Chapter 47 - The Box

Rahua's POV

Today I felt like I lived at least 3 lifes, I am exhausted. I am glad Saya magic healed me, or I would be in pain all the way home.

I can't believe Damion saved me, even more Ceaser and Damion seem to be in good terms with eachother, something like friends, I guess. And If I am not mistaken Ceaser did choose Lady Vilahna's love route. However we still had the box as a concern.

*Earlier*

"Damion.... About the box..."

He sighed. "I know, Rahua. I need to tell Ceaser about the box and everything it contains." He said breaking off the embrace.

I couldn't hide my concern, "Please don't, there is personal things inside. If you could hand over to me or to Lady Vilahna. I am sorry to be asking to hide evidence from your superior, but it's really important." I tried to plead with him, I know I could be putting him in a lot of trouble. "Pretty please!" I say pleading.

His cheeks flushed bright red."I understand, Rahua. I will do what I can, but I will hold on to it for now."

I didn't argue further, not wanting for him to be displeased with me "Alright, I trust you, Damion."

He squeezed my hand reassuringly. "I will protect you no matter what, you don't have to be afraid." I was indeed afraid but for Lady Vilahna she was trying to do something bad, for love, and when she finally wanted to redeem herself she got caught in so much trouble that could easily ended up in her demise, well mine too.

*

As we got home, Mother and Father were very concerned with both of us,we were brought back by knights, who delivered us safely home.

Later in our shared bedroom, I was preparing to lay down. Saya was looking at me with puppy eyes, I have had this feeling since we were coming home.

"If you have something to say just come out and say it, I won't bite." I whisper with a smile, Kira was already sleeping. " Today you were very brave to come in to rescue us."

"Before ... You said I was a good sister... I am not. " She whispered her voice failing her. " I have been hiding something." I kind knew what she meant but I let her finish talking.

"I have awakened my magic powers a while now." She says with her head hanging low. She looks more upset than I thought she would.

"I know. " I tell her, the look of surprise in her eyes makes me smile at her innocence. "I overheard your conversation, with Kira that day" I said gently, my voice filled with reassurance. "And Saya, you don't have to be afraid. I would never force you to leave our family and go study at the mage tower if it's not what you want. Your happiness and our family's well-being are incredibly important to me, I do think you would make a badas.. an incredible mage." I choose another word instead, I didn't have it in me to explain the word badass again.

Saya looked at me, her eyes welling up with tears. "But... I thought you wanted what's best for me, and going to the mage tower seems like the best choice."

I held her hands, my voice steady and filled with love. "Saya, going to the mage tower might be an excellent opportunity for you to develop your powers further, but it doesn't define what's best for you. What matters the most is that you are happy and fulfilled, whether that's here in our family, or somewhere else. It's your journey, and I'll support you no matter what."

Saya's tears spilled over, and she threw herself into my arms, clinging onto me tightly. "Thank you, Big sister," she murmured, her voice choked with emotion. "I love you, and I'm so grateful that I have you and Kira, and Zack and Zoe, and mother and father." We both laugh.

I hugged her back just as tightly, whispering words of love and reassurance. In that moment, I just wanted her to know no matter what she choose, I would support her unconditionally.

"I realize now that I haven't been giving you the choice you deserve. It's not fair for me to assume what's best for you without considering your own wishes and dreams," I continued, my voice filled with remorse. "From now on, I promise to support you in whatever path you choose."

From that moment on, we made a pact to communicate openly and honestly about our feelings, and to understand and respect each other's choices. We knew that our love for one another was stronger than any obstacle, and together, we would forge a path that allowed each of us to grow, thrive, and remain united as a family.

"Big sister? " She looks like she has something else to say, her timid voice is very cute.

"Yes Saya?" I reply.

"About Damion...." She looks up at me. I couldn't hide my face blushing, did she notice that I have feelings for him? Is not like I was hiding but I didn't think it was that evident.

"I am still not sure, I know that there's a difference in our status. " She looks troubled, she must be concerned for me. "Don't look so troubled, your big sister will be fine. In love and rejection, I guess I am a pro."

"Rejection?" She says in a low voice. She looks at me with evident confusion in her face. I just smile, I guess I said again things that makes no sense to her again.

"Nevermind, let's sleep today was a long day."

*****

Damion's POV

We had to go into separate ways, I wanted to take her home and deliver safely to her family, however Ceaser was around and he was already giving me nasty looks. I know he disapproves of my interest in Rahua.

As we bring Lady Vilahna to her home safely, I notice something interesting, how careful Ceaser is with Lady Vilahna, he seems to care for her.

"Good night, your Highness." She says bowing to me.

"Good night, Lady Vilahna," I reply with a polite bow. Despite all that has happened, I can't ignore the fact that Rahua risked her life to protect her. There's a part of me that respects Rahua decisions to stand by Lady Vilahna, even if her actions were misguided. "Rest well. I will await your visit tomorrow."

