Rihannan and Igor exchanged the written documents, carefully perusing them before affixing their signatures. With the storm finally subsided, Rihannan felt herself relax, her strength drained. Dimitri’s life had been spared, and within a year, she would attain complete freedom.
However, a shadow passed over her face as she remembered Dimitri. She worried for him, fearing that he might attempt to escape.
“Your Majesty, may I request one more favor?” she implored.
***
Basil silently observed the boat carrying Rihannan as it sailed toward the port. Beside him stood Igor, who had been unusually quiet as of late. Basil had expected him to be overjoyed at the prospect of reuniting with his first love, yet there was an air of volatile tension about him, as if he were on the verge of exploding at any moment.
With that thought in mind, Basil discreetly took a step back. He had learned from past experiences that it was best to keep his distance from Igor, uncertain of what kind of havoc the raven-haired man might wreak. But just as Basil moved out of Igor’s line of sight, the silence was shattered.
“Basil.”
“Ye… yes, Your Majesty!” Basil hurriedly approached him. “Please give me your orders, whatever they may be…”
“Chrichton. Uncover any rumors or leaks pertaining to Chrichton. I want any information you can gather.”
“Eh?” Basil was both startled and apprehensive, a mixture of emotions intertwining within him. Leaks from Chrichton? Was Igor sending him on a covert espionage mission to the palace?
“But, Your Majesty… I still have a baby waiting…”
“Send someone to gather intelligence on the happenings within their palace, particularly concerning the Crown Prince and the state of the national marriage.”
Basil heaved a sigh of relief. “Ah, I see now. Yes, Your Majesty. We already have operatives in place. I will ensure that the details reach me promptly.”
Hurriedly, Basil made his exit from Igor’s presence, claiming the need to attend to his duties. Even long after he had departed, Igor’s gaze remained fixed upon the small boat gliding across the sea.
Basil felt a mix of fear and surprise. Are you sending me to gather information on Chrichton? Are you trying to make me a spy in Chrichton’s palace?
“Ha…” Igor burst into a desolate laughter, a sound brimming with shame and disgrace.
He had never intended to accept Rihannan’s offer, yet he found himself yielding to her every request. The moment he laid eyes upon her gentle countenance, he knew he could not refuse her. How could he? If he deviated from his usual demeanor, she would throw herself into the sea…
A fatal demise…
His head dropped into his hands, memories of horror flooding his mind. They were etched into his consciousness, indelible and unforgettable… the dank, dark prison; shards of a shattered bottle strewn across the floor; pristine garments drenched in a pool of blood; the lifeless body of an angelic woman…
Each recollection evoked a profound sense of regret that gnawed at his aching heart. The only way to quell that bitter remorse was to unleash his fury upon anyone or anything in his path. He wished he could retract every vile word he had ever uttered. They were never a reflection of her, but rather manifestations of his own inner demons. In his misguided sense of entitlement, he had directed his passive-aggressive rage toward her. Guilt festered within him like gasoline, corroding his insides and yearning for the smallest spark to ignite it. Such regret burned him to the core, leaving nothing but a hollow shell, a mere outline of a person… only blood and death could fill the void left by perfect regret and guilt.
His trembling hands covered his face, attempting to calm his racing thoughts as he watched the boat reach the shore. Only after confirming that the silver-haired woman had safely disembarked and been escorted to the royal palace did he retreat to his quarters.
***
The following day, the port teemed with throngs of people as dawn broke. There, Rihannan bid her final farewells to her uncle.
“I still can’t believe I’m seeing you off. And so suddenly… I don’t know how I’ll break this news to Dimi,” the Marquis lamented.
Dimitri remained imprisoned, and Rihannan had no knowledge of when he would be released. She knew that only after she departed for Arundell would the royal family set him free and inform him of her departure.
“I have burdened you greatly, Uncle,” Rihannan expressed, wearing a look of apology. She was certain that when Dimitri learned of the abrupt news, he would be consumed by sorrow and anger, unleashing harsh words. If there had been any other choice, she would have stayed… but… “I left a letter stating that it was my own decision, but I doubt he will listen. I am sorry…”
“You speak nonsense. I understand that you did this for Dimitri, but…” The Marquis enveloped Rihannan in a tight embrace. “Do not fret too much, my dear. We will find a way.”
