"Greetings, little sun of the empire," she said, her voice dripping with saccharine sweetness.
"What brings you here on this dismal day, my lady?" I asked, feigning courtesy.
"Can't a wife visit her husband?" She batted her eyelashes, oblivious to my growing unease.
"We're not married yet," I reminded her, trying to maintain a neutral tone.
Her laughter tinkled, grating on my nerves. "Your Highness, don't be pedantic. We'll be married soon enough. Such trivialities hardly matter."
Each time she visited, her dark, apathetic mana churned my insides, exacerbating my curse. Her presence drained me, making my exhaustion palpable.
"Your Highness, you look unwell," she observed, her concern feigned.
"I'm fine, just sleep-deprived," I reassured her, forcing a weak smile.
She reached out, her touch sending shivers down my spine. "You shouldn't neglect yourself, Your Highness. You're the future emperor, after all."
Her words echoed with an unsettling undertone
"My lady, Your Highness—" The attendant's hesitant voice cut through the tension. "The Grand Duchess requests your presence."
I nodded curtly. "Tell her I'll attend to her shortly."
I turned to Lady Luciano, my tone measured. "My lady, I have a prior commitment with the Grand Duchess. Please excuse me.
Lady Luciano's expression flashed annoyance, but she swiftly masked it with a polished smile. "I'll be leaving, Your Highness."
Her brief moment of irritation only strengthened my resolve. If I weren't bound by duty and circumstance, I'd sever ties with her in an instant.
"I'll leave, Your Highness," she repeated, her voice dripping with forced courtesy.
"I require Dame Elizabeth's presence," I instructed the attendant.
The attendant bowed and hastily departed, returning moments later with the esteemed knight.
"Your Highness," Dame Elizabeth said, her voice firm and respectful.
"I have a task for you, Dame Elizabeth," I began. "Ensure Lady Luciano's safe departure. Escort her to her estate, and remain vigilant."
Dame Elizabeth nodded curtly. "As you command, Your Highness. I'll see to her safety personally."
I nodded, trusting in Dame Elizabeth's unwavering dedication. "I appreciate your diligence, Dame Elizabeth. Your discretion is also appreciated."
With a bow, Dame Elizabeth departed to fulfill her duty.
"No need, Your Highness," she replied, her smile tight. "I'll make my own arrangements."
Despite my reservations, I insisted that she be accompanied by one of our female knights. "I'll have Dame Elizabeth escort you home," I said firmly.
Lady Luciano's eyes narrowed, but she knew better than to argue.
As she turned to depart, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. The weight of our arranged marriage hung heavy on my shoulders, but in moments like these, I was reminded of the freedom I truly desired.
With a bow, I bid Lady Luciano farewell. "Have a safe journey, my lady."
As I watched them depart, I couldn't help but think of my mother's words: "A true gentleman ensures the safety of those in his care, regardless of personal feelings."
Though my heart rebelled against the arranged marriage, my sense of duty remained unwavering. I would protect Lady Luciano, even if it meant putting aside my own desires.
"I'll see to her safe return, Your Highness," Dame Elizabeth assured me, her expression resolute.
I nodded, grateful for the seasoned knight's discretion. "Thank you, Dame Elizabeth. Your diligence is appreciated."
"Greetings, Your Highness," Duchess Anore curtsied, her expression grave.
"I must admit, Duchess, your sudden summons has piqued my interest," I said, gesturing for her to proceed. "What urgent matter requires my immediate attention?"
Duchess Anore's eyes locked onto mine, her voice measured. "Apologies, Your Highness, but time was of the essence. The Spirit King has sent an oracle, and I believe it's crucial that you be informed."
My curiosity turned to alarm. "An oracle? From the Spirit King himself?"
Duchess Anore nodded, unveiling a sacred text from her cloak. "This arrived moments ago, borne by a sacred messenger. The Spirit King's words are rarely spoken, and never taken lightly."
I accepted the epistle, breaking the seal to reveal the oracle's message.
"An oracle has been received," Duchess Anore said, her voice laced with concern. "It reads: 'The one who brought light to this world has lost their own shine and is lost. Soon, darkness will consume all.'"
I frowned. "Did the High Priestess receive this oracle?"
Duchess Anore shook her head. "No, Your Highness. The sacred messenger delivered this letter to our youngest daughter."
My eyebrows rose. "Your youngest daughter is merely three years old, Duchess."
"Yes, Your Highness," she replied, her expression perplexed. "I fail to understand why the Spirit King chose her. The temple's priests and priestesses would have been more obvious choices."
I leaned forward, intrigued. "Tell me, Duchess, what makes you think the Spirit King's choice was arbitrary?"
Duchess Anore's eyes clouded. "Perhaps it's not arbitrary, Your Highness. Maybe our daughter's innocence and purity are what the Spirit King seeks. But what does it mean for her, for our family, and for the world?"
"Duchess Anore, this matter requires utmost discretion," I cautioned. "The Spirit King's words must not be shared with anyone. The risk of misinterpretation or exploitation is too great."
Duchess Anore nodded gravely. "Understood, Your Highness. But does this secrecy extend to the Temple as well?"
"I'm afraid so, Duchess," I replied. "We cannot trust even the Temple's priests and priestesses with this knowledge. The fewer who know, the better."
