Unduh Aplikasi
5.83% Kingmaker's Revenge / Chapter 14: Trust and Doubt

Bab 14: Trust and Doubt

"It's nice weather, why don't we go for a walk?" Aris asked, he was sitting on the other side of Lumielle's bed as he tentatively brought out the inquiry. To say that he hadn't noticed his sister's passiveness would be a lie. She rarely left her room, preferring to stay in bed and read books even when the weather was beautiful.

Once more, Lumielle closed the book that she was reading—it was regarding Western affairs as she gave him a smile, "You just don't want to study, do you?" She teased as Aris scowled.

Glancing outside, she did have to say that the weather was warm and almost perfect. The two of them had moved into the Emerald Palace about a week ago. The Ruby Palace could not compare to the beauty of the Emerald Palace. Though it had been abandoned, the maids that she had hired quickly cleaned up the dusty areas while the butlers finessed the windows and curtains. By the time the two siblings arrived, it was a splendid palace befitting the both of them.

Yet, what she loved most were the gardens. The Ruby Palace didn't have much greenery, a simple long winding path that went to some rose bushes. The Emerald Palace had gotten its name due to the viridescent plants and greenery. Lumielle would have loved to spend every single day in the sun, but the aching agony of her feet had kept her bedridden. It seemed that Aris had caught wind of it which was why she knew better than to stay indoors for today, "Alright, why don't we go and take a walk?"

Evangeline begrudgingly put a dress on for her. A lace-filled pale yellow dress that complimented her eyes. Her hair had been placed in a long braid running down her back—she remembered when she had asked Evangeline if she was pretty and the response she had gotten was laughter with a quick nod. Still, Lumielle did not seem to comprehend that she was indeed quite stunning. Comparing herself to Cosette, she had always felt inferior when it came to her appearance.

Cosette had become the lily of the valley—fair platinum hair with dark grey eyes. With thick lashes and pink lips, she looked like a doll with her small stature and lovely smile. Most men became smitten with her without a second glance; meanwhile, Lumielle had never felt the love of a man. The door opened and Aris was already there. He was growing taller as she took his arm and he escorted her.

"Do you like it here?" Lumielle asked softly, her eyes looking at the beautiful flowers as Aris gave an enthusiastic nod. Everything about the Emerald Palace was better; it was made for the Crown Prince. The training grounds, the greenery, the interior, the rooms—the quality was much greater than that of the Ruby Palace. It was only second to the Diamond Palace, where their late mother had stayed.

"You didn't need to do that," Lumielle spoke.

"You do a lot of things alone. You always do. You've always looked out for me. You're only a year older than me and," he paused. That was true, physically, she was only a year older. Yet, Lumielle had retained her memories from the past. The reason she excelled was not because of her innate ability but because of her sins and her past crimes.

"I'm your older sister. You should let me act like one." She smiled at him as he bit his lip; it seemed both siblings had a habit of doing it.

Aris's eyes met her own, their gait slowing down. "I don't want to be babied by you," he mumbled, "I want you to share things with me. I-I want you to tell me if something's wrong so I can help you." He had been training with Rowan when it came to swordsmanship so that he could use a blade if the situation required. He studied hard with the Viscountess so that he would not bring shame to Lumielle.

Her eyes widened at the volume of his words, "Aris," she whispered her fingers gently brushing across his cheek. She hadn't realized the magnitude of the weight that had been pressing down on his shoulders.

"You always do things alone. Doesn't it get to be too much?" He begged—in her eyes, Aris was still a child but she had forgotten to realize that Aris still believed that she was also a young child. Sometimes, she wanted to tell him about everything. What she had done and the horrible atrocities she had committed. She wanted to get on her knees and beg for forgiveness. Then again, that day would come. Lumielle would plead and expiate everything that consumed her chest and soul. She would be in admittance but today was not the day. Her brother was still too young and the knowledge of her crimes would only hinder him.