Rihannan nodded, though her expectations were not particularly high. Only if Dimitri ascended to the throne a year from now would everything be resolved.
“…I shall depart now. Please take good care of Mary.”
Despite her heavy heart, Rihannan had managed to persuade Mary to remain behind. Mary clung to her until the moment of departure. It would be difficult for Mary, undoubtedly. She now had a family of her own, having married a man in Chrichton. If any harm were to befall Rihannan in Arundell, it would be an unbearable blow for Mary. It was best for her to stay in Chrichton.
“Worry not. I will watch over her well.”
With the Marquis’s reassurance, Rihannan nodded and bid her final farewell.
“Then… farewell, Uncle.”
Rihannan turned and began walking away. Further conversation would only make parting more difficult for them both.
“Rihannan!”
A booming voice echoed from behind. Rihannan turned around, her gaze falling upon Helena, who limped toward her with the aid of crutches. Her arms were bandaged, and she bore a pained expression. The elderly nanny stood by her side.
When Helena stood before Rihannan, she cast aside all pretense, sinking to the ground and bursting into tears. “Rhia… I am so sorry!”
Rihannan offered no response to Helena’s desperate apology. She stood there, impassive as a stone, observing Helena. She recollected the anger she had once harbored, gradually taming it… little by little. Why had Helena come? Was it to assuage her guilt or simply a selfish desire for forgiveness?
Helena wept, her tear-streaked face growing increasingly tense. “I… I did not push you away or turn my back on you… Please believe me!”
Beside her, the nanny wept as well. “It’s true, Miss Rihannan… She wanted to help you, but she was confined to her room. In her attempt to sneak out, she injured herself.”
Rihannan observed Helena’s injured leg, encased in a cast. It bore the marks of a deep wound. Perhaps a scar would manifest in due course.
“She tried to escape through the window, but she missed a step and fell. Thankfully, her injuries were not severe, or else…”
Rihannan contemplated the possibility that it could be a fabricated lie, yet there was an evident wound on Helena’s body, a wound that ran deep. Perhaps a scar would emerge in time.
“Father barely permitted me to see you before your departure, Rhia… I… I don’t know what to say…”
Helena, who had never bowed to anyone besides her own family, now lowered her head in front of Rihannan. Onlookers gaped in astonishment at their princess, but Helena paid them no heed.
Rihannan sighed. “Helena…”
Helena’s pale green eyes widened. She had always implored Rihannan to address her by her given name, but Rihannan had steadfastly clung to the title of princess, maintaining a distance between them and the rest of the world. It was the first time Rihannan uttered her name.
“Rhia?”
Rihannan seated herself before Helena, oblivious to the surrounding crowd, and gently tucked strands of Helena’s flowing platinum blonde hair behind her ear. Helena’s tears flowed once more, enveloped in the familiar affection of Rihannan.
“Rhia…”
Rihannan embraced Helena warmly, allowing her friend to weep like a child within her arms.
“Helena, I do not harbor any hatred toward you. I never did. And… I am sorry too,” Rihannan whispered softly.
Helena sniffled. “….What are you sorry for?”
“I have wronged you in a way that I can never reveal. So let us say that I chose to depart for Arundell of my own volition, rather than burdening you further with guilt.”
“But… I don’t understand… no matter how much I…”
Rihannan looked down, a bitter smile gracing her lips.
She knew that her family would succumb to a pandemic soon, but she had no intention of divulging that information. They would suffer agonizing deaths, and Helena was destined to experience indescribable pain. For Dimitri’s sake, for his ascent to the throne… she would never reveal the future.
And thus…
They no longer owed each other anything.
“Now, return to the palace, Helena. Farewell…”
Rihannan released Helena from her embrace and walked away.
Helena attempted to reach out to her friend, but her injured leg hindered her.
