T K H C

🍁 Chapter 13

Madame DeJoue had told me that Julien was sad.

My heart hurt for the prince who could not cry for himself. His voice was low and resigned, and I felt my tears spill over on his behalf.

Silence reigned between us as Julien stared at me and I cried soundlessly. A small hand touched my cheek.

I leaned on that hand, which carefully wiped away my tears. Did they start him on sword classes as soon as he was old enough to hold a sword? His hands were callused.

That also made me upset. Why did a young child have to bear such a heavy burden, suffer such wounds?

“Why are you crying…?”

“Because you won’t.”

Julien had to wear long sleeves even in the summer. Underneath, I could see a red bruise, and I sobbed.

I grabbed the hand that was still on my cheek and put it down. Holding that small hand in mine, I cried, unable to stop.

***

Julien had fallen asleep. His white shirt was light enough that I could see the bruises under it. After carefully applying the medicine, I put a blanket over him and left.

“Madame DeJoue, I’m done.”

Madame DeJoue had been waiting for me by the carriage. She opened the door for me to enter. “Shall we go back now?”
“Yes.”

It was almost the time I promised Carol I would return. If I didn’t make it, Carol would be anxious.

“Have you finished buying off the servants of the crown prince?”

“They will act according to your will.”

I stared at the cabin on the mountain where the orange lamp was lit for a long time. I couldn’t take my eyes off of it until it finally went out of sight.

“Please tell them to mind the prince’s diet and health. He’ll try to avoid showing his wounds to them, so they must take special care. Also, we should prepare bath products with medicinal properties. Who is in charge of the prince’s bath?”

“It’s one of the Empress’s people.”

“Then we’ll have to do these without letting that person know. Madame DeJoue, will this be difficult?”

Madame DeJoue quietly shook her head. I was really glad that she was by my side.

“The only trouble I have is you, my lady.”

The air had changed. I scratched my head and smiled awkwardly as she looked at me.

Um, what did I do?

***

“Sharon!”

Carol had been sitting on the steps, waiting with her chin on her hands, but she jumped up and ran toward me as soon as she saw us.

Why was she sitting there? Her bottom was probably cold.

I received Carol’s embrace and turned to Madame DeJoue.

“Please find a carpet that would suit the stairs,” I requested.

“Of course, my lady.”

We were getting to all of the corners of the mansion, one by one. Soon, there would be no place that didn’t have our touch on it.

“So, what happened with Julien?” Carol asked. “Is he okay?”

“Yeah. It was nothing. But anyway, have you finished reading the books? Why did you come out here? I won’t let you sleep in my bed if you haven’t finished reading.”