Chapter 164: Wrong Uploaded Please Skip
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"Your Highness, how could a humble subject like me ask for such a help form the royal family." Irene asked as she thought of just pulling their leg.
.
"Well if it's Lady Winter then anything is possible." Brazen said as he stood near Sofia.
"Really and why is that?" Princess Sofia asked as she held Brazen hands and smiled at him sweetly.
"Well that's a bit of secret, I will tell you some time in the future." Brazen said as Sofia pouted and everyone started out laughing.
.
"I would love to talk and joke around but today I am in a bit of hurry, so please excuse us." Irene said as she bowed towards them and glanced at Ash who was doing the same thing as her.
.
"Hmm, I feel bad for saying goodbye so early but please clear your schedule someday so that we could hangout together!" Brazen said as he looked at her and felt a intense gaze in his shoulders.
"(Alan said he won't be able to present here since he got some urgent work but the strong gaze in my shoulders say otherwise-)" Brazen thought as he turned around with a smrik in his face.
.
But as he saw the owner of that intense gaze his smirk dissapered and he was kinda shocked.
"Lady Smith, you are here too?" He still tried to act normal for once and talked with her but in place of an answer all he got was a cold shoulder.11
.
"She has been standing there for a while now, it's you who didn't notice her." Alfred who seemed quite gloomy today said as he bugged him.
"Really? That--That's probably because I didn't sleep well last night. So, I am a bit confused." He said while stammering trying to make up some excuse bit none of them worked on Molly.
.
"Brother are you a fool?" Sofia asked as she let go of his hand and stood at a proper distance form him.
"What are you talking about?" He asked with with confused face. (A/N: This conversation is happening between both Brazen and Sofia and they are practically whispering into each other ears.)
.
"I will tell you later, for now maintain some distance between us and don't open your mouth." She said softly into his ears while his eyes were fixed at Molly who was biding Farewell to Irene by embracing her into a warm hug.
.
"Farewell to everyone." Irene said ad she first entered the carriage.
"Thanking for your hospitality." Ash said as he entered the carriage too and closed to door with a thump sound making everyone to jump.
.
"Ash you will break the door like that." Irene said as she scolded Ash who just stayed quiet and waited until they were finally out if the castle.
"Sister tell me freely now, did naughtiness unusual happend at your stay at the palace? Even if a little one just tell me." Ash said as he tightly held onto Irene's hands and his eyes were fixed at her not in the mood to move anywhere.
.
"Ash clam down, nothing happend at my stay there and it's biggest prove is me sitting inform of you fit and fine." Irene replied back without any form of hesitation in her voice although deep down she was hiding lots of things which were troubling here too.
.
"Really? Are you not hiding anything?" Ash who is well aware about his sister's personality asked again as his grip on her hands tightened.
"Ash what would I get form lying? Even if I have soem problems won't hiding it bring more headace to me?" Irene said as she removed his hands and gave him a *enough* look.
.
"...I see if thats the case then I am relieved..." Ash said as he gave out a long sigh and a relaxed expression formed at his face.
"Why? Where you worried about me?" Irene asked as she looked at him while he nodded his head.
.
"Who won't be worried, when thier sister is living at an somehow unknown place with unknown people and unknown rules and regulations?" Ash said as he raised one of his eyebrows and fixed his brown hair which were a but messy.
.
"Yeah Yeah, for one second I almost thought that you are the older one and I am the younger one here." Irene joked as she shrugged her shoulders and with that bickering in process. They reached the winter mansion which all decorated probably in the name of her return.
.
"Wow! I didn't even make to top 3 and yet everyone is so happy with my return?" Irene asked as she glanced at Ash.
"Sister, for us it's you who is important not any title and win." Ash said as he walked walked through carriage and forwarded his head towards her so she could also come down.
.
"Welcome back our Lady." All the servants said at once as rose petals fell on top of her.
"....This----"
"My Lady we missed you a lot! Please don't leave us again!" A young maid who was handpicked by Irene herself said as she almost broke into tears.
.
"Don't cry---" Irene said as she tried to console her but just then she felt a tap on her shoulders and when she turned around she saw a new face.
.
"Welcome back Lady Winter." That little being not yet confirmed I'd boy or girl said as she presented her a bouquet of flowers which were a bit messy and it was understandable why? That little one had messy line all over her hand which clearly meant that she was the one who made that bouquet.
.
"Umm, thank you for such a beautiful bouquet...and may I know who you are?" Irene asked as she smiled at her.