She just nods. And bows her head to Ceaser as well before departing into her Manor.

As we make our way back home, my mind is filled with thoughts of Rahua. I can't help but worry about her and the box. I know I need to tell Ceaser about it, but Rahua's plea not to makes me hesitate. She seemed genuinely concerned about the contents of the box, and I can't help but wonder what could be in there that she doesn't want Ceaser to know.

I can't help but worry about her. She's been through so much, and yet I still think she carries the weight of the Lady Vilahna mistakes on her shoulders. I want to protect her, to make sure she's safe and happy.

But for now, I'll respect her decision to keep the box a secret from Ceaser. I'll hold onto it, for her sake. And I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe, no matter the cost.

"You seem upset, " Ceaser says breaking the silence between both of us. "I wonder if it has something to do with the box, you keep clutching on to it. " Perceptive as ever.

I glance at Ceaser, unsure of how to respond. I had hoped to keep the contents of the box a secret, at least for now. But his observation shows that he has been paying closer attention than I had expected.

"It's nothing," I say, attempting to brush off his comment. "Nothing of importance."

Ceaser raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced by my casual dismissal. " If there's something you're hiding from me, I think it's best if you share it. "

His words hit me, and I pause for a moment, contemplating my response. Ceaser has a point. We have relied on each other throughout our journey, and keeping secrets now could compromise the trust we have built.

Taking a deep breath, "You're right, there is something I haven't been completely honest about," I confess, my voice quiet."but... the woman I deeply care asked, no, she pleaded with me not to tell anyone, including you. I know it seems strange, but I sense that there's something important inside, something that she wants to protect."

Ceaser's eyes narrow, " Just leave it, don't tell me, women do keep secrets of things that I find useless, it must be some romance related things and I have no interest in." he says dismissive.

Reluctantly, I look over between the box and him, his expression remains uninterested. Rahua and Lady Vilahna were probably overthinking that this block of ice would care.

As we all settle in for the night, I find myself feeling grateful that the day went over without casualties. I don't know what I would do if something had happened to her. She means the world to me, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect her.

*Next day*

"Your Highness, Lady Vilahna from the House of Cramer, has arrived, she claims that your Highness is waiting for her ladyship."

I stand up from my desk, quickly straightening my clothes. "Thank you, please show her in."

A few moments later, Lady Vilahna enters the room, her presence commanding attention. She nods politely to me as she approaches, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Your Highness, it is an honor to be in your presence once again," she says, her voice filled with warmth.

I simply nod, gesturing for her to sit. "Please, have a seat. I am pleased that the Lady came so early, we can get over with it sooner as possible."

Lady Vilahna takes a seat gracefully, her posture regal. "Yes your Highness." She seems to be searching for something her eyes are very uneasy looking around.

I raise an eyebrow, amused." Lady Vilahna, you can rest assured the box is with me. And I will hand over to you, I just need to ask a favour of you."

Lady Vilahna's eyes widen slightly, curiosity evident. "A Favour? Is in relation to Miss Stronghold?"

I nod my head, my expression serious. " As you may have noticed Rahua doesn't seem to know I am the Prince. And for now, for her safety, I would like to maintain that way, until I sort the things out here in the Palace and in the Kingdom."

"Your Highness is asking me to lie to her?" Her expression seems to be studying my reaction.

"No, not at all, I am asking not say anything, just that. If she doesn't ask you don't have to mention. " I say. " I can see that, the lady doesn't seem to like this, however I still have the box, and it seems very important to the lady." I add.

" I see. I understand, I won't say anything if I am not ask. However your Highness, if I may say, Miss Stronghold is not someone that is unintelligent, her peasant upbringing is just unfortunate circumstance. "

"I know." I didn't hide my smile.

Lady Vilahna leans back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I see. Miss Stronghold has cause a great impression to your Highness, and I can understand her way of thinking this, her bravery and her strange words always surprise me. "

I just smile, not feeling necessary to add anything else.

Lady Vilahna's expression seemed to have softened "Very well, Your Highness. I will not reveal anything, so can I get my box back? " The Lady in distress from yesterday didn't seem to be the same Lady today in front of me, she was indeed shameless. Just like her rumours.

I nod, "You can have your box, Lady Vilahna. Do care to not lose it, and to not put anyone in danger again."

Lady Vilahna gives me a small smile, her demeanor more confident , than before "Thank you, Your Highness. I will keep that in mind."

As she rises from her seat, "I have been meaning to you this since you walked in. Why Rahua?" I ask her.

"I could ask your Highness the same thing, couldn't I? " She gives me a smirk.

I escort her to the door, an air of solemnity between us. I watch as she leaves, a sense of duty coursing through my veins. Now I can focus on other matters.