CHAPTER 13 - The Story They Will Believe
Morning at the Evermont Residence was always peaceful. A thin mist still hung above the garden as the servants prepared a small table beneath an old maple tree.
Keira sat in one of the wrought-iron chairs, a warm cup of tea in her hands.
Around the table sat Cassian, Daniel, and Kael.
Over the past week, a morning routine like this had almost become normal.
Daniel leaned back casually in his chair.
"I'm starting to understand why nobles like drinking tea," he said, lifting his cup.
Kael glanced at him flatly.
"You're only realizing that now?"
Daniel shrugged.
"In our world, it's usually coffee."
Cassian simply shook his head slightly, though a faint smile appeared on his face.
Keira didn't really join the conversation.
She was looking out over the wide grounds of Evermont. This house had already begun to feel comfortable to her.
She took a slow sip of her tea.
Then something caught her attention.
In the distance, the gates of Evermont began to open.
Keira narrowed her eyes slightly.
A black carriage entered the courtyard.
The royal crest of Valtherion was clearly engraved on its door.
Keira set her teacup down.
"It looks like our peaceful time is over."
Daniel turned his head.
"Ah." He observed the carriage. "And of course they arrive with style."
Cassian was already standing.
"I expected this would happen."
Kael also stood, his knightly instincts immediately alert.
The carriage stopped at the stone steps of the Evermont residence.
The door opened.
A man with dark silver hair stepped out with calm, measured steps.
Lucien Armand Sylvaris.
The Prime Minister of Valtherion.
He descended from the carriage as if the long journey from the palace was merely a small part of his daily routine.
His gaze immediately found Keira in the garden.
Kael, standing beside the tea table, understood at once.
"He came for you," he said quietly.
Keira didn't look surprised.
She had expected this to happen.
Lucien walked toward them with steady steps.
When he stopped a few paces from the table, he inclined his head slightly.
"We meet again."
Keira crossed her arms.
"So it seems."
Daniel was still sitting casually in his chair.
"Usually a Prime Minister doesn't come alone just to drink tea."
Lucien smiled faintly.
"I came to take you back."
Keira raised an eyebrow slightly.
"To return to the palace?"
Lucien nodded.
"Rumors have begun to spread."
He briefly glanced at Cassian before looking back at Keira.
"For the past week, the kingdom has announced that Queen Aelirra is resting at the Evermont Residence."
Keira lifted her teacup again.
"Resting?"
Lucien answered calmly.
"After suffering an accident."
He continued,
"That accident also explains something else."
His gaze remained fixed on Keira.
"Amnesia."
Keira looked at him for several seconds.
Then she gave a small nod.
"So that's the story."
Lucien did not deny it.
"The Queen has lost part of her memory. Because of that, her behavior and attitude may be different from before."
Daniel leaned back in his chair.
"And people will accept that."
"Yes," Lucien said.
"At least those who do not know the truth."
A brief silence fell over the garden.
The morning wind rustled the leaves above them.
Finally Keira spoke.
"And the real reason you came to fetch me?"
Lucien answered directly.
"Rumors about the relationship between the King and the Queen have begun to circulate."
Cassian's gaze hardened slightly.
Lucien continued in the same calm tone.
"If the Queen returns to the palace, those rumors will disappear on their own."
Keira looked at the Evermont garden once more.
This place had only just begun to feel like home.
But the palace was where many answers might lie.
Finally, Keira spoke quietly.
"Alright."
Daniel looked at her.
So did Cassian.
"I will return to the palace."
Lucien inclined his head slightly.
"The carriage will be waiting."
He then turned away, giving them time before the departure.
A moment later, he walked back toward the carriage.
Silence fell over the garden after he left.
Cassian looked at Keira seriously.
"Keira."
He had finally grown used to calling her Keira instead of Aelirra.
Keira turned toward him.
"Are you really ready to go back there?"
He continued in a lower voice.
"If you're not ready… you don't have to go."
Daniel raised an eyebrow. Kael also glanced over.
Cassian didn't take his eyes off his sister.
"Evermont will protect you."
He spoke calmly, but there was no doubt in his voice.
"I'm ready to stand against anything for you."
He paused briefly.
"Even if it means Evermont must oppose the King's orders."
The morning wind moved softly through the garden.
Keira looked at Cassian for several seconds.
Those words were not a threat.
They were a promise.
But in the end, Keira slowly shook her head.
"I will go."
Cassian didn't look surprised.
"Why?"
Keira looked toward the Evermont gates, where the royal carriage was still waiting.
"Because I have a reason to return."
She didn't explain further.
But deep in her heart, Keira knew one thing for certain.
If Keenan's soul existed in this world…
There was a chance he was in the palace right now.
And even though she might not recognize him yet…
Keira believed that one day she would find him.
And when that day came…. They would meet again.