"So, can you tell me why you're in your room all day? You always visited the gardens in the Ruby Palace but haven't even gone once."

Lumielle did not want to deceive her younger brother; she did not want to tell him any lies, but she could not tell him the truth. The Countess and her abuse would become a critical part of her plan in the future; she needed the Countess to feel indebted to her for Lumielle knew her secret. She would use this pain and agony as her bargaining chip for leveraging power. If she threatened to let this leak, then the Countess would have to follow her every word.

"It's nothing. Really," Lumielle said, finally speaking and attempting to soothe him.

His eyes darkened for a second, "Do you think I'm stupid, Mielle?" His voice had gotten serious. His sister, his precious older sister, didn't tell him anything. She had taken away all of his problems; she had done so much for him, and yet, she refused to let anyone take part of her burden.

Never had he acted like this in his first life. The ramifications of her giving him a sustainable environment was starting to bear fruit. He was able to think freely; make his own judgments without anyone else. He was not completely dependent on Lumielle. Nor, did he listen to everything she said. Aris was becoming his own independent person and he was starting to question everything, including her. Lumielle was proud.

"Aris, it's nothing. Don't concern yourself with something that doesn't exist," she responded firmly. He gritted his teeth.

"Fine, I won't!" He responded back, his words were equally firm and stubborn. "I won't concern myself with it anymore, because you don't even trust me enough to say anything." His ochroid eyes flashed with annoyance as he attempted to quell the desperation that existed inside of him.

Lumielle exhaled, her head starting to pound, "Aris, I trust you more than anything. You know that."

"There's a difference between trust and believing in someone, Mielle."

She did believe in Aris. She believed that Aris would always be by her side; she had committed herself to this idea. Yet, even when he had ascended the throne, Mielle did not tell her brother what she had done. Silently, she moved like a wraith in the night to depose any threats to his crown. She acted by herself, tainting her fingers in red. Her brother had said something similar in the past.

After learning about the forged Letter from God, he had gripped the table, "You're the only one I have, Mielle! Why can't you trust me?!" He angrily scattered the papers on the ground as Lumielle watched him with an impassive look on her face.

Aris seemed to have regained his composure, "I'll go in first. Stay out here for a bit, you should enjoy the gardens." He turned on his heel, plying Lumielle's hands off of his arm and walking back inside.

She could only watch him go. The lavender-haired female found a bench to sit upon as she leaned back; the sun tickling her face. Aris was upset at her; he did his best to control his annoyance but she could see it. "Ah," she exhaled; this was the first time that he had done this. In the past, Lumielle would have never thought that Aris would ever say words like that. In fact, she found it inconceivable. In a way, she was proud. He was growing less-dependent on her. Yet, he was starting to question her far quicker than in her first life.

His ignorance had served well for Lumielle who maneuvered around the wool that was pulled over his eyes. Yet, now she was unable to do such a thing. How would she even apologize? Was there an apology that needed to be given? Lumielle was quite horrible at relationships; she had realized that. Her idealism only existed when it came to her interpersonal bonds with others. She projected and when that projection fell flat, she was left confounded and angered. Thus, in this life, Lumielle decided that she would have no expectations for anyone. Lumielle would not build people up for them to disappoint her.

"Princess, how long have you been out here?!" Sylvia asked as Lumielle glanced at the young maid.

"Leo's been looking for you everywhere!"

She had forgotten how much time she had spent in the gardens, it seemed enough to raise concern, "Is Aris inside? It's time for dinner isn't it?"

There was an uncomfortable look on Sylvia's face, "The Prince already ate and said that you could eat by yourself, Princess."

This brat. Sighing, she nodded as she stood up—the pain in her feet flaring up once more, "That's fine. I'm not very hungry so would you just bring a light snack to my room?"

Sylvia nodded as the two walked back to the castle. It was not very far and once they were inside, Sylvia tentatively broke the silence, "Princess," she started as Lumielle gazed at her with a nod as if to tell her to continue, "Did you and the Prince fight?"

