Chapter-15

Days turned into weeks. Auden awoke from her sweet, extended slumber after several days, yet her awakening wrought little change upon her strength. She was feeble, pallid, and utterly depleted. Her sister, Eve, informed her that such a state was a consequence of the abrupt utilization of her Mana, a subject foreign to Auden's recollection. How could she be entitled to an ability she had never possessed, nor retained any memory of acquiring? Life, they say, is frail, akin to a path strewn with stones. If it were a game of pursuit, Auden must have succumbed to defeat, for she remained ignorant of the chase. The flight was all Auden knew. Confrontation head-on was her most effective strategy.

A good defense is a good offense, they said. Yet, if one were to inquire of Auden what constituted a sound defense, she would undoubtedly reply, "A swift flight."

Her window and the land beyond it stood unaltered. Auden, captivated by her newfound realization, felt a power in magic. She now started to believe, she was magic.

"What occupies your Highness's thoughts?" inquired Flora, arousing Auden from her cherished moment of gazing beyond the window.

Auden turned, her hair shimmering with the sunlight, and her complexion as pure as the first snowfall of the year.

"I look at the land that's beyond me, Flora. There are people, I believe. People who seemed to have their faith in me. But I wonder if their faith is really at its right place if it's me." Auden spoke in hushed tones.

She acknowledged that she had yet to become what was anticipated of her. Virtues and trust were bestowed upon her by billions, and she was very well capable enough to break them.

"Your Highness shouldn't have such thoughts. You have loved this country and its people. You have been there for us, and I believe in fate. Shall fate help you regain what you have lost."

"Lost? What have I lost if I had never known it at all? Oh my Flora, you're too kind to showcase the truth. It's not hidden that I am a tale that time is up, and I bear no value to those who trust me."

"If your highness is resolute in your convictions, why not venture forth into the town? Behold what the people perceive in you. I, for heaven's sake, do know, Your Highness, that the answers you seek lie hidden amongst those very individuals." Flora curtsied and took her leave.

Flora was a trusted aide and attendant to Auden. Though wary of everyone, Auden found solace in the presence of Flora. Considering her counsel, Auden resolved to embark on a leisurely stroll through the town.

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For her expedition, Auden was well aware that she could not venture alone. Although fragments of her memory had returned, and she recollected a thing or two, she was not yet prepared to wander unaccompanied. She faintly remembered sprinting through the castle as a child, engaging in swordplay with her fellow knights.

Auden now recalled the scar on her ankle, a remnant of the fall from her horse, as well as her profound fondness for the woods. Amidst her recollections resided a voice, a memory yet to be discerned. There was someone by her side, a comforting presence that brought her solace.

However, Auden remained oblivious to their identity.

Auden gazed at Eve, her guide for the forthcoming stroll. She pleaded with Eve to grant her freedom, although it proved particularly arduous to sway her. Nevertheless, Auden emerged victorious.

"So, where shall we commence?" Auden inquired, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, now assuming a role akin to a younger sibling rather than the elder.

"We shall begin at the emporium of crystals, one of the most exquisite establishments within this realm, and coincidentally, a particular favorite of yours," Eve responded, her vigilant gaze scanning the crowd for any potential threats.

"Oh let's keep moving!" Auden remarked as she moved across the market.