"I don't care about my life!" Erya exclaims as she closes the distance between them "I have committed a crime punishable by death by helping you leave Aisin. We will leave Aushasal in the same manner we left Aisin," Her voice is resolute.
Erya's words strikes Yetsune like a slap. Tears brimming, Erya continues, her words cascading in an emotional torrent, "I dedicated myself to becoming worthy of standing at your side, to protect you. Yet I've failed utterly. Thrice you've teetered on death's precipice, and I stood powerless. I should have plunged after you, but… I froze."
Yetsune tries to interrupt, but Erya's distraught words pour out in sobs. "Upon our return, I'll request to be relieved of my duties as your aide. That is, if I'm not sentenced to death."
Yetsune reaches for Erya, who shrinks back. Yet, Yetsune forces her into a tight embrace. "Erya, please," she implores, voice thick with sobs. "I can't go back."
"We have no choice."
"I was wrong. I shouldn't have left you, but I cannot return," Yetsune confesses, clinging tighter.
Erya's arms hesitantly encircle Yetsune. "Your Highness, we must return to Aisin."
Yetsune shakes her head. "No." Her embrace grows desperate. "I don't want to go back. I don't want to be the Second Princess of Asana or the Crown Princess of Aushasal. I don't want to be easily amused by a bustling street, a circus performance or be oblivious to what a courtesan house is," she speaks in a rush, pausing only to breathe. "I yearn to be just Yetsu. Is that so selfish?"
Erya's heart aches for Yetsune. She knows the weight of their choices, the constraints of their world. Gently, she pulls back, tenderly wiping Yetsune's tears and cradling her face. "But Yetsu is not forever. She's a fabrication."
"We just have to stay here for her to become real."
Erya reasons softly, "Yettiri will inevitably visit Aushasal one day. As identical twins, your true identity will surface, and you'll surely be found."
Yetsune shakes her head vehemently, rejecting reality. Erya guides her to the bed where they sit side by side. She unties the cloth bag from her chest, putting it away.
"Very well. We'll remain until month's end as planned," Erya concedes. "Then we must depart. Without fail."
Yetsune retrieves the dropped roll. Erya watches as she unfurls it, revealing a portrait of Yetsune asleep. A smile lights up Yetsune's face, her eyes sparkling. Erya takes the scroll, examining the painting.
"It's you, sleeping," she observes, meeting Yetsune's gaze.
Yetsune nods. "Remember the book we borrowed from that palace maid in Aisin?"
Erya nods.
"After the House of Fragrance, he took me to a circus, dancing, and the mountains. I saw the most breathtaking scenery of my life." Yetsune's gaze turns distant, lost in vivid memories. "My heart raced with joy. It was a different happiness, unlike what I feel with you, Yettiri, or Lord Azryn."
Erya listens intently, her heart heavy with the weight of Yetsune's unspoken words.
Yetsune places her hands over her chest, her voice brimming with emotion. "I know it's madness, too swift. I shouldn't have allowed myself such happiness with him. But, like the girl in the book, I seem to have—"
"Oh no," Erya covers Yetsune's mouth "Leaving Aisin was our gravest error."
Yetsune pulls Erya's hand away. "I don't regret it."
Compassion fills Erya's eyes as she draws Yetsune close. She can't deny Yetsune's feelings. It would be cruel to do so.
Yetsune returns the embrace, burying her face in Erya's neck. "Because I chose you, you've had to live the constrained life I live. I'm sorry, Erya, and incredibly grateful to have you," she murmurs.
"Very well," Erya whispers. "If you insist on defying destiny, I'll stand with you as long as you're happy."
Yetsune draws back, stunned by Erya's unexpected support. She had braced for Erya to urge her to quash her budding feelings.
Erya meets her gaze, eyes shining with unshed tears and fierce loyalty. "If you brave the sea, I'll be your raft. If you walk through fire, I'll be your shield. Whatever path you choose, Your Highness, I'll walk it with you."
Moved by Erya's devotion, Yetsune's eyes well up. "I… I'm at a loss for words," she manages.
Erya takes Yetsune's hands in hers. "Just know I'm here, always. Whatever comes, whatever you decide, as long as it doesn't harm you, I'll stand by your side."
Yetsune's gaze drifts to the painting, recalling Callan's words about thinking of her and sharing the scenery with her alone. She wonders, 'Does he feel the same?'
Erya pats her hand. "Don't worry about the Noble Consort. I told her you'd eaten outside and were asleep."
Yetsune sighs in relief, grateful for Erya's quick thinking. She had almost forgotten about the Noble Consort.
"I'll share your bed tonight," Erya declares.
After changing, they lie side by side. Erya places Yetsune's head on her chest, enveloping her in a warm embrace. Yetsune closes her eyes, deeply comforted by Erya's warmth.
'Erya, I truly don't deserve you.'
Erya strokes her head, lulling her to sleep. "Your Highness," she calls in a hushed tone. Yetsune responds with a hum.
"As long as you are happy, nothing else matters. Nothing in this world."
Yetsune shakes her head, shifting closer to her. "I disagree. Your own happiness matters too."
With those tender words, the two ladies drift off into a deep and peaceful sleep.
The following morning, tension hangs thick like a humid fog as Attendant Nan sets breakfast on the table. The Noble Consort eyes Yetsune, who turns to Erya, who looks at Attendant Nan, who glances at Nalan, who finally throws a look back at Yetsune like a hot potato.
Yetsune squirms under their scrutiny and whispers to Erya, "You told her I was asleep, right?"
Erya leans in, whispering back, "I did, but I don't think she believed it…"
As Yetsune is about to whisper again, the Noble Consort clears her throat pointedly. "Did you both enjoy yesterday?" she asks, eyes fixed on Yetsune.
Yetsune's forces a smile as she answers, "Yes, Your Highness. I ate a lot and shopped too." She subtly cues Erya, who nods in agreement.
The Noble Consort beams at them before casting a sly glance at Nalan, who shakes her head and shrugs.
They feel their nerves fraying, sensing the Noble Consort knows something. Clearing her throat again, she slowly sips her soup, remarking, "So delicious."
Yetsune and Erya relax, thinking they're in the clear.
Just as they begin eating, the Noble Consort speaks again, "It seems I was mistaken… I thought you'd be thrilled to tell me about your new friend."
Splurt! Food sprays from Yetsune and Erya's mouths. They start coughing, Yetsune beating her chest as she chokes.