Rescue Them

The situation I’m in right now is different from what I have in my dreams. That one whole week, I dreamed of being killed by my first unrequited love, Rhysand Gennady Grimaldi, the future Grand Duke of Eleanor. The dream was so vivid that I can almost feel how his sword pierced my throat.

I’ve been struggling to escape that nightmare for a week and now that I escaped that nightmare this guy showed up. I avoided eating with them earlier on purpose as I don’t want to experience what that dream showed me. I can’t even blame the nightmare as it helped me a lot, especially in seeing through their façade.

For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m alive now. The Kiha Raelynn that they knew died that night and she will never come back. There’s nothing to worry about anymore. Right after waking up, I already considered making a plan but this situation came running to my door.

My servants and escort knight are imprisoned because of the accident. I heard that even the knight from Marquis Sultan’s house was arrested too. I saw someone unfamiliar holding me, it must be the child.

I saw young Master Rhysand looking at me so I tilt my head, confused. It’s been a while since we traveled and I’m certain that we’re almost there. I run my slender fingers on my ginger hair then noticed a bandage on my arm to my hand.

My eyebrow furrowed at the sudden injury. I heard Rhysand clear his throat, crossing his legs. I slowly raise my head, looking at him. His eyes were glued to the window as if not wanting to take a look at me.

“Lord Grimaldi, can I ask if you noticed this bandage earlier.” Pointing at my bandage, he shook his head. I don’t know why but I find his answer quite rude as if he’s saying he never laid his eyes on me.

“I see, you’re still cold as ever.” His face is resting on his chin. The sound of the carriage echoed after the long silence. I checked my fan but there is no longer fan on the carriage. Weird, I’m certain that I brought a fan with me today, but there’s nothing in here.

Confused, I stare at the guy in front of me. His calm and quiet demeanor is somehow similar to Kalen but their personality is kind of the opposite. Kalen is cold inside and out but this guy seems to have a warm side sometimes.

Looking at him, I can’t help but agree to myself that he’s handsome. I was 10 years old when he visited Kalen saying he is his friend. I don’t know but every time I look at him, he seems familiar but I don’t know who.

“Lady Kiha, is there something on my face?” He suddenly asked as I blink my eyes vigorously. It seems that I stare at him longer than I thought.

“There is nothing, My Lord.” A devilish grin escapes his mouth. That is when I realized that we somehow imitate each other’s answers earlier.

I suppress myself but couldn’t help but laugh out loud. The carriage suddenly became small as I feel my face heating up. The awkward silence occurred for a moment but Rhysand join me as well.

“My Lord, I would like to apologize for the past 7 years. I caused you much trouble.” I put my hand on my chest then slightly bow to him. The sound of the carriage stop became more evident as time goes by.

“I understand that you’re still young back then, My Lady.” He returns the courtesy to me as the coachman knocked on the carriage door.

I nodded my head at the coachman when I realized that it’s not Martin anymore. I cast a look at the young Master before holding the hand that’s waiting for me. His cloak is beautifully placed behind his large fine back.

“I would like to invite you for a cup of tea, My Lady.” As if sensing my confused mind, he invited me for a cup of tea. I smile at him and politely agree to his offer, his offer isn’t just for a cup of tea. It’s for the explanation I’m demanding. I’m glad that he noticed my confused mind here, that is Rhysand for you.

“Then please accept my gift for you. It was hung on my room for a while but I guess it was meant for your house more.” I bow my head then carefully turn my heels to walk toward the Imperial Palace.

I only took 5 steps away from him when I heard his low hesitant voice but then continue walking as the time I had is running fast than expected. Royal guards and knights were scattered inside the Imperial Palace as usual.

Visitors like me are usually escorted to their destinations but I am not expecting anything as I am aware of the rumors about me circulating inside the Imperial Palace. The wind that passing me is cold enough for me to shiver in coldness.

Analyzing the area, I saw someone walking in my direction. He’s wearing a brown and white top while his pants were color brown as well. I’m certain that he’s a knight but he is somehow new as he looks unfamiliar. He doesn’t look like he knew that I am the subject of every rumor around the Imperial Palace since he is approaching me with a bright smile.

“Greetings, Madame!” He kneeled in front of me for a greeting. His eyes never leave mine when it was required to look at the ground when greeting a noble. I folded my arms then tap my heels on the ground.

I offer my hand as usual and he happily accepted it and kissed the back of my hand. It’s been a while since I saw someone as happy as he is. No one in this area is willing to kiss my hand even when they’re just a knight.

“You may rise.” He rises from the ground then smiles again. What is wrong with this knight? I’m not used to this kind of gesture so this situation is embarrassing.

“Are you new?”

His smiling face stiffened for a second but soon regained its structure. Once again, he smiles at me shaking his head vigorously.

The sound of the bell resounded signifies the Emperor’s arrival. We both averted our heads at the old man entering the front gate. Everyone lines up, greeting the old man just like any other dog with their leash.

But this guy, is his leash loosened or what? He doesn’t seem to care about the Emperor’s arrival nor his superior’s loud voice, shouting at him. I waved my hand, shooing him but he didn’t move but stared at me instead.

“I am not new, Madame.” He replied loud enough for his superior to hear. His voice is deep as the sea but it doesn’t fit his face. I thought he might be someone who preferred to be alone or someone who doesn’t want to deal with someone like me but I guess I’m wrong.

“Then, you can go mind your own business.” Once again, I shooed him but he still stands there as if he didn’t hear what I see.

I rolled my eyes than walk closer to him. Sensing the height difference between us, he bends his knee then stops when his face is right in front of mine. He leaned closer then, I whisper something in his ear.

Instruments start echoing through the area as the Emperor steps out of the lined-up knights and guards. Avoiding his presence I said; “Lead me to the dungeon.” to the knight standing in front of me.

I slowly lead me to the dungeon while the other knights are busy welcoming the Emperor. My heels are just high enough for me to take the stairs. Soon after, darkness surrounded our body, and there, I saw a familiar figure.

Every step I took made a loud clink on the cold ground while the knight behind me is quietly following me. Now I remember him, he’s the knight that leads me to the execution hall and the one who brings food to me time by time, Kasis Heimdall.

I stopped in front of the big and clean cell where a good-looking man is sitting. His dirty suit is torn into pieces, I could see his body from here. His disheveled purple hair was still as beautiful as the wisteria flower.

“I apologize for letting this situation come at you, my dear knight, Ezequiel.”