“Rhia…”
Rihannan and Igor exchanged the written documents, carefully perusing them before affixing their signatures. With the storm finally subsided, Rihannan felt herself relax, her strength drained. Dimitri’s life had been spared, and within a year, she would attain complete freedom.
However, a shadow passed over her face as she remembered Dimitri. She worried for him, fearing that he might attempt to escape.
“Your Majesty, may I request one more favor?” she implored.
***
Basil silently observed the boat carrying Rihannan as it sailed toward the port. Beside him stood Igor, who had been unusually quiet as of late. Basil had expected him to be overjoyed at the prospect of reuniting with his first love, yet there was an air of volatile tension about him, as if he were on the verge of exploding at any moment.
With that thought in mind, Basil discreetly took a step back. He had learned from past experiences that it was best to keep his distance from Igor, uncertain of what kind of havoc the raven-haired man might wreak. But just as Basil moved out of Igor’s line of sight, the silence was shattered.
“Basil.”
“Ye… yes, Your Majesty!” Basil hurriedly approached him. “Please give me your orders, whatever they may be…”
“Chrichton. Uncover any rumors or leaks pertaining to Chrichton. I want any information you can gather.”
“Eh?” Basil was both startled and apprehensive, a mixture of emotions intertwining within him. Leaks from Chrichton? Was Igor sending him on a covert espionage mission to the palace?
“But, Your Majesty… I still have a baby waiting…”
“Send someone to gather intelligence on the happenings within their palace, particularly concerning the Crown Prince and the state of the national marriage.”
Basil heaved a sigh of relief. “Ah, I see now. Yes, Your Majesty. We already have operatives in place. I will ensure that the details reach me promptly.”
Hurriedly, Basil made his exit from Igor’s presence, claiming the need to attend to his duties. Even long after he had departed, Igor’s gaze remained fixed upon the small boat gliding across the sea.
Basil felt a mix of fear and surprise. Are you sending me to gather information on Chrichton? Are you trying to make me a spy in Chrichton’s palace?
“Ha…” Igor burst into a desolate laughter, a sound brimming with shame and disgrace.
He had never intended to accept Rihannan’s offer, yet he found himself yielding to her every request. The moment he laid eyes upon her gentle countenance, he knew he could not refuse her. How could he? If he deviated from his usual demeanor, she would throw herself into the sea…
A fatal demise…
His head dropped into his hands, memories of horror flooding his mind. They were etched into his consciousness, indelible and unforgettable… the dank, dark prison; shards of a shattered bottle strewn across the floor; pristine garments drenched in a pool of blood; the lifeless body of an angelic woman…
Each recollection evoked a profound sense of regret that gnawed at his aching heart. The only way to quell that bitter remorse was to unleash his fury upon anyone or anything in his path. He wished he could retract every vile word he had ever uttered. They were never a reflection of her, but rather manifestations of his own inner demons. In his misguided sense of entitlement, he had directed his passive-aggressive rage toward her. Guilt festered within him like gasoline, corroding his insides and yearning for the smallest spark to ignite it. Such regret burned him to the core, leaving nothing but a hollow shell, a mere outline of a person… only blood and death could fill the void left by perfect regret and guilt.
His trembling hands covered his face, attempting to calm his racing thoughts as he watched the boat reach the shore. Only after confirming that the silver-haired woman had safely disembarked and been escorted to the royal palace did he retreat to his quarters.
***
The following day, the port teemed with throngs of people as dawn broke. There, Rihannan bid her final farewells to her uncle.
“I still can’t believe I’m seeing you off. And so suddenly… I don’t know how I’ll break this news to Dimi,” the Marquis lamented.
Dimitri remained imprisoned, and Rihannan had no knowledge of when he would be released. She knew that only after she departed for Arundell would the royal family set him free and inform him of her departure.
“I have burdened you greatly, Uncle,” Rihannan expressed, wearing a look of apology. She was certain that when Dimitri learned of the abrupt news, he would be consumed by sorrow and anger, unleashing harsh words. If there had been any other choice, she would have stayed… but… “I left a letter stating that it was my own decision, but I doubt he will listen. I am sorry…”
“You speak nonsense. I understand that you did this for Dimitri, but…” The Marquis enveloped Rihannan in a tight embrace. “Do not fret too much, my dear. We will find a way.”
