Chapter 255: Who?
[FLASHBACK]
Latrice had always been pale when she first met the crown prince and the duke. She only started having colors when she stayed in the South. She glowed like no other, like a rising star, so beautiful and radiating.
Everything around her always brightened up, no matter what season or time of day. Even in the middle of the night, she brought comfort like a moon in the sky.
It was always hard to look away from her, as her beauty was so enthralling one wouldn’t mind sacrificing a life for her.
But now...
Sitting opposite the woman Jackson longed to see for a long time, he couldn’t help but notice the dimness of her presence. Her eyes that used to shimmer with hope were now devoid of any emotion. She was staring at him, but it was almost like her mind was drifting elsewhere.
Jackson had always been aware of how tough it was to live within the palace walls. But it was only a year since she was crowned the crown princess. She would also write him often, but recently, her letters had been scarce. However, she often reassured him she was fine.
She didn’t look fine to him now.
"Your Highness," he called, pausing as the servants served them tea. Only when the servant stepped back but remained in the room did he speak again. "How have you been faring?"
Latrice didn’t answer, eyes still on him. When she heard his voice, the life in her eyes returned.
Her lips curled up subtly as if she only realized he was there with her. "I am well."