That night was the night that light and darkness got mixed up. It was also the night when everything died for a moment and then was reborn.
It was the first as well as the last night, and it was the time when I gained everything but lost all I had at the same time.
I felt the greatest happiness and the worst grief at the same time. I cried and laughed again and again.
His body was wet with sweat, and I was in his arms. It was early in the morning when I saw the sunlight coming through the window.
I realized what I meant to do.
My decision was made. It was over.
It must have been too much for an injured man. Lucretius was deep in his sleep.
I tucked him underneath a blanket and got out of the bed. I put on my gown to cover my naked body when I realized I had to borrow something.
I walked up to him again and watched the golden royal seal on his finger.
I will borrow it just for a little while.
He was sleeping so soundly he didn’t even hear me. I kissed his cheek and took the ring from him to put on my own finger. It was still heavy and loose, but there was one thing different.
I was ready and willing to take on this weight of responsibility.
Your highness?
In three days, the chancellor’s eyes were covered with dark circles. He looked at me in confusion when I entered the room.
I came to Lucretius’s personal office. The emperor might have been down, but someone needed to continue to do the cleanup. This elderly man was taking on everything by himself.
I smiled gently and replied,
I came by to check how things are going.
He asked in confusion,
Your highness came to check? Not his highness?
I nodded and raised my hand to show him. The gold ring shined radiantly.
Yes. I came on his highness’ behalf.
Ugh!
He woke up from a vicious nightmare.
He couldn’t recall the exact details, but he remembered something being stolen from him. In his dream, he tried his best to get it back, but…
He couldn’t remember if he succeeded.
He also couldn’t remember what was stolen from him.
In confusion and darkness, he looked up at the ceiling and realized he was in an unfamiliar tent. He blinked a few times to clear his vision.
An annoying noise that sounded like a fly bothered his ears. Then, he realized it was a voice. Someone was shouting happily beside him.
It took a while for him to understand the situation. He was definitely not well.
Lucretius turned to the man shouting at him. It took a lot of effort to do so as he was feeling very weak.
Who was this man? He looked familiar.
Your highness!
When he could finally hear clearly, Lucretius realized who it was.
He remembered what had happened before he lost his consciousness.
Lucretius sat up quickly.
Your highness!
He felt dizzy and his eyes were blurry again, but he was helped by the man who was his knight. Lucretius said his name faintly.
Sir… Clark.
Yes, your highness.
Naemon des Clark. He was the most loyal knight to Lucretius who served him since he was only an heir. Currently, he was the head of the royal guards and responsible for Lucretius’ safety.
Naemon helped Lucretius to the bed and proclaimed intensely.
I have failed you. I didn’t prevent you from getting injured by the rebels. I don’t deserve to live!
Lucretius didn’t care about his injury right now. They needed to discuss more important matters.
It’s fine. How long has it been since I was out?
The knight couldn’t answer.
…
Lucretius insisted nervously.
I asked how much time has passed.
About two days.
What?!
Lucretius stood up in shock and anger, forgetting he was injured and in pain. He frowned at the sharp ache but ignored it.
Did you say two days?
Yes. It has been two days since the rebels attacked us.
And the rebels?
They have been defeated, and we have contained the situation.
And Bina? What has happened at the castle? Why haven’t we returned to the castle? If the rebels have been defeated and I am not dead, we should have returned right away, right?
Naemon replied sadly,
I am not sure if you remember, but your highness was attacked from behind. The southern army led by Sir Goulden pretended to join our force to trick us. He led a surprise attack from the inside.
I… see.
Yes.
He started to remember bits and pieces. He was stabbed by a dagger from behind and when he turned around to fight, he was cut by a sword. He lost consciousness from it.
We were able to take care of the rebels quickly, but since your highness’ injury was so severe, we couldn’t move you, so we decided to set up a temporary camp here.
So it was the southern army? Was it Marquis Galisia?
That… would be my guess.
I moved him away from the southern province for this reason, but I guess it was no use.
He has led the southern army for twenty years, so it makes sense.
Dammit. If they attacked me… Does that mean they got into the castle as well?
…
Again, Naemon couldn’t answer.
Tell me right now. What happened to Bina?
After a long hesitation, Naemon finally answered,
The castle is currently taken over by the dowager empress. Her highness, the chancellor, and all of your loyal Senate members are being held as hostages. The royal guards inside the castle and the defense team are unable to do anything at this point.
Dammit!
After another short hesitation, Naemon said the very thing Lucretius feared the most.
And the dowager empress has announced that her highness Sa Bina le Cransia will be executed at sunrise.
Lucretius’s eyes sparked in fury.
How dare…!
Naemon became anxious that Lucretius may hurt himself further.
Your highness! If you move, your wound will reopen.
How long do we have till the sunrise?
… Approximately three to four hours.
Good.
Lucretius clenched his teeth and stood up. His injury was severe enough to keep him unconscious for two days, but he needed to go.
Thinking about Bina was painful. Imagining what she must have gone through was killing him.
Get the men ready. We are returning to the castle.
Your highness!
Lucretius smiled and reassured his loyal knight.
Don’t worry, I won’t die as long as my heart is alive and safe.
Naemon didn’t have to ask who Lucretius was calling his heart.
Lucretius picked up his sword and chewed on an herb known to dull pain. He could feel his tongue becoming numb and his pain was improving slightly.
He wore a knight’s armor and helmet to disguise himself. The first thing he had to do was to sneak into the castle. He grew up exploring the secret paths that spread inside the castle like a spiderweb. He knew how to get to the hall where Bina was supposed to be executed.
As he rode his horse at its full speed, he whispered to himself.
Wait for me, Bina. I will keep my promise.
Beautiful black hair.
Luc!
He took off his helmet while panting hard. He ran all the way here and barely arrived in time. He was breathless and in pain, but as soon as he saw her face, he forgot all about it.
He smiled and opened his arms.
She ran towards him with tears streaming down her face. She always tried so hard not to say his pet name, but this time, she was calling for him with all she had and running to him.
Luc!
She ran into his arms. This was where she belonged.
Luuuccc!
Hearing her voice calling out his name, he smiled in true happiness.
His woman. His heart. His soul.
She was his everything.
Lucretius thought secretly.
‘I got her back and I will never let anyone take her from me. Even death itself won’t be able to keep us apart. I will not allow it.’
