𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄

4 ✧ The Marquess

"Emil?" His name left her lips as if she's said it a thousand times before. A rush of nostalgia entered her veins as memories she never recalled played in her mind. Emil, the one that had always took care of her when they were both young. He was her solace and freedom among the hardships in her life.

She didn't realise that her feet moved on their own until she was right in front of him.

The marquess gave her a tender smile, relieved to see her. He held her hand, kneeling down to place a gentle kiss on her knuckles. "It's a blessing to see that you are well, dear princess."

A cold glare could be felt from behind them, yet he ignored it. "I came here as quick as I could when I received word of the assassination attempt." She felt him squeeze her hand gently. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there to protect you."

"I don't really remember what happened but... I'm sure you had something you needed to do," Mayari reassured him, smiling back as sweetly as she normally did whenever she was with him. "Please don't feel bad, Emil. You didn't expect that this would happen."

Sharp ruby eyes studied her for a moment. "I see... So the rumors about you having amnesia were correct."

There were rumors of that already? She wondered if patient confidentiality laws didn't exist in this era. Then again, she was lucky the doctor didn't just say she had female hysteria or was possessed by a demon. Well, it's not like she was trying to hide it. The performance had to be believable, after all.

He pulled her into a hug and the piercing glare intensified on them. "I'm just glad you still remember me."

She giggled nervously, trying her hardest to ignore Regef behind them. "Yeah... But really, you should be thanking Prince Regef for his hospitality."

Emil stepped away, letting go of the hug. He turned to the prince sitting at his desk. "Yes, we are indebted to you, Your Highness."

Mayari fidgeted at the tension in the room, somehow she could sense the hatred in the prince's gaze. She figured that she should find a way out of this situation. Her hand lightly tugged at his crimson shawl's hem. "Emil, why don't we catch up over a drink? Like the usual." She gave him a charming smile. "I've missed you greatly."

He nodded, smiling. "Very well, my princess."

Soon enough, they had found themselves in the garden once again. There was a new selection of pastries for them both to eat, as well as two glasses; one filled with wine, the other filled with a spiked strawberry milkshake.

"So," Mayari started, "How are things in Maharlika?"

Emil took a sip of his red wine. "Lots of conversation sparked when news of the assassination attempt reached Maharlika. People have been speculating about the culprits but there hasn't been any leads to who it could be," he explained, "As for your brother, he's been the most involved in the investigations so far. He hasn't had the time to make an official statement about it because of this."

Not surprising. But considering her brother occupied his time with searching for possible suspects instead of saving face, it could be that he actually cared for her. Perhaps she'll regain her memories when she saw him as well, just like what happened with Emil.

She hummed, taking a sip of her strawberry milkshake. The liqueur tasted sweet and didn't overpower the milkshake. Her throat stung just slightly at the alcohol passing through it. She's never been too much of an alcohol drinker, but getting to meet someone so important to her again was an occasion she wanted to celebrate.

"What exactly do you remember?" He asked her, as if he could hear her thoughts. His eyes fixed on her, analysing her face.

"To be honest, I only remembered you when I saw you. When I woke up, I didn't know anything at all," she answered, pursing her lips, "Regef was kind enough to explain what happened and the general basics of who I am."