How could she possibly be fine, trapped in the hell that was the Dessman family? A place filled with endless intrigues, where everyone seemed to be preoccupied with one another's affairs. Taya felt like she was constantly walking a tightrope, trying to maintain control, but it was exhausting.
"Prince Orig wants you to come; everyone at the party was asking about you, Your Grace." Evail's voice interrupted Taya's thoughts. Taya barely reacted, letting out a yawn. She didn't have the energy to entertain anyone right now.
"Please, Evail, don't continue," Taya said, her tone weary. "Just take me to my room. I'm too tired to think."
Evail didn't hesitate. She quickly guided her mistress through the halls, leading her back to her room where Taya could finally escape the relentless social pressures of the party.
"If he asks about me, tell him the party is over for me," Taya said as she collapsed onto her bed. "None of the attendees deserve special treatment from me." She buried her head in the pillow, the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was fighting this battle alone, yet she had no choice but to endure. There was no time to give up now.
Taya stared at the necklace Orig had given her, its delicate chain glinting in the soft light. There was such a contradiction in him—he could be kind one moment, then distant and cold the next. She couldn't figure out what he truly wanted from her. All she knew was that she had to find a way to win his heart, to understand him, even if it meant navigating through his complex emotions and unpredictable actions.
Meanwhile, as Evail descended the stairs to relay Taya's message to the prince, she found the party already winding down. It seemed Orig had been caught up in something more pressing. His knights stood ready, their fists clenched, their faces cold and serious.
"Evail, maybe Taya is upset after what my brother did to her," Orig said, his voice low and full of concern. "I can't talk to her right now. I have an urgent mission. Just do whatever she asks for."
He sighed deeply before returning to his men, who were waiting for him.
Evail couldn't help but think, I can't believe Prince Orig actually cares about another woman's feelings. He's never shown this much concern for anyone other than his stepmother or sister. Could it be... that he's falling for her grace? Evail shook her head, trying to push the thought aside. She avoided making eye contact with the prince, even though his calm demeanor still made her nervous.
Orig added in a more commanding tone, "Don't leave her alone." His words felt like a weight, heavy with responsibility, and Evail could sense the gravity of what he was asking her to do.
Evail stood still for a moment, contemplating what he had just said. What can a mere maid like me do to protect her grace? I'm not even strong enough to protect myself, let alone someone else. She felt a knot of anxiety form in her stomach but had no time to linger on her doubts. The task had been given to her, and she couldn't back out now.
She only snapped out of her thoughts when she noticed Orig had already left. The weight of his command still lingered in the air.
---
Taya's eyes snapped open when she heard Evail's voice. "What do you mean he's gone on a business trip without saying goodbye?" Her voice cracked with frustration and hurt.
Evail was careful not to add fuel to the fire. She knew Taya's temper well enough to know that anything she said could cause an explosion.
Okay, I get it now, Taya thought bitterly, as she let out a long sigh. Orig's been on a secret mission for several days, and I foolishly thought he was off having fun with some other woman. Instead, he's probably been caught in trouble, and Meral used this opportunity to get closer to him. She healed his wounds while I was left to wipe away my own tears. Damn it, what horrible luck I have.
Taya stood up from the bed and walked over to the window. She could see the dust rising from the horses below.
"Is Lord Harry's horse available?" she asked, a determined look crossing her face. She already knew what she had to do—catch up with her husband and protect him from whatever trouble he was walking into.
Evail's face paled as she tried to process what Taya was suggesting. "Oh, my grace, do you really know how to ride? Lord Harry gets angry if anyone takes his favorite horse without permission."
Lord Harry, Orig's grandfather, was known for his obsession with horses. He didn't like anyone touching his prized steeds, and it was a delicate situation to borrow them.
"Don't worry, I learned to ride when I was twenty-five," Taya replied confidently, though her heart was racing. She had trained herself in the art of horseback riding, even though she was younger than she let on.
Evail was beside herself with worry. "At twenty-five? But you're only eighteen! Oh my Lord, what should I do? Prince Orig will kill me!" She could barely contain her panic, knowing how dangerous it was for Taya to leave without permission.
Ignoring Evail's concerns, Taya made her way toward the stable, determination in her every step. She mounted the horse with practiced ease, a sense of power flowing through her as she urged it into a gallop. The stable horses whinnied and stamped their feet in response to the sudden movement.
Taya was familiar with the horse she was riding. She had ridden it in her previous life and knew exactly how to handle it.
Evail stood frozen in shock, unable to stop her. "She's really doing this!" she muttered under her breath. "What is she thinking? Does she realize how dangerous this is?"
Taya was already past the guards, her heart pounding as she pushed the horse to its limits. She had no time to waste. If Orig and his men left the city without her, it would be too late to stop whatever dangers awaited them.
Taya didn't even stop to catch her breath, racing through the streets as fast as she could. She had to reach him. She couldn't let her husband face whatever lay ahead without her.
As Orig and his men discussed the mission in front of them, the sound of barking dogs filled the air. The hunting dogs sensed a stranger's presence, and the group immediately slowed down.
Taya's white horse appeared out of nowhere, galloping toward them like a specter in the night. She rode with such grace that it looked as though she were flying. Her sharp, focused gaze locked onto Orig, and for a moment, he simply stared at her, frozen in place.
Wherever I go, I find her right in front of me, Orig thought, his mind racing to understand why she had come. What is she trying to do?
He knew their marriage was just a contract, a strategic alliance. He couldn't afford to let her actions derail his mission. His jaw clenched, and he tightened his fists.
"You can't go on that mission. It's a trap. It's meant to target you and your men," Taya gasped, urging her horse to slow as she tried to catch her breath.
Her words caused the deputy commander and one of the knights to furrow their brows in confusion. They were used to danger, but they hadn't anticipated this warning.
Taya could see from their faces that none of them took her seriously. Not even Orig reacted, and that silence hurt more than she cared to admit.
"Taya," Orig finally whispered, his voice barely audible. He had just snapped out of his daydream and was realizing the depth of her determination. He hadn't known she could ride like this.