[Rose Palace Pavilion]
Solenne sat across from a young nobleman with a smile. His shiny golden hair was neatly brushed back, his eyes a clear azure that looked like the sky. Yet, unlike the smile on her face, the man carried a subtle frown.
"I heard you'll be departing with the delegation, Your Highness," the blonde man, Julian Rune, heir of the House of Marquis Rune, expressed dejectedly. "Did His Majesty order you to leave with the delegation?"
"Julian, you know my father," she replied with a light chuckle, picking up the cup of tea to her lips. "If I ask him, he would make sure I get to stay in the palace longer."
His frown deepened. "So, it was true?" he asked. "That you were the one to request to leave?"
Solenne didn't answer and simply enjoyed the tea for her worsening sore throat.
"Why?" he added, his eyes gleaming with sadness and longing. "Our Kingdom has shown allegiance to the Empire, and with all the merits earned by His Majesty, submitting an appeal on this engagement would be heard."
He paused and moved forward. "We are both aware that this marriage is absurd. You will not only marry men you haven't met, but beastmen. Didn't you hate the mere idea of it?"
I did. In all three lives and deaths, I loathed the idea. But now, I loathe something more than getting married to three men. It doesn't sound as absurd and maddening as it used to.
"Julian, I did hate the idea of getting married to more than one," she clarified. "But nowhere did I say I disliked the idea simply because they were beastmen."
"Even so, you don't have to go." Determination flickered in his eyes, reaching out for her hand over the table. "Don't you want to stay here longer? Here? Where your family and friends are? Even just for a little longer? Who knows, His Majesty might be able to negotiate with the Empire. Our House will be supporting it fully."
Solenne smiled at him subtly.
Of course, I want to, and I know you all would appeal it. I've seen it thrice, but I've also seen the results.
"Thank you, Julian," she nodded as she carefully withdrew her hand from his. "But I've already decided. I hope you understand."
Hearing this, Julian's heart sank, his eyes on the empty hand that had held hers. He withdrew his hand, meeting her eyes somberly. He had grown up with Solenne and had loved her dearly since they were young. If there was anything he knew about her, it was that when Solenne decided on something, it would take a miracle to change that.
"I will miss you," he expressed, and she smiled at him until her eyes squinted a bit. "Solenne."
"Me too," she returned. "Julian."
"Not like how I would," he quipped wearily, but she only chuckled in response.
****
Unbeknownst to them, on the highest floor of the East Wing Palace, Damien stood by the window. He witnessed everything from how Julian reached out to her hand, which Solenne quickly drew hers back. He heard everything: every word of insolence spoken by Julian and how the man had gazed at another man's woman so lovingly.
Had it not been for Solenne's answers, he wouldn't be so calm.
"I thought she opposed the idea simply because we are what they call beasts," he murmured, his eyes on Solenne's figure as she casually drank her tea. "It seems I'd misjudged her a little."
His initial displeasure about a childhood lover dissipated, now replaced with more curiosity. Why would she bluff about a man? To simply hide her identity?
She couldn't possibly know what he looked like… unless this bluff was for protection. But from whom?
One question spiraled into another while keeping his gaze in her direction. But in the end, he didn't mind having no answer for now. He could always get his answers once they left this place.
"I wonder…" he trailed off, turning on his heel to leave. He already had what he needed to know; there was no point in eavesdropping.
"What's she up to?"
It was no secret that the Fourth Princess shamelessly and publicly opposed the engagement the second she heard the decree. Damien only heard rumors, but somehow, Solenne not only changed her mind but also had a change of heart.
He could only wonder what a woman like her, who could lie so smoothly in front of a member of the delegation, was thinking.
Surely, his future bride was more than just her ethereal beauty.
"What an intriguing woman," he whispered. "Though, I wonder if she's betting on that worsening fever of hers."
****
Days had passed, and the delegation had prepared for their departure with the help of the king's men. All throughout their stay, they didn't even get a glimpse of the Fourth Princess. Meanwhile, Damien stayed quiet, just observing how the situation unfolded.
In his mind, he was expecting that as the departure date approached, news of the princess's failing health would reach their ears. Not just him, but the entire delegation was already preparing for a last-minute change.
However, the day of their departure arrived, and still no word about any sort of delay. If anything, things had gone too smoothly—right up to this moment, as they knelt before King Jaro with the veiled bride between them.
Solenne wore a beautiful white dress with her face covered by a veil.
This was the first time the delegates laid their eyes on her. Though her veil concealed her face, her small stature and pale-gloved hands revealed more than they expected.
"Princess," King Jaro's strict voice cut through the thick silence in the throne room. But instead of sending them off as usual, he pushed himself up and casually strolled to the bride.
When he stopped before her, he reached for her laced-gloved hand and watched her look up at him. A loving smile appeared on his face as he nodded at his daughter. His heart was heavy, his eyes filled with regret. He had sent his other daughters off before, but this was the only one that filled him with emotions.
"Be well, princess," he remarked, his voice sincere. "The journey to the North is arduous, but they will protect you, my daughter."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." She smiled back, staring at her father, whom she might not ever see again.
Perhaps, this was the only good thing about being trapped in this cycle of time. She gets to see her father.
"May the Goddess of Manyner bless and keep you safe," he expressed. "Be safe, Solenne."
Despite having experienced this before, she bit her tongue as her eyes stung slightly. She nodded, and King Jaro released her hand. With that, she curtsied as King Jaro blessed the delegation.
And just like that, the delegation left the palace with Solenne.
****
Seated alone in the carriage, she stared out the window, watching the palace grow smaller in the distance. Her eyes softened as her lips curled up into a bitter smile.
To the land I was born and raised, loved and adored… may I never open my eyes here again.
And so, her fourth journey to the north began.