Chapter Thirty - Regrets of the Past

My father walked towards us at a slow, steady pace, supported by my mother.In front of them was a man who seemed agitated and nervous as he approached us with much bigger steps. He was around the same age as my parents and he wore fancy, high-quality clothing. His short, shiny golden hair swayed in the wind and his dark, almost black eyes were filled with complicated emotions that were hard to grasp.

„Brother." She sounded calm, almost cold. I had my suspicion, but I wasn't sure until now.

The man, Emperor Rodilius stopped in front of her. It was pretty rude, but she didn't stand up. For a long moment, they just looked at each other.

I wonder how they felt. Neither of them looked the same as the last time they met. It was more than 15 years. The emperor looked older, no longer a young man, and the princess... She was in a different body.

I tried to become one with nature and not disturb them, and both Father and Mother stayed back a little to give them time and space to talk.

„Is it really you, Ealudianne?" He stared at her in disbelief.

„No?" It was more of a question than an answer. „Do I look like the late princess?" She sounded very haughty.

„Nobody would dare to talk to me like she does. I know you're my sister." The words were certain, but his tone definitely wasn't.

„Are you sure? I look completely different and I am too young to be her. Are you sure you don't believe it because you want it to be true? It makes no sense and there is no evidence." She played the devil's advocate. I wonder what exactly her intention is.

„I was doubtful at first and thought it was a cruel joke but... Standing in front of you, talking to you... I know you're my sister, Ealudianne." He closed his eyes for a moment. „Why didn't you come to see us?"

„What would have been the point? I saw you during one of your public appearances and you looked fine, so that was enough for me.„

„You should live in the palace. With your family." I guess he didn't resent his sister, on the contrary, he missed her. Maybe that's the reason my parents told him the truth.

„They are not my family." He couldn't look more surprised or hurt, even if she suddenly ran through him with a sword. Seeing this, Ealie sighed exasperatedly.„I mean... How much do you know?" The emperor just stared back at her blankly. „I assume you got a letter about me. „He nodded. „Did you read it properly or...?" Instead of finishing the question, she just raised an eyebrow.

„I read that you were here and I could meet you if I wanted to, then I rushed here to confirm." I never knew our emperor was such a hasty person. Is our country okay? Just kidding. I know he is a good ruler.

„I see." She exhaled slowly. „I am not a princess anymore, how could I live in the palace? I'm just an average high school girl studying and trying to find her place in the world. And getting used to the idea of ​​being in a relationship."

„How could that be possible? Even if you look different, you're still my sister and..."

„I died, Rodilius." She interrupted him, but her voice had never been so gentle as it was at that moment. „You musn't forget that. Your sister died and she was reborn, and that's how I came into existence. I have a new family somewhere very far from here and I will eventually go back to them. So I didn't plan on meeting you just to leave you again. It seemed so cruel." He fell to his knees before her.

„I'm sorry." He hung his head.

„I am not looking for an apology. If anyone should apologize, it's definitely me. I'm sorry for causing you and Father so much pain. Now I can see the errors of my ways." She patted his head softly.„No... „ He looked up at her. „I always thought you were fine, but... What seemed „fine" to me was you not being „fine" at all. You were never fine." He dropped his head again.

Seeing the two siblings interacting after so much time, causing each other pain, and causing pain themselves was a heartwrenching sight. If I could see my family just one more time... What would I tell hem? What would they say to me?

„If only I had been more attentive... Or Father.If we had spent more time together, if we had listened to each other. If I hadn't been so preoccupied with my own affairs. I should have looked at you properly... Just once." His voice was so full of regret that even my heart trembled.

„Rodilius." She took his face in her hands so their eyes could meet. „We were both very young back then. You can't expect people to be so wise and experienced at such an age. „She smiled sweetly at him. „But it's okay now. I'm learning to live and love. I came back to fix my biggest mistake and regret, so I can focus on my happiness and my loved ones in the future. I have people who care about me and cherish me. So it's alright. I'm really fine."

„Ealie." He whispered her name weakly, tears in his eyes. She also dropped to her knees, so now they were properly facing each other.

„Please leave behind these thoughts, these regrets. They do not matter anymore. What matters is our happiness. I will definitely be happy, so you should also focus on making yourself and your family happy. And ensure that our father has nothing but peaceful, calm retirement years ahead of him." A little smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

„I'm sure he wants to meet and talk to you too. He misses you and..." She put a finger on his mouth.

„Shh... I'm not sure that would be a good idea. I don't want to complicate things and cause anyone more suffering."

„But Ealie... I don't want to just let you go again. How could I make sure you are happy if I am not there?"

„I'm little reluctant as well... I didn't expect to be so sad, but it's going to be okay. We will both live a long and fulfilling life. I promise." She embraced him and he hugged her back very fiercely.

It seemed like a very long moment, and then Ealie's body started to become transparent until the point she disappeared completely. Seeing his brother's grief-stricken, lonely and miserable face, I couldn't help it, a teardrop rolled down my face too.