Lumielle exhaled; it was pointless to hide it from Sylvia, "I think we did."


PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA
saemi saemi

hello hello !! if you like please gift me something or just put it in your library. this chapter was dedicated to aris. i wanted to expand on him because he's not just lumielle's brother; he's an actual person with feelings and goals—it's sometimes hard to so because the entire novel is focused on lumielle, but i thought that i did a DECENT job at showing aris's point of view and his feelings on everything.

once again, thank you lots !! stay warm and stay safe xoxo

Bab 15: Wrongdoings

"Did you and Aristele fight?" The Emperor asked; golden eyes were staring at his eldest daughter. The man in front of her looked young comparatively to her memory of him. Halcyon tresses that matched her brother and eyes that looked like her own—the aura that he radiated was almost suffocating. A beast that had somehow been tamed by a human body.

Sipping her tea, Lumielle placed her cup down, "We are siblings. Sometimes, there are disputes. I apologize if we have worried you, Father."

A small sliver of hope managed to blossom inside of Lumielle—her father had called her to his office more often. Aris had apparently visited him, although the meeting was apparently short. Maybe, in this life, she would not be abandoned when Cosette came into the picture. Perhaps, she had a chance.

"I'm not worried. I just thought it peculiar. The two of you seemed quite close."

Lumielle bowed her head, "It is merely a small dispute. I thank you for your concern." Indeed, Aris had been cold her to this entire week. The two rarely had conversations and she could see the concern etched on the maid's and butler's faces. Evangeline had told her to apologize and she had tried, but Aris was intent on ignoring her. He simply evaded her as if she was a curse. He was still young so Lumielle tried her best to be patient.

"I hope the two of you make up soon." He set down the cup of tea that he was drinking. Lumielle had noticed that he no longer looked at his papers when they conversed. A small sliver of his day was dedicated to his daughter; how awful of her to have some type of expectation for him. "Where is Aristele today?"

"He's practicing swordsmanship with the Knights and then, his friends are going to be arriving at the Emerald Palace today."

There was a knock on the door as she looked to see Evangeline, bowing to the both of them she spoke, "I apologize your Imperial Majesty, the Princess has lessons with the Countess. I'm afraid she's running late."

"Then, I shall see you later, Lumielle." The calling of her name still made her cheeks flush as she curtsied bowing to her father and exiting the room. She knew that Evangeline was worried—yet, she had not wanted to shorten the time that she had with her father. Perhaps, there was a small hope that the man that had abandoned her in her first life, would cherish her in this one.

A slap in the face hurt, her neck turned to the side and her cheek pulsed from the contact. "I apologize, Countess. I was visiting his Imperial Majesty." Words were simple, they held no intonation, blank, and fruitless, Lumielle had erased all emotions from her being. She knew better than to react.

"Even after all my lessons, you still lack etiquette!" She snarled out, as she tapped the whip against the palm of her hand. Lumielle bit back her laughter; she was with the Emperor. Did the Countess think that she was above the ruler of Endora? Yet, Lumielle knew that there was no point in frivolously running her mouth. She should endure; all she needed was a couple of months until her debut in high society. Then, there would be no reason to have the Countess along, and knowing her dirty secret meant that she could manipulate her.

Lumielle bowed her head once more, "I apologize."

"Apologizes are useless, get on your knees."

The lilac haired female took off her shoes as she placed her hands in the air; the soles of her feet were crimson, bright red as she awaited her punishment.

"Is your sister not going to bring strawberry tarts?" Ruenti asked looking at Aris and towards the door with a slight sigh on his face. Aris scowled at the mention of his sister. Lucius who quickly understood the social cue, jabbed the red-haired male in the ribs as if to try and silence him.

"Did the two of you fight?" Asterias asked curiously tilting his head.

Aris glared at him, "Can we not talk about my sister?" He felt exasperated. Aris felt guilty for avoiding his sister. She had tried to come to talk to him on multiple occasions but he simply turned the other way, ignoring her. Seeing hurt flash on her face, made his own heart pang.

