Chronicles of the Forbidden Jewels

Approximately two weeks have passed since I arrived in Eurhyia to assist the newly crowned king, Evrart. Regardless of his royal status, I still see him as a young pup requiring nurture and care. Such a view might be incorrect, but I can't entirely disregard the fact that he is my younger brother.

The realization that my stay here is limited fills me with anxiety at the prospect of leaving him once again. How can I even tell him about that? He might lose it once again if I leave.

Knowing him, he won’t listen wholeheartedly to anyone but me.

I poured three drops of Ithirae into Evrart's tea. It's been a while since I used this elixir mixed with tea – it was a present from Jarvis purchased from Ruizvon, specifically designed to provide a sense of clarity, particularly when one's mind is in its most troubled state.

I've been saving this in this kind of situation and thanks to him, I kept my mind functional when I had rough days handling the death of my parents. I lost both in a matter of three months, and that was too much to handle.

The servants flung open the door to the garden, revealing Evrart already settled comfortably amidst the verdant surroundings. This was his third venture outside the confines of the palace, an attempt to benefit from the rejuvenating impact of fresh air.

Since his first visit to the garden, I've noticed gradual improvements in his demeanor, reassuring me that he has been recuperating well, day by day.

I poured his cup with tea mixed with elixir, and the servants served Hervouet’s favorite desserts. This sure will lift his spirit.

"I requested them to make croissants, cream puffs, and cheesecakes. Those croissants have hazelnut fillings. Put what you want on this plate," I handed him the plate and he took it, except that his grip was too tight and I know it's not a normal gesture.

“Evrart?” he looked down as I called his name, and I couldn't tell if he was thinking about what he wanted to say or if he was clueless about what to say in this situation. I was expecting an opposite reaction, but he didn't look happy about any of these at all.

“Thyra,” his voice was low, but his tone sounded like the normal Evrart I knew. “You have no idea how embarrassed I am right now, seeing you treating me like a child all this time.”

Oh. He … noticed?

“It’s not my intention. But I didn’t want to stress you out or be too formal, especially now that I know how much support you need. I want you to recover and be happy despite the recent devastating events, okay? I hope you’ll see that –”

“I know, don’t mention it. I appreciate your efforts and I feel a lot better when you came," Evrart lifted his head and expressed a relieved smile. "Thank you for everything, Thyra. You don't know how grateful I am now that you're here. I'm sorry if you had to see me in such a pathetic situation." I insisted he drink his tea, and he did.

Instead of waiting for my reply, he looked at the tea and his eyebrows rose upon drinking it. "This is a new tea, isn't it? I wasn't expecting that it'll be zesty yet sweet after. I don’t remember having this before,” he commented.

It seems like I was caught. I refrained from sharing further details to avoid suspicion. Instead, I enjoyed watching Evrart indulging in his favorite desserts, finding solace in our shared enjoyment. Witnessing his happiness warms my heart.

Although I long to inform him about my upcoming involvement in a war in Marrossi with no guarantees of survival, I hesitate to upset him with such news.

A rushing guard entered the garden and knelt before the us. Considering that there’s hardly any formal entrance, it must be something urgent.

“Your Majesty, Your Highness, I apologize for the disturbance but some citizens are starting a riot outside the palace. They heard that Her Highness is back, and …"

I anticipated that this would happen, but I didn't expect the news to spread this fast. It can only mean that some people in the palace spread rumors about my return, and now these citizens are threatened knowing that the ‘monster’ has returned. I couldn’t help but laugh deep down.

Screw them all. However, giving a violent reaction will make things worse. It would be risky if I'll show up to explain, and they won't listen. I'll end up defending myself by using my powers.

Evrart's gaze conveyed a sense of reliance, as if he was leaving it to me to determine how best to respond to the situation. It became clear that he lacked the confidence to make decisions on his own, which I understand.

Violence is not the answer, but how can I turn their doubts into faith? It sure can’t be fixed overnight.

“Call the attention of House Vassezac and tell them to take action on this, especially the marquess. Our goal here is to twist public opinion and identify the difference between what's true and what's a hoax. Avoid violence at all costs. Not a single Eurhyian should be hurt because of this. Focus on defending the palace, all sides of it. If in case the situation's close to getting out of hand, I'll handle them myself.”

This will be the last time I’ll ask for Jarvis’ help, and if he won’t take serious action, I would conclude that he simply doesn’t care for me anymore.

This time would be the best chance for him to prove his loyalty.

“Thyra, what are you planning?” I can sense the worry and fear in Evrart’s words, and I clenched my hands on my lap as I stare at it.

“Leave us alone,” my voice was authoritative enough for the guard to leave without asking further.

"When I went to Marrossi, a red diamond Izavene shared his power with me, and it gives me the power a normal red diamond Izavene has. If I'll face those people at the front gates, I'll use that power to order them to leave, and they'll immediately follow without question because they'll be under my control. I'll be a marionettist, and they’ll become my marionettes. That’s the kindest solution I can think of to avoid violence. I want to avoid that method, but I can’t let them invade the palace.” I massaged my temples with my eyes closed, avoiding imagining what things will be like if I'll do that.

I want to deny the picture but it's all clear in my head, and even if it's still a part of my imagination, it already terrifies me as if I've done it myself.

