Thief of Twilight

Part Two: Chapter 74

Maybe...I got a little ahead of myself. Yohan and I stood before the front gates of the palace. I gazed up at the stone wall and metal doors. The two guards who stood before us smiled before bowing their heads several times to greet me. I will admit, it was easier for me to enter the city. But as I got closer to the palace gates, I couldn't help but feel a sense of uneasiness. Is it too late to tell Yohan that I can't do this? No, I've already told him that I was ready. I can't back out now. I can't be scared forever.

"Are you ready?"

I stiffly nodded my head.

The two guards looked at one another.

Yohan took my face in his hands. "I don't want you to feel pressured. If you don't want to do this, you can tell me at any time. I don't care if it's a minute after we enter the palace or several days. I will do my best to make you comfortable."

I took a long deep breath and then nodded my head.

Yohan turned to the palace guards and nodded his head. The doors slowly opened and dozens of servants stood on the other side. Yohan and I stepped through the gate as the doors closed behind us. I knew every face that was before me. Servants, guards, chefs. My hands trembled at my sides but I knew exactly what I needed to do first.

"I am so sorry!" I quickly bowed my head. "I am so sorry for causing each of you so much trouble. I am sorry for the harm I have done. And I know that my apology won't be enough but...I...I..." I slowly raised my head to see everyone simply staring at me.

I knew it. I shouldn't have come back. I should have stayed away. This was a mistake. I shouldn't have-.

"Welcome back!"

"Welcome back, Lady Abedayo!"

The servants rushed up to me before hugging me in a mass cluster.

"We've missed you!"

"Have you been eating well?"

"Are you alright?"

"We were so worried!"

"Where did you go?"

"Why did you run off like that!"

"We looked everywhere for you and couldn't find you!"

Huh? "B-But..." I looked at each of them as they smiled down at me."But I-."

"We know you didn't mean it."

"We know that you would never do something like that on purpose."

"B-But..." I could feel the tears pouring down my face. "But I-..." I couldn't believe it.

"Oh, no!"

"Lady Abedayo, don't cry!"

"Please don't cry!"

A servant wiped my tears with a handkerchief.

"You don't have to cry anymore. We're happy that you are back! We are so happy that you have returned!"

None of them are holding any grudges against me. They are all welcoming me back with open arms.

"Oh, Lady Abedayo."

They each wrapped their arms around me and hugged me.

I couldn't help but cry.

___

"Did you hear! Lady Abedayo has returned!"

"What?"

"Where is she?"