III. The Impact of Her

~ Thirty-One ~

A long while has passed and I was still stuck in Lord Cyrus' office.

I read each document meticulously to avoid complications in the future. I tried to keep my focus here. But something inside of me was being difficult. My mind kept thinking of Laura. I was increasingly uneasy about being away from her. And I shouldn't be feeling that way because she was accompanied by two servants and Wonder as well.

"That would be all for Wonder's release," Lord Cyrus said as he sat across from me. He rummaged through everything and anything in his table. He continued, "All that is left is your signature and everything is finished."

His words were muffled to my ears as I continued to be restless. The quill was in my hand. It was only a few inches away from where I should sign. But I couldn't move. Instead, my eyes were at the door as I hoped for her to enter.

"Is something the matter, Your Highness?" Lord Cyrus asked as he tried to get my attention.

I returned to him, my brows knitted together. "I don't know why. But I feel incredibly uneasy for a while now," I replied.

"What do you mean, Your Highness?" Lord Cyrus leaned forward as he got even more confused.

"It's as if something wrong is bound to happen," I said as I struggled to find words to express my emotions. The only thing that was on my mind was Laura.

Lord Cyrus stayed quiet for a bit. Then, in a cheerful tone, he answered, "Perhaps, you are just nervous, Your Highness. To lose a beloved champion and to choose another is not an easy decision. But I am certain that Lady will be happy with your decision."

I looked up to meet his gaze. I tried so hard to believe his words.

'Was it possible that I was only afraid to upset Lady's spirit?' I thought to myself.

Lady would want me to be happy. I was told that many times. However, to choose a new champion felt like I had forsaken her and everything that we shared.

"Your Highness," Lord Cyrus spoke, which removed me from my swirling thoughts, "There is no need to fear a new chapter. Lady meant a great deal to you. No one and nothing can change that," he looked earnestly into my eyes. He continued, "However, to remain in the past is to die as well. You will not be able to move forward. You will always believe that she does not want that for you."

As I listened carefully to his explanation, I somehow found myself believing his words. Lady would never want a miserable life for me. I shared so many fond memories with her. And they would be cherished until my last breath. But I should move forward with my life.

Lady would always have a special place in my heart.

After a bit of thought, I nodded with a smile. "I may have been overthinking too much. I apologise if I am in such a state. I am still in shock about everything that has happened," I explained.

Lord Cyrus chuckled as he laid back on his chair. "You simply acknowledged your emotions, Your Highness. You have nothing to worry about," he replied. "We are all created with our hearts and own minds. You are allowed to feel defeat after such a heavy loss. Now, if you can sign all the needed documents, that will be perfect. We can also return to your new champion and the lady Laura."

"Of course." The quill finally landed on the paper as I signed.

Lord Cyrus took the documents and marked two seals beside my legislation. One seal represented his stables and the other represented the royal family. He then rolled the documents into scrolls and slid it through elongated, wooden tubes.

"Here you are, Your Highness," Lord Cyrus said as he handed the wooden containers to me.

I smiled as I shook hands with him. "Thank you for your help, Lord Cyrus."