"Y-You can do that? That sounds … terrifying to me. I can't believe powers can be shared. Truly the Izavenes are mysterious. But how can that person be generous enough to share his power with you?"

I rehearsed answering this question countless times in my head ever since I got here. It's far from surprising that I'm encountering this question now that Evrart's condition is getting better. Though this is a good sign that things are getting clear to him, telling the truth would be inevitable.

One day, I hope you can forgive me, Evrart.

“You know that I left because my life was in danger when your mother was here, right? I also did that to find the one who killed our father, and I was thirsty for revenge. The paths of the murderer and I crossed, and we started as friends. When I found out that he was the one who killed our father, I couldn't accomplish my goal anymore because I ended up loving him, and he did the same. But our relationship was forbidden, so I chose to stay away. But then he shared his power with me so that I can protect myself," I lifted my hand and showed him the hand chain given by Azriel – the gold hand chain adorned with red diamond and alexandrite gems.

“As long as I’m wearing this, I can use the red diamond Izavene’s powers. I can’t remove this either, because he’s the only one who can do that. This hand chain also makes us inseparable, because we can sense it when the other is in danger. A red diamond Izavene is capable to teleport, and with this, the other can go to where the other person is however far they are. Though typically, that teleportation power has its limits when it comes to location, but not when the other connected person is in danger.”

Evrart chuckled under his breath as I shared the story, and I pouted in annoyance, seeing him enjoying this.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to find it funny. It’s more like … I couldn’t believe my ears, because all this time I thought that nobody will be able to soften your heart like that. What’s ironic is, you fell in love with an enemy. I think it’s better than using violence,” He commented, not knowing the entire story yet.

“It doesn't end there. It happened that we met when he was already engaged to someone else, and he no longer had the chance to call the engagement off. I didn't want to get involved in their marriage, so I knew it was best to let them be. It's not something that I should fight for, because marriage is a different matter. The timing was also good because the marquess told me that I need to return here to help you. But … I can’t stay here for long either. Not just because of the people’s hatred, but because I promised him to be his knight in the upcoming war that I discovered. You can say that in Marrossi, I’m the crown prince’s forbidden lover and knight, and at the same time, a spy on the other party. My roles there are important.”

“Now I understand it entirely. Though I want you to stay here, I know I can’t stop you when you’re that determined. But can you promise me to return safely? Don’t push yourself too hard. If you can no longer continue, please, go home. Besides, if you’ll meet the crown prince again … how do you plan to face him? You said that you don't want to get involved in his marriage.”

Even before, I already knew how I’ll handle things before I was asked. I can't think of a better option but stay outside their marriage, and that's that. Our love is forbidden from the very beginning, and it's not something I should bother fighting for. It's better to be alone than to ruin someone's marriage.

On the other hand, it seems like I worried for nothing. He’s not stopping me from leaving – not at all.

"It's simple. I'll be feigning ignorance. I'll return there as a knight and spy, not someone's lover. We were never meant to be lovers from the beginning anyway. The reason why I'm fighting for him is that I'm a woman of my word, and I'll do that as a friend, nothing else. One day our paths will separate, and accepting the facts of life is the best way to move on," I let out a sigh, and the idea of feigning ignorance sounded new to me. It’s the only reasonable option I’ve got. Once Azriel and I meet again, I can’t be as soft as I was.

I took a piece of cream puff and bit it gracefully as how I was raised to do it, and silence felt louder than the riots outside the palace. At this point, Evrart already understands where I’m coming from.

“Staying here for too long can put your life in line. Staying in Marrossi will remind you of him. Do you have other plans for that?” I squeezed my eyes shut upon hearing his response, and it reminded me of the grand duke’s words in his letter – that he’ll open the doors of Eskal for me. But … would that be for the best?

“The Grand Duke of Herzoyona Eskal sent me a letter recently. I can’t be in Marrossi now, but I have to gather allies for Azriel. I tried to win over the grand duke last time, and I have to solidify the alliance with him. I have to go there and we’re going to come up with the arrangements to help the crown prince.”

"Eurhyia is in the southwest, while Eskal is in the north east. That's far, Thyra. How can you be sure that you can travel safely? Do you think I'll allow you to leave and go somewhere that far?"

In life, taking risks is an inherent aspect of making decisions. The duration of our lives is uncertain, and allowing fear to prevent us from taking action is a greater disservice. As I make my way to Eskal, I must remain open to the potential opportunities that await me there.

While it is the farthest place I can be from Azriel, I am aware that my stay will only be temporary as Raleigh's guest.

Accepting Raleigh’s offer means staying in Eskal for a couple of months before the war, which can include visiting other Ruivenfiere territories to start preparations. Reaching out to Hervouet would be necessary to avoid suspicion as well, which I believe the grand duke can help me with.

It was wise for him to be considerate to inform Hervouet that I'm with him even if it's not the case yet – he sure catches on quickly.

“This palace would be in ashes if I’ll be here. Unless I’ll redeem my honor, I can’t stay here. But I can't die yet, Evrart. Not unless I see Euhryia without rats in it, if you know what I mean."

Rats, also known as Corianne's people are causing trouble in our kingdom in different ways. Though technically, each kingdom has rats of its own.

“Of course, I do, and leave that to Zenobia and me. There’s one thing I want to do, though. I want to find my mother and Marius … and make things up with them.”