Chant Of The Twilight

Chant XXIX

Chapter 29: The Beloved's Demise

Natigil sa pag-uusap sina Catherine at Rhysand nang makarinig sila ng magkakasunod na katok sa double door ng chamber ni Saintess Catherine.

Naglakad papunta sa pintuan ang knight escort ni Catherine. Siya na ang bumukas ng pintuan. Bumungad sa kanila si Rafian kaya agad na yumuko ang knight escort bago nilakihan ang awang ng pintuan upang makapasok si Rafian.

"Greetings, Your Majesty, Saintess Catherine," Rafian bowed.

"What brings you here? Did something happen outside?" Rhysand asked, his voice full of concern.

Bumaba ang tingin ni Catherine sa hawak na tray ni Rafian. May nakapatong na tea pot dito at isang teacup.

"No, Your Majesty. You don't have to worry. The Prince and Viscountess Achlise are safe inside the premises of your palace. Sir Albertine also volunteered to dispatch the Second Unit to guard the Silver Palace."

Patuloy na lumapit si Rafian sa kanila at ipinatong ang dalang tray sa coffee table na katapat ng Emperor.

"The Viscountess asked me to bring this to you, Your Majesty. It's a chamomile tea with green flowers seed, honey and lemon," paliwanag ni Rafian habang nagsasalin ng tea sa teacup na dala.

In just a snap, Rhysand's harsh faciacl reaction turned into soft one while staring at the tea Rafian is paying attention to. The Saintess side-eyed the Emperor.

That's it. That's the look he'd always give whenever he encounters anything that is related to Achlise Darcey.

"How is she?" Rhysand's voice was full of gentleness.

"She heard the rumors but she doesn't seem to mind. Kanina lang ay naglalakad sila ng Prinsipe sa labas ng Silver Palace," Rafian answered before handing the cup of tea of Rhysand.

"Control the rumors among the maids in the Silver Palace. Hindi si Achlise ang target ng rumor. How is my son doing as well, by the way?" tanong ni Rhysand bago sumimsim sa kaniyang tea.

"I will, Your Majesty. His Highness is doing fine as well. But it seems like he's more active during the night, he kept on crying. Kapag sinisilip ko sila ng Viscountess ay halatang nahihirapan ito sa pagpapatahan sa Prinsipe. So I reported it to Madam Rebecca and she decided to stay with them to assist the Viscountess during the night."

Umigting ang panga ni Rhysand bago ibaba ang hawak na teacup. His eyes turned cold. Halos mabasag niya na ang hawak na saucer dahil sa higpit ng pagkakahawak dito.

"Should I just kill those vassals and burn the temple? This is their fault for forcing me to participate in this damned rite that Achlise is having a hard time now," he mumbled using his cold voice.

Usually, I would help her to take care of Ishan. Salitan din kami kung gumising at magpatulog. With a few months that I have with him, I realized taking care of a baby is really exhausting. I can't even imagine Achlise doing all that alone in a year and half. That's why I adjusted my schedule to asisst her in taking care of our child. But these small insignificant fries are hindering my plan. Fucking hell.

"Your Majesty, please calm down. Madame Rebecca is doing a great job. The Yves Sisters also volunteered to spend the nights of the remaining days of the week with the Viscountess and the Prince," Rafian calmly said.