"Sister, that's my playmate." Ashton said form behind as he looked at her hands which were all messy.
.
"Look at your hands, how messy. Didn't you apply medicine in it?" Ashton asked as he Ed her hand and checked it.
"I was about too after welcoming Lady winter." She said in her tiny voice which was sweet and pleasing to hear.
.
"Sister , I'm feeling hungry " Ashton said to Irene , by touching his belly.
" I do not have anything right now ." Irene replied .
" I am always concern about you , but you can't even serve me food , even a chocolate. " Ashton
said to Irene .
" OK,OK, why are you
"Brazen, the only reason I let him go was because everyone of us has the right to protect our dear ones...and it also implies on Ethan and Lady Carot." Alan answered to him without breaking their eye contact.
And a complete silence which showed the ultimate defeat of Brazen filled the room.
.
"Protect the dear ones....even though it means breaking your own heart!...I don't understand it." Brazen said as he left the room with a loud bang.
"Brazen---"
"Let him go, he will come back once he cools off." His Holiness said as he walked towards him and made him sit down.
.
*sigh* "Your Holiness...Did I say something wrong?" Alan asked as he covered his face with his hands with a gloomy face.
"Absolutely not, what you said was right. Everyone has the right to protect to their loved ones, and everyone knows that kpayyer how coy Prince Brazen looks he not so much of a sentimental person, so for him understanding this things is of course hard." His Holiness said as he looked at the sky changing its colour.
.
"Looks like the sun is about to set, Your Highness I must report to the temple now. Please excuse me." His Holiness said as he glanced at Alan who just closed his eyes after listening to his words.
.
"Then see you later." Saying that he too disappeared in thin air leaving a confused Alan alone in that wide room.
"Its painful....my heart it feels like it would tear apart." Alan said as he clenched on to his left chest with a sad expression in his face.
.
While one side of the royal ground, The crown Prince was busy with the internal conflicts, on the other side Irene was busy fighting with he monsters inside her head.
.
~Irene, why didn't you save me~
~Irene!!!~
All the voices that sounded cold and in pain were as clear as crystal ringing inside her ear.
With nothing but bloody dreams playing again and again in her inward eye.
.
"Leave me---Leave me alone---I--I don't know you all---Leave me!!" Irene sleep murmered with sweat flowing down her forhead and pale body that shivered with every single blow of wind.
"Someone stop them-‐‐Someone----please stop them----" Irene murmered again and this time she opened her started tossing and turning around but those movements soon stopped and she started coughing in between while struggling to breath as if someone has caught her throat.
.
"Leav---LEAVE ME!!" Irene shouted on top of her lungs as she finally opened her eyes and started started breath heavily with her eyes being all bloodshot.
"---It started---It started once again---'" She said while clenching onto the bed sheets and trembling eyeballs and body.
.
"Why? Why is this happening to me? Someone please stop this!!" She said again while covering her body with the blanket as tears fo fear sttred to flow down her eyes.
"I am afraid. I am afraid of all this bloody dream....please someone stop them!!" She silently screamed inside the blanket and cried her hear out keeping in mind her voice doesn't go out.
.
"Do you feel bad for her now?" Brazen who followed Ethan said as he looked at him soying at Irene who was going through another nightmare.
"What are you doing here?" A surprised Ethan asked while he almost lost his balance formt he tree trunk thanks to his sudden appearance.
.
"I followed you just in case you end up doing something you shouldn't....like becoming a part of the opppreser." Brazen said in a cold tone and rage in his eyes to which Ethan could only accept and Lower his head.
.
"Prince Brazen you shouldn't worry about me....although I am giving my protection to Lady Carot I am still his highness prince Alan Knight and for me he the most important person....instead how about you look after Lady Winter,...she doesn't look good to me." Ethan said with a pair of worried eyes that gnawed at Irene once and then drifted towards the room where Lady Carot was staying which had its lights closed with no sound and energy.
.
"And who do you think is the reason behind this? See for yourself, the laughing and happy child we saw a few years back and now crying and begging for life.....tell me do you think she deserves this after everything she has done for her?" Brazen asked in a serious voice ad he pulled his sword towards Ethan who couldn't answer any of his question which though harsh were still bitter truth none could left unseen.
.
"Your Highness, not only Lady witner but no human deserves this....but it's still not fully proven that the one behind all this is Lady Caort so I would like it if the Prince stop charging towards her every single time." Ethan said as he looked at Brazen directly to which as a reply Brazen just scoffed and patted his shoulders.
.
