Chapter 50
YUKI staggered her way to the bathing chamber. Servants undressed her and eased her into a grand tub. Sinking down into the boiling hot water, the scorching temperature was just perfect for the chills racking her body. Heat relaxed her hardened veins and blood began to circulate through her body once more, warming her chilled fingertips.
The servants prepared a fresh gown of aqua-blue silk for her to don. By the time they dressed her and decorated her hair, her chills subsided and she felt significantly calmer. An eerie calm settled over her raging emotions like the eye of a storm.
Selena’s fierce scowl softened into a smile when Yuki returned to her room. “Yuki, your complexion looks much better now.” She knelt at Yuki’s feet and brushed her knuckle along her cheek.
“Does it? I sure hope so.”
Vigo brought a wooden bowl over to Yuki and put it in her hands. “Drink this. It won’t do much more than bring you temporary relief, but it’s something at least.”
“…Thank you.”
She drank the curiously sweet smelling bluish-green liquid. Shock throttled her senses at the disgusting, acrid flavor, but she managed to down the whole bowl. The nasty aftertaste brought tears to her eyes. Vigo patted her on the back to help her choke down the desire to throw it up.
“…Lady Yuki.”
“I know. I’m coming now.” Selena looked up at Yuki’s face from where she knelt and reached her hand out to stop her from going. “Selena.”
Yuki had been thinking about this for a very long time. Every time she contemplated her choice she worried and anguished over what she needed to do next.
“Vigo, I want to say this to you as well.” Yuki looked at both of them. “Thank you very much for looking after me ever since Rifaenotis’ cabin.” She couldn’t bow to them. The weight and motion of leaning forward would topple her over; she barely had the energy to stand up straight. “I hope my power was of some use to you.”
Selena gasped. “Yuki, since when did—”
“Just recently. Rhad told me…. I don’t know what kept you both with me. I guess Rifaenotis’ request played a role in it. Still, thank you for listening to my selfish requests and for treating me well. I love you both like you’re my surrogate parents. I’m so happy to have been able to spend my last days with you.” Yuki grabbed hold of Selena’s hand where it hung grasping thin air.
“Wh-What are you talking about, Yuki? We…plan on being with you from now on too, you know? We have a lot we still need to discuss with Prince Lucat as well…” Selena’s warm hand squeezed Yuki’s hand, sharing a fraction of her warmth. “You make it…sound like this is goodbye. I don’t like that.”
What a relief for Yuki that they caught on. A sad smile touched her lips with the hope everything she felt would get through to them.
“Yuki!”
“…Little lady.” Yuki turned around and saw Vigo standing there with a pain-ridden expression. “…I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I don’t have a single regret.” Their eyes met. Regret and repentance filled his gaze. She desperately wanted to reassure him.
“Vigo, had I known this was going to happen sooner, I believe I would have done the same thing. Please don’t blame yourself.” Yuki let go of Selena’s hand and walked over to take Vigo’s hand. “Once I wake up Luca, I’ll be sure to ask him to listen to what the people of Rvydom have to say. I’ll absolutely create an opportunity for you and Selena to talk with him.” She looked at Rhad at the back of the room. Selena and Vigo followed her gaze.
Rhad bowed respectfully. “You have my word it will be done, m’lady.”
“Okay then, my dear Selena and Vigo, I must be on my way.”
“Wait, Yuki!” Selena reached out for Yuki, but Rhad stepped between them and knocked her hand away. A servant took Yuki’s hand and escorted her from the room.
“…Please refrain from causing her any further hesitation.”
“Screw off! This is—” The door shut. “This is…too much!” Selena’s sorrowful yell brought a wave of dizziness to Yuki.