Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 42==Words Left In My Head==

"It's true, My Lady,"

Virgo affirmed, her voice a soft murmur as she meticulously sorted through a stack of paperwork. I sat opposite her, happily savoring a dessert, the sweet flavors a welcome distraction from the weight of my thoughts. We were in my office, a sanctuary within Moonlight, where I sought both refuge and answers about certain individuals.

"Then... who was the fiancée? The one Queen Lilith killed?" I pressed, watching Virgo hesitate, her gaze distant, before she drew a deep breath.

"Archduchess Rowena's older sister, Princess Lillian."

My spoon clattered softly against the porcelain plate. The revelation hit me like a physical blow. So, this was the reason behind the palpable animosity between Archduchess Rowena and Queen Lilith. It suddenly made sense why a hushed tension had fallen over the crowd when the two had exchanged heated words in front of me.

"But why did she choose to kill the supposed queen of the Northern Kingdom when there were other thrones she could conquer?"

"The most realistic reason is that she loved the late King and eliminated the princess to have him all to herself. But..." Virgo's voice trailed off again.

"But?" I prompted, leaning forward.

"But... Princess Diana possesses magic. Though it was never revealed to the public, your grandmother took her in. We helped her control her abilities and, of course, monitored her constantly. That's why we always wondered whether Queen Lilith knew about Princess Diana's magic or not," she explained, leaving me momentarily speechless.

"The Archduchess and the late Princess were incredibly close. It pained her deeply that someone would kill her sister just for the title of Queen," Virgo added, her voice laced with empathy.

"But then, why didn't the Archduchess invade or conquer the Northern Kingdom? She has far more power, especially with the Southern Kingdom's support," I questioned, a fresh wave of confusion washing over me. Virgo paused, considering my words.

"Because... King Frederick is the late King's son. Though it wasn't publicly known, the late King and Archduchess Rowena were cousins," she revealed. My eyes widened, blinking as I struggled to process this unexpected twist.

"Ehh?!"

"But I can assure you, Princess Diana is adopted. She has no blood relation to them whatsoever. She was adopted by the Southern Royal Family specifically because she has magic. There's no incest going on here," Virgo quickly clarified, and I nodded, reassured.

"Still, I think there's something off about Queen Lilith. There's something about her that I can't quite pinpoint... she's just so weird," I mused, a shiver running down my spine as I recalled my brief encounters with the Queen.

"She's like that with everyone, actually. That's why she's practically banned from Moonlight. People tend to be intimidated and scared of her," Virgo explained. But even with her explanation, I felt a prickle of unease. Something still didn't add up.

"Hmm... I think there's something you know about her, Virgo," I stated, noticing her almost imperceptible flinch. I rose from my chair, my smaller stature notwithstanding, reminding myself that I was their master.

"You know something about Queen Lilith. Tell me what you know," I commanded, my voice firm. Virgo paused for a second, then offered a small, hesitant smile.

"Though it's not confirmed, there are rumors that Queen Lilith is one of Kahli's subordinates. She emanates a dark aura, which is likely why you feel something is off about her," she finally confessed. I nodded slowly, a chill seeping into my bones.

"But do you think she knows where Kahli was sealed?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"She doesn't. Using the Zodiac's magic, it's incredibly difficult to track down the sealed traitor. That's why she rarely leaves the Northern Kingdom; she knows it's impossible to locate Kahli unless... you help her," Virgo explained, her eyes locking onto mine.

A realization, cold and sharp, pierced through me.

"Is that why... the Northern King wants to marry me?" I asked, my voice barely audible. Virgo simply nodded, confirming my worst fears.

"That's why we've done our best to delay him from proposing to you. You'd be nothing more than a puppet, My Lady," she explained, her voice grave.

"But... if possible, do you have feelings for him?" she asked, her gaze unwavering.

"I do not!" I vehemently denied the accusation. "I was just confused as to why the Northern Kingdom is so adamant about marrying me when we've never even interacted." How could I possibly have feelings for a man I'd only just met? Yet, a strange flicker ignited within me when we were in each other's presence.

"I see. You truly have no plans for romance," she said, her voice softening as she tidied the remaining papers on my desk.

"I—"

"I love you."

"My Muse."

"—hate romance... It makes me feel weak and vulnerable," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper, as the most painful words from my past resurfaced, twisting in my heart.

"I understand," Virgo said, her voice gentle, not pressing further, seeing the distress etched on my face.

Is he really him?

That single question echoed in my mind as we continued our work, the unspoken thoughts hanging heavy in the air.