Chapter 58 — Royal Banquet (5)
- A while ago -
"Your Highness, are you in there?" a manly voice called, knocking on the door.
"Ah! Suyou!" Arisia gasped, covering her mouth to stifle her words, but it was too late. The turquoise-haired man had already entered the terrace.
"Please come. The king has noticed me, and I couldn’t help but—"
"Oh! You’re too loyal to him! You’re working for me!" Arisia sighed, shaking her head.
"Oh! Right, Your Highness. Let’s meet again! I asked Brother Lucian for a visit. Please come soon. It was really nice meeting you," Arisia smiled before exiting the terrace.
Once the door closed, Cynthia placed her hand on her chest, her heart racing.
In her memories, Princess Arisia lay in a coffin, her portrait hanging on the wall. She was nothing but a piece of art she saw hanging on the walls of the palace, yet the person she just encountered was alive. The young lady’s hand Cynthia held earlier was warm, and more than anything, she was breathing and smiling as if nothing of Cynthia’s past life happened; as if Princess Arisia, a name she heard occasionally, never died.
A flashback rushed through her mind. It was the rainy season, the sky was dark and gloomy, and the crowd surrounding the coffin was dressed in long dark coats. The king, queen, and crown prince shed tears, which shocked Cynthia; she never expected those people to be capable of crying. Lucian stood beside her, staring blankly at the coffin as if the woman inside were merely someone he had once known, not his own blood—his sister, even if they were half-siblings. Yet, once the funeral ended, and they had entered the carriage, Lucian wrapped his arms around Cynthia tightly. She was too stunned to make any movements.
"Please, just for today... Can I hold you?And... Please don’t say anything."
Although she couldn’t see his face, she felt her clothes soon soaking wet— and she immediately understood; they were tears.