Chapter 32

I had always thought that the rave about Ecchelon's sunset was merely a desperate tactic to attract tourists, but this is…

"Beautiful, isn't it?" she spoke with a forlorn expression on her face.

"Indeed."

She chuckled softly as the tears trickled down her cheeks while she gazed upon the beautiful sunset beyond the horizon. We had been riding all afternoon, and frankly I am exhausted. 

"Pardon my rudeness, I have come to report something urgent to her highness."

It's that man again. This time, he is minding his manners. He carefully approached the princess and whispered something in her ear. Her eyes widened, and her face instantly turned pale. She clenched her horse's reins in a fist while shivering and gritting her teeth.

"My apologies, your highness. It seems I have some urgent matters to tend to. Therefore, we must return to the palace at once." She said in a shaky voice.

++++++

I have been sleeping ever since I came back. The only time I would wake up was to eat the meals served to me by Sir Raulin. My body feels so light, and I can barely hold my head steady. There are even guards posted on the balcony who won't even let me peek out of the window. What is going on? My family should have heard the news of my return by now. Why hasn't anyone come for me yet? Oh, I'm getting sleepy again. So…very sleepy…

+++++

"The three funerals must proceed as planned."

"Yes, your highness. What should be done with the princess in the meantime?"

"Give her one last dose of the drug and I'll deal with her afterwards. That reminds me, where is the sacred item I asked you for, Raulin?"

"Right here, princess." He said while extending a rectangular red box towards me. 

Magnificent! This time I am going to kill you with my own two hands, my dear sister.

"I am overjoyed to see you regain your spirit so quickly, princess. I was worried that her highness had become weak."

"Oh, Raulin, Raulin, Raulin. It seems you still have a lot to learn about your future queen, my dear." she said before proceeding to kiss my lips.

"Now then, your queen is in dire need of your services, Raulin. What do you say? Will you perform for me again tonight?"

She pushed my chest as I tumbled and landed back first on her bed. Meanwhile, she undressed herself, exposing her bare body to me before proceeding to straddle me. As usual, I am not allowed to refuse, nor revel in the moment. I must take her however she wishes until her desire is fully sated. 

"As you command, your highness." I replied as I struggled to remain composed.

+++++

"What a tragedy."

"My heart breaks for the princess, who is now all alone."

"Her highness must be devastated right now."

"To bury not one but three of your loved ones in one day. I can't imagine the pain." 

"There is also the matter of the crown that is to become her responsibility from now on."

"Goodness! I have not thought of that at all."

A great crowd had gathered at the imperial cemetery, where each person took turns to place white lilies on the royal family's tombstones. The princess was on her knees in her black dress, sorrowfully grieving for her departed family. Pity party aside, I am still confounded by the way things are unfolding. That day…

"Your highness, the princess was found roaming the palace last night. For now, she is…"

She is aware of her sister's existence yet decided to carry on with her funeral. What could she be planning to do?

"Your highness, it is time to leave, for we must prepare for our departure this afternoon." 

"Lead the way, Bettie." I said as we walked away from the gravesite.

A light breeze blew the black veil off her face and a peculiar expression could be seen. Instead of crying, the princess was grinning, which made me shudder.

+++++

"I would really appreciate it if his highness could consider assisting my coronation, which is in a month." she said from underneath her veil.

In Ecchelon, the female members of the bereaved family must remain veiled for a consecutive three days post the funeral. Whereas the males must spend those three days in complete isolation, disturbed only during mealtime. Their culture is rather intriguing, to say the least. I want to know more about them.

"Would your highness consider staying if I request it so?" she asked as she reached for my hand.

The nearby crowd was staring in bewilderment as they whispered among themselves. She was making it seem as though we were close, when in reality, it was not the case at all.

"A rather tempting request, your highness. However, I must painfully decline. As you may already know, our countries have yet to become allies due to the delay in the negotiations. Therefore, I…"

"That is truly a shame." she interrupted with a sigh.

It seems she is well aware that an alliance is not a matter that can be taken lightly. I'm certain she thought of proposing to sign it right here and now, however no one other than a monarch or a high-ranking government official is qualified to do so. Therefore, if she's considering a treaty, she would first have to ascend the throne, negotiate the terms of the alliance, consult with her elders, and then make a decision.

"Then…" she paused as she gripped my hand.

"Will it be alright if we keep in touch through letters? You see…I truly appreciate the support you've shown me in the most painful moments of my life. Therefore, I would like for us to become good friends if that's okay with you."

Everyone gasped as if they had just witnessed something unordinary. With this many people watching, I can't be discourteous to her, lest I incite a war. I'm trapped.

"I gladly accept your proposal, princess." I responded with a forced smile on my face.

Now let go of my hand so I can leave. The level of discomfort I feel in her presence has not yet dwindled ever since the first time we met. Something about her feels terribly off.

"Marvelous!" she exclaimed in a soft and cheery tone.

++++++

"The border is just up ahead, your highness. Once we cross over, we will arrive at the Iperian hotel by mid-day tomorrow."

This had to have been the most tiresome journey I have ever embarked on, and a respite is very much needed. As I stared at the royal palace's tall, pitched roofs peeking out from behind the trees, I can't help but feel bothered. I left without so much as a word from her, which is grating on my nerves in a way that I can't comprehend. Now that I think about it, she successfully made a complete fool out of me by pretending to be a slave. I need an explanation, because no one gets away with ridiculing me. No one!

"Stop the carriage!" 

"Are you feeling unwell, your highness?" asked Bettie with a solemn expression on her face.

As though she knew I was about to do something dangerous and was alerting me to think it over with her gaze alone. She should know by now that once I set my mind on something, not a soul in the world can dissuade me.

"Hyah!" I shouted as I departed on Gabril's horse.

"At least he took my cloak, so none will recognize him." I said nervously while Miss Bettie quietly glared at me.

I chuckled nervously, and quickly entered the carriage as instructed by his highness before he left.

+++++

"Loraine! My dear sister! How I've missed you!" I shouted as I wrapped my arms around her.

She's finally here! I knew she would come for me. I was right to wait quietly without making a fuss.

"I've missed you so much! I thought I'd never see you again. Let me take a good look at your face. You've grown more beautiful since we last saw each other."

She did not utter a single word as she quietly stared at me. I knew she hated being touched without permission, but I could not help the joy I felt when she walked into the room.

"Why are you wearing a black dress? You look even scarier with it on." I said jokingly.

Her facial expression remained unchanged, almost to the point of stagnation. Then she let out a deep sigh as she glanced over at Sir Raulin.

"Kill the lights, Raulin." She commanded in a threatening tone.

Her eyes did not waver as the room instantly became dark, with only the reflection of the moonlight shining through the windows. A sense of fear came over me, which I could not grasp since I was in the presence of my beloved sister, and not a murderer. Then suddenly, I felt a painful throb on the left side of my stomach. When I looked down, there was a dagger planted in me, and the one who was wielding it was none other than my sister herself.