"...Accuse you mean....Ethan my dear friend....I am sorry to say this but your heart is going to be broken every painfully...*removes his hands* Good luck with protecting your loved ones...." Brazen saying saying left without a sound just like the wind.
.
"My heart had already been so broken a few more breaks wouldn't matter." Ethan said as he smiled and looked forward and saw Irene finally sleeping peacefully but she wasn't the only one in the room and there was someone sitting beside her with one of his hand combing jer hair and the other keeping in check her vines.
.
"Who is that? And what is he doing?" He thought as he tried to get a closer view but stopped as he noticed the red glow on that person's eyes and the moon that just came out showed its line on his face making his white hair shine like sliver and his gloomy eyes to shin brighter.
.
"His Highness..." Ethan murmered as he went back to where he was standing and paid attention to his steps making sure not to let Alan know about his presence and look at what he was going to do.
.
"Save---Me---" Irene who was still having trouble murmered as she held onto Alan's hand tightly.
"Shh, clam down Irene, it's fine. Ia here with you." Alan said as he touched her forhead and
performened purification hoping that would cleanse her soul and also the black magic present in her body but unluckily it wasn't enough and Irene was no way bear peace yet.
.
"I am in pain! Please stop coming after me!! Please stop!!" Irene said as she hit her back of the head on the pillow with warm tears flowing down her eyes and getting socked by the pillow.
.
"My purification isn't enough for her to be in less pain..." Alan said with regret in his eyes and
Bitting his lower lip while tighting his grip on her hands.
"Irene, forgive me....I am so useless....I can't cure you or can I lessen your pain and my empathic helaing won't work on this nightmares. I am completely helpless..." He said while a tear for the first time seeing her in pain red down his chin while on the tree trunk Ethan was more than shocked to see him like this.
.
"His Highness...is crying?" Ethan said as he felt a tight suppressen on his chest which made him loose the balance and fall of the tree but luckily he didn't hurt himself although he did hear soem familiar chuckles from the bushes.
.
"Lady Carot is that you?" Ethan said as he dusted off the dirt from his coat and stood on his two feets with a slight cut near his eyebrows.
.
"Wow! Now you can recognize me even through my voice that impressive!" Violet said with her bright energy and happy face which made Ethan even more uncomfortable.
"What are you so happy about?" Ethan asked as he walked towards her with his usual tone and manner and of course a perfect fake smile.
.
"Maybe because the weather had been good lately with right amount of heat and cold and of course since the training is about to end and being free form this everyday schedule is everything to me." Violet said with a bright face that made it even more impossible for him to ask her any questions regarding the dark magicians and Irene.
.
"I see that good then looks like even you don't really wish to rule this empire." Ethan too joked half heartdly to not ruin the mood.
.
"While one doesn't always need to be the queen to rule does she? Sometimes tricks can be played even while hiding and planning each and every moment." She answered him in her own way making nothing but silence to be heard which was only broken when a group of palce maids passed through them.
.
"Looks like you are quite tired today. Sleep well and we can talk next time." Violet noticing that he was not quiet in his spirits today said while walking past him but she wasn't able to do so as a strong yet careful grip was felt on her wrist which belonged to no other than Ethan.
overacting.. " Irene said to Ashton by pushing him from behind.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
"Your Highness, how could a humble subject like me ask for such a help form the royal family." Irene asked as she thought of just pulling their leg.
.
"Well if it's Lady Winter then anything is possible." Brazen said as he stood near Sofia.
"Really and why is that?" Princess Sofia asked as she held Brazen hands and smiled at him sweetly.
"Well that's a bit of secret, I will tell you some time in the future." Brazen said as Sofia pouted and everyone started out laughing.
.
"I would love to talk and joke around but today I am in a bit of hurry, so please excuse us." Irene said as she bowed towards them and glanced at Ash who was doing the same thing as her.
.
"Hmm, I feel bad for saying goodbye so early but please clear your schedule someday so that we could hangout together!" Brazen said as he looked at her and felt a intense gaze in his shoulders.
"(Alan said he won't be able to present here since he got some urgent work but the strong gaze in my shoulders say otherwise-)" Brazen thought as he turned around with a smrik in his face.
.
But as he saw the owner of that intense gaze his smirk dissapered and he was kinda shocked.
"Lady Smith, you are here too?" He still tried to act normal for once and talked with her but in place of an answer all he got was a cold shoulder.11
.
"She has been standing there for a while now, it's you who didn't notice her." Alfred who seemed quite gloomy today said as he bugged him.
