🌹🌹🌹
WITHIN a few hours, the sailing ship departed for the open sea, much ahead of schedule. Clovis stood on the bridge with his hand on the railing, gazing at Erdal, faintly visible across the water.
On his way to the Marquisate of Rozen, and even after he reached Held, he’d been thinking hard. Now that he knew the truth about their previous lives, was he still worthy of being by Alicia’s side? Should he give up his position as her adviser?
But no matter how hard he thought, he knew he couldn’t do that.
Something in the back of his mind was screaming he couldn’t go on like this.
She’d said a betrothal to Crown Prince Fritz might save Heilland, but that wasn’t enough. A future without a happy ending for Alicia was worthless to Clovis.
…To be completely honest, he wanted a future where he could be by her side, not just as an adviser but as a partner who loved her and was loved in return.
I’ve also become quite greedy.
Clovis smiled bitterly as he shook his head. It was something he’d never dared to wish for back when his grandfather, Graham’s, legacy still cursed him.
She had been the one to open up his world, teaching him to reach out. She had changed his life for the better.
So, was he worthy to be with her?
The days they’d spent together thus far had already answered that question, and he would continue to prove himself in the future, too. He wasn’t hesitant anymore. Now, he would do whatever it took to get her back, to protect her smile and the kingdom.
…Now that he had finally found his answer, he would go to her.
“By the way, Clo. About Princess Alicia’s letter…”
Jude joined him after confirming their course with the crew. Clovis turned around, his black hair flowing in the sea breeze, and the marquis smiled at him with a curious look.
“You laughed when you read her letter. Just what did she write in it?” he asked.
“Oh. Here it is. Feel free to read it; there’s nothing shameful inside.”
Jude smiled as he took the letter and read the tall, thin handwriting, but his expression morphed into surprise.
“That’s all?”
“That’s all.”
--I need you.
Jude shrugged as he passed the letter back to Clovis.
“I honestly expected more romantic sentiments.”
“Really?”
Clovis chuckled as he looked back to the sea, his eyes narrowing against the dazzling blue.
“She says that she needs me. Those words are more precious to me than any other.”
White sails billowed full under the blue sky, catching the wind and moving the ship forward rapidly. The young man looked straight into the future, preparing to save his beloved.
✦ ✦ ✦
🌹🌹🌹
THE carriage passed through the main gate and headed towards Kingsley Castle.
Pulling back the curtain, Alicia peeked out and spotted a small building far beyond the garden: Mylene Hall. According to Beatrix, that was where Empress Elizabeth was residing during her recovery.
The building slipped out of sight, and the carriage slowed as it neared its destination. After it had come to a complete stop, the driver opened the door, and Alicia took a tentative step out.
Unlike her previous visit, there were no large crowds of citizens to greet her. Instead, guards lined both sides of the stairs leading to the large doors, standing motionless with the tips of their shining spears pointed towards the sky.
Behind Alicia, Lady Beatrix and the escort knights led by Robert alighted, and the group made its way up the stairs. Soon, the large doors opened, revealing a thin figure waiting behind.
Chancellor Yggdrasil…
“We’ve been expecting you, Your Highness. Thank you for making the journey here.”
Alicia looked up as Yggdrasil pointed into the castle with a gentle smile that reminded her of the calm surface of a bottomless lake. It was just like the first time they met.
“Follow me. Prince Fritz is looking forward to seeing you again.”