Side Story 2:
A Day of Just Rewards
WHEN SHE BECAME my older brother’s bodyguard, I cursed Fate. But no matter how bitter I felt, the hands of time could not move backward. As I watched the pair fall for each other so naturally, I decided to watch over Eric and Leia from a distance.
I had my chance. If only I had approached her just after the saint exams, I might have had a different future. But that wish was no longer in my reach.
Though I couldn’t be with my first love, I wanted her to be happy. Barely had I resigned myself to my fate when tragedy struck.
Jade Berklein brainwashed Jill Westoria into nearly poisoning Leia, her sister. Brainwashing aside, Leia’s own flesh and blood had tried to kill her. I couldn’t imagine how much that had broken her heart.
No matter what sort of twisted words that monster Berklein had used to seduce her, how could Jill have possibly gotten it into her head to kill her sister? I couldn’t understand it one bit. But even though her sister had tried to kill her, Leia didn’t want Jill to receive a harsh sentence. Leia’s wishes would probably be honored, and her sister’s life would be spared.
But was that really for the best?
Jill still refused to own up to her crimes. She kept insisting everything was Leia’s fault. The least Jill could do was acknowledge how she had hurt Leia and give her a heartfelt apology—that’s what I believed.
My relationship with my brother wasn’t one that could be called normal. Since the decision to keep my distance from him was made by me alone, I was in no place to complain, but it still saddened me to see the gulf between us grow wider.
I guessed that the gulf between Leia and Jill was wider still. It was a thought that haunted me.
That’s why I decided to meet with Jill, to get her to confront her sins. I was meddling, and maybe Leia did not want that at all, but it was the least I could do for the woman I loved.
✦ ✦ ✦
Time passed, and everything was resolved. My brother saw through Duke Algrene’s plot, and he and Leia captured all his assassins and sent them to the dungeon. Leia thanked me for sparing Jill from a death sentence and for helping to mend their relationship.
I was so proud that she had a bright future together with my brother. Yet, even though the future I had hoped for had manifested, the dull pain that lingered in my heart tormented me.
“Prince Dale, you’re off to an early start today, I see.”
“Likewise, Miss Leia. Out for an early day of saintly work?”
Since I had woken up oddly early that morning, I was out walking in the palace garden when I crossed paths with Leia. I had already heard the news, news I had mentally prepared myself for since the day I decided to watch over her from afar.
“Yes. I need to go erect my barriers a bit farther away from my usual spot today.”
“And my brother will accompany you, I presume?”
“Well, I’m not sure. Eric told me he no longer had a reason to observe me…”
When I heard her refer to my brother without any titles or honorifics, an odd twinge of pain shot through my heart. I was so close to her right now, yet she felt so remote, as though no matter how far I reached out, I could never touch her.
“I see… Well, congratulations on your engagement. Sorry I took so long to say so.”
“Thank you. And I’m sorry too—we were going to make a formal announcement, but things got delayed.”
That’s right. She and my brother were engaged. I knew it was a happy occasion. And I was happy for them, deep down. But I wasn’t a big enough person to fully accept the news. I put on a smile anyway. I was used to doing that, but I couldn’t remember a day where I struggled harder.
“Take good care of my brother for me.”
“I will. I promise I’ll make sure he doesn’t do anything too reckless.”
This was for the best. I needed to shut my feelings away before anybody noticed them.
I didn’t feel like keeping the smile on my face and extending our conversation, so I politely said goodbye to her and headed back into the garden.
“Um—wait! Prince Dale!”
“Miss Leia?”
I had turned my back and only taken a few steps when she ran up to me and stopped before my eyes. There before me stood the determined face I had fallen in love with so long ago.
“Prince Dale…I really appreciate how kind you’ve been. Especially with Jill. I know you worked on her in a way that wouldn’t upset me. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Oh, I didn’t do much.”
“No, Your Highness, I will never forget your kindness as long as I live. I will always, always be in your debt.”
This took my breath away.
Your words make everything worth it, Miss Leia.
I would always have a place in the heart of the woman I loved. I wasn’t expecting anything in return, but it was the greatest honor I could imagine. The pain in the bottom of my heart faded. I couldn’t let myself become rooted in place—Elshaid was about to change dramatically.
The kingdom my brother and Leia loved was every bit as precious to me.
“I don’t deserve your thanks. By the way, may I have dinner with you and my brother soon? I’d love to celebrate with you.”
“Your Highness… Yes, I would love that! I’m sure Eric will too!”
Her sweet smile revealed a divinity in her befitting her sainthood.
Thank you. I’m so grateful my first love was you, Leia. I wish you all the happiness.