"Really? That--That's probably because I didn't sleep well last night. So, I am a bit confused." He said while stammering trying to make up some excuse bit none of them worked on Molly.
.
"Brother are you a fool?" Sofia asked as she let go of his hand and stood at a proper distance form him.
"What are you talking about?" He asked with with confused face. (A/N: This conversation is happening between both Brazen and Sofia and they are practically whispering into each other ears.)
.
"I will tell you later, for now maintain some distance between us and don't open your mouth." She said softly into his ears while his eyes were fixed at Molly who was biding Farewell to Irene by embracing her into a warm hug.
.
"Farewell to everyone." Irene said ad she first entered the carriage.
"Thanking for your hospitality." Ash said as he entered the carriage too and closed to door with a thump sound making everyone to jump.
.
"Ash you will break the door like that." Irene said as she scolded Ash who just stayed quiet and waited until they were finally out if the castle.
"Sister tell me freely now, did naughtiness unusual happend at your stay at the palace? Even if a little one just tell me." Ash said as he tightly held onto Irene's hands and his eyes were fixed at her not in the mood to move anywhere.
.
"Ash clam down, nothing happend at my stay there and it's biggest prove is me sitting inform of you fit and fine." Irene replied back without any form of hesitation in her voice although deep down she was hiding lots of things which were troubling here too.
.
"Really? Are you not hiding anything?" Ash who is well aware about his sister's personality asked again as his grip on her hands tightened.
"Ash what would I get form lying? Even if I have soem problems won't hiding it bring more headace to me?" Irene said as she removed his hands and gave him a *enough* look.
.
"...I see if thats the case then I am relieved..." Ash said as he gave out a long sigh and a relaxed expression formed at his face.
"Why? Where you worried about me?" Irene asked as she looked at him while he nodded his head.
.
"Who won't be worried, when thier sister is living at an somehow unknown place with unknown people and unknown rules and regulations?" Ash said as he raised one of his eyebrows and fixed his brown hair which were a but messy.
.
"Yeah Yeah, for one second I almost thought that you are the older one and I am the younger one here." Irene joked as she shrugged her shoulders and with that bickering in process. They reached the winter mansion which all decorated probably in the name of her return.
.
"Wow! I didn't even make to top 3 and yet everyone is so happy with my return?" Irene asked as she glanced at Ash.
"Sister, for us it's you who is important not any title and win." Ash said as he walked walked through carriage and forwarded his head towards her so she could also come down.
.
"Welcome back our Lady." All the servants said at once as rose petals fell on top of her.
"....This----"
"My Lady we missed you a lot! Please don't leave us again!" A young maid who was handpicked by Irene herself said as she almost broke into tears.
.
"Don't cry---" Irene said as she tried to console her but just then she felt a tap on her shoulders and when she turned around she saw a new face.
.
"Welcome back Lady Winter." That little being not yet confirmed I'd boy or girl said as she presented her a bouquet of flowers which were a bit messy and it was understandable why? That little one had messy line all over her hand which clearly meant that she was the one who made that bouquet.
.
"Umm, thank you for such a beautiful bouquet...and may I know who you are?" Irene asked as she smiled at her.
"Sister, that's my playmate." Ashton said form behind as he looked at her hands which were all messy.
.
"Look at your hands, how messy. Didn't you apply medicine in it?" Ashton asked as he Ed her hand and checked it.
"I was about too after welcoming Lady winter." She said in her tiny voice which was sweet and pleasing to hear.
.
"Sister , I'm feeling hungry " Ashton said to Irene , by touching his belly.
" I do not have anything right now ." Irene replied .
" I am always concern about you , but you can't even serve me food , even a chocolate. " Ashton
said to Irene .
" OK,OK, why are you
"Brazen, the only reason I let him go was because everyone of us has the right to protect our dear ones...and it also implies on Ethan and Lady Carot." Alan answered to him without breaking their eye contact.
And a complete silence which showed the ultimate defeat of Brazen filled the room.
.
"Protect the dear ones....even though it means breaking your own heart!...I don't understand it." Brazen said as he left the room with a loud bang.
"Brazen---"
"Let him go, he will come back once he cools off." His Holiness said as he walked towards him and made him sit down.
.
*sigh* "Your Holiness...Did I say something wrong?" Alan asked as he covered his face with his hands with a gloomy face.
"Absolutely not, what you said was right. Everyone has the right to protect to their loved ones, and everyone knows that kpayyer how coy Prince Brazen looks he not so much of a sentimental person, so for him understanding this things is of course hard." His Holiness said as he looked at the sky changing its colour.
