Chapter 22 | Requiem (2)

It was windy and from his delicate position on the window frame, the gusts were especially perilous to him.

But carried on that dangerous wind was an even more dangerous whisper.

He could hear Riennes voice.

[Rienne] Lets go to another room first.

Standing where he was, he couldnt see into the room but at the sound of her voice, his ears perked up.

[Rienne] Thenext room over.

She wasnt talking to that monstrous man. That message was meant for Rafit.

It was like she was trying to tell him that shed risk her life in order to get that barbarian to leave the room. All so he could escape safely.

Now Rafit was certain their love hadnt died yet.

Rienne was only doing this because she was being forced to.

As a daughter of House Arsak, Rienne was an honorable woman. She would never allow herself to admit she was still in love with someone else while she was engaged to another.

Even if the marriage was one she didnt want, Riennes heart was ever noble.

That meant Rafit had an obligation to take her back himself.

[Linden] Youve always been blind when it came to that woman, but its gotten worse.

Linden said to his nephew as Rafit shook his head at him.

[Rafit] Im not blind. I can see perfectly clearly.

Until now, Rafit had no idea what Riennes true feelings were.

She never expressed any desire to sleep with him so he didnt think she cared for him all that much. He always felt as though his love for her ran deeper than hers did for him.

But he knew better now. He wouldnt allow himself to doubt her again.

[Rafit] So remember, uncle. You can never take direct action against Princess Rienne.

[Linden] What?

[Rafit] Rest assured that man will never gain control over Nauk.

Lindens lips twitched.

[Linden] Do you not realize the position were in? What if the Princess truly does end up marrying that savage? Does that not make our family look like a couple of fools?

[Rafit] I wont let that happen.

Rafit spoke with clear and staunch determination in his eyes.

[Rafit] Ill make sure I get her back before then.

[Linden] . . .

Linden clicked his tongue but he didnt say anything further.

Though even if he did, Rafit wouldve just ignored him. Truthfully, he didnt care one bit what anyone else had to say.

Riennes wedding was just over ten days away.

Before that day ever came to pass, he needed to find a way to get her back.

.

* * *

.

[Black] What happened to your hand?

Their ride back to the castle from the Temple was the same as their ride there. The only difference was the gloomy look on Riennes face and how weak her body felt.

As they passed people in the streets, everyone looked a little bit confused. They didnt understand why Rienne was riding a horse back to the castle while she was supposed to be at the funeral.

But it wasnt like Rienne could tell them she had no choice but to leave to avoid Linden Kleinfelders tricks.

[Rienne] Huh? Oh its nothing. I was just distracted for a moment and ended up cutting myself with scissors.

With her head stuck in a storm of thoughts, Rienne responded seconds too late. She had entirely forgotten she was hurt until Black brought it up.

Noticing his gaze reaching her hand, she recoiled and tried to hide her injury.

[Rienne] Im alright now.

After using medicine to stop the bleeding, the wound was hardly noticeable. He must have a good eye if he was able to see it.

[Black] You should get a different pair of scissors then.

Those words brought out an unconscious chuckle from Rienne. There was no way she could afford to do something like that. It would be much faster just to ask Mrs. Flambard not to sharpen the blade too much next time.

[Rienne] It was only a minor accident. Its nothing you need to worry about. Ill just be more careful in the future.

Rienne reached out and took Blacks hand as he again helped her down. It was far too easy to forget that she needed to be careful around him whenever they touched.

[Rienne] Ill go inside now. Thank you for allowing me to ride with you.

Rienne turned around to make her way inside the castle, keeping her head low to avoid eye contact.

But Black was a lot faster than her.

When she started walking away, she could have sworn he was behind her. And yet, somehow, he was suddenly standing in front of her.

[Rienne] ?

This man could move faster than anyone the moment he decided to.

[Rienne] Was there something you wanted to say?

[Black] There is.

[Rienne] Then speak your mind.

His pale blue eyes glimmered just before he said anything.

[Black] Is it really that bad that you couldnt attend the funeral?

[Rienne] .I dont know. Maybe.

Rienne didnt realize this, but she had a worried look on her face the whole time they were riding back to the castle.

But her extremely troubled expression didnt escape Blacks notice.

[Rienne] Ive never had to deal with something like this before. I dont know exactly what the fallout will be but I know it cant be good, considering who Linden Kleinfelder is..

