The next morning, Leticia awoke feverish, her body aching and her head heavy. Despite her discomfort, an important meeting with the royal advisors awaited her.
"Your Highness, you're burning up!" Dagmar exclaimed, touching Leticia's forehead with concern. "You should rest!"
"I have an important meeting; I can't miss it," Leticia replied firmly, though her voice sounded weak.
As she walked down the corridor, dizziness suddenly struck her. Her vision blurred, and she staggered, about to fall. At the last moment, strong arms caught her. It was Aleph.
He held her gently, noticing her ragged breathing and the intense flush on her cheeks, which somehow made her even more beautiful. Worried, he touched her forehead.
"You're burning up, Princess!" he exclaimed. "You need to rest."
Leticia, aware of being in Aleph's arms, gently pulled away, trying to regain her composure.
"I'm fine," she insisted, though her voice faltered. "The meeting is too important to postpone because of a simple fever."
Aleph, however, knew it wasn't a simple fever. His touch had revealed an alarming temperature. He watched Leticia pull away, take a deep breath, and enter the meeting room as if nothing were wrong. He admired her willpower but also worried about her stubbornness.
"Does she really need to do all this for the kingdom? Putting them before herself," Aleph thought with a mixture of admiration and indignation. "A kingdom that offers her as a bargaining chip for commercial gain…"
In the meeting, the advisors were discussing Prince Ryuuji's demand: Leticia was to depart for the Autumn Kingdom in two weeks. News of the kidnapping had reached the prince, who interpreted it as a personal affront and a threat to the marriage agreement. He had threatened the Winter Kingdom with serious consequences if anything happened to his future bride.
"I don't understand Prince Ryuuji's demands…" grumbled one of the advisors. "We're the ones who benefit most from this agreement. Why would we want it undone?"
"Perhaps he fears we won't uphold our end of the bargain," suggested another.
"There are countless women in the Autumn Kingdom. Why does he insist on Princess Leticia?" questioned a third, casting an appreciative glance at Leticia. "Although she is particularly radiant today…" he thought.
"He gains nothing from this marriage besides the… union itself," pondered a fourth advisor.
"Perhaps it's a requirement from King Ryuuichi for Ryuuji's succession to the throne," speculated a fifth. "After all, the agreement was made with the former kings."
The discussion dragged on without reaching a conclusion. King Hayden, impatient, intervened.
"Prince Ryuuji's motivation is irrelevant," he declared firmly. "The important thing is that he signs the contract and provides us with the promised assistance."
Laurenn, sitting with his arms crossed, observed the scene with disapproval.
"They only think about agreements and benefits, ignoring the sacrifice Leticia is making for the kingdom," he thought, casting a worried glance at his sister. "She looks different today. I wonder if she's feeling alright?"
Leticia raised her hand, asking to speak.
"This marriage was an agreement made by my mother, Queen Elyza, with the Autumn Kingdom," she said, her voice firm. "Regardless of the circumstances, I will honor her decision. I have already found a knight to accompany me and ensure my safety during the journey. Therefore, there is no cause for concern. The alliance will be finalized."
The advisors applauded Leticia's words. Hayden, with a nod, dismissed her from the meeting.
"Better dismiss her before she starts defending the kingdom's interests like Elyza used to," Hayden thought irritably.
"Your Majesty," one of the advisors interjected, "speaking of marriage, when will Prince Laurenn's union with Lady Rachel be formalized?"
"The later, the better," Hayden thought, but replied aloud, "They are still getting to know each other. We will wait for the moment when they both feel ready to make the commitment. Isn't that right, Laurenn?"
Laurenn, unable to openly defy the king, confirmed with a nod. The advisors, representing different areas of the kingdom, heatedly debated economics, security, and agriculture. Laurenn, brimming with innovative ideas, longed to contribute his proposals, certain they could benefit the kingdom. For every problem presented, he formulated effective solutions, but his attempts to speak were ignored by the advisors or interrupted by King Hayden, who treated him with indifference and disdain. Laurenn's frustration grew with each passing minute.
Outside the meeting room, Aleph waited patiently for Leticia. As soon as she emerged, he immediately perceived her fragility. The fever had worsened, consuming her last reserves of energy. Without hesitation, Aleph swept her into his arms.
"Despite the fever, she pushes herself to the limit for a kingdom that doesn't deserve her," Aleph thought, his heart clenching. "The journey to the Autumn Kingdom will be dangerous. I can't leave her unprotected. I need to protect her."
Aleph entrusted Leticia to the care of her ladies-in-waiting, who were alarmed by the worsening of her condition. Upon hearing the news, Laurenn rushed to his sister's chambers, bringing the royal physician with him. He felt guilty for what had happened, knowing Leticia had ventured out into the cold night to search for him.
With the fever controlled by medication, Leticia slept soundly. Laurenn sat at her bedside, gently taking her hand and bringing it to his face.
"Get well soon, Leticia," he whispered affectionately. "I can't bear to see you ill. The thought of losing another family member terrifies me."