.
"Looks like the sun is about to set, Your Highness I must report to the temple now. Please excuse me." His Holiness said as he glanced at Alan who just closed his eyes after listening to his words.
.
"Then see you later." Saying that he too disappeared in thin air leaving a confused Alan alone in that wide room.
"Its painful....my heart it feels like it would tear apart." Alan said as he clenched on to his left chest with a sad expression in his face.
.
While one side of the royal ground, The crown Prince was busy with the internal conflicts, on the other side Irene was busy fighting with he monsters inside her head.
.
~Irene, why didn't you save me~
~Irene!!!~
All the voices that sounded cold and in pain were as clear as crystal ringing inside her ear.
With nothing but bloody dreams playing again and again in her inward eye.
.
"Leave me---Leave me alone---I--I don't know you all---Leave me!!" Irene sleep murmered with sweat flowing down her forhead and pale body that shivered with every single blow of wind.
"Someone stop them-‐‐Someone----please stop them----" Irene murmered again and this time she opened her started tossing and turning around but those movements soon stopped and she started coughing in between while struggling to breath as if someone has caught her throat.
.
"Leav---LEAVE ME!!" Irene shouted on top of her lungs as she finally opened her eyes and started started breath heavily with her eyes being all bloodshot.
"---It started---It started once again---'" She said while clenching onto the bed sheets and trembling eyeballs and body.
.
"Why? Why is this happening to me? Someone please stop this!!" She said again while covering her body with the blanket as tears fo fear sttred to flow down her eyes.
"I am afraid. I am afraid of all this bloody dream....please someone stop them!!" She silently screamed inside the blanket and cried her hear out keeping in mind her voice doesn't go out.
.
"Do you feel bad for her now?" Brazen who followed Ethan said as he looked at him soying at Irene who was going through another nightmare.
"What are you doing here?" A surprised Ethan asked while he almost lost his balance formt he tree trunk thanks to his sudden appearance.
.
"I followed you just in case you end up doing something you shouldn't....like becoming a part of the opppreser." Brazen said in a cold tone and rage in his eyes to which Ethan could only accept and Lower his head.
.
"Prince Brazen you shouldn't worry about me....although I am giving my protection to Lady Carot I am still his highness prince Alan Knight and for me he the most important person....instead how about you look after Lady Winter,...she doesn't look good to me." Ethan said with a pair of worried eyes that gnawed at Irene once and then drifted towards the room where Lady Carot was staying which had its lights closed with no sound and energy.
.
"And who do you think is the reason behind this? See for yourself, the laughing and happy child we saw a few years back and now crying and begging for life.....tell me do you think she deserves this after everything she has done for her?" Brazen asked in a serious voice ad he pulled his sword towards Ethan who couldn't answer any of his question which though harsh were still bitter truth none could left unseen.
.
"Your Highness, not only Lady witner but no human deserves this....but it's still not fully proven that the one behind all this is Lady Caort so I would like it if the Prince stop charging towards her every single time." Ethan said as he looked at Brazen directly to which as a reply Brazen just scoffed and patted his shoulders.
.
"...Accuse you mean....Ethan my dear friend....I am sorry to say this but your heart is going to be broken every painfully...*removes his hands* Good luck with protecting your loved ones...." Brazen saying saying left without a sound just like the wind.
.
"My heart had already been so broken a few more breaks wouldn't matter." Ethan said as he smiled and looked forward and saw Irene finally sleeping peacefully but she wasn't the only one in the room and there was someone sitting beside her with one of his hand combing jer hair and the other keeping in check her vines.
.
"Who is that? And what is he doing?" He thought as he tried to get a closer view but stopped as he noticed the red glow on that person's eyes and the moon that just came out showed its line on his face making his white hair shine like sliver and his gloomy eyes to shin brighter.
.
"His Highness..." Ethan murmered as he went back to where he was standing and paid attention to his steps making sure not to let Alan know about his presence and look at what he was going to do.
.
"Save---Me---" Irene who was still having trouble murmered as she held onto Alan's hand tightly.
"Shh, clam down Irene, it's fine. Ia here with you." Alan said as he touched her forhead and
performened purification hoping that would cleanse her soul and also the black magic present in her body but unluckily it wasn't enough and Irene was no way bear peace yet.
.
"I am in pain! Please stop coming after me!! Please stop!!" Irene said as she hit her back of the head on the pillow with warm tears flowing down her eyes and getting socked by the pillow.
.