Rienne hesitated. She wasnt sure if it was a good idea to talk about the people of Nauk as if theyre the enemy to an outsider. (1)

[Rienne] He isnt the kind of person to let this sort of thing go.

[Black] Then Ill handle the funeral.

[Rienne] What?

Riennes emerald eyes widened.

But how.? No.more importantly, why?

[Black] Well change the date or the location if we have to.

[Rienne] If only that were possiblebut if the Tiwakan were to do anything.

It would be perceived as a use of force. Given how delicate the situation was, that definitely wasnt a good idea.

But Black was already aware of Riennes fears.

[Black] I wasnt planning on using force.

[Rienne] Then what will you do?

[Black] I dont know, but Ill figure something out. Give me until tomorrow.

[Rienne] . . .

Can I believe that? Can I trust what he says?

Everyone was saying he had ulterior motives. They kept trying to tell her that one way or another he would try to take his revenge.

So why?

Why act like he was going to do something for her? Like he was worried?

Why?

[Rienne] Why are you doing this?

In the end, the question was too overwhelming and she asked without pause.

[Black] What do you mean?

[Rienne] I want to know why youd care about the funeral, Lord Tiwakan.

[Black] Is there a reason why I shouldnt?

[Rienne] This funeral.

.Is happening because of you. To give peace to those you killed.

[Black] Im your fianc now, Princess.

[Rienne] Lord Tiwakan

[Black] That makes your responsibilities my own. Its my duty to make sure youre safe.

[Rienne] . . .

I dont get it.What does this man even want with me?

[Rienne] Is that all it is?

[Black] Do you think theres something more to it?

Thats what everyone else was saying.

[Rienne] Are you truly just doing this to fulfill your obligation as my fianc? Theres no other reason?

[Black] Why are you

Hearing Riennes remark, Black was about to respond before slowly frowning instead.

[Black] I suppose Im still not that close to you, Princess. (2)

She couldnt argue.

Ever since she heard Werozs mysterious message, these incessant doubts just grew stronger by the minute. Anytime Black said or did anything, Rienne couldnt shake the idea that there was some hidden meaning behind it.

[Black] Would it be easier if I said there was a reason?

[Rienne] Lord Tiwakan

Black cut off Riennes words, his face straightening out into his usual neutral expression.

[Black] In that case, then yes, I have another reason for doing this. If I deal with the funeral, then I want you to give me something, Princess.

[Rienne] Somethingfrom me?

[Black] What can you offer me?

That.

Rienne had a troubled look on her face. No matter what he wanted from her, she couldnt think of anything valuable she could give him.

[Rienne] Given the situation in Nauk, I dont have much I can give you, Lord Tiwakan. But please know that my desire to give you something in return is true.

[Black] Then I want what you offered me before. I want to change rooms.

[Rienne] A room.? You mean the bedroom youre staying in?

[Black] I want the room next to yours, Princess. As your fianc.

[Rienne] . . .

The moment Rienne heard those words, her face paled.

The room she was presently using was where generations of Nauk rulers slept. It was a place that could not be accessed directly from the hallway, but rather from the bedroom next to it.

Considering they even had a shared bathroom, the two bedrooms functioned more like one.

Naturally, the long empty room was always intended for use by her future husband.

[Rienne] Thats.

[Black] Is that a problem?

[Rienne] . . .

His intentions were obvious.

If he moved into that bedroom, theyd essentially be sharing a single space. Whatever Rienne did, whoever she met withhed be the first to know everything.

[Rienne] Once were married that room will be yours, but for now.

[Black] If we wait until the wedding then it wouldnt work as payment.

[Rienne] . . .

[Black] Will you allow it?

Rienne closed her eyes for just a moment before opening them again.

.Okay. If thats how he wants to do things.

There was a reason why those rooms were built as if they were one. It was designed to keep the spouse of Nauks ruler from committing any acts of betrayal.

If this man was planning on using this as an opportunity to watch her, then that meant she could keep an eye on him too.

Whatever his true intentions were, shed find them out.

[Rienne] Very well.

Rienne nodded.

[Rienne] I will allow it, so long as you can handle the issue with the funeral. But please remember, I dont want you to kill anyone. I dont wish to see any more bloodshed in Nauk.

[Black] Then Ill change rooms tomorrow.

Black grabbed Riennes hand.

At first she thought he would just cement their agreement by taking her hand, but instead his lips found her injured finger.