Rihannan nodded, though her expectations were not particularly high. Only if Dimitri ascended to the throne a year from now would everything be resolved.
“…I shall depart now. Please take good care of Mary.”
Despite her heavy heart, Rihannan had managed to persuade Mary to remain behind. Mary clung to her until the moment of departure. It would be difficult for Mary, undoubtedly. She now had a family of her own, having married a man in Chrichton. If any harm were to befall Rihannan in Arundell, it would be an unbearable blow for Mary. It was best for her to stay in Chrichton.
“Worry not. I will watch over her well.”
With the Marquis’s reassurance, Rihannan nodded and bid her final farewell.
“Then… farewell, Uncle.”
Rihannan turned and began walking away. Further conversation would only make parting more difficult for them both.
“Rihannan!”
A booming voice echoed from behind. Rihannan turned around, her gaze falling upon Helena, who limped toward her with the aid of crutches. Her arms were bandaged, and she bore a pained expression. The elderly nanny stood by her side.
When Helena stood before Rihannan, she cast aside all pretense, sinking to the ground and bursting into tears. “Rhia… I am so sorry!”
Rihannan offered no response to Helena’s desperate apology. She stood there, impassive as a stone, observing Helena. She recollected the anger she had once harbored, gradually taming it… little by little. Why had Helena come? Was it to assuage her guilt or simply a selfish desire for forgiveness?
Helena wept, her tear-streaked face growing increasingly tense. “I… I did not push you away or turn my back on you… Please believe me!”
Beside her, the nanny wept as well. “It’s true, Miss Rihannan… She wanted to help you, but she was confined to her room. In her attempt to sneak out, she injured herself.”
Rihannan observed Helena’s injured leg, encased in a cast. It bore the marks of a deep wound. Perhaps a scar would manifest in due course.
“She tried to escape through the window, but she missed a step and fell. Thankfully, her injuries were not severe, or else…”
Rihannan contemplated the possibility that it could be a fabricated lie, yet there was an evident wound on Helena’s body, a wound that ran deep. Perhaps a scar would emerge in time.
“Father barely permitted me to see you before your departure, Rhia… I… I don’t know what to say…”
Helena, who had never bowed to anyone besides her own family, now lowered her head in front of Rihannan. Onlookers gaped in astonishment at their princess, but Helena paid them no heed.
Rihannan sighed. “Helena…”
Helena’s pale green eyes widened. She had always implored Rihannan to address her by her given name, but Rihannan had steadfastly clung to the title of princess, maintaining a distance between them and the rest of the world. It was the first time Rihannan uttered her name.
“Rhia?”
Rihannan seated herself before Helena, oblivious to the surrounding crowd, and gently tucked strands of Helena’s flowing platinum blonde hair behind her ear. Helena’s tears flowed once more, enveloped in the familiar affection of Rihannan.
“Rhia…”
Rihannan embraced Helena warmly, allowing her friend to weep like a child within her arms.
“Helena, I do not harbor any hatred toward you. I never did. And… I am sorry too,” Rihannan whispered softly.
Helena sniffled. “….What are you sorry for?”
“I have wronged you in a way that I can never reveal. So let us say that I chose to depart for Arundell of my own volition, rather than burdening you further with guilt.”
“But… I don’t understand… no matter how much I…”
Rihannan looked down, a bitter smile gracing her lips.
She knew that her family would succumb to a pandemic soon, but she had no intention of divulging that information. They would suffer agonizing deaths, and Helena was destined to experience indescribable pain. For Dimitri’s sake, for his ascent to the throne… she would never reveal the future.
And thus…
They no longer owed each other anything.
“Now, return to the palace, Helena. Farewell…”
Rihannan released Helena from her embrace and walked away.
Helena attempted to reach out to her friend, but her injured leg hindered her.
“Rhia…”