"My purification isn't enough for her to be in less pain..." Alan said with regret in his eyes and
Bitting his lower lip while tighting his grip on her hands.
"Irene, forgive me....I am so useless....I can't cure you or can I lessen your pain and my empathic helaing won't work on this nightmares. I am completely helpless..." He said while a tear for the first time seeing her in pain red down his chin while on the tree trunk Ethan was more than shocked to see him like this.
.
"His Highness...is crying?" Ethan said as he felt a tight suppressen on his chest which made him loose the balance and fall of the tree but luckily he didn't hurt himself although he did hear soem familiar chuckles from the bushes.
.
"Lady Carot is that you?" Ethan said as he dusted off the dirt from his coat and stood on his two feets with a slight cut near his eyebrows.
.
"Wow! Now you can recognize me even through my voice that impressive!" Violet said with her bright energy and happy face which made Ethan even more uncomfortable.
"What are you so happy about?" Ethan asked as he walked towards her with his usual tone and manner and of course a perfect fake smile.
.
"Maybe because the weather had been good lately with right amount of heat and cold and of course since the training is about to end and being free form this everyday schedule is everything to me." Violet said with a bright face that made it even more impossible for him to ask her any questions regarding the dark magicians and Irene.
.
"I see that good then looks like even you don't really wish to rule this empire." Ethan too joked half heartdly to not ruin the mood.
.
"While one doesn't always need to be the queen to rule does she? Sometimes tricks can be played even while hiding and planning each and every moment." She answered him in her own way making nothing but silence to be heard which was only broken when a group of palce maids passed through them.
.
"Looks like you are quite tired today. Sleep well and we can talk next time." Violet noticing that he was not quiet in his spirits today said while walking past him but she wasn't able to do so as a strong yet careful grip was felt on her wrist which belonged to no other than Ethan.
overacting.. " Irene said to Ashton by pushing him from behind.
"Your Highness, how could a humble subject like me ask for such a help form the royal family."Irene asked as she thought of just pulling their leg.."Well if it's Lady Winter then anything is possible."Brazen said as he stood near Sofia."Really and why is that?"Princess Sofia asked as she held Brazen hands and smiled at him sweetly."Well that's a bit of secret, I will tell you some time in the future."Brazen said as Sofia pouted and everyone started out laughing.."I would love to talk and joke around but today I am in a bit of hurry, so please excuse us."Irene said as she bowed towards them and glanced at Ash who was doing the same thing as her.."Hmm, I feel bad for saying goodbye so early but please clear your schedule someday so that we could hangout together!"Brazen said as he looked at her and felt a intense gaze in his shoulders."Alan said he won't be able to present here since he got some urgent work but the strong gaze in my shoulders say otherwise-"Brazen thought as he turned around with a smrik in his face..But as he saw the owner of that intense gaze his smirk dissapered and he was kinda shocked."Lady Smith, you are here too?"He still tried to act normal for once and talked with her but in place of an answer all he got was a cold shoulder.11."She has been standing there for a while now, it's you who didn't notice her."Alfred who seemed quite gloomy today said as he bugged him."Really? That--That's probably because I didn't sleep well last night. So, I am a bit confused." He said while stammering trying to make up some excuse bit none of them worked on Molly.."Brother are you a fool?"Sofia asked as she let go of his hand and stood at a proper distance form him."What are you talking about?"He asked with with confused face. A/N: This conversation is happening between both Brazen and Sofia and they are practically whispering into each other ears.."I will tell you later, for now maintain some distance between us and don't open your mouth."Shesaid softly into his ears while his eyes were fixed at Molly who was biding Farewell to Irene by embracing her into a warm hug.."Farewell to everyone."Irene said ad she first entered the carriage."Thanking for your hospitality."Ash said as he entered the carriage too and closed to door with a thumpsound making everyone to jump.."Ash you will break the door like that."Irene said as she scolded Ash who just stayed quiet and waited until they were finally out if the castle."Sister tell me freely now, did naughtiness unusual happend at your stay at the palace? Even if a little one just tell me."Ash said as he tightly held onto Irene's hands and his eyes were fixed at her not in the mood to move anywhere.."Ash clam down, nothing happend at my stay there and it's biggest prove is me sitting inform of you fit and fine."Irene replied back without any form of hesitation in her voice although deep down she was hiding lots of things which were troubling here too.."Really? Are you not hiding anything?"Ash who is well aware about his sister's personality asked again as his grip on her hands tightened."Ash what would I get form lying? Even if I have soem problems won't hiding it bring more headace to me?"Irene said as she removed his hands and gave him a *enough* look.."