"Fine, fine," Asterias said waving his hand, "We won't talk about the Princess. I'm going to use your bathroom." He stood up, a smile curved on his face as Aris gave a nod leaning against his chair.

"Do you really have a problem?" Ruenti asked somewhat concerned for his friend who always used the bathroom whenever they gathered at Aris's estate.

With a firm punch to the skull, Asterias walked away with a smile. Lucius sipped his tea commenting that he had deserved it. The halls of the Emerald Palace seemed to befit the Crown Prince. The interior was gorgeous and walking through the gardens had been a pleasure. Aris had shown them around and they were finally lounging inside of one of the break rooms. There was only one issue with the Emerald Palace and how it failed him; he had no idea what room Lumielle was in.

"Excuse me," Asterias called out as a young maid turned around. Dark black hair and purple eyes—from his memory, that was the woman who was near Lumielle. "I'm looking for the Princess," he recited calmly as she smiled sweetly.

"I apologize, she's busy."

Asterias should have expected this as he gave her a smile as well. Both of them retained plastic smiles, "It must hurt when she walks. The Princess is quite good at masking her pain."

The smile from Evangeline's face fell as her eyes narrowed, "Is this a threat?" Something sinister was twinkling in her voice as she took a step closer to the male, "Are you threatening the Princess right now?"

The white-haired male put up his hands in defense, "Not at all. I just wanted to see her. I promise. I can help her." At the start, his words were quite light and airy—but his eyes seemed to glitter seriously.

There was hesitance in her eyes as Asterias simply kept the simper on his face. Placing the bandages into his hands, she started to walk silently and Asterias followed her. "Do I take this as Ms. Evangeline as trusting me?" His words were musical as Evangeline stared at him; the older woman still looking rather distrustful.

"No."

Walking inside, the sound of the door alerted Lumielle that her maid was back. "I'm sorry for making you do this, Eva," she spoke as she looked up from her position to see the Grand Duke's son instead of her maid. Rushedly, she pulled down her skirt to cover the wounds and stood up haphazardly.

"Heir Apparent, I-I, what are you doing here?" She exclaimed.

"Princess, wait!" He quickly crossed the distance between them, his expression looking worried.

"Leave!" He had seen her.

"Princess, give me a second to explain."

Her head hurt. Lumielle had never been expected to be found out. Yet, now it made sense. That one day that the door was opened; it must have been him that finessed his way inside. How bothersome. "Did you tell Aris?! Were you the reason that he started to ask all those questions?!" She demanded—was he cause of Aris's sudden distrust? How much did Asterias know about the Countess and her? What had he seen?

"Lumielle!" He spoke loud enough to cut her off as he grabbed her shoulders with his hands. He had broken up her fit of anger. Asterias was surprised at her acrimony. She always contained herself—the lilac-haired female smiled graciously and for the first time, he was shocked at how emotional she was being. When Asterias first saw her, he believed that she was like a doll. The type of waxen figures that held a smile but never truly laughed. The bandages had been abandoned on the ground. She fell silent as her golden eyes looked at his, "I apologize, Princess."

In an instant, he had grabbed her. He was carrying her bridal style and her eyes widened, "Sir. Asterias, w-what are you?!"

She could have sworn that his face hardened but as quickly as it was there, it vanished. She was being cradled by him. Never had she experienced something like this before. "I should have done this the last time we met."

Calm down, Lumielle. She needed to calm her racing heart and fuzzy mind. She had let her composure slip. "You never answered my questions."

He smiled down at her; he looked utterly beautiful. Fair crystalline blue eyes and snow-like hair. It was implausible to describe. She understood why women would be easily cajoled by Asterias Everion.

"I'm quite heavy," Lumielle said, her words attempting to sound composed, as he placed her down against the chair with ease.

