The Abandoned Princess: Promises Arc

Chapter 22

𝕾𝖔𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖔 𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖓 𝖙𝖔: 𝕿𝖎𝖒𝖊𝖑𝖊𝖘𝖘 𝖇𝖞 𝕿𝖆𝖞𝖑𝖔𝖗 𝕾𝖜𝖎𝖋𝖙

***

I looked at the letter from my hands and to the window from where I was. I would always have this warm cup of tea, and gaze on the farther places my sight could land.

The nostalgia of the past never leaves me, the darkness always hugs me but the pain always pierces my heart. The corners of my lips that would lift for no reason stayed adamant.

The soft whispers of the rays became painful to gaze at, and then my hand that started to caress the letter tightened its grip. I used to believe in the word forever until there was no more.

All these times, Henry was suffering and all I could do was tell him how I managed to befriend anyone around me while he was left all alone.

I didn't know he had these things curled up inside his box. If he only sought help, then he wouldn't be able to experience this.

What is Duke Vellitas' planning? I wanted to get an answer to those questions and even if I was eager, I knew my current standing was still useless.

While I trained to have this sword in my hands, despite earning such callouses, I didn't recognize enough power.

"If only I have enough power," I slam the table while I close my eyes. I wanted to feel the warmth of the sun again but no matter what I did, the coldness wouldn't go away.

"M-Milady?" I heard someone utter. I looked beside me. I couldn't see the person. Perhaps, my vision became so foggy that I needed to wipe the warm water when I felt a soft fabric caressing my face.

"Is there any problem?" I see Anna looking concerned over my well-being but I only shook my head with a sad smile.

"Could you stay here for a second and lend me your shoulders, Anna?" I asked and she never hesitated to do what I said without asking me.

For that briefest second, I felt peace, but I never knew that the peace would come short, after reminiscing about Henry. I cried on Anna's shoulders all day, and even though the invitation was ruined, I couldn't care less.

I knew Claudius would be the one offering me his handkerchief, but right now, Anna did because I just couldn't bear the thought of Henry being in more pain than before.

"Anna, why do people have to feel hurt?"

That day, I knew Anna was sincere with her words. Night came and Claudius was kneeling while I turned my back to look at the huge window from my room.

It would seem peaceful, and simple that a knight was only taking an oat for his lady, but we both know what was real.

"Vestia, I, swear upon my name that you bestowed, I would bring Henry back no matter what happens," he uttered those words without any regrets, but I did. I couldn't help biting my lower lip enough to stop the water from streaming down my face.

I held a knight's sword and said my words. When all was done, Claudius stood in front of me and wiped my tears away. He even chuckled as if he was only doing an easy mission

"Don't cry as if you're never going to see me again, Vestia..." he said in a matter-humming voice. I gulped and forced my head to nod only to be hugged by him as he patted my head in a slow manner

"Always remember my promise to you, Vestia, it will never be broken. Trust me, so stop crying and just believe in me," he said but in the blink of an eye, the warmth that I'd been feeling became colder and the cool breezes replaced him for me.