[Black] Ill see you tomorrow.

The moment she felt something touch her finger, she felt a sensation of fire pass to her. As he noticed Rienne shrink away from him, Black looked at Rienne.

[Black] Take care of your hands.

[Rienne] . . .

[Black] Now then.

Black released her hand, saying his goodbyes with his eyes rather than his words as he turned around and started walking away.

What will he do.?

All Rienne could do was stand there, watching Blacks back as he disappeared into the distance.

Maybe this wasnt such a good idea.

Could she truly just leave something so important regarding Nauk to him? But at the same time she couldnt help this sense of expectation she held in her heart.

It was like the idea of Black failing was entirely unimaginable.

.

* * *

.

[Maslow] Ah, Princess?

Maslow was in the Kings office.

Sitting at the desk, he looked to be hard at work on something, but dropped his pen in embarrassment the moment he noticed Rienne.

[Rienne] Whats wrong, sir?

[Maslow] Werent you supposed to be at the funeral?

So you came here thinking Id be away.

Rienne casually glanced down towards what Maslow was writing.

[Rienne] The Kleinfelders disallowed me entry on account of me being too disrespectful. I didnt even get to set foot in the Temple. But more importantly, what were you doing?

[Maslow] Ohwell I just thought wed need a letter of appointment for knighthood soon. (3)

[Rienne] A letter of appointment?

[Maslow] Thats

Whenever he tried to talk, Maslow kept averting his gaze away from her. Obviously whatever he was doing was underhanded.

[Rienne] You were planning on doing something like that without my approval?

[Maslow] Its. what Lord Kleinfelder wished for.

[Rienne] . . .

Of course it was. There was no one but Lord Kleinfelder who was arrogant enough to do something so brazen.

[Rienne] Give it to me.

When Rienne reached out her hand, Maslow ashamedly shook his head.

[Maslow] I was planning on showing it to you once I finished. It requires your seal, Princess.

[Rienne] Then Ill take a look at it now.

[Maslow] No, you dont have to do that.

[Rienne] Is that so?

[Maslow] . . .

[Rienne] Im sure you mustve smudged the ink when you dropped your pen earlier. Youd have to start over anyway, so you might as well show it to me.

Biting his lip, Maslow eventually relented and held out the letter he was writing.

[Rienne] .Hah.

After reading the first two lines, Rienne immediately sighed.

[Rienne] Lopez Kleinfelder. Thats his new name now?

[Maslow] Princess!

Maslows eyes quickly darted around in surprise.

[Maslow] What would you do if someone heard you?

[Rienne] Ha

Rienne let out another exasperated sigh when Maslow expressed the belief that the Tiwakan still didnt know Rafit was still alive.

[Rienne] Reject it.

[Maslow] Princess.

Even though he looked flustered and off put just moments ago, suddenly Maslows expression turned serious.

[Maslow] You know what youre saying, correct?

[Rienne] They want to grant him the title of a knight, which in turn would allow him as an illegitimate son to be a noble. Am I getting this right so far? The royal family must seem like quite the joke to the Kleinfelders.

Not just a joke but also an eyesore they needed to get rid of.

[Maslow] ..It wouldnt be wise to say no, Princess.

Maslow once again tried to advise Rienne.

[Maslow] You said earlier you couldnt even enter the Temple for the funeral. If Lord Kleinfelder hears youve rejected this, things will get worse.

This was a reality Rienne was all too familiar with. She instinctively frowned.

[Rienne] Worse how?

[Maslow] Princess.

[Rienne] Did he say anything specific? If I dont recognize his illegitimate son as being a member of his family, how will he make me pay, I wonder?

* * *

Only

T/N: (1) Reference to when she mentioned how Linden planned on weaponizing the people of Nauk through rumor mongering.

(2) This phrase is literally for (the) princess + (I am) distant/far away, indicating that Rienne thinks of him as someone she isnt close enough with to trust in that way. It sounds awkward in English so I had to change the phrasing, but I still thought the literal translation was interesting enough to point out.

(3) A letter of appointment is an official notice granting one a specific role, duty, or position as recognized by whoever is in charge. In this context, Rafit would need one in order to regain his knighthood under his new identity.

astral comment: oh Rafit..I have no words for you, buddy.

ghost comment: Okay but we love a man who notices something is wrong and is instantly super willing to fix it for you. Now thats my kink.