"Perhaps she is in a deep sleep. Some medications can have that effect, My Lady," Annelise suggested, unaware that Yohana had been a herbalist in her previous life.
Although Yohana wasn't a doctor, her knowledge as a herbalist allowed her to understand the effects of certain medicines, including their sedative properties. However, even if Princess Elisa had taken such medicine, why hadn't she left her chamber at all? And why hadn't any family members visited to check on her?
Yohana had observed that Henrie seemed distant from his sisters, including Princess Elisa, which may have contributed to his lack of concern. But something continued to gnaw at Yohana, occupying her thoughts.
The next morning, Yohana invited Henrie for a stroll in the park. Equipped with an umbrella, she waited near the main canal until Henrie arrived.
Concerned that their conversation might need privacy, Yohana sent Thea off to attend to her other tasks while she took a stroll with Henrie.
"Is it just the two of you? Will it be alright, My Lady?" Thea asked, her fingers nervously intertwined.
"Yes, Thea, you need not worry for Henrie is my fiance. There's no use in spreading ill gossip about us," Yohana reassured her.
With that, Thea left them alone.
Henrie extended his arm and asked, "Shall we go?"
Yohana nodded and looped her arm through his. They strolled toward the park located behind the palace—a beautiful, expansive space where they could engage with nature. Birds flitted about freely, their sweet melodies filling the air.
"I'm glad you invited me for this walk, and although I am very happy, I can't help but wonder if there's something you'd like to ask me," Henrie treaded carefully before inquiring, "Have you regained any memories of me?"
"Hm? Oh, that... I'm sorry, Henrie, but I'm afraid I still have no recollection," Yohana replied, her gaze lowered.
"I had hoped that being here would trigger your memories, but it seems that's not the case. Could it be that only the memories associated with me are lost, Runa?" Henrie's expression saddened as he posed the question.
How should Yohana respond to maintain her secret identity and spare Henrie's feelings? Unable to find a way to respond, Yohana remained silent.
"You don't have to feel bad, Runa. I don't want to pressure you. The past is not that important anyway. What's more important is the present and the future," Henrie added, attempting to ease Yohana's troubled heart. He seemed to sense that his question had burdened her.
Yohana decided to proceed with her original intention. "Henrie, have you seen Princess Elisa?"
"Elisa? No, I haven't. What about her? Didn't Eleanor say she's unwell?"
"Yes, I'm aware she said that. But I haven't seen her at all, and that's a little strange because our chambers are in the same corridor. I tried to reach out to check on her condition last night, but it seemed that Princess Elisa didn't want to let me in," Yohana shared everything with Henrie.
"Was she sleeping?" Henrie pointed out one possibility.
"Annelise did mention that to me. Henrie, I may be overstepping my boundaries as I'm not a member of the royal family—I'm practically a stranger to Princess Elisa—but I'm worried. I would appreciate it if you could accompany me to visit her tonight."
Yohana made sure to look Henrie in the eyes while asking for this favor. She had learned a thing or two about how to obtain what she wanted using her feminine charm. Moreover, Runa was a gorgeous woman, and Henrie was already smitten with her. It should be smooth sailing from here.
"Alright, if that will ease your worries. Should we visit her before dinner?" Henrie suggested the right timing for him. He also mentioned that he had some paperwork that required his attention before dinner. Unfortunately, if he wanted to visit Princess Elisa, he had to attend to his duties now.
"Very well, let's return to the main building. Thank you for granting my request," Yohana said sincerely.
"Runa, you can ask anything of me, and I will gladly fulfill it," Henrie assured, wrapping his hand around Yohana's.
***
True to his word, Henrie appeared in front of Yohana's chamber before dinner. They walked hand-in-hand to Princess Elisa's chamber, which was located nearby.
Yohana repeated the same actions as before—knocking on the door, Thea announcing their arrival and requesting permission to enter, and receiving no response.
This time, Henrie spoke up, "Elisa, are you in there? I know you're not feeling well, and forgive us for disturbing your rest, but we simply want to check on your condition. Could you please let us in?"
There was no answer from inside the chamber. Instead, Annelise approached them, which was quite unusual as a maid should be inside the chamber attending to the supposedly sick princess.
"Your Highness, My Lady, I apologize, but Princess Elisa is not to be disturbed at the moment. I will convey your concerns to her once she awakens from her deep slumber. For now, I kindly request your understanding and patience, allowing her the time she needs to rest," Annelise said, bowing.
"Can't you allow us to see her, at least? We promise not to disturb her," Yohana insisted.
"That would be quite difficult, My Lady. Princess Elisa is a light sleeper," Annelise started to provide nonsensical excuses.
Yohana couldn't help but find Annelise's explanation contradictory. She had previously mentioned that the medicine might have caused the princess not to hear the knocking. Now, she claimed that Princess Elisa was a light sleeper, as if she was afraid of waking her up. Yohana grew even more convinced that something was amiss.
During dinner, Yohana once again raised the question about Princess Elisa's absence. The queen didn't take it well initially. "You should mind your own place, Lady Runa. Just because you are dining with us doesn't mean you have the right to meddle in our family affairs."
"Your Majesty, I believe this is not the type of family matter that should be kept secret. If the princess is unwell, shouldn't we seek assistance? Skipping dinner for three consecutive nights suggests a serious illness, doesn't it?" Yohana reasoned.
She further said, "Forgive me if you perceive my concern as overstepping, Your Majesty. As a citizen of Reichwein, I only wish for the good health of all members of the royal family."
Yohana's logical argument began to resonate with Queen Emma, and a sense of worry crept into her. "Summon a doctor to attend to Princess Elisa!" the queen commanded.
However, Princess Eleanor intervened. "Mother, I believe her condition will improve with sufficient rest. There is no need to overreact."
"Are you certain? Elisa appears quite unwell. Perhaps she should see a doctor without delay," Queen Emma hesitated.
"Mother," Princess Eleanor placed her hand on top of the queen's, gazing into her eyes. "Elisa will be fine. I will ensure it. There is no need to call a doctor for her."
Agitated, Queen Emma glanced at the king, who seemed oblivious to the ongoing conversation. Yohana couldn't help but wonder why the queen appeared intimidated by Princess Eleanor. Was Princess Eleanor the true wielder of authority within the royal family?
"But Elisa…" Queen Emma was about to insist when Princess Eleanor decided that she no longer wished to engage in that topic.
She turned to Princess Elke and inquired, "Elke, when will Duke Fabian be visiting the palace this week?"
Princess Elke made a face and replied, "Why are you so interested in him? Shouldn't you be worried about Elisa?"
As Princess Elke attempted to redirect the conversation back to their youngest sister, Princess Eleanor turned to her father and asked, "Father, how is the progress of the arranged marriage? I know that Elke doesn't want to get married, so can I marry him instead?"
King Georg let out a deep sigh. It was evident from everyone's reactions that this was not the first time Eleanor openly expressed her admiration for men.
"He is soon to be your sister's husband, which makes him your brother-in-law. Mind your manners! If you continue with such vulgar words, people will speak ill of you," the king warned Princess Eleanor.
"Father, Fabian is a remarkable man. I can already discern it. He is the most handsome of them all, and I desire him," Princess Eleanor pleaded almost desperately.
"Eleanor!" King Georg slammed his palm on the table in disbelief at his eldest child's audacity.
Princess Eleanor, on the contrary, casually whistled while cutting her meat. "I will have him, Father. I will," she declared, locking eyes with the king, and defiantly took a bite of her meat.