The Oreans

Chapter 23

Chapter 23
Archduke Guilem's Invitation

"Erin," Miel's voice rang clear from the doorway of her chamber.

"Come in."

Miel opened the door, got in and went to where she sat, by the window.

"What's that?" Miel asked, looking at the frame she was holding.

"Mother's picture," she replied, standing up.

"You still keep one even if..."

"Yes." She placed it back on her side table. Despite what Erin had discovered, her feelings for the woman who had raised her as her own daughter had not changed. Every day, the first and last thing she did was gaze at her picture, something she had been denied doing back in the mansion.

Miel only looked at her for a while then said, "By the way, the princess wants us in her quarters."

"I'll be there in a moment."

"I'll wait for you in my room. Call me if you're ready."

She watched as her friend left. She knew Miel pitied her. She should have told her she shouldn't because she was content at the moment.

After her mother's death, Erin had never thought she would ever be happy again. The day she had moved into the ReinrosePalace she began to feel the freedom she had long been longing for. The regent often sent for her. Apparently, he did not know that she was not his granddaughter as he often commented on how much she resembled his daughter. No one censured what she did, and she received almost the same treatment as the princess, Miel's coming had given her more reason to celebrate, for now they could enjoy each other's company to their heart's content. The only drawback was they had to cover their face whenever they left Princess Roseana's apartment. Erin was not much affected though. She enjoyed being by the princess' side as the latter was really very kind.

She did not have to worry about Clartea anymore either. When upon her return, she had pressed her husband to take Erin back, Duke Elfred had refused her. He told Erin in his latest visit that she did not have to go home if it was against her will.

At the moment, nothing more weighed Erin down—nothing saved for the fact of her discovery. Sharing it with Miel had eased part of the burden. But she knew she would only be at peace once she talked it over with Duke Elfred. Only he could tell her what had become of her twin brother.

It was now a week since she had last seen her father. She knew he had been very busy in the past weeks. The investigation about the princess' abduction had not yet been concluded and, if the rumors she was hearing were correct, it was getting murkier each day. Until now, most of the knights were at work on the only lead they could follow: the Baron of Marove's involvement and his curious death, which seemed to lead to nowhere at all.

With the help of Pasha, Erin was ready in less than an hour and together with Miel headed for the princess' quarters. Princess Roseana was in her study, seated on a carpeted floor with a throw pillow as a buffer and her legs tucked under her, poring over a gigantic book. Even with the ceremonial mask, a soft black cloth hanging from below her eyes, Erin could see her welcoming smile.

"You would want to see this, young ladies," she told them as they sat on cushions, cross-legged before her.

"What's that, Your Highness?" Miel inquired.

"The Book of Florean Royal Genealogy."

"Genealogy?" Miel repeated. The term was also unfamiliar to Erin.

"It traces every member of the Florean royalty from our greatest ancestor. I found it in Father's library only last night. Come closer and have a look."