I stared at the letter in disbelief, my heart racing as I tried to process the unexpected message. Carden's words were both disarming and perplexing. Why would he be concerned about my condition? What did it mean for our tangled fate?
The sun outside the balcony shimmered warmly, but the chill of the letter seeped through me. I walked back into the room, clutching the rolled parchment. How could Carden's concern shift my thoughts so abruptly? Just yesterday, I was in shock from the king's announcement, and now I was faced with an unexpected gesture from my future husband.
My mind raced with questions and possibilities. What if Carden's concern was genuine? Or was this simply another layer of his carefully crafted facade? Either way, this was an opportunity—an opportunity to perhaps understand him better and to influence the story in my favor.
I paced the room, reflecting on the letter. If Carden was willing to reach out, maybe there was a way to leverage this situation. Perhaps I could use this as a chance to secure some control over my fate. But how?
Determined to formulate a plan, I grabbed a quill and ink, sitting down at a small writing desk. My hand trembled slightly as I began to compose a response.
Dear Lord Carden,
Thank you for your considerate note. Your concern for my well-being is appreciated more than you might realize. As you mentioned, my condition has taken an unfortunate turn. I assure you it is nothing grave, merely a consequence of recent events. However, your message has brought me some comfort. Perhaps, in this moment of uncertainty, we can both find solace in our mutual understanding.
I look forward to meeting you again soon, and I hope that our future endeavors together will be less fraught with turmoil.
Sincerely,
Livine Isadora De Vortigra
I sealed the letter, hoping my response would convey both my gratitude and a hint of the seriousness with which I approached our unexpected alliance.
The letter's contents weighed heavily on my mind, urging me to act quickly. I couldn't risk the king intercepting my response. Determined to keep my intentions hidden, I decided to deliver my message personally to Carden's wing.
As the palace fell into a quiet stillness, I donned a simple robe over my nightdress to avoid drawing attention. Stealthily, I made my way through the dimly lit corridors, my heart pounding with every step.
When I reached the guest wing, I saw a man stationed outside the door. He had a strong, rugged appearance with curly dark hair. His posture was alert and his gaze watchful. If it was true, then I was sure he was Carden's aide, Gilbert. In the novel, he was known for his unwavering loyalty and was described as crying louder than anyone when Carden died.
I approached cautiously, ensuring my voice was low and firm. "Excuse me, sir. I need to deliver a letter to Lord Carden. It's a matter of some urgency."
Gilbert's eyes narrowed as he assessed me, a hint of skepticism in his expression. "Princess Livine, what brings you here at this hour?"
I took a deep breath, glancing around to make sure no one else was near. "I received a letter from Lord Carden and wish to reply directly. It's important that the king doesn't find out."
Gilbert's scrutiny didn't waver, but he seemed to weigh my words carefully. After a moment, he stepped aside. "Very well. But it seems the lord is away for a moment. Please follow me."
He led me through the corridor and opened the door to Carden's room just enough for me to enter. As I stepped inside, I saw a well-furnished room, but Lord Carden was not in sight.
Gilbert gestured for me to place the letter on a table. "You can leave it here. I'll make sure it gets to him when he returns."
I nodded, placing the letter on the table. "Thank you. I appreciate your discretion."
Gilbert gave a nod of acknowledgment. "It will be handled discreetly. You should return to your quarters before anyone notices your absence."
I thanked him and retraced my steps back through the corridors, my mind racing with thoughts of what might come next. As I reached my chamber, I took a deep breath and resolved to remain vigilant. The journey ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but I was determined to navigate it with care.
｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆
Carden returned to his quarters with a weary stride, his face set in a grim expression. His usually impeccable attire was marred by a bloody stain seeping through his side. The wound, a result of an assassin's blade, had been hastily tended to but still left a fresh trail of crimson on his shirt.
He slumped into a chair, pulling out a tin of tobacco from his coat pocket. With practiced ease, he lit a cigar, the rich, earthy smoke curling around him as he exhaled slowly. Gilbert entered the room moments later, his eyes widening at the sight of his injured commander.
"Lord Carden!" Gilbert exclaimed, rushing to his side. "You're hurt. Let me help you with that wound."
Carden took a long drag from his cigar, his gaze distant and unfocused. "It's nothing, Gilbert. Just a scratch. I've had worse." His voice was calm but tinged with an edge of irritation.
Gilbert hesitated, clearly troubled by Carden's nonchalant attitude. "But this could become infected. We need to take care of it properly."
Carden waved a dismissive hand. "It's fine, Gilbert. I'm more concerned with this." He nodded towards the letter on the table. "Who sent it?"
Gilbert's eyes widened as he recalled the earlier events. "Ah, the princess came by earlier with that letter—"
"Princess?" Carden shot up from his chair, wincing as he pressed a hand against his wounded side. Isn't she supposed to be sick? Even if not severely, why would she come all this way at this hour? His thoughts raced.
Carden's tone was tinged with curiosity and frustration as he muttered, "Seems the princess had something to say. How thoughtful of her to reach out after such an eventful day."
He picked up the letter with deliberate slowness, breaking the seal and unfolding the parchment. His eyes moved over the elegant script, his expression shifting from irritation to deep contemplation.
Gilbert, standing near the doorway, cast anxious glances at Carden. The faint aroma of tobacco smoke mingled with the tension in the room.
Carden's gaze softened momentarily as he read the letter. He sighed and set it down. "She hopes that our future together will be less fraught with turmoil?" He almost laughed, though the words undeniably affected him.
"Naive, isn't she?" Carden said, shaking his head. "How could I marry someone like the princess and make her stay at Ugreum?"
Gilbert nodded, still watching Carden with concern. "But we need to properly tend to your wound, my lord. I'll get a proper bandage."
Carden's gaze softened slightly, though his stance remained firm. "Do what you must, Gilbert. Just keep the details of today's events to yourself. We don't need any more complications."
As Gilbert moved to tend to the wound, Carden leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with the implications of the letter and the recent attack. The evening's events had only deepened the intrigue surrounding the princess and the perilous game of politics in which he found himself entangled.
"Is it him again?" Gilbert asked as he worked.
Carden didn't answer immediately. His silence confirmed Gilbert's suspicion. "There are only two people in this damn palace who could have sent an assassin after me. Your question is redundant."