Chapter 48
A Sleepless Night
Ellea could still feel the lingering sensation of Terban’s grip on her reddened wrist.
“It hurts quite a bit. Have I really become this weak?”
“Your Highness?”
Hearing someone call her, she looked up to see Borens hurrying toward her, worry plain on his face.
Ellea quickly hid her hand behind her back.
“I was worried something might have happened since you didn’t return, Your Highness.”
“I was just… talking a bit longer, that’s all.”
Her slightly weary expression deepened Borens’s concern, so she forced a faint smile.
“It’s over now, and I feel relieved. Let’s head back too.”
“Yes. You should get some rest.”
With that, Ellea returned to the palace with Borens, telling herself that even the smallest thread of connection between them was now gone.
Not long after, when Terban came back, Shenil immediately approached him, worried about what Ellea might have said.
“Terban, about earlier with the princess—”
“Shenil.”
“Hm? What is it?”
“Just now with Her Highness… did anything…”
The memory of Ellea’s desperate words flashed across his mind, and he almost asked, but in the end he let his words trail off.
“Never mind. You’re not hurt anywhere, are you?”
“No. I’m really fine.”
“That’s enough then. I should get going. I only had a little time to spare tonight because of tomorrow’s matters.”
Shenil knew exactly what he meant, so she had no choice but to let him leave. From the look of things, it seemed Ellea hadn’t said anything troubling after all.
“All right. See you later.”
Terban turned and walked away. Yet Shenil couldn’t get the image of his retreating back—chasing after Ellea instead of staying by her—out of her mind. Nor could she forget Ellea’s menacing presence pressing down on her earlier.
It was fortunate Terban arrived when he did.
Tonight had confirmed what the rumors at the banquet suggested: Ellea regarded her as an enemy.
If that’s how she wants to play it, then I won’t just sit back and do nothing.
If Ellea came at her, Shenil intended to respond in her own way—making sure Ellea would never dare rise against her again.
“Time to start moving.”
She had gained something useful tonight, and she planned to dig deeper into what she had heard before. If Ellea had a weakness, Shenil was determined to uncover it.
With a calculating smile, she thought of someone who might be the key, and slipped back into the palace.
That night, while the palace slept, Ellea lay awake, restless, tossing and turning in bed.
She shut her eyes and tried to sleep, but in the end, she couldn’t. Finally, she sat up.
“I can’t sleep.”
Every time she closed her eyes, the events of the day replayed in her mind. No wonder sleep wouldn’t come.
“Honestly, after all that happened, it’d be stranger if I could sleep.”
Deciding she wouldn’t be able to rest, Ellea looked up at the night sky through the terrace window. Then she rose, changed into comfortable clothes, pulled on a robe, and slipped her treasured sword into her arms—just in case.
Instead of leaving by the door, she stepped out onto the terrace.
Cool night air brushed her skin as she glanced down. Without hesitation, she leapt.
She landed lightly, without a sound.
If I went out the door, I might bump into someone and cause trouble.
“At least I haven’t gotten rusty.”
Smiling faintly, she slipped out of the imperial palace unnoticed.
These secret midnight escapades were nothing new. Even back when she had been “El,” sneaking out at night had been her small act of rebellion—something she did when she was frustrated or sleepless.
It was, perhaps, the only freedom she had in a palace full of people who constantly provoked her.
Funny that those old habits are useful even now.
The streets of the capital at night greeted her with familiar sights. The atmosphere was calmer than by day, but a few people still lingered, quietly enjoying their own time.
Sometimes this kind of freedom is necessary.
Since awakening as the princess, she had been too busy adapting, suffocating under responsibilities and expectations. She had never given herself time to breathe.
Now, strolling aimlessly, she noticed a tavern and went inside.
It was lively, filled with people and the boisterous noise of the drunk. Feeling at ease in such an atmosphere, she sat down at an empty table and ordered a drink.
The liquor came quickly. She poured herself a glass and downed it in one go.
“Ah, that’s good. It tastes even better after so long. This place still serves the best.”
