Chronicles of the Forbidden Jewels

Being in Herzoyona Eskal made me feel incredibly indulged. While I never asked or demanded anything from anyone, the grand duke consistently ensured that I received the utmost luxury. During meal times, I was given the privilege of choosing my preferred dishes. I was offered a selection of exquisite teas and wines. Additionally, I was provided with casual attire as well as elegant dresses, despite never requesting them. The grand duke went above and beyond to offer activities that would cater to my interests, providing me with an experience akin to that of a noble lady.

I can't help but wonder if this level of hospitality is something the grand duke extends to all his guests. However, it does appear as though he's going above and beyond, putting in an extraordinary amount of effort that is frankly quite overwhelming.

“I hope the food is to your liking,” he said after gracefully lifting the glass of water away from his lips. It’s not only the material things – he’s been trying to control his temper, and I overheard the maids saying those. He probably didn’t want to disappoint me.

“Yes, it’s great. Your Grace, I hope you’ll request your favorite foods too so that I can try them. Being asked about the food that I like is alright but I think I’m already being spoiled,” I can imagine an awkward smile written on my face.

He wiped his mouth with the napkin. “If that’s what you want, then sure.”

Here he goes again with ‘if that’s what you want.’ My suggestion sounded like another request.

“Don’t feel bad about all these, Your Highness. Consider it as my thanks for being friendly during the banquet,” I guess there’s no point arguing with that. We learned about each other just fine during the banquet, and I suppose it’s time to discuss the imperial matters – because for the past three days, he’s been avoiding the topic, saying that I should loosen up a little and rest after the long journey.

Raleigh's attention was drawn to the hand chain that Azriel had given me, scrutinizing it with considerable interest.

“This hand chain of yours. Was it from the crown prince, or the second prince?” he asked, his facial expression blank.

"It's from Azriel," I replied, and part of me is aware of where this conversation will go.

“The way you addressed him implies that you’re engaged to him.” He assumed, and I let out a small sigh after getting caught. I almost forgot the rule that I shouldn’t call anyone in high society by name unless permitted or if we have a special relationship.

“I wouldn’t deny that. But as you can see, he already married someone else, and I don’t have plans on being a part of that. I see this hand chain as his sign of generosity because we’ve been friends, but nothing more. His engagement was already arranged when we met, and yet he still insisted. I didn’t know what this meant at first so I thought it was just a gift.”

“Then, the crown prince must’ve been protective of you since he has eyes for you.” I averted my eyes as I reminisce about the moment I left almost two months ago – when I was about to enter the secret passage that connects Eurhyia and Marrossi. I can feel the grand duke staring at me, studying me as I speak. His habit of being observant gives me the creeps at times.

“Not really. He's the one who saw me off when I left Marrossi, and my approach to saying goodbye was exactly how I talked the first time we met – I've been unfriendly. Because during that time, I already wanted everything to be over between us. In my perspective, he's now just an ally. Once the war is over, my work there is done, and I don’t have to return to Marrossi again.” I bit my tongue upon realizing that I opened up to him.

I couldn’t tell that to anyone and now I poured out my heart’s content. It seems I can’t keep my frustrations all by myself after all as I’ve planned.

“I see that’s what happened. You didn’t hear anything from him when you were at the Eurhyian palace?”

“No, I didn’t. The only letter I got was the invitation from you, which had the best timing. I had to have a reason to leave the palace since my brother won’t let me go easily. His Majesty, my brother, has gone mad during the times I was gone. I had to nurse him back to health myself since his reactions were out of control to the point that nobody can approach him properly without getting hurt. I managed to tame him at least, since he's highly dependent on me, his older sister. Besides, stepping out of the palace would have me killed by the Eurhyians because they see me as a monster instead of a hero after using my powers on the battlefield. My features will easily stand out because I’ll be the only one who’ll look different in that place.”

The grand duke lowered his head a little bit and pulled out letters hidden in his breast pocket.

"Now that you mentioned letters, I received two. One is for me, and the other one is yours. I received the letter for me a few days ago, while yours came just today. It was from His Highness, the second prince. The letter I received demands me to leave for a few days, but I don’t know the content of your letter. It’s not surprising that he reached out since I told him that you joined me after the crown prince’s wedding.” He handed me the letter and I lifted the seal, pulling out the letter.