"It doesn't suit the Princess to lie," Asterias responded with a smile; "You're as light as a feather." He spoke well. Flowers budding on his tongue and she couldn't help but wonder if he was like this in her first life. Then again, she did have a hazy memory of Cosette talking about how popular the Grand Duke was. Yet, all those women who surrounded him had been graciously let down. The only woman he showed affection towards was the Saintess. Then again, no one else lingered around him after he was scarred.

He got down on his knees, "What are you doing?" Lumielle asked.

"You ask a lot of questions, Princess. Which question would you like me to answer first?" He inquired, his words were impish, as his fingers gently touched the arch of her foot and she winced. All of a sudden, there was a warm glow. It was magic. Lumielle was completely inept at using magic or conducting mana. She had gotten her aptitude test with Cosette and it was proven that she was lackluster. As such, she never touched magic again. It was an embarrassment to the royal family to be so weak.

"To answer you, I didn't tell your brother anything."

Lumielle felt flustered as his fingers gently wrapped around her ankle, "I see. Then, I apologize for my conduct."

He laughed, "It was actually quite amusing. I actually enjoyed it." His eyes were focused on her feet as Lumielle swallowed. His hands were gentle as they brushed along her calf and finally, he let go of her left foot. She couldn't help but exhale, "Are you always that emotional and just hide it well? Or was this a one-time thing?" He was teasing her; his eyes glittering warmly as he took her right foot.

"It was a momentary lapse of judgment. It won't happen again." She seemed rather adamant about it.

The warm light tickled the sole of her feet once more, "If it does happen again, be careful. That side of you is quite charming. What would happen if the entire male population of the empire became smitten over you, Princess?" He smiled at her and Lumielle felt the urge to slap him. This child was seriously teasing her.

Yet, what caught her attention was something else. It was the gentle luminosity that escaped his fingers. He was healing her. His touch was slowly stitching together the wounds and alleviating the pain. That was right. Asterias Everion was a magic prodigy; he continued to be one even after his scarring.

"Did you come here to make fun of me?" Lumielle inquired.

Asterias fixed his position, his fingers brushing across her skin once more as he sat on the ground. Legs spread out and still facing her. "I came here to heal you, isn't that obvious?" He asked.

"And why would you do that?"

"Who knows, maybe I've fallen for you, Princess," he said, a smile curving on his face.

Reaching down, she touched the bottom of her feet. They were smooth; not a single mark left. "Are you saying you did this because of love?" Her words sounded somewhat amused at his statement. How foolish.

Asterias laughed, "If that is what you would like to believe."

No wonder women enjoyed his presence, "It's not good to toy with the heart's of young maiden's like that."

"Are you saying I'm lying?" Asterias asked.

"Who knows," Lumielle responded back, "Maybe, I am."

Lumielle was amusing; she never faltered when it came to a conversation and after seeing her lash out, he had to say that he was even more intrigued. But, even Asterias couldn't deny the reality of the situation, "So were you just going to hide this forever?" He asked as Lumielle's face hardened.

"And what is it to you?" She shot back.

Asterias blinked, "Would you have done nothing? If you knew that someone was hurt. Would you have turned a blind eye?" He was staring directly at her as Lumielle couldn't help but fall silent. If she wanted, she could change everyone's fate. She could completely eradicate people's misery. Self-serving and awful, Lumielle was not the hero.

"You're right. I'm a horrible person. I would have done nothing," Lumielle admitted, her nails dug into her palm. A habit that she had retained from her first life, "I'll admit that I'm a bad person." She had committed atrocities. She had sullied her hands with so much blood that she wondered if she still bled crimson.

He quickly stood up and grabbed her hand, "I'm sorry." Asterias spoke softly, his fingers brushing over the reddened crescent moons in her hand; she hadn't torn through the skin. "It wasn't my intention to insinuate that about you, Princess. You," he paused a sigh escaping his lips, "You aren't a bad person at all." She smelled like lavender and peonies, the scent that lingered on the handkerchief that she had tied for him.


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