"Hmm, I guess I should take some rest then," Emerald said, stepping into the room while Eva stood outside.
"Then I will be leaving," Eva said, turning to go.
"Hold on a minute, sister," Emerald called after her.
She looked at him. "Sister, really? My man, I'm the same age as that arrogant bitch you've been following all along, so call me Eva, you got that?" Eva's tone was a little heated.
"Okay, Eva it is. By the way, why are you standing out there? Come in," he said, genuinely concerned.
"I can't."
"Why not? You've got two legs, right?" Emerald retorted with sarcastic humor.
"Yeah, but..." Eva stumbled over her words.
"But what? Just move already, what's the deal?" Emerald was impatient.
"I don't have permission to enter Miss Genna's room. To be specific, no one does. Not even her parents," she finally explained.
"That means I'm the first one," Emerald said, a surprised, arrogant look of a conqueror on his face.
"Yeah, you're right, and the news is spreading like wildfire," she said.
Emerald glanced back, seeing that Eva still stood there. He decided to take a different approach. "You seriously think I give a fuck about the rules and that shit? Just come in already. I'll take care of Genna," he said respectfully. Hearing that, Eva slowly stepped inside, her hesitation clear.
Once inside, she asked, "Why did you want me to stay?"
"That's right. I don't know how the hell I would look for clothes in this kingdom if I chose them myself. And Genna's not here, so would you pick me up something from the wardrobe?" Eva looked at him, one eyebrow raised in disbelief.
"Don't be like that, it's just that I might mess up my impression on the town folks. Please, Eva," he pleaded with the worry of a child. Eva sighed and nodded, accepting his request.
"I'll be right back after I shower," Emerald said, then headed for the bathroom.
Emerging from the bath, Emerald, guided by Eva, rushed toward the library. He was eager to read the journal Eva had mentioned. As they walked, Eva asked, "Why do you want to read this book so much?"
"Just curiosity, and to be honest, I've got nothing else to do," Emerald replied casually.
"Well, why did you pick this black suit?" Emerald asked her about her choice of clothes.
"You look good in suits, that's why," she said simply.
"Oh, so I'm good-looking, huh? Don't tell me you're hitting on me," Emerald teased.
"Geez, Emerald, if I had a thing, I'd just say it straight up. I'm not the kind to beat around the bush," she stated.
"You desire something that cannot be obtained, so you should take your time to accept that," he said. Eva looked at him, surprised by his profound words.
Emerald apologized quickly, as it wasn't like him to say something so serious. They continued walking in silence until they reached the library. The books there towered as high as the sky. The smell of dust soothed his heart, and the shelves, a striking brown and red, seemed to have witnessed history unfold.
"Well, well, guess you're lucky. Nobody's here," Eva said, scouting the great collection.
"Here's the book you wanted to read. Suit yourself," Eva said, pointing the way. Emerald approached it, a giant block of leather resting on a stone. It looked ancient and heavy, but his pride wouldn't let him ask for help.
"I have work to do. If possible, we should have some dinner tonight," Eva said, her ears turning red as she expressed her interest in a dinner. She left quickly after Emerald happily nodded in acceptance.
Emerald dragged the heavy book to a table and opened it. He was captivated by the art and drawings within, but his excitement ended in vain. The book was written in an ancient language he had never seen before. Resigned, he started to close it, but a small, familiar-looking writing caught his eye. He read, "The court will soon betray me. People are an interesting lot of pawns, a will of their own, thinking they are the heroes when they aren't. I have said the truth, and now I'm going to be blamed and made a villain for my love."
"What's this about? Some kind of love letter?" Emerald said to himself and closed the book. He then headed for the castle garden.
Meanwhile, in the king's chamber, a serious discussion was underway.
"As I recall, I told you not to come until my brother is in power. But you ignored me. Why, Genna? Give me a reason," Zedic asked politely.
"I don't know," Genna replied.
"Don't give me that. You're a princess, and as someone who knows the consequences, you know what's going to happen to you and him after the 'uprising event'," Zedic said, his voice rising.
"Calm down, my brother. The word is already out; we can't do anything," Caztel said, trying to soothe him.
"Are we sure he's going to come?" Gamma asked.
"Of course he's going to come. No matter what happens, the original family will keep their word," Genna said firmly.
"So will we. We will keep our word. If he goes down, then you have to do what you promised," Zedic said, giving Genna a look. She knew exactly what he meant.
"To keep the promise, huh?" Genna said in a low tone, reminiscing about something.
On the north side of the castle, Emerald was exploring the outdoors. His attention was caught by an old passageway blocked by rubble. He climbed over it and began walking through the dense forest. He didn't seem curious; it was as if he had been there before.
(To be continued)