The next day, the whole kingdom woke up to the news of two prisoners running away. One of them was the famous thief nicknamed Venom, a well-known stealer who robbed many nobles' families and even the king's palace to give the coins to the poor. Many middle-class and poor families saw her as a hero while the noble families hated her to the core.
The other prisoner was the old midwife who would be executed today. Such news spread like fire in a haystack. Barbara had not much thought about the matter but when she knew that Evoria's citizens were saying that she must be the one who helped the woman to run away, she frowned.
"Lady Barbara, the Marquis is requesting you to meet him in his working place," her maid announced.
Barbara left her room and went to her father's working room. Having a hunch on what her father would say to her.
"Father, you have requested my presence," she said, sitting on the sofa opposite her father.
"Barbara, I have something to order from you. Your sister is still new to the noble society's life. I wish for you to help her blend as a noble lady. And to show her how to do business to lessen the pressure on you," he proposed.
Barbara's heart calmed a bit for being wrong thinking that her father wasn't bringing the theft topic. Her father was still treating her like his daughter. He didn't judge her like the others.
"Father, give me some time. It is still hard for me to accept Aurora as a part of our family," she spoke her most honest thoughts, pouting.
"Take your time. You and Aurora are my daughters. I know you will cope with each other and be more closely like sisters. Aurora is a kind girl, she somehow resembles you," he stated.
"I will try my best, father," she replied.
"That's my girl," he said happily.
The two laughed and chatted for a while. Barbara felt her heart return some of its lost peacefulness. No one could imagine what she went through. She had sleeping and concentrating issues. Even in her work, she postponed most of the contracts.
Now, chatting and laughing with her father made her mood level up. She could be herself in front of only one person, her father. Although she had grown up, sometimes, she would act stubbornly like children and he would only smile and pat her head.
"Father, I need to go to finish my work," she informed, standing up after realizing the time she spent talking with her father.
"Yes, hurry up," he urged.
Barbara shuffled to the door when she opened it. "Barbara," her father called, and she shifted her gaze to him happily.
"Did you have any involvement in the midwife's escape?" he asked.
Barbara froze. She felt as if someone threw her with cold water. Her lips began to tremble as she looked at her father accusingly. She lowered her head and left the room. As soon as she went outside, she laughed hard, tears slipping from her eyes.
"Why?"
She was happy a while ago, regaining some hope that her family wasn't abandoning her to come to her father's words to wipe out all her expectations.
Barbara strolled through the garden, each step invoking vivid memories of days gone by. As she made her way through the lush shrubs, she arrived at her favourite spot. An apple tree with a weathered, nostalgic swing hanging from one of its sturdy branches. The swing where she had spent countless joyous hours playing around during her carefree childhood echoed with peals of laughter and heartfelt moments.
When she was young, she always dreamt of her future. She would be at the first rank among the noble ladies, marry a man worthy of her family name and statue, and have her own happy family.
Ever since Aurora's appearance, the beautiful life she drew crumbled down like a home constructed from ice in the desert.
"Lady Barbara," her maid called, and she snapped from her thought. "Sir Richard is waiting for you at the gathering room," she informed.
"Bring him over," she ordered, striding to the sitting place in the garden.'
'Did he come to cancel the engagement?' she wondered anxiously.
She wouldn't be surprised if he did that since their engagement was an agreement between her family and Count Clarkson's, as the two families shared a close relationship. She knew Richard from a young age and they were good friends. As they grew up, their parents decided to make their friendship develop to a higher level by proposing their children's marriage.
However, her identity was exposed thus her engagement wasn't valid. Richard's parent valued statue more than anything and they would never allow some girl with an obscure family background to marry their son.
Barbara awaited her fiancé with an anxious heart. Upon hearing a stepping sound, she turned to see Richard smiling at her. "Barbara," he called sweetly, and her heart softened.
"My lady, how are you? I heard you were ill lately?" he asked.
"I am very well," she responded. Her troubled heart calmed slowly.
"I apologize for not visiting you, I had urgent work to do," he explained, sitting on the chair opposite her.
"Don't. It was a fever, and it passed after a little rest," she said.
The two of them stayed silent for a brief moment. "I got news about the midwife running—"
"So you came to investigate? You could have spoken directly without coat-sugaring your words," she interrupted him, raising her voice, feeling angry.
"No, you have misunderstood, I come to tell you don't let the rumours circulating bother you. I know you have no hands in the matter," he declared firmly.
Barbara's tears started to flow uncontrollably. For the first time, she let herself be vulnerable in front of someone other than her father, releasing all the built-up sadness and frustration. She wept for what seemed like an eternity, finding solace by resting her head on her fiancé's shoulder as if it were her final refuge. Richard gently patted her back, offering reassurance and comfort in her time of need.
Despite feeling alone the previous days. At least there was someone beside her, offering unwavering belief and support.