So Sick. Cough!

As Duke Callen said his farewell to Drusilla, he reminded Aradia once more to take care of his daughter before departing from her bed chambers. Once he was gone, Aradia watched as Drusilla dismissed the maidservants with the command to leave her in peace to rest. When the room was empty save for the two of them, Drusilla's demeanor changed, her eyes brightening and the fragility that had been present before disappearing.

Although her face was still pale, her eyes' twinkle betrayed her. She pushed away the sheer curtains and looked at Aradia, "Sister, it took you so long to come back."

Seeing her like this, what could Aradia not understand? She already had her suspicions but now, they were confirmed. Drusilla Rosewood was just feigning her illness. And it wasn't all that surprising to Aradia as well. After all, from what she knew about Drusilla, she was a girl who loved her freedom. How could anyone be able to tie her down?

And even though Duke Callen loves this daughter of his, it didn't mean he had what it took to defy the King's order. It was the King who chose Drusilla as the princess who could stand beside the Royal Prince. Duke Callen couldn't do much about this decision.

However, what Aradia couldn't understand was that Drusilla only asked to leave the Duke's Manor. This was no way to avoid this betrothal. She didn't think so. Ultimately, she'd still have to meet the Royal Prince, Rhys Crown.

Did it make a difference where they met? Whether in the Duke's Manor or in the suburban estate?

"I also feel like I had been gone for very long," replied Aradia mildly. "I did not expect to hear that Lady Drusilla is seriously ill once I came back."

Drusilla pushed away the blanket from her body and sat up. "And what are your thoughts regarding my illness, sister?"

"I dare not question you, Lady Drusilla," said Aradia calmly.

Drusilla's eyes rested on Aradia's figure. The girl before her looked exactly like her except for her facial features. And whenever Drusilla's eyes were on Aradia's face, she could never look away. There was just that blinding glow on Aradia's face that could captivate people and even make them feel comfortable.

Aradia Rosewood...

That was the name of this girl.

Actually, they weren't blood-related. It was said that Aradia's father was a close friend of Duke Callen and he died saving Duke Callen's life. To repay that life debt, Duke Callen raised Aradia as a member of the family. At least, that's what everyone outside knew.

To Drusilla, Aradia was the closest person in this Duke's manor. She could always find solace when she looked for Aradia. And that's why she never hesitated before sharing her secrets with Aradia. She knew this sister always had her back. There were plenty of times when Aradia had to take the punishment in place of Drusilla because she didn't want Drusilla to suffer.

Her small feet stepped down from the bed and she wore her fluffy slippers as Drusilla walked towards the vanity table in the room. She took a seat on the plush chaise lounge as she looked at her reflection in the gilded mirror. And she also looked at Aradia's reflection in the mirror.

"Sister, did you bring what I asked for?"

Aradia stepped over to her side and took out a small wooden box, "It's here."

Drusilla looked eagerly as Aradia opened the wooden box. Lying inside was nothing else but a glass figurine. The figurine looked like the exact replica of Drusilla. The craftmanship made one look in awe at this masterpiece. If it wasn't so small in size, anyone would actually feel like it was a real person and not just some figurine made of glass.

"You really found the master glassblower?"

"I promised you, I'll find him wherever he is hiding," said Aradia naturally.

Drusilla was really happy and instantly hugged Aradia's waist as she said, "I knew it. Sister is the best. I knew you'd keep your promise. I'm so happy."

Aradia actually couldn't understand this happiness. Wasn't it just a glass figurine? What did Drusilla Rosewood even lack? There was nothing that Aradia could think of. And she was someone who grew up beside Drusilla and knew everything about her.

After Aradia passed the wooden box to Drusilla, she didn't leave. Instead, she hesitated for a moment before questioning, "Do you really want me to accompany you to the estate?"

Actually, her real question was why she even wanted to go to the estate. But Aradia knew her status well. Even though Drusilla treated her like a sister, Aradia never stepped over her limits. So, she could only ask the next best thing.

"Yes," answered Drusilla.

"Why?" asked Aradia further.

Drusilla looked up at Aradia with her purple orbs, "Sister, don't you want to come with me? I'm so sick. Cough!" She even added a weak cough at the end of her sentence to add the color of reality to her words. It has to be said that Drusilla's acting before her father and before Aradia had a vast difference.

And if Aradia didn't fall for her realistic acting when she was playing out her sick beauty role in front of the Duke. How could she fall for this obvious fake acting?

"I didn't say I don't want to go," said Aradia. "But I'm just unable to understand why you insist on bringing me with you?"

"Sister, do you love me?" asked Drusilla seriously.

"Of course, I do," replied Aradia warmly.

"Then that's enough," was Drusilla's response. "Since you love me, you just have to come along. I'll tell you everything once we leave here."

Although Aradia didn't understand the game she was playing, she was also helpless before her. It had to be said Aradia was truly helpless when it came to Drusilla whom she always loved like a sister. And that's why, even until today, she was willing to walk through even the river of fire for Drusilla much less go to the estate with her.

It was nothing to be concerned about or fret over.

She'd just treat it as a relaxing break.

What could possibly go wrong?