Just then, a tiny figure darted into the room, giggling.
"Mother!" the little one exclaimed, rushing to Duchess Anore.
Duchess Anore's expression softened. "Baby, what are you doing here? I told you to stay with your nanny."
The little one looked up innocently. "Nanny was boring, Mama."
I chuckled. "I think you have a tiny escape artist on your hands, Duchess."
Duchess Anore smiled, scooping up her daughter. "Your Highness, please excuse me. I must return this little mischief-maker to his nanny."
"You're excused," I said, dismissing Duchess Anore.
With a gracious curtsey, she gathered her spirited son and departed, leaving me to ponder the weighty oracle.
I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers as my mind wrestled with the Spirit King's enigmatic words. Who could be the mysterious figure losing their shine? A leader, a warrior, or perhaps a symbol of hope?
The oracle's ambiguity gnawed at me. Was it a warning of impending doom or a call to action? I needed clarity, but the Spirit King's messages were notoriously cryptic.
"Maybe the spirit know something," I thought, walking to my chambers. Night had descended, shrouding the world in darkness. The moon hid its face, as if sharing my unease.
"Are you here?" I called into the shadows.
A faint fluttering echoed, growing louder. My little spirit companion emerged, its ethereal glow illuminating the room.
"Welcome back," the spirit replied, its voice like a gentle breeze."Come here," The spirit settled onto my head, its presence comforting.
"Why sit on my head?" I asked, smiling.
"Forgive me, I used to sit on my master head... old habits die hard." The spirit's voice trembled.
I stroked its gentle glow. "You're forgiven.
"I've been by your side, yet I don't know your name," I said, looking at the spirit with curiosity.
The spirit's glow flickered, as if considering the request. "You wish to know my name?"
"Yes, I want to call you something more than 'little spirit' or 'spirit companion'."
Lynn's radiance softened. "Among spirits, sharing one's name holds great significance. It signifies trust, bonding, and vulnerability."
"I understand," I said, intrigued.
"My master named me Lynn," the spirit revealed, its voice barely above a whisper. "I am a water spirit, born from the essence of the river."
I smiled, cherishing the intimacy of the moment. "Lynn, it suits you perfectly."
"I'm so grateful for my name," Lynn said, her voice filled with emotion. "My master chose it with care. And I had a twin sister... spirit siblings are a rare gift."
Lynn's glow dimmed, her voice trembling as memories flooded back. I sensed her sorrow and yearned to comfort her.
"Lynn, come here," I said, opening my arms.
But she hesitated, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Wait, you never told me your name. It's only fair, since I shared mine."
I chuckled at her playful assertiveness. "You're right, little one. My name is Kieran de von Ryker Kyrelian."
Lynn's radiance brightened, her smile returning."it suits you."
As I enveloped her in a gentle embrace, Lynn's sorrow began to dissipate, replaced by warmth and connection.
"We've found comfort in each other's company," I observed, grateful for Lynn's presence.
"Lynn, I need your insight," I said, curiosity getting the better of me. "Today, Grand Duchess Anore received an oracle from the Spirit King. Do you know anything about it?"
Lynn shook her head, her glow dimming slightly. "I don't know the specifics,As a lower-class spirit, my knowledge is limited."
"But you sense something, don't you?" I pressed.
Lynn nodded. "I felt the Oracle's weight, its gravity. It's a significant message."
I pondered this. " Then why do you think it came to the Duchess's youngest daughter, instead of the High Priestess?"
Lynn's expression turned contemplative. "We spirits favored Riona deeply. The Spirit King loved her soul, and she was a beacon of hope. Perhaps the Duchess's daughter, in her own way, helped Master Riona. The Spirit King may have chosen her as a recipient of the Oracle because of that connection."
Her words sparked a realization. "You think the Spirit King recognizes the daughter's kindness?"
Lynn's glow brightened. "Yes,The Spirit King sees all. He would acknowledge the daughter's selfless act, even if unknown to others."
"Tell me more about her," I urged, my curiosity about Riona insatiable. "What kind of person was she?"
Lynn's glow softened, nostalgia washing over her face. "You want to know about Master?"
I nodded eagerly. "Everything. I want to understand her."
Lynn's eyes drifted into the past. "Master Riona was... radiant. Her heart overflowed with compassion, and her spirit shone brighter than any star."
As Lynn shared stories of Riona's selflessness, courage, and kindness, I felt an ache in my heart. How did someone so pure endure the darkness surrounding her?
"Her resilience was astonishing," Lynn continued. "Despite the hardships, Master Riona's love and light never wavered. She saw beauty in the broken.
With each passing moment, Riona's image crystallized in my mind. Her strength, her grace, and her unwavering optimism.
"And yet," I whispered, "she's gone."
Lynn's glow dimmed, her voice barely audible. "The thought of her in that place, suffering... it still haunts me."
My heart swelled with empathy. "Lynn, I'm so sorry. You loved her deeply."
Lynn's eyes met mine, tears shining within. "As did I," I whispered, the realization hitting me like a tidal wave. "I only knew her briefly, but her impact was profound. I didn't understand then, but now I see why my soul yearned for her presence... why my heart shattered when I found her lying lifeless, drenched in her own blood."
I paused, the words trembling on my lips. "I loved her. I loved Riona."
To be continued.