...I see if thats the case then I am relieved..."Ash said as he gave out a long sigh and a relaxed expression formed at his face."Why? Where you worried about me?"Irene asked as she looked at him while he nodded his head.."Who won't be worried, when thier sister is living at an somehow unknown place with unknown people and unknown rules and regulations?"Ash said as he raised one of his eyebrows and fixed his brown hair which were a but messy.."Yeah Yeah, for one second I almost thought that you are the older one and I am the younger one here."Irene joked as she shrugged her shoulders and with that bickering in process. They reached the winter mansion which all decorated probably in the name of her return.."Wow! I didn't even make to top 3 and yet everyone is so happy with my return?"Irene asked as she glanced at Ash."Sister, for us it's you who is important not any title and win."Ash said as he walked walked through carriage and forwarded his head towards her so she could also come down.."Welcome back our Lady."All the servants said at once as rose petals fell on top of her."....This----""My Lady we missed you a lot! Please don't leave us again!"A young maid who was handpicked by Irene herself said as she almost broke into tears.."Don't cry---"Irene said as she tried to console her but just then she felt a tap on her shoulders and when she turned around she saw a new face.."Welcome back Lady Winter."That little being not yet confirmed I'd boy or girl said as she presented her a bouquet of flowers which were a bit messy and it was understandable why? That little one had messy line all over her hand which clearly meant that she was the one who made that bouquet.."Umm, thank you for such a beautiful bouquet...and may I know who you are?"Irene asked as she smiled at her."Sister, that's my playmate."Ashton said form behind as he looked at her hands which were all messy.."Look at your hands, how messy. Didn't you apply medicine in it?"Ashton asked as he Ed her hand and checked it."I was about too after welcoming Lady winter."She said in her tiny voice which was sweet and pleasing to hear.."Sister , I'm feeling hungry "Ashton said to Irene , by touchinghis belly."I do not have anything right now ." Irene replied ."I am always concern about you , but you can't even serve me food , even a chocolate. "Ashtonsaid to Irene ." OK,OK, why are you"Brazen, the only reason I let him go was because everyone of us has the right to protect our dear ones...and it also implies on Ethan and Lady Carot." Alan answered to him without breaking their eye contact.And a complete silence which showed the ultimate defeat of Brazen filled the room.."Protect the dear ones....even though it means breaking your own heart!...I don't understand it."Brazen said as he left the room with a loud bang."Brazen---""Let him go, he will come back once he cools off."His Holiness said as he walked towards him and made him sit down..*sigh* "Your Holiness...Did I say somethingwrong?"Alan asked as he covered his face with his hands with a gloomy face."Absolutely not, what you said was right. Everyone has the right to protect to their loved ones, and everyone knows that kpayyer how coy Prince Brazen looks he not so much of a sentimental person, so for him understanding this things is of course hard."His Holiness said as he looked at the sky changing its colour.."Looks like the sun is about to set, Your Highness I must report to the temple now. Please excuse me."His Holiness said as he glanced at Alan who just closed his eyes after listening to his words.."Then see you later."Saying that he too disappeared in thin air leaving a confused Alan alone in that wide room."Its painful....my heart it feels like it would tear apart."Alan said as he clenched on to his left chest with a sad expression in his face..While one side of the royal ground, The crown Prince was busy with the internal conflicts, on the other side Irene was busy fighting with he monsters inside her head..~Irene, why didn't you save me~~Irene!!!~All the voices that sounded cold and in pain were as clear as crystal ringing inside her ear.With nothing but bloody dreams playing again and again in her inward eye.."Leave me---Leave me alone---I--I don't know you all---Leave me!!"Irene sleep murmered with sweat flowing down her forhead and pale body that shivered with every single blow of wind."Someone stop them-Someone----please stop them----"Irene murmered again and this time she opened her started tossing and turning around but those movements soon stopped and she started coughing in between while struggling to breath as if someone has caught her throat.."Leav---LEAVE ME!!"Irene shouted on top of her lungs as she finally opened her eyes and started started breath heavily with her eyes being all bloodshot."