347: Kill Me Or Let Me Go

Kill Me Or Let Me Go

Oriana, who served as Arlan's personal aide, would always be by his side, and Roman felt compelled to prepare her for what might come. He hoped that, should she encounter such a situation again, she would not be as shocked and hurt as she was today.2

Looking up at Roman, Oriana inquired further, "But won't you tell me what exactly is happening, so..."

"You should not concern yourself with it. His Highness prefers it that way," Roman responded firmly.

Oriana gazed at Roman for a moment, then sighed softly. "Mister Roman, you don't know the exact details of what happened to His Highness, do you? You're simply following your usual duties."

Roman chose not to respond and merely said, "You should go back to your room. It's late."

Oriana contemplated pushing him for more information but recognized the unwavering loyalty of royal servants, of which Roman was a prime example.

Never mind,' she thought to herself. 'I'll find out on my own.'

She clenched her fists, determination visible in her gaze.

Oriana attempted to stand up, but her feet betrayed her, faltering beneath her weight. Roman hastened to offer assistance, but she declined his help, summoning her inner strength to steady herself.

Roman respected her decision and observed her slowly making her way toward the staircase, her face contorted with pain and anguish. Her body felt as though it might crumble from sheer exhaustion.

Somehow, she reached the second floor, drawing closer to Prince Arlan's room. She looked at Imbert but he acted as if he didn't recognise her presence. Unaffected by his behaviour, she positioned herself in front of the door to Arlan's chamber. As expected, Imbert interposed his sheathed sword between her and the door.

Without making eye contact with her, Imbert explained, "His Highness has ordered that no one be permitted to enter his chamber."

Arlan was currently in no condition to issue any orders, but Oriana understood that this was the longstanding protocol followed by Arlan's knights and his head servant, Roman.

Oriana glanced at the door for a moment, then turned and retraced her steps toward her own room.

'No one allows me to see him.'

She gritting her teeth in frustration. Her helplessness was all too evident, alternating with tears. It was agonizing to be unable to reach the one she cared for when he was in such pain.

She wiped away her tears, determination resolute in her heart. 'I will go to him,' she affirmed to herself. However, in the next instant, her resolve wavered because she was nothing but a powerless servant, and she appeared to lose her composure.

But on a moment, she collected herself and forced a strained smile onto her lips, as if the rejection of being unable to see him hadn't affected her.

"His Highness needs me to help him sleep. But I can't approach him like this, can I? That's why they stopped me." she reasoned with herself, her mind racing to find a solution. "My clothes are soiled, and I must look disheveled. I need to freshen up and change into clean attire; otherwise, His Highness might be put off by my appearance. I can't risk upsetting him. I'll prepare myself properly, and then I can go to him."

Struggling to hide her tears, as if trying to console herself, Oriana headed to the bathroom and began to freshen up. She concealed her emotions beneath the cold water splashing on her face, washing away the traces of her distress. After cleaning herself thoroughly, she donned a fresh set of clean clothes and emerged from her room, ready to face whatever awaited her.

Imbert observed Oriana approaching him, noting the stark difference in her demeanor compared to her previous disheveled state. She appeared composed and collected, as if the earlier events had never transpired. She looked ready to resume her customary duties in Prince Arlan's chamber.

Oriana stood facing the door without glancing at Imbert who once more showed he honored his duty and put his sword between her and the door.

Still she didn't look at Imbert as if his actions could not break her determination. The next moment, Imbert heard her calm but cold and decisive voice.

"Sir Loyset, I understand that this incident mirrors what transpired in Othinia, so there's no need for you to be cautious about allowing me to see His Highness in such a state again," she began. "All I know is that he is suffering in alone. He requires my presence. Regardless of the consequences, I am determined to be by his side tonight. The decision lies with you: you can either end my life here for defying the prince's orders, or you can permit me to fulfill my duty as his attendant," her voice turned firm, "understand that I won't turn back. It's a choice you must make in this very moment- either take my life or allow me to enter Prince's chamber."

Imbert didn't withdraw his sword but instead locked eyes with her. Oriana met his cold gaze with unwavering sincerity.

"Sir Loyset, I understand your concerns, and I share your worry and sorrow for His Highness," she implored. "I humbly request that you permit me to be by his side. He needs me now more than ever."

After a brief moment of contemplation, Imbert slowly withdrew his sword, his actions speaking louder than words. He allowed her to proceed, knowing Oriana's unwavering commitment to his liege.

"Thank you, Sir Loyset," Oriana acknowledged with a respectful nod, her gratitude evident. She then took a step forward, determined to open the door and attend to the Prince.

Oriana hadn't anticipated a pleasant sight upon entering the room, but the scene that greeted her left her utterly shocked. Panic surged within her as she rushed towards Prince Arlan, who was lying on the floor. 

'Your Highness!' her thoughts screamed as she hurried to his side. 

Imbert followed Oriana into the room as she rushed towards Prince Arlan, but he quickly intervened, grasping her arm firmly.

"Do not touch His Highness," he cautioned her sternly.

Oriana, her shock giving way to understanding, looked at Imbert, realizing that he was aware of the evil black magic at play, and he also understood the danger of making contact with the prince.

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