Chapter 6

Exactly a month ago, Scarlett left the kingdom in a hurry—all because she was avoiding Zuha.

Although the main reason was to secure a treaty with the neighboring kingdom in hopes of helping Common City, Scarlett hadn't expected to be gone this long.

She was now traveling back to her own kingdom.

"Fuck. My head hurts."

Scarlett didn't curse often, but this time, she needed it.

The journey had been exhausting, and to top it off, she had to accompany the princess from the kingdom where the treaty was signed.

"That was exhausting." She had spent all her energy interacting and negotiating.

The princess even showed interest in her, but Scarlett made it clear from the start: she was only after the agreement. Nothing more.

Thankfully, the other princess understood and played along. That kingdom needed the treaty too—compliance was their only option.

The Queen... might get enraged if she finds out about this, Scarlett thought.

But this was only the first step in helping Common City. She wouldn't be fazed by the Queen's terrifying aura.

She smiled as they entered the castle gates. It had been so long, she almost forgot she had left something valuable behind.

How is she doing?

Without wasting a second, Princess Scarlett entered the castle and asked the servants who greeted her, "Have you seen Zuha?"

All of them pointed in the direction of her room.

She didn't even thank them. She rushed there, heart pounding.

She quietly opened the door. As her eyes scanned the room, she saw her—Zuha—cleaning the windows.

Her smile faded.

She looked at her from head to toe, and it hit her—this wasn't the Zuha she remembered.

It had only been a month, yet the weight loss was already visible.

What happened while I was gone?

"Your Highness... You're back."

Her voice—it was full of sadness.

"Zuha..."

Scarlett stepped closer, but to her surprise, Zuha stepped back, as if she were a threat.

"Your change of clothes is ready. I'll be waiting outside. Please call me if you need anything."

Scarlett didn't even get a proper look at her face—Zuha only looked at the floor.

But then, just before walking out, Zuha turned and gave her a smile.

That's when she saw them. The dark circles under her eyes.

Zuha stepped out of the room, leaving Scarlett in a suffocating silence.

"Ray... maybe he knows something. I need to find him."

Scarlett lost her composure. She sprinted down the halls toward Ray's room, hair flying, thoughts a mess.

"Scarlett?! The fuck—what happened to you?"

Ray opened the door. He stepped aside and let her in.

"Why does Zuha look like that?"

Ray nearly pissed himself. The coldness in her voice—he had never heard it like that before. Sweat began gathering on his forehead.

"I… I don't know. I swear." He said as his eyes darted around the room, avoiding hers at all costs.

"You were gone for a month. What did you expect? That she'd welcome you with open arms?" It was an excuse—but it was also the truth.

Scarlett's chest tightened.

"Shit. I should've sent a letter… but I couldn't, because of that damn princess!"

Ray covered his mouth.

This was the first time he'd seen his sister fall apart.

Now, he could only pray that Scarlett wouldn't find out what Zuha had been told—

Lies.

***