Gabriella Kasdeya Luna Roth Bloodsworth

Once Devon calmed down, Lewis brought her water. Still, she kept quiet while looking down.

As a respect for her personal space — which she didn't care previously — Lewis perched on the other couch. With his jaw propping on his knuckle, his leg resting over the other, his eyes never left her.

What he felt when she woke up shaking was real. He had encountered women try their best to seduce him. But Devon, before the incident, would never do such a thing. Even after embracing him moments ago, he didn't feel such intentions.

What he felt was her fears. As if she had dreamed about something traumatic.

One reason he felt more comfortable around her before was ironically because of her character. Devon was a woman, but it was hard for him to see her as one.

However, aside from those shallow reasons, one thing that Lewis was aware of was that Devon was shrouded with mystery. Not the type of mystery that was hard to unravel.

Lewis was well-informed about her background and biography. Therefore, he knew that Devon's parentage wasn't bad. But they have estranged from her for years.

She didn't need to live and have a strange contract with him if she didn't get estranged with her family. She'll live in comfort instead.

'She never mention it before, but I heard she's always the black sheep in the family. For breaking an engagement she didn't like… is it really the reason she became estrange with her family? If so, why was she shaking as if there's something more traumatic that happened to her?'

Lewis couldn't help but wonder more about her personal affairs. Since they didn't share that deep connection to the point they talked about each other's secret and personal life, Lewis didn't know.

He didn't have any idea. Also, because he was aware, he was in no position to pry about her personal life.

Same goes to Devon. She didn't pry more about his condition or his other affairs. If he recalled her personality before, Devon just didn't give a crap. Even the world crumbled down in front of her. She won't bat an eye.

Heck. Even if someone died in front of her, Devon would probably think of taking a closer look instead of screaming for help.

She was the type of person who would take herself before anything else. All her words, her proposals to him, and everything served her best interest.

Nothing more, nothing less.

That's the woman he thought she was. Strong, cunning, and odd.

'But now, seeing her act more human… what happened?' He wondered internally, holding himself from asking her.

She wouldn't know, anyway. Even if the mind forgot, her heart probably remembered whatever it was.

"I —" After a long silence, Devon finally spoke. "Please accept my apology for troubling you, my friend."

Devon sported a force smile. Her hands on her lap, facing Lewis without shying away.

"How annoying."

"Huh?" She tilted her head to the side, baffled at his mumbling.

Lewis smacked his lips lightly before he shook his head.

"Nothing."

He shouldn't have asked. But his curiosity just struck him hard. He was curious what kind of nightmare she had for her to tremble like that. Maybe, if she gave him a clue, he'd know.

'I don't think they bullied her when she's a child. She's the type of person who surely does the bullying. This case of not knowing is frustrating.' He sighed, scratching his temple with his finger.

Devon bit her lower lip, seeing him vexed. "I will try my utmost best to not burden you, my friend. My action previously is thoughtless of me."

"Ugh… I'm not annoyed about what you did." Annoyed hearing her words, Lewis clicked his tongue.

Slowly, he placed his palm on his knee and pushed himself up.

"I'm annoyed that I didn't ask you before. Now, even if I ask you, you wouldn't answer me simply because you can't remember."

Lewis let out a frustrated sigh as he walked towards the kitchen. Devon watched him, baffled.

"What do you mean?" She asked just when he was by the way leading to kitchen.

He cocked his head back, his eyelashes fluttering ever so slowly.

"I'm saying, it annoys me I can only judge you based on the side you showed to me in the past. It's frustrating that you feel more like a stranger now that you're showing emotions."

Upon answering her, Lewis headed to the kitchen. Devon pursed her lips as she watched him depart until he's gone.

"Wouldn't he ask me what I dreamed about?" Devon murmured and sighed in relief.

She half-expected that he'd ask her what nightmare she had. But he didn't.

What more, he was annoyed with himself because of not knowing more about her or taking interest to ask in the past. Instead of blaming her for not telling him.

"I had to…" Devon pursed her lips as she turned her head to the floor to ceiling window.

Lewis had opened it earlier. How time passed, as it was already dusk.

"As the sun sets, I had to bury those memories along with it. Keep it in the dark and never grant it light again." She whispered, staring farther than what her eyes could reach.

"Gabriella Kasdeya Luna Roth Bloodsworth, Empress consort of the Romanov Empire, ruler of the seven kingdoms, you may now rest in peace. Forget all your misery and past."

Devon clutched her chest as her breathing grew heavier. Yet she didn't weep, nor did she feel guilty for it.

"I, Devon Lin, a commoner with nothing in my name, sets you free." Upon saying so, a subtle smile resurfaced on her lips.

This time, she completely had let go of her previous identity. Now, she had a firm resolve of being just Devon Lin. A woman with nothing in her name, but a trustworthy companion named Lewis.