2. The Stars Turn
IN a deep, dark blue world, countless streaks of bluish-white light raced like shooting stars through a world of nothingness.
“Come, Alicia. Our pact has been made.”
Led by the voice, Alicia moved forward, only to find two people collapsed on the ground. One was shrouded in darkness, and she couldn’t make out their face or clothes. The other’s figure was familiar as the streaks of light illuminated it. It was Alicia herself.
A wooden cylinder lay between the hands of the lifeless pair, the delicate thorns and small roses carved on its surface detailed and beautiful.
“You can change the world, change the future. Your gear will turn history,” the voice said.
Alicia reached for the wooden cylinder but couldn’t touch it because of the hands in her way. She strained, and just as she was about to grasp it, someone’s hand shot out and grabbed it instead.
Looking up, her gaze met Clovis’s.
✦ ✦ ✦
🌹🌹🌹
HER consciousness was returning. Alicia frowned slightly and opened her eyes as her hands, fingers, and toes regained their senses.
A familiar sight greeted her. The canopy above her head had heavy hanging curtains and a faint light shining through a small gap. It was a scene that had greeted her every morning since she was a child.
That’s right. I’m back at home in Heilland.
She slowly sat up, vestiges of confusion still tugging at her mind. She shook her head lightly to clear it. She knew her dream had been about something important, but the scenes had flown far away the moment she woke, disappearing beyond the fog. The only thing she remembered was that it had concerned her previous life and that Clovis had made an appearance.
Clovis Cromwell. A young mastermind who led the revolution in her previous life, her biggest ally in this life… And now, a man who stood by her as a lover. When was the last time he’d appeared in her dreams?
The current Clovis still didn’t know that he was the one who took Alicia’s life in the previous timeline.
She curled into a ball under her blanket, her beautiful blue hair spilling over the white sheets.
“…Maybe I should tell him someday?”
No one answered her whispered question, not even her own heart.
✦ ✦ ✦
🌹🌹🌹
THEY were in the audience hall, decorated with a simple but gorgeous chandelier. Alicia sat next to her father, King James, on a dais situated at the back of the room.
The red chairs, lined up on either side of the carpet that stretched through the center of the hall, were occupied by the nobles of the Privy Council, including District Commissioner Dan Dreyfus and Fudge Hobbs, Duke of Geras. The council had been summoned on short notice, but all the seats were filled, a testament to the fact that the incident from six years ago was still fresh on everyone’s minds.
Then, at Nigel’s signal, the knights stationed on both sides of the door moved to pull it open, revealing the figure of a young man, Riddhe Sutherland.
Riddhe held himself well, befitting his position as District Council Branch Chief of Sheraford. He walked along the carpet and stopped near the royal dais, placing a hand on his chest and bowing.
“Riddhe Sutherland, at your service.”
“Good,” King James answered, standing up from his throne and descending the steps to stand before the young man. Riddhe raised his head to meet his king’s eyes. “You have suffered, but you’ve endured these six years, serving me well.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
“You and I are comrades who share the same sorrow. The words you hear will reach my ears, and the words you speak will be mine as well. I have told Elizabeth… You are free to do whatever you need to, Riddhe. Put an end to our sorrow from six years ago.”
Riddhe’s gaze was determined as he carved the king’s words into his heart. Without glancing away, King James took the scepter from the silver tray Nigel held out. Raising it above Riddhe’s kneeling form, he announced in a resounding voice to all present.
“As a son of Estel and king of Heilland, I appoint Riddhe Sutherland as our special diplomatic ambassador. May our guardian stars guide you well!”
“Yes, sire!”
Riddhe stood up, his eyes catching Alicia’s over the king’s shoulder. She gave a nod, which he returned with a confident smile before turning to the Privy Council.
A moment passed, then applause filled the hall. All the nobles, including the Duke of Geras, Marquis of Morris, and Attorney General Adams, joined in, indicating their approval of the appointment.
Sunlight shone through the stained-glass windows, making the scepter’s jewels sparkle like stars in the sky. With the protection of the stars, Riddhe’s gaze swept over the Privy Council members as they clapped, and then he placed his right hand on his chest and gave a dignified, thankful bow.
At that moment, his action reminded everyone of the late Duke of Sheraford, Loid Sutherland.