The journey was long and eventful. Eregon, despite his best efforts to maintain a dignified appearance, struggled with the constant motion of the carriage. On more than one occasion, the young prince had to lean out of the window to expel the contents of his stomach, much to his embarrassment.
Anastasia, on the other hand, spent much of the journey in silence. She often fell asleep on Selena's shoulder, the weight of her sorrow exhausting her both mentally and physically.
Zeph, always alert and observant, listened in on the conversations that passed between the adults when the children were asleep.
Vorian and Selena spoke in hushed tones, their conversation ranging from the political landscape of the empire to the details of the recent tragedy. Zeph learned much during these discussions.
Vorian spoke with grave concern about the incident in the Viscounty of Perceiver. The way in which the bodies were found—intact, but completely drained of mana—was highly unusual.
In fact, it was unlike anything Vorian had ever encountered in their world. His voice carried a heavy weight as he speculated that, if this was the work of an enemy nation, they may possess a weapon capable of killing even saints and demigods.
One night, during their journey, the caravan stopped by a riverbank to rest for the night. The moonlight reflected off the water, casting a silvery glow over the camp.
The guards, led by Commander Albert Tuspinn, were busy setting up defenses and patrolling the area. Selena, who had been watching over Zeph as Elara lulled him to sleep, noticed Anastasia sitting alone by the river.
She could see the reflection of the triple moons—large and serene—dancing across the rippling surface of the water. It was a beautiful and peaceful night, but the sorrow emanating from Anastasia was palpable.
Selena approached the young girl. Selena took a seat beside her, giving her the space she needed. For a long time, they sat in silence, listening to the gentle rush of the river and the distant voices of the soldiers as they went about their duties.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Anastasia spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Everyone thinks I'm a demon."
Selena turned to look at her, confused by the statement. "Why would anyone think that, Anastasia?"
Anastasia's gaze remained on the water as she spoke. "Because my mother died when I was born. Everyone in the palace whispers about it. The servants talk about how she was like an angel, always kind and generous. They say I killed her, that if I hadn't been born, she would still be alive."
Selena's heart ached at the words. She had no idea Anastasia had been carrying this burden for so long. The young princess continued, her voice filled with years of pent-up pain.
"I've always felt alone," Anastasia said quietly. "If it weren't for Renia, my mother's maid, I would have had no one. Father barely looks at me, and with all the competition for the throne, it feels like everyone in the imperial family wants me gone. Even you and Elysia, despite how kind you've always been to me, I thought you'd want me out of the way."
Anastasia's words stung Selena, but she said nothing. Instead, she listened, understanding that this was a wound that had festered for years.
"All I ever wanted," Anastasia continued, her voice cracking with emotion, "was a family. To be with my mother, to hear my father call me daughter, to play with Eregon and Zeph without worrying about manners or politics. But all of that was taken away from me because I'm an imperial princess. Now, the only person who ever truly cared about me, my grandfather, is gone. And I don't know why… I don't know what I did to be born as a demon."
Tears began to fall from Anastasia's eyes as she finally broke down, burying her face in Selena's chest. Selena wrapped her arms around the child, holding her close as she sobbed.
"You are not a demon, Anastasia," Selena whispered, her voice firm and filled with love. "You were never a demon. We all love you—your father, Elysia, Eregon, Zeph, and me. We care about you deeply. You are not alone in this life, and you never will be."
Anastasia clung to Selena, her body shaking with the force of her sobs. It was as though all the grief and loneliness she had been holding in for so long finally came pouring out. Selena held her through it all, whispering words of comfort and love as the young girl cried herself to sleep in her arms.
4o