First Explosion

The sound of the carriage is the only sound that resounded their ears, the two of them looked outside the window. It was rather uncomfortable for Kiha since this is the first time someone rides the carriage with her. To think that this situation happens right after the accident, she can’t help but think that this is just the payment to set their guilt aside.

Kiha used to ride the carriage with her father, the Count, and her mother, the deceased Countess every time they got invited to a banquet or any occasion held at the capital. But ever since her mother died and Kanna was born, Kiha intentionally avoided riding the same carriage with them.

She would always ask her mother’s butler to prepare another carriage for her to ride on since she’ll feel uncomfortable riding with a complete family. Kanna would always come to her saying that it would be fun to ride the same carriage so she suggested Czarina ride with them instead.

“Sister, sit next to me!” every time her sister, Kanna says those words she would always feel a heavy thing on her chest. The reason was unknown and will always be unknown but that’s what she thought. When she woke up this dawn at the punishment room, she knew the reason why, she knew why she used to push her sister away.

That is why she greeted her first thing in the morning before going to the dining room. Kanna’s pink eyes sparkled at the sight of her sister being kind to her. “Good morning, Kanna.” That is what she said.

Her beautiful and innocent younger sister run toward her, hugging her tightly. Today, she realized one thing. Kiha Raelynn is not alone and doesn’t need someone to protect her or everyone that looks upon her.

Kiha looked at the guy sitting across her, it was the future Grand Duke of Eleanor Empire, Rhysand Grimaldi which is also her first unrequited love. She rests her chin on her hand, slightly leaning on the window.

The future Grand Duke is looking outside the carriage, letting his jet-black hair flutter beautifully without knowing. His fine back was leaned on the window as well as his head. Chirping birds start flocking on his hands, enjoying the scent coming from him.

Kiha purse her lips crossed her legs. Unlike the future Grand Duke, Kiha is known to be talkative and feels uncomfortable and awkward when it became quiet so the situation they are in is rather unexpected to Rhysand.

The estimated time before they arrive at the Imperial Palace is half of the day. But the awkward silence never broke until the coachman asked Kiha.

“Lady Kiha, there’s seems to have an inspection,” The coachman said. Rhysand and Kiha’s eyes narrowed at the same time. Inspection in the broad daylight is kind of unexpected so there must be some problem at the capital.

“Do as they wish.” Kiha lazily waves her hand on the coachman and looked at the guy across her. Her eyes are sparkling as if she’s anticipating something from the royal guards who will inspect the carriage.

Rhysand watches the young lady do as she wishes as he’s having so much fun staying by her side. Every second that passed but no one dared to break the tension between the two, even Martin their coachman is already feeling the heavy tension inside the carriage.

He looks at Kiha with his arm folded on his chest while the young lady remained silent. Neither he nor the coachman approaches Kiha as they sense dark but interesting mana on her body, Rhysand is thinking that the mana might be from someone he knows but soon brushes the thoughts away.

“Martin, can you please step out for a moment? I would like to talk to Lord Grimaldi alone.” Kiha smiles beautifully at the coachman beside her, she handed the coat she’s wearing to him then looks at the guy in front of her.

“Yes, My Lady. But please accept this coat, I’m fine.” Martin, the coachman put the coat on Kiha’s shoulder before stepping out of the carriage.

Her fine red dress fluttered at the wind that passed by when Martin opens the door of the carriage making the young lady more beautiful. The winter light reaches her pale beautiful face as if to comfort her.

“Lord Grimaldi, is there something on my face?” She asked, carefully touching her face. Rhysand shakes his head then smiles at her.

Kiha’s eyebrows arch for a moment before her lips turned into a charming smile. Her orange irises that looked like a fire suddenly lits up. She opened the fan she’s holding then fan it to herself as if the wind in the winter didn’t affect her.

“There is nothing, My Lady.” Rhysand smile for a moment before returning the question to Kiha.

“I didn’t mean to stare. You just remind me of someone.” Instead of answering, Kiha apologized causing the future Grand Duke to tilt his head. He knows that Kiha’s been chasing after him until the accident but the young lady before him is no longer the same.

Her eyes that full of affection became dull and exhausted, the enthusiasm every time she sees him were no longer there. Even her sweet and affectionate tone towards him became cold and strict. The young lady before her suddenly became distant when she’s all over him for the past 7 years.

“I appreciate the thoughts, Lord Grimaldi. But please do not ride the same carriage with me in the future.” Her gaze that used to be persistent was no longer there. She didn’t even dare to look him in the eye anymore.

“I understand. I will remember your words, Lady Kiha.” Rhysand puts his right hand on his chest then bows his head slightly. Kiha averted her gaze and used her fan to cover her face, she’s not even aware that she’s already feeling her heart beating so fast.

Screams from the royal guards filled the area, they both turned to the figure who’s violently knocking on their carriage door. Rhysand opens the window instead of the door but the royal guards just shouted at them without looking at the person in front of him.

“Open the door or we’ll have no choice but to forcefully open the carriage door!” The coachman runs towards the royal guard and told him that it was young Master Rhysand and Lady Kiha who’s riding the carriage but the royal guard didn’t budge and even kicked Martin on his stomach.

“Who are you to lie to me, you crazy bastard!” Rhysand watches the royal guard while Kiha rolled her eyes, feeling furious. They heard a loud thud and punch outside the carriage, the smells of blood spread like wildfire.

“Just who are you to punch my coachman? Didn’t you see the insignia of Richter on my carriage?”

Kiha steps out of the carriage, elegantly holding the hem of her red dress. Her hair flutters as the winter wind passed by her. The other guards kneeled on the ground, greeting Kiha and Rhysand but the guy who’s punching Martin mercilessly didn’t stop.

“We greet the young star of the Empire, Lord Rhysand, and the shield of the Empire, Lady Kiha!” Kiha puts her hand on her waist before silently walking toward Martin. She licked her lower lips as if seeing a new prey, fortunately, Rhysand keep out of her business.

“So, you’re not just blind but deaf too?” Kiha leaned her upper body closer to the royal guard, holding his chin up. She moves it from left to right then puts it closer to her face. She could see his face redden but ignored it.

She’s angry enough to kill someone and this rascal is messing with her right now. If the young Grand Duke just didn’t ride the same carriage as her then this guy might be dead by now. “I put the insignia of my family big enough for those people out there to recognize me, so why did you stop my carriage?”

The guard’s eyes were trembling, making him lose his footings. He kneeled in front of Kiha with his whole body shaking to death.

“I apologize, your highness.” The guard said, voice shaking. Kiha’s eyes landed on Martin who’s squeezing to death. Her eyes darken as she saw a lot of blood from Martin’s mouth making him collapse.

“You’re wishing for eyes to be removed right now, rascal. I’ll do it so don’t move, I’ll pluck these low-quality eyes of yours.” Kiha snatches the sword on the guard’s hand then hastily pierce it into the guard’s eyes.