Miralen and Aestrin returned to the grand hall.
Nothing had changed. The same towering pillars. The same filtered light. The same suffocating stillness. The air still felt heavy… watchful.
Everything is getting more confusing, Miralen thought as she walked.
What mission did Delayna go on? And that diary… where did it disappear? It had answers. I'm sure of it. Her eyes narrowed slightly. Someone doesn't want me to read it.
They reached the raised platform once again. King Cassion sat upon the throne, composed and immovable.
Miralen's gaze briefly searched the hall. Where is Verbena?
She found no sign of her.
Miralen stepped forward and bowed.
"Your Majesty. You called for us?"
"Rise," Cassion said, resting his arm against the throne's armrest.
Miralen straightened.
"I wish to speak with you," he said, his tone measured.
Miralen tilted her head slightly.
"What is it, Your Majesty?"
Cassion's gaze shifted to Princess Aestrin. "You may leave, Aestrin." His tone softened— just slightly.
Aestrin hesitated for a fraction of a second, then nodded and left without protest.
The hall felt colder the moment she was gone.
Cassion's attention returned to Miralen. "Do you remember anything?" he asked. His voice was calm. But his eyes weren't.
Miralen held his gaze. "Enough to know I didn't complete my mission." Her tone remained steady— but inside, something tightened.
Cassion studied her.
"Good," he said after a pause. "At least you remember where you failed."
Miralen's jaw tensed. For a moment, words rose to her lips— but she swallowed them.
Not here. She lowered her gaze slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Cassion tilted his head. "You will return to that mission," he said. "When the time is right."
Miralen nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"When will you resume your position?"
Miralen paused.
"I still require time," she said. "I will return when I am fully prepared to stand at that position again."
Silence.
Cassion watched her closely. "Very well." He leaned back slightly. "Do not take too long."
"I won't," Miralen replied.
A brief nod. "You may leave."
Miralen bowed once more. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
She turned and walked away— her steps steady, controlled.
But the moment she crossed the hall— her thoughts rushed back.
Where is Verbena? Too many loose ends. I don't have time for this.
She exhaled quietly.
I shouldn't have gone to that cathedral…
A faint grimace crossed her face. Too late now.
The royal garden welcomed her with open space and softer light. It felt… freer.
Miralen walked along the stone path, scanning the surroundings carefully. She spotted her.
Verbena Evander stood near a fountain, speaking with a man dressed in refined, noble attire.
He looks like he is someone very important, Miralen noted instantly.
She approached.
"Verbena."
Verbena turned at once and walked toward her, a small smile forming on her lips. The man followed behind her.
They stopped before Miralen.
"What are you doing here?" Miralen asked casually.
Verbena smiled. "I was speaking with Prince Hazen." She glanced toward the man beside her. His hair was dark, eyes golden just like of Aestrin. His presence felt warm and strong.
Miralen shifted her gaze to him.
Prince Hazen, so he is a prince here? Quite interesting.
She offered a polite smile. "Nice to see you again, Prince Hazen."
Hazen returned the smile— warm, relaxed. "You've been gone quite a while, Delayna. I'm glad to see you've recovered."
Miralen nodded. "I've recovered well. Though I still need some time to be fully fit."
Hazen chuckled softly. "Well, no one is ever perfectly fit."
Miralen blinked once. Finally, someone who is normal here.
She thought internally.
"Fair enough," she said lightly. She turned to Verbena. "Shall we go home?"
Verbena nodded immediately. "Yes, let's go." She looked back at Hazen. "We'll take our leave."
Hazen gave a small nod. "Of course. Take care, both of you."
Miralen and Verbena turned and began walking toward the far end of the garden, where their carriage waited.
As they walked— Miralen's gaze shifted once again.
Prince Hazen… calm, natural… not tense like others.
A faint thought formed.
He might be useful. She looked ahead again. But first… Verbena.
(The end of chapter 17)