359: Unusually Quiet

Unusually Quiet

On the other side of the continent, where the sun had already set and darkness blanketed the once-bright sky, a woman stood by the window. In her hand, she held an empty tea cup, her gaze fixed on the starry expanse.2

"Seems like Sister Zaria's visit to her student didn't go well this time," a voice spoke from the doorway of the room. Rosetta didn't need to turn around to identify the speaker.

"Keya," she replied without facing the person, "I've asked you to address me as Rosetta until we are in Thevailes."

"Apologies, Sister Rosetta," Keya responded, showing deference. "Old habits developed over so many centuries are not easily discarded."

Rosetta remained lost in her thoughts, her gaze fixed on the world outside. Keya approached her, standing by her side and following her line of sight.

"May I ask you something, Sister Rosetta?" Keya inquired.

"What if I say no?" Rosetta responded.

Keya offered a faint smile before posing her question, "You've entrusted that powerful artifact to your new student, even though you've safeguarded it as a memento of our master for centuries. You've never entrusted it to anyone else, despite our long history together. Why her? Our Queen is already immensely powerful; she hardly needs it."

Rosetta maintained her silence, seemingly deeming an answer unnecessary.

Undeterred, Keya continued, "Could it be, Sister Rosetta, that you see her as someone dear to you? Does she remind you of Tracia?"

Rosetta's displeasure was palpable, as if old wounds had been freshly reopened. "Keya, you should refrain from such idle talk," she admonished.

"My apologies, Sister Rosetta. I didn't mean to offend you. Among all our clan members, I am perhaps the closest to you, the one who knows you better than anyone else. I only wish to share your burdens."

Rosetta's response was stern and emotionless, her eyes betraying a hint of flickering emotion. "She is nothing more than a tool to me, one I am preparing to employ when the right time comes."

"Why is it difficult for me to believe that?" Keya pressed on.

Rosetta paid little heed to Keya's words as she explained, "Our new queen, she has lived much of her life as a human, but recently, she has taken a keen interest in harnessing her powers. This interest is growing deeper with each passing day. I fear she is becoming reckless, perhaps preparing to face a formidable threat alone. As our Queen, it is our duty to protect her. We cannot afford to lose her. Entrusting her with that artifact is just one of my attempts to ensure her safety."

"I am relieved to hear that. As long as Sister Rosetta doesn't become emotionally entangled, we can have peace of mind. I don't want to see you hurt again, like when we lost Tracia. She was like a daughter to you..."

"Enough!" Rosetta exclaimed sharply. "You need not remind me of anything."

Keya fell silent for a moment, recognizing that it was unwise to further provoke her. Changing the subject, she inquired, "The Queen of Megaris was in Thevailes. Does that offer any advantage to us?"

"The King of Megaris is constantly by her side," Rosetta replied. "We couldn't risk any action in a foreign kingdom. King Samer had already cautioned us, so we must proceed according to his wishes. However, now that he has taken an interest in the Queen of Megaris, we can potentially use this to our advantage."

-----

In the royal palace of Griven, within the King's study, King Ailwin occupied his seat behind an exquisitely carved wooden desk, which radiated an air of regality. Before him stood his guardian knight, Adrian Loyset, a man in his early forties and the commander of the knights. Adrian was also the uncle of Imbert, and he awaited the King's orders with a solemn demeanor.

"Adrian, keep a close watch on Arlan," Ailwin commanded, his expression grave. "He intends to depart for the northeastern territory of the kingdom, but I am certain he plans to make his way to Wiamrk."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the knight responded dutifully. "While His Highness has formidable forces in that region, our underground network is not to be underestimated. We have maintained a low profile, and when the time is ripe, we shall confront Prince Arlan's men."

"You are well aware that Arlan is a formidable adversary."

"I understand, Your Majesty. Prior to engaging His Highness, we will ensure the Verner family is brought to the capital. Duke Wimark supports our cause, and he is fully acquainted with the entire territory."

"Has that girl not yet returned home?" Ailwin inquired.

"Our latest information indicates that Lord Philip Verner has been residing alone for over a month now."

Ailwin's brow furrowed slightly. "Is she neglecting her ailing grandfather to the extent of not visiting him even once?"

"I believe she may have her reasons."

"I hope that is the case."

"Your Majesty, I must depart for Wiamrk. I need to arrive there before Prince Arlan does."

The King nodded and retrieved a significant item from his desk drawer: the royal badge of the King. "Use this when the time comes."

Adrian accepted the badge, understanding its weight and significance. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

-----

After her meeting with Luke, Oriana wandered through the city streets. Her journey led her to the home of Luke's cousins, Ken and his wife, where she engaged in a conversation with Ken's spouse. Oriana's purpose was to find a suitable place for her grandfather to stay upon his return. With Ken's wife's assistance, they explored a few options and ultimately settled on one.

Upon returning to the palace, the sun was already setting, and Arlan had already returned and taken his meal in his study. Oriana had her own meal and was preparing to retire to her quarters when Roman, the palace steward, approached her.

"Oriana, the arrangements for your journey have been made. Tomorrow, at daybreak, you can meet the same individual in the palace who assisted you on your previous trip."

"Thank you, Mister Roman," she replied, offering a respectful bow. Then, she ventured to ask hesitantly, "Mister Roman, may I inquire about His Highness's mood?"

Roman regarded her with a puzzled expression but answered, "He's unusually quiet."

Oriana's heart sank. 'This is not good. I hope he forgets about how I disobeyed his order this morning and doesn't decide to punish me.'

She ascended the staircase to her room first, intending to freshen up and change into clean attire. The day's running about had left her in need of some self-care.

When she was ready, she proceeded to Prince Arlan's chambers. There, she observed Neil, bringing a bottle of wine and glasses on a wooden tray.

'Oh no,' she thought. 'Please don't tell me he's angry and planning to drink. How will I handle him if he gets drunk when he's upset?'

Oriana hesitated, not daring to take another step forward. "I'll just return to my room," she reasoned silently. "I can see him tomorrow morning before I leave."

She turned around and had barely taken a single step when Neil called out, "Orian."

She sighed inwardly and turned back. "Yes, Neil?"

"It's good to find you here. Quickly, take this and go to His Highness."

"Me? I think since you're already here, you should continue with it."

"During the meal, His Highness was asking if you had returned. It would be better if you took this to him and informed him of your return. Plus, you have to resume your night duty."

Reluctantly, Oriana accepted the tray from Neil. Inwardly, she grumbled as she made her way to Arlan's chamber with a heavy heart. 'I could just go to him after he's dead drunk and has fallen asleep,' she contemplated, but she knew there was no avoiding her responsibilities.

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