"She wants to meet Melissa?" Elvin was utterly displeased as he heard Benjamin's report.
"Yes, Your Highness," Benjamin was on his knee.
"Why does she always behave irresponsibly like this!?" He gritted his teeth. "We always stay away from that wretched family who brought nothing but shame to our realm! Clairette always likes to associate herself with useless people like her."
His gaze squinted as he leaned forward. "What else did she do?"
"My lady was supposed to complete the pending tasks given by Sister Sherry, but she seemed a little tired. I believe some parts of her work might've slipped past her memory due to the long absence."
"How much has she forgotten?" He asked quietly. "Or rather…what does she still remember?"
"My lady said she remembers most of the important events and things like her family, the palace. But there're some gaps here and there. Like forgetting Sir Martin's disappearance."
"Did she say anything to you in confidence? About Mother, Father, Aeren or…me?"
"No, Your Highness."
"Hm. You may go. Don't forget," His eyes narrowed. "You are to continue reporting Clairette's every action to me. Anytime she acts suspicious, let me know immediately. You'll be my eyes and ears."
He bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."
As Benjamin exited, he crossed paths with Aeren along the corridor.
"How was Clairette's first day at the Covenant?"
"It went well, Prince."
"Did she get any work done?"
He pressed his lips lightly. "Not much, but I believe she'll pick up her speed."
"I see."
Benjamin bowed again and turned to leave.
"Did she…"
He stopped and turned back. "Yes, Prince?"
Aeren watched him with an unreadable stare. "Did she seem to remember something?"
"I don't think so, Prince. On the contrary, she was a little forgetful of some things here and there."
"Understood. Anything on that red-haired woman?"
"Unfortunately, we haven't gotten any leads yet. Rest assured, Prince. I won't disappoint you. My knights are scouring through the entirety of Orseth day and night. She won't be able to hide for much longer."
"Continue with the search and let me know. You may leave," he said, expressionless.
As Benjamin walked away some distance, he exhaled a small breath.
Why does everyone want to know what Princess remembers?
The oddity puzzled him, but he didn't let that question linger. His only job was to report Clairette's activities to Elvin and as a dutiful and loyal soldier, that was exactly what he would do.
—
"Is something the matter, Elvin? I passed Sir Benjamin in the corridor."
Sierra entered and stood behind the couch where Elvin was resting. Without waiting for him to say anything, she held his head gently between her palms and began pressing his temples for a light massage.
"Nothing. Clairette is being a nuisance as usual," he gruffly said.
She blinked. "Why so? Wasn't it her first day back at the Covenant today?"
"And she's already missing that woman Melissa! Utterly useless sister I have! Instead of forging good relations with Aldric and the Duke Valemont family for the sake of her brother who'll become the future King, she's wasting her time with studies and Melissa!"
"Calm down, Elvin-"
He shot her a deadly glare. "Don't tell me what to do, Sierra. Don't act any mightier than how Clairette already is. Neither is she fulfilling her responsibilities as my sister and the princess, nor are you fulfilling your duties as my wife. How many years has it been since we're married now? But I've yet to hear the good news!"
Elvin grabbed her wrist and gave it a tight squeeze, making her tremble with a gasp.
"If I don't have my heir soon, what then? I might still become the King now, but in the future? Without a son of my own, the reins will go to Aeren's son! It's only a matter of time till he gets married as well. If his wife happened to birth an heir before us, I'll lose the throne. It should only be my lineage that carries on the authority!"
"It hurts…"
His jaw clenched. "You're the one giving me a massive headache here, and you're complaining of a little pain?"
When a tinge of redness formed a boundary around her wrist - out of nowhere, a spark zapped Elvin. It burned his fingertips with a sharp jolt, and he recoiled immediately.
"Damn it!" He roared. "Your blessed family is nothing but a curse! Even though it's your sister who's the Blessed, it seems like your favorite Gods cannot bear for anyone in the family to get hurt."
"L-Let me take a look at your hand…" Sierra tried to help, but he shoved her away bitterly.
"The only help I want from you is an heir! Give me that, and everything else can go to hell!"
Elvin stormed out of the room - crashing a vase on the way which shattered with the weight of his rage.
Alone in the chamber, Sierra closed her eyes and exhaled a small breath in that silence. She steadied herself and knelt to gather the broken shards of vase.
"What happened? I heard some loud noise- Sierra! Why are you picking the shards by yourself?" Regina arrived just then, her eyes widening at the sight before her.
"Are you okay? You didn't get hurt, right?" She checked her hands, anxious and worried.
Regina took a look at her wrist and then at the broken vase. Her expression hardened with a glint of darkness settling in her eyes. "Was it Elvin who did this?"
"It's alright, Mother. Elvin was quite stressed."
"That doesn't give him the right to treat his wife disrespectfully like this! Seriously…I don't know where I went wrong in raising that child," she trembled, eyes brimming with a faint mistiness.
Sierra held her hands and smiled. "Please don't be upset, Mother. I understand his concern. Not being able to give him an heir is my fault."
"How is it your fault! Things will happen when they're supposed to happen. Even if it doesn't, it's fine. I wonder…" She clenched her jaw that ached with a dull pain, "If your marriage with Elvin was a mistake. Y-you would've been much happier with a husband who truly valued and respected you. I…Please forgive me that you're suffering like this…"
Sierra quickly shook her head. "I'm not suffering, Mother. Trust me. It's because you love me so much."
Regina wiped her eyes and caressed her slightly swollen wrist. "I'll summon Madam Miriam right away. I order you not to lift a single thing or strain your hand. As for Elvin, I'll see to it that he's punished for this!"
Sierra said, "I urge you, Mother. Please let this go. I'm fine as long as you love and support me."
"You-"
"Instead of berating Elvin," she cleared her throat. "May I have the permission to summon Melissa to the palace?"
"Melissa?" Regina looked surprised.
"Yes. I heard Clairette wishes to meet her and I, too…it has been a long time since I've seen her. But given her family's situation…" she lowered her gaze.
Regina squeezed her hands. "Worry not, dear. Of course, I'll be thrilled to have Melissa visit. Don't worry about Rosrell or Elvin. I give my permission. Melissa is welcome here."