(Chapter 40)
Everything seemed to come too easily for Lorcan Frostborne, the Duke of the North. The revenge he had long harbored, that had gnawed at his soul and driven every step he took, was now over. Finished. But why did he feel empty? As if something was missing, something that victory couldn't answer. The emptiness haunted him like a shadow he couldn't ignore. His enemies had fallen, and the long path he had once walked now had no end. Lorcan wondered, Was it all worth it? But the more he searched for an answer, the deeper he sank into doubt.
One thing that kept filling his mind was Clarisse Faeloria, his wife. The future with her now seemed like a mystery too difficult to comprehend. The memories of the past, when he distanced himself from her, leaving her in solitude, haunted him once again. That woman, who had always been there even when Lorcan had often rejected her, had remained with an extraordinary patience. But now Lorcan realized, every rejection Clarisse had given him had left deep wounds, not just on her, but on himself as well.
"I was too hasty," he muttered quietly, his voice hoarse with regret. The feelings he had long ignored now surfaced, eating away at his heart.
Their party returned victorious, but Lorcan felt out of place among the cheers and laughter of his followers. His thoughts were solely focused on Clarisse. What does she think now? Does she miss me as much as I miss her? But his reverie was broken by the cheerful voice of Kaelion Arvasyn, the imperial crown prince.
"You're daydreaming again, Lorcan," Kaelion said with his signature smile. He approached, casually patting Lorcan on the shoulder. "You know, you should start treating Clarisse better. She deserves it."
Lorcan merely grunted, though his heart ached with a sudden jealousy. Kaelion's attention to Clarisse always bothered him, even though he knew it was just the attention of a friend. However, he couldn't shake the discomfort that gnawed at him every time Kaelion spoke about Clarisse.
"Kaelion, you talk too much," Lorcan replied coldly.
Kaelion merely chuckled, giving Lorcan an understanding look. "You know, I just want to make sure she's happy. Clarisse is an incredible woman, kind-hearted, strong, and firm. Sometimes I envy you for having her."
Lorcan remained silent, but his heart was in turmoil. Kaelion's words only reinforced his fear: Is Clarisse truly happy in this marriage?
"I've been watching you, Lorcan," Kaelion continued. "Beneath your cold demeanor, I know you care about her. But you need to learn how to show it. Don't let it be too late."
Lorcan stared at Kaelion for a moment, then turned his gaze to the sky, now darkening. The question that had been haunting him now rang louder in his mind: Is Clarisse happy?
"Yes, she's happy," Lorcan finally answered, though his voice sounded flat, as if he were trying to convince himself.
Kaelion gave a small smile and said, "Well, that's good then. I hope it's true, because I want to see her happy. She deserves it."
Kaelion's words left a deep mark on Lorcan's heart. He gazed at the horizon, slowly being swallowed by darkness, contemplating a future that felt so uncertain. One thing he knew for sure: he had to ensure Clarisse's happiness, even if it meant sacrificing his own ego.