CHAPTER 24
“There is a traitor within the delegation. You must be wary of him, Highness.”
The only one after Dmitri who could claim command over the delegation, Sir Isoka Bredian, was actually a spy working for Aetisra.
He’d lied: he claimed he saw Isoka meeting with Aetisran agents near my palace, in a place few people visited, and that he betrayed us.
“During negotiations, he’ll pretend to cooperate—then alert Arenchis of your movements. We must preempt him.”
“So this traitor truly exists?”
“Yes. I stake my life on it.”
I nodded firmly. Though Dmitri still seemed skeptical, under my direction he said his aide Sir Bael Alex should gather the prince’s troops and travel with the delegation.
Bael protested:
“Bringing soldiers to a diplomatic mission may provoke Arenchis—or risk war.”
“They’ll go secretly—just appear as if we’re not. This must be kept confidential.”
“And Exoka Bredian, I should not consult him?”
Dmitri glared at me. I signaled “Absolutely not, Highness.” He nodded stiffly. Bael left, confused.
“If Isoka does betray us as you say, fine—but if not, you really may forfeit your life.”
“I’m ready.”
We sat in silence while he nibbled at refreshments. He suddenly asked:
“Why have you changed?”
It felt casual—like asking tonight’s menu. But I recognized the caution behind the question. I flexed my hand and replied clearly:
“Change is always sudden, Your Highness. I used to stay silent and endure injustice—but I’ve learned just how costly that is.”
I stood and bowed slightly:
“I’ve been honored this evening. May I enter the First Detention Block today?”
“Not today—you may go in, but two days from now.”
“Understood, Your Highness.”
I thanked him and left without looking back.
Outside awaited Ilia and Chesil, tense and concerned—as well as the guards. I greeted them; they bowed deeply, and I departed with Ilia.
On the way back to the palace…
Ilia: “Your Highness—how was the meeting?”
Me: “As expected—guarded, distrustful. Not a familial conversation.”
Ilia sagged in disappointment.
Ilia: “No warm sibling bond?”
I thought: More like blades than bonds.
Ilia lamented:
“Highness Dmitri was so cold to you…”
Before her lament could deepen, Evgenia’s voice echoed through the courtyard:
“Lirien!”
Angry and confrontational, she blocked our path. Ilia and I exchanged glances, realizing Evgenia had learned about Mullin’s message.
Evgenia’s retinue formed behind her as she barged toward me.
She violently punched my chest.
“Are you kidding me?! How dare you meet my brother without permission?!”
All protests froze. Blemi and Lanya moved to intervene, but I held them back silently—letting Evgenia vent.
She cried again and swung another fist, but then something unexpected happened:
Prince Dmitri appeared, calm but fierce.
He had come to return a handkerchief I’d dropped. His presence silenced her. Evgenia, tears shining, opened her arms, but the moment froze when Dmitri reached not for her—but for me, lying on the ground.
“Stand up. You’ll strain yourself on the floor.”
I looked up, surprised.
“This is my fault—my failing as an elder brother. Call the court physician and carry her.”
“Your Highness—I’m not that injured…”
Instinct made me protest on Evgenia’s behalf, but Dmitri’s expression darkened and he firmly took my hand.
“Did you mean your words about change? Or just empty talk? Get up. And Evgenia—stay away from Lirien for now.”
He turned away, dismissing my presence.
When we returned to the palace, my guards escorted me back. I sat mutely while Evgenia’s maids surrounded us—some appalled, others quietly relieved.
The court physician arrived and diagnosed a bruise on my chest—quite severe. Yet I stayed composed.
“How long will this bruise last?”
“About a week. I’ll prescribe an ointment—apply it twice daily.”
And to Prince Bael Alex, who came next:
Court physician: “By the way, they say Princess Evgenia assaulted the First Princess… You might consider reporting this to His Majesty. Family discord is serious.”
I diplomatically declined.
“I doubt that will help. She acted out of ignorance… but thank you for your concern.”
Bael relayed sincere apologies from Dmitri and extended his courtesy.
“If His Highness needs anything, I’ll relay your words. There’s no urgent request now, but you may reach out later.”
Unexpected kindness. I barely flinched.
Mullin had earned a reward for her loyalty—I hummed quietly in satisfaction.
Later, my chambers lay in disarray: shattered glass, scattered jewels, ruined walls. Evgenia had trashed the room in anger. Lanya and Blemi restricted access to clean it.
Evgenia sat in the center, trembling in shame. She mouthed:
“Bring Iabel, brother—please.”
Anger and regret played in her eyes.
