The Abandoned Princess: Promises Arc

Chapter 23

𝕾𝖔𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖔 𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖓 𝖙𝖔: 𝕭𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖇𝖞 𝕿𝖆𝖞𝖑𝖔𝖗 𝕾𝖜𝖎𝖋𝖙

***

I couldn't talk back at that moment. When the emperor announced my engagement with Caliere, he had decided about my official debut in the society. I talked to my parents about being an heir to our household title, even my father talked to the emperor, but it was no use.

Then was all of my effort of learning to wield a sword for nothing but fun? I shook my head, I couldn't let this happen. Not when I've been this far ahead.

"Milady, please drink this tea," I had forgotten that there was Anna in my room. Her voice sounded concerned and I smiled at her. I looked at the tea she brewed and it was warm.

It was indeed nostalgic. This must be a perfect day to be at ease and forget about that moment when I felt like my castle crumbled. However, no matter what I think, the emperor's words would get out of my mind.

"Anna, how's Claudius and Henry doing?" I asked as I took the comforting warmth from my cup. The sweetness of its honey collides with how the scenery portrays the outside. I waited for her response and yet, silence overwhelmed me.

I put the tea down, and gaze at Anna whose body is shivering. Were my words enough to startle her? I wanted to seek apologies, but she managed to speak.

"M-Milady, t-they've been in the same condition for three days and Doctor Brian is doing his best----"

"I know," I sighed. I continued to gaze at her and felt responsible for her shivers. I didn't know back then that she would collapse, the night I sought her help.

I hugged her for a few minutes before calming her down and then dismissing her to rest.

I know that Doctor Brian is one of the household's trusted physicians and he would never reveal any client information to others except when needed.

This couldn't just be any coincidence, not when I managed to save Henry but I also endangered Claudius.

Three days ago, the night after the emperor announced my engagement with Caliere, was also the time when Sir Francis saw Henry and Claudius lying in the forest where our household resides.

He immediately reported everything to me since Father had taken a temporary leave due to business matters, while Mother was already sound asleep.

I ordered Sir Francis to keep the matter close and secret. He first asked why and all the reason I could give him was the matter of how badly the two were injured.

I know I can trust Sir Francis that's why I said those words, but when Anna saw the scenery, she immediately collapsed on the ground. It was harsh for her to see them in that situation, and even for me.

I remembered how Claudius promised me with his life to bring back Henry but I never thought he would do everything for that promise. That night after Doctor Brian took care of the two of them, I cried alone in my room.

I almost ruined the papers that contained the events for the future, the plans I wanted to make, despite having been able to go back in the past, my hands shivered throughout that night for some familiar sense.

All I thought I could protect the ones who cared and cherished me but I never expected that there would be a great cost of changing the past, and the people I've learned to cherish would be hurt like this.

I poured everything I got for my emotions to calm down and it took me just two days after that incident to finally reclaim what I thought I wouldn't do again.