---It started---It started once again---'"She said while clenching onto the bed sheets and trembling eyeballs and body.."Why? Why is this happening to me? Someone please stop this!!"She said again while covering her body with the blanket as tears fo fear sttred to flow down her eyes."I am afraid. I am afraid of all this bloody dream....please someone stop them!!"She silently screamed inside the blanket and cried her hear out keeping in mind her voice doesn't go out.."Do you feel bad for her now?"Brazen who followed Ethan said as he looked at him soying at Irene who was going through another nightmare."What are you doing here?"A surprised Ethan asked while he almost lost his balance formt he tree trunk thanks to his sudden appearance.."I followed you just in case you end up doing something you shouldn't....like becoming a part of the opppreser." Brazen said in a cold tone and rage in his eyes to which Ethan could only accept and Lower his head.."Prince Brazen you shouldn't worry about me....although I am giving my protection to Lady Carot I am still his highness prince Alan Knight and for me he the most important person....instead how about you look after Lady Winter,...she doesn'tlook good to me."Ethan said with a pair of worried eyes that gnawed at Irene once and then drifted towards the room where Lady Carot was staying which had its lights closed with no sound and energy.."And who do you think is the reason behind this? See for yourself, the laughing and happy child we saw a few years back and now crying and begging for life.....tell me do you think she deserves this after everything she has done for her?"Brazen asked in a serious voice ad he pulled his sword towards Ethan who couldn't answer any of his question which though harsh were still bitter truth none could left unseen.."Your Highness, not only Lady witner but no human deserves this....but it's still not fully proven that the one behind all this is Lady Caort so I would like it if the Prince stop charging towards her every single time."Ethan said as he looked at Brazen directly to which as a reply Brazen just scoffed and patted his shoulders.."...Accuse you mean....Ethan my dear friend....I am sorry to say this but your heart is going to be broken every painfully...*removes his hands* Good luck with protecting your loved ones...."Brazen saying saying left without a sound just like the wind.."My heart had already been so broken a few more breaks wouldn't matter."Ethan said as he smiled and looked forward and saw Irene finally sleeping peacefully but she wasn't the only one in the room and there was someone sitting beside her with one of his hand combing jer hair and the other keeping in check her vines.."Who is that? And what is he doing?"He thought as he tried to get a closer view but stopped as he noticed the red glow on that person's eyes and the moon that just came out showed its line on his face making his white hair shine like sliver and his gloomy eyes to shin brighter.."His Highness..."Ethan murmered as he went back to where he was standing and paid attention to his steps making sure not to let Alan know about his presence and look at what he was going to do.."Save---Me---"Irene who was still having trouble murmered as she held onto Alan's hand tightly."Shh, clam down Irene, it's fine. Ia here with you."Alan said as he touched her forhead andperformened purification hoping that would cleanse her soul and also the black magic present in her body but unluckily it wasn't enough and Irene was no way bear peace yet.."I am in pain! Please stop coming after me!! Please stop!!"Irene said as she hit her back of the head on the pillow with warm tears flowing down her eyes and getting socked by the pillow.."My purification isn't enough for her to be in less pain..."Alan said with regret in his eyes andBitting his lower lip while tighting his grip on her hands."Irene, forgive me....I am so useless....I can't cure you or can I lessen your pain and my empathic helaing won't work on this nightmares. I am completely helpless..."He said while a tear for the first time seeing her in pain red down his chin while on the tree trunk Ethan was more than shocked to see him like this.."His Highness...is crying?"Ethan said as he felt a tight suppressen on his chest which made him loose the balance and fall of the tree but luckily he didn't hurt himself although he did hear soem familiar chuckles from the bushes.."Lady Carot is that you?"Ethan said as he dusted off the dirt from his coat and stood on his two feets with a slight cut near his eyebrows.."Wow! Now you can recognize me even through my voice that impressive!"Violet said with her bright energy and happy face which made Ethan even more uncomfortable."What are you so happy about?"Ethan asked as he walked towards her with his usual tone and manner and of course a perfect fake smile.."Maybe because the weather had been good lately with right amount of heat and cold and of course since the training is about to end and being free form this everyday schedule is everything to me."Violet said with a bright face that made it even more impossible for him to ask her any questions regarding the dark magicians and Irene.."I see that good then looks like even you don't really wish to rule this empire." Ethan too joked half heartdly to not ruin the mood.."While one doesn't always need to be the queen to rule does she? Sometimes tricks can be played even while hiding and planning each and every moment."She answered him in her own way making nothing but silence to be heard which was only broken when a group of palce maids passed through them.."Looks like you are quite tired today. Sleep well and we can talk next time."Violet noticing that he was not quiet in his spirits today said while walking past him but she wasn't able to do so as a strong yet careful grip was felt on her wrist which belonged to no other than Ethan.overacting.. " Irene said to Ashton by pushing him from behind.