She hadn’t had time for drinking in Zevenica, nor since arriving here. But tonight, unable to sleep, she suddenly craved the taste. Exhaustion made the alcohol go down even sweeter.
As she sipped and savored the moment, a lazy, unwelcome voice drifted from behind.
“Looks like you came alone?”
“If you’re alone, join us. Plenty of space here.”
“Please, just leave. I’m not in the mood tonight.”
Despite her cold tone, a few men shamelessly tried to sit across from her. Annoyance prickled, and her hand itched toward the sword hidden in her robe.
How irritating.
She was about to rise and leave when another man cut in.
“She’s with me. Do you need something from her?”
“What? She wasn’t alone after all.”
Disappointed, the group backed off and left for another table.
The most bewildered of all was Ellea—because of the stranger who had, without hesitation, claimed to be her companion.
And then, to her further shock, he calmly sat across from her.
“You…?”
“Been a while. Well, not that long, I suppose.”
Unbothered by her wide-eyed stare, his teal eyes gleamed with amusement. He ordered a glass, poured some of her liquor, and downed it with ease.
“Not bad.”
“Why are you here?”
“I told you, didn’t I? We’d meet again.”
Recalling his earlier words, Ellea could only gape as he helped himself to her drink. Annoyed, she snatched the bottle from his hand.
“Why are you here? And this is my order.”
“So stingy, over a few drinks. I was just going to ask how you’ve been, but judging from your face, maybe not so well.”
“Will you leave? This is my table.”
“What’s the harm? Acquaintances sharing a table.”
“We’re not acquaintances. We’ve met once—twice, at most.”
Her blunt denial only seemed to amuse him more. He opened his mouth to introduce himself.
“Then let’s fix that. My name is—”
“Don’t say it!” Ellea raised her hand quickly, stopping him.
“I don’t want to know anything about you. I have a bad feeling if I do. Just… don’t.”
“It’s only a name.”
“If I hear yours, then I’ll have to give mine too. I’d rather not. I’m not curious at all.”
Ellea was certain: getting entangled with this man would only bring her trouble. If she wanted to stay quietly in Rubain and return safely, she had to keep her distance.
She had no idea her desperate attempt to avoid him only fueled his curiosity further.
The more you resist, the more intriguing you become. Who exactly are you?
For her part, Ellea was stunned that they had crossed paths again at all.
Of all people, to run into him again… I thought it was impossible, unless…
Sensing her suspicion, the man—Cheillen—spoke.
“Think I followed you? Don’t worry. I didn’t.”
“Funny, that makes you sound even more suspicious.”
But it really had been coincidence. Even Cheillen himself found it strange.
I hoped we’d meet again, but to actually run into you like this…
He thought back to how it had happened.
Just a short while ago, Cheillen had been at his mansion, speaking with Arun.
“The duke is still sending letters?”
“Yes. I’ve instructed that they all be burned unread.”
“Good. You know me well, Arun. And what about that matter?”
Cheillen’s playful expression faded, his voice turning serious.
“I’ve already confirmed attendance. The duke will know.”
“Then he’ll be sharpening his blade, waiting.”
The anticipation in Cheillen’s voice was unmistakable—almost hungry.
“And isn’t it the same for you, my lord?”
“Of course. The thought of finally seeing that face again… it’s enough to drive away sleep.”
Though he smiled, the chill and murderous intent in his tone made Arun flinch. Even after all these years by his side, he could never get used to that side of Cheillen.
“Don’t worry. I won’t kill so easily. I’ll strangle him slowly, just as he did to me.”
Only then will it be fair.
“Yes, understood. In that case, please rest early tonight.”
Leaving the reminder, Arun departed. Cheillen returned to his room but found no sleep waiting for him.
“Maybe a drink will help.”
Throwing on a robe, he slipped out quietly, not wanting Arun to catch him and scold.
Wandering through the streets, he spotted a tavern with the right atmosphere and went inside. He was about to choose a seat when a familiar voice reached his ears—Ellea’s.
The moment he saw her, a smile spread across his face.
The joy shining in his eyes remained just as clear now, seated across from her.
