family. Nevertheless, they could not refuse the king’s command.
In due course, Rihannan was instructed to keep Princess Helena company, a pairing that complemented each other well.
Young Dimitri had been distraught at the time. He had grasped Rihannan’s hand tightly, seeking refuge in the garden, unwilling to let anyone take her away. But eventually, he had to relinquish his hold.
To Dimitri, Rihannan was his whole world. He cared for her as if she were his own sister, his favorite among all. He endeavored to make her feel at home in Chrichton. Having no sisters of his own, he envied those who did. Perhaps that was why he showered Rihannan with the love he longed to give to a sibling. And perhaps, he aimed to fill the void in her broken heart from losing her mother at a tender age.
Young Rihannan found the situation peculiar. It had been quite some time since she had experienced unconditional love.
Eventually, the day drew to a close. Dimitri succumbed to a severe cold, while Rihannan was instructed to spend time with Princess Helena.
