Valeria felt frustration simmering within her. "Please, Lord Lohra," she pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation. "I understand why you think you can't keep me here. I don't want anyone else to suffer because of me, but I have nowhere else to go. You and your family have always been like a second family to me. I'll stay hidden—I'll live in a room or even in the basement. The king will never know I'm here. Please," she begged, swallowing her pride as the weight of her situation crushed her.
Katherine's voice rose, cutting through the tense silence. "Father, we can't send Valeria away. We can hide her in one of the guest rooms—"
But Lord Lohra interrupted her firmly. "I'm sorry, girls." His expression grew troubled as he let out a long sigh, bowing his head briefly as if trying to gather his strength. When he looked up again, his gaze was steady, resolute. "Valeria, you have always been like a second daughter to me. It pains me deeply to say this, but you cannot stay. The palace sent me a letter yesterday, before you arrived. They already suspect you're here. It won't be long before the king's men come to search the estate."
Tears stung Valeria's eyes, not from sorrow but from anger and sheer frustration. Her voice shook with fury. "So what?" she snapped. "You're just going to throw me out on the streets so the king can find me and drag me back? Do you even know what he plans to do to me?"
Lord Lohra's gaze softened. "I would never abandon you to such a fate," he said quietly. "I'll give you money and arrange for my best men to escort you to a small village far from here. You'll have a chance to hide and start anew. Please try to understand, Valeria. I'm only doing what I believe is right—for you, for my family, for everyone under my care."
Valeria gritted her teeth, her hands curling into fists at her sides. "What if it were Katherine? Would you send her to a random village and abandon her too?" Her voice dripped with bitterness.
Lord Lohra faltered, momentarily silent.
"So much for being your second daughter," she said coldly, turning sharply on her heel and leaving the dining room. Once again, a man had disappointed her. Once again, she was left to fend for herself. If no one would fight for her, she would fight alone. She had come this far without help—she didn't need anyone now. To hope otherwise had been foolish.
"Wait! Valeria, wait!" Katherine's voice called after her, and Valeria stopped reluctantly. Turning, she saw her friend running toward her.
"Why?" Valeria asked bitterly. "I know when I'm not wanted. I'll leave."
"No, don't go," Katherine said firmly, gripping Valeria's hand. "I'm so sorry for my father's words. I don't know why he acted so cruelly, but I'll convince him to let you stay."
Valeria's heart softened at her friend's kindness. Katherine was too good for her own good, a rare light in a world filled with shadows. "Thank you," Valeria said softly. "But no. I'll leave. If the king finds me here, I couldn't bear the thought of bringing harm to you or your family." Her pride was already in tatters after Lord Lohra had refused her, even after she begged. Staying now would only deepen her humiliation.
"But what about me?" Katherine argued, her voice shaking with emotion. "You say you don't want us to suffer, but how can I live with myself if the king captures you again? If my father won't allow you to stay, then I'll go with you."
"No, you can't," Valeria said quickly, alarmed. "It's too dangerous."
"If it's so dangerous, you can't leave either!" Katherine countered.
Valeria let out a heavy sigh. "That's different! I don't have a choice or a future anymore, but you do. Stay here and live your life. Live for me too. Don't waste your freedom."
Tears spilled from Katherine's eyes as she threw her arms around Valeria's neck. "I love you," she said through trembling sobs. "You're my best friend, my sister. If the king catches you, I swear I'll kill you myself for letting it happen."
Tears welled in Valeria's eyes as she hugged her back. "I love you too. Don't worry—I'll be okay."
They clung to each other, crying silently, until the weight of their impending separation forced them apart. Valeria decided to leave that very day. She had nothing to pack, so she prepared quickly, taking one last luxurious bath—knowing it might be her last for a long time. Katherine lent her a simple dress and a sturdy cloak for her journey.
In the afternoon, they stood together at the estate's grand entrance. Katherine's eyes brimmed with unshed tears. "I wish you could stay," she whispered.
"I wish I could too," Valeria admitted, pulling her friend into one last embrace. "Take care of yourself, Katherine. Live your life to the fullest—for me too."
Katherine nodded, handing her a small bag. "Here. It has some clothes, provisions, and gold coins."
Valeria accepted the bag, her throat tightening. "Thank you. I'll miss you." Reaching into her dress, she pulled out a hastily written letter. "If you ever get the chance, can you deliver this to my mother?"
Katherine clutched the letter to her chest. "I will. I promise. Goodbye, Valeria. This isn't forever—we'll see each other again."
Valeria managed a small smile. "Yes. This goodbye isn't forever."
She turned away, wiping a stray tear as she approached the waiting carriage. To her surprise, Lord Lohra stood beside it. She paused, her shoulders stiffening. "Lord Lohra," she greeted him curtly.
"The carriage will take you to a village two weeks from here," he said solemnly. "My men will ensure you find a safe place to live, but after that, you'll be on your own."
Valeria nodded. "Thank you," she said, her tone clipped and cold.
Lord Lohra's expression softened. "You know this is the right decision." She only stayed silent and avoided his gaze so he continued. "If it were Katherine in your position, I'd do the same. I meant what I said—you're like a daughter to me." He answered her question from this morning at last.
"I know," Valeria said quietly, her voice trembling. "You've done more for me than my own father ever did. But I'm still angry with you. I hope you understand that."
"I do," he said, his voice heavy with regret. As she climbed into the carriage, he added, "I swear to you, Valeria—I'll bring the king down. You won't have to live in hiding forever."
Valeria met his gaze, her resolve hardening. "I'll hold you to that oath."
And with that, the door shut, and the carriage rolled forward, carrying Valeria toward another uncertain future. Fear loomed on the horizon, but so did her determination. She had survived this far—and she would survive again.