Chapter 44

Iris woke up find herself already in the carriage, on the way back to Callavan. She couldn't keep track of times and days. She knew she was blacking out randomly without warning. Every time she woke up, her body was tired and weak. It seemed her rest was useless.

Iowyrthe looked at her and said, "We'll reach out the estate soon. You can rest better in the chamber. After few days, we will start the journey to Calpara. The flower will definitely make you better. After that…" Iowyrthe paused and took a deep breath, "After that we can prepare a place for you to reside, like you wanted to."

Iris was surprised to hear that sentence. She was relieved and sad at the same time. He was really letting her go. But it was for the best, seeing him every time she wakes up, might make her fallen deeper in love and in the end broke her heart even more.

They finally reached Callavan, the citizens were welcoming them. It was like a parade after winning a war. They interpreted that the Princess coming back to estate as a sign for further relationship with the Duke and the possibility of marriage soon. They didn't know the reality.

All the workers and the children of the orphanage were welcoming her in the estate. They looked so happy, Iris was touched and smiled seeing it. She felt heavy though, she knew soon she will break all their hopes. Flowers and gifts were overflowed in the chamber. Mostly from the citizens and other nobles. The royal had announced that the relationship was advancing to the next level. The Duke's chamber was already full of Iris's belonging now. Iowyrthe was giving it up and move to the next room near the study.

They served Grizsha's roasted chicken for the welcoming dinner. However, they noticed that Iris cannot eat as well as before. Her hand was trembling every time she took a spoon. It was like she tried hard to eat. It broke their heart that she is unwell at the moment. Some of them already knew as well that they going to get the Amandine flower soon.

The room grew colder and gloomy. In the midst of it all, Iris asked to withdrawn. They let her go. They knew it might be too exhausting for her. Lady Leia, Chan, and Taek escorted her back to the chamber. It was just a few steps from the dining room, that Iris staggered and collapsed. That time was really without warning. Lady Leia screamed in shock that it was heard from the dining room and made Iowyrthe rushed got out there. It was just few hours after she woke up. Her health was declining even faster than Iowyrthe's thought.

The workers started to murmur that it was such a shame that they will get a weak duchess. Their hope turned into despair. Iowyrthe was angry, but he decided to focused on taking care of her. He ignored them while walking to the chamber.

"Before, you can eat heartily while I limit your portion, now you eat even less. I should've given you better food in those days, shouldn't I, Princess?" He held her hand. Her hands were so skinny and cold. He was regretting everything he has done to her.

The next day, Iowyrthe decided to visit the orphanage. He begged them to help him to cheer the Princess up. They suggested to play in snow. Iowyrthe thought that it will be dangerous since she was weak to cold. Piertta said that the Duke should use warming magic. He agreed to ask Metuselah on that. They came up with a plan. During the journey preparation, the children was in charge on giving her company and play with her. The children took their responsibility seriously.

That night, the children presented her a small play during dinner. She laughed. Seeing that they seemed to plan even more serious ways of making the Princess happy during the preparation days. Her food intake was better too that day. Iowyrthe looked so proud of the children. He was very grateful to have them. Her laughed that night, made him gained more confidence for the important quest.

The next morning came. The children have prepared a winter garden for the Princess. Metuselah gave a warm spell beside the warm cape. But he warned them that it can be too long, as her health energy will be sucked out if she exposed or use mana.

The children insisted the Duke to play along together. They decided to go after lunch, so it will be warmer and Princess has gained strength from the food. They built various snow statues for the Princess. They surprised the Princess when she came with her eyes blindfolded. Her eyes were brightened when she saw the winter garden. She complimented all. One of the biggest statues they made was a big heart. They said it was for Princess and then they ask the Princess to lay in the centre of it.

She laid there and said, "I will make you an angel." She flapped her hands and giving the angel with wings in the centre of the hearts. She smiled so beautifully. It was her original smile. They felt they have completed the mission. Iowyrthe also smiled seeing that.

"His Highness smile was also beautiful." Marche commented. All the attention shifted to the Duke.

"Really?"

"Yes, Your Highness, you should smile like this more often. Like the Princess did."

"Sure, I will."

"Pinkie?"

"Pinkie of course," Iowyrthe held out his pinkie and the children made the promise to him one by one.

"Princess, why don't you pinkie His Highness too?" Elijah asked.

She didn't reply. Iowyrthe was rushing to check on her. She was unconscious. She breathed slowly. He carried her quickly inside. Leaving the snow heart empty. Like his and the children's heart.