The message was simple – he wants to meet me in person halfway between Marrossi and Eskal, which would be the eastern part of Xaerian, in Ridavena, the former capital of the Xaerian before it became under the Ruivenfiere empire. Xaerian is not his ally, but Azriel’s. Thus, this meeting won’t include the duke of that region.

I’m not sure what Hervouet is thinking, but I better not let my guard down.

"He wants to meet me. It's not bad timing since I want to do the same. He already set the date, and at this point, he’s probably traveling to that place because it’ll take days.”

The grand duke grimaced for a second as if he was not happy with the idea. His expression became stony and judging by his reaction, there was something I'm missing.

“What if we’ll go meet him together instead of you going alone? It can be dangerous. You said it yourself, Hervouet is your real enemy, and you’re going to face him alone? This town, Ridavena, can be traveled just a day from here. But if he's from Marrossi’s capital, it will take around five to six days. Why would a prince exert that much effort just to talk to you?” his insight made sense, but I want to face Hervouet head-on by myself. If I'll bring more people to guard me, he'll only think that I don't trust him, which defeats the purpose.

It’s not like I can’t take him anyway.

“I shouldn’t make him wait. At this point, we’ll have to part ways and meet once our businesses are done.”

“Bring my men with you. I don’t want you to leave by yourself. You told me before that your life was in line several times already, didn’t you? This time isn’t different.”

I knew he’ll say that.

"If you're worried, then I'll just let Poudrettite Izavenes join my trip. That will cause less attention because they can transform into animals. Then if in case the situation demands it, I'll order one to report things to you so that you won't get worried."

“Judging your tone, it seems like there’s no way for me to convince you. I hope you won’t be offended but I have to be frank here. Your overconfidence is quite disturbing. I hope you’ll let people care about you by involving them in your plans.”

I felt a lump in my throat upon hearing his words. His words remind me of what Azriel told me before – that I always do plans on my own, and everyone else has no choice but to follow or refuse the idea. The grand duke looked down, and I couldn't see his eyes from his current angle.

“If it were the crown prince who’ll accompany you, will you let him join you?” his question sounded strange – Azriel has nothing to do with this.

I can live without him, and that’s the daily reminder I’m always telling myself.

"Your Grace, I may still have foolish feelings for him, but he's the last person I wanted to see. Seeing him alone feels wrong, and I don’t want to see him until I’ve completely learned how to stop loving him. His Highness knows that as well.”

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

I tied my hair up to form a bun and inserted three hairpins – two are used to support the bun, and the other one is a red floral hairpin with a light metal tassel. This would be my third time meeting Hervouet looking like a noble, having all the dresses and accessories.

Jeremy helped me get into the carriage and Vera followed. Due to the smaller size of the carriage, Jeremy decided to sit next to the coachman instead for us to have spacious legroom.

Time flew fast as I glimpse at the setting sun from the window, but as I savor the silent moment, we heard a loud thud from the outside, as if something fell from the carriage.

Impulsively, I stepped out of the carriage only to be confronted by the sight of Jeremy's lifeless body lying on the ground, blood pooling from his chest. The shocking scene caused a surge of unease in my stomach, stealing my breath away.

But at that moment, I knew … I had to suppress my emotions and think straight.

The coachman let out a loud, mocking laugh, his sharp eyes staring down at my soul.

"What are you going to do now, princess? This area is isolated and nobody lives here. Whose help will you ask for?" the coachman asked, and I sense the presence of people watching us.

The situation mirrored the events of my first escape. Though they lacked swords, their daggers indicated they were armed. I suspected they had concealed weapons as well.

Despite my desire to retrieve my own sword from the carriage, I realized that stepping away from my current position would likely result in an immediate attack.

“Vera, leave. Find His Grace and tell him about this. I’ll be fine. It’s better than both of us dying here. Leave these vermins to me," I mumbled, and even though Vera wanted to refuse, she knew it was the best thing to do. Without further questions, she transformed into a falcon and flew away from the spot she was standing.

Taking a deep breath, I watched as the men sprinted towards me. In an instinctive act of self-defense, I conjured flames from my left hand, engulfing and scorching the oncoming assailants.

Simultaneously, bolts of lightning crackled from my fingers, aimed at the coachman, causing him to stumble and collapse beside Jeremy's lifeless body.

But before I could ascend to the driver's seat and take control of the carriage, I felt a handkerchief pressed against my nose and mouth from behind, and everything turned dark.