After I heroically helped Garhian and Erries solidify their relationship, Garhian accepted Erries's magic. Magic doesn't exist among humans, so it was a wise decision on Garhian's part.
'Gates' were created, connecting Erries and Garhian. Apparently, it's a means of transportation—teleporting people at light speed to their destinations. It's supposed to take only a second or so. Garhian has full control over who comes and goes.
As fun as the concept of magic is, I have other things occupying my mind—and it's not the fact that Kael insisted on following us.
Why is he following us anyway? Doesn't he have kingly duties to attend to, kingdoms to rule, or people to command? Can he even just abandon his responsibilities like this? What kind of king does that? And more importantly, why is he doing it? The whole situation feels strange—his presence, the silent way he watches, always lingering in the background. It makes my skin crawl with unease, like there's something more he's not saying. I feel uncomfortable, like he's waiting for the right moment to pounce.
At least he's not in the carriage with us. That would take the awkwardness to a whole new level, trapping us in a confined space where I'd have to endure the weight of his gaze, every unsaid word thick in the air. No, that's a level of tension I'm not ready to face just yet.
My mind was crowded with thoughts, swirling with the frustration of how close I felt to remembering something important. It was as if a memory hovered just out of reach, teasing me with the promise of clarity. I had this overwhelming feeling—a certainty, even—that if I just concentrated a little harder, I could unlock whatever it was. But no matter how much I reached for it, the memory slipped further away, like trying to grasp smoke. I was wrong, and that fleeting sense of hope dissolved into the emptiness once more.
'What did I dream of that made me want to remember so badly?'
I was sure I'd dreamt of one of my lost memories, but what it was felt impossible to grasp. It felt like I could reach it if I tried, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't.
"Are you okay, Lili?" Lucy asked.
"Yes," I said, looking at her.
"Are you excited to see your nieces and nephew?" she asked. Oh, right—the triplets.
"I guess," I said, glancing down.
"You know you can tell me what's bothering you, right?" she said.
"I know," I replied with a light smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.
I do want to meet them, but right now, I'm not in the right headspace.
…
I got out of the carriage and stretched. It's amazing how a two-month journey was cut down to one day.A man walked out and hugged Lucy with such affection that, for a moment, I forgot my worries.
'What's their story? Lucy never sounded half as lovesick as he looks.'
The reader in me was begging for details, but I held it in and did my best to stay composed.
"You must be Lord Julian. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," I said with a curtsey.
"Lord Julian? No, I'm Sylvester, the butler—and my lady's lover," he said, and my eyes widened. L... Lover?
I turned to Lucy, but her expression remained even. This is not the story I expected.
"Lucy, you…" I struggled to find the words. 'Keep your cool, Lilien, he's just joking around.' "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sylvester," I said, extending my hand for a handshake. 'He's joking, right?'
"I wouldn't be arrogant enough to touch Her Majesty's hand," he said, stepping back. 'He's not joking.'
"Lucy," I called, searching for an explanation, but she offered nothing. I glanced at the others standing nearby, but they gave me no clues.
What's going on? When she said 'you'd love Julian,' was it because he'd accept anything?
My eyes met Kael's, and I could see he was close to laughing. So, they're just messing with me.
'I hate to say this, but thanks, Kael.'
"It's cruel to mess with someone just because they've lost their memory," I said, and Kael burst out laughing.
"I was going to make you believe it for a while," Sylvester said, still laughing. I'm not sure I like Julian anymore. "Kael, you ruined it," he complained. Did he just call the king of shifters by his first name?
"Lucy, I trusted you," I said, shaking my head.
"I didn't say anything," she defended, though her laughter made it clear she wasn't sincere.
"Let's go inside, Sister-in-law," Julian said, draping his arm over my shoulder. "I'm glad you lost your memories—now no one knows what happened between us," he whispered.
"Lucy!" I shouted, pushing him away, but she only kept laughing.
My story is that of a poor heroine who lost her memories—a tragic circumstance, really. With no recollection of who I am or what I've been through, I'm left to navigate a world filled with uncertainty, shadows of the past, and people who seem to know more about me than I do. Every step feels like wandering through a maze where the walls keep shifting, and I'm just trying to find the truth. It's a frustrating existence, constantly questioning what's real and who to trust.
But if this weren't the case—if I weren't playing the role of the lost, delicate heroine—believe me, Julian would be on the floor right now, clutching his stomach from a well-placed punch. Every time he teases or makes light of my situation, I feel that fire flicker inside, the urge to shed this quiet, pure, book-loving persona I'm expected to maintain.
Because, truth be told, this "sweet and gentle" heroine archetype? That's not all there is to me. I'm not as helpless as they might think. Yes, I'm a bookworm, someone who finds solace in words and stories. I prefer peace, I prefer kindness. But that doesn't mean I can't switch things up. If I wanted, I could channel all this bottled-up frustration and take on a very different role—one where I fight back, where I take control. Julian and the others may see me as soft and easily manipulated, but I'm far more than that. I could change the story in a heartbeat. I am the female lead after all.
But for now, I'll let them think they know me. After all, every heroine needs a good plot twist.
I am so good at bluffing... to myself.