This love is like a curse (60)
The lovers of gossip began to quibble with each other.
Despite the fact that the misfortune that befell the second princess aroused sympathy, many voices declared that it was unfair to shift all the responsibility to Sir Siekana.
According to all the rules, only the princess’s personal knight deserved punishment, and no more.
Moreover, this decision does not take into account the position of the first princess at all. Even though their engagement was politically motivated, the two had known each other since early childhood. Their engagement was officially announced three years ago, but in fact they have been engaged for more than ten years.
That is why such a one-sided break caused a storm of criticism.
Everyone unanimously asserted: behind such a reckless decision of the emperor was the pressure of the empress.
— How do you think the relationship between the crown prince and the Siekang house will develop now? — the maid asked, stirring the contents of the cauldron and glancing at the healer sent from the empress’s palace.
A mage named Marisen often visited the main palace, so she was well aware of all the rumors. While she was finely chopping a bunch of fresh herbs, she answered lazily:
- Who knows... If Sir Siekan really breaks off his engagement with the first princess and marries the second, it can be considered that the strong alliance between the two families has broken down.
— Тогда, возможно, дом Сиекан переметнётся на сторону второго принца?
Marisen frowned skeptically.
“Knowing the character of Sir Siekan, I doubt that he will change sides so easily.”
- Why? The second prince is much better than this dissolute heir!
The maid spoke out frivolously, for which she was immediately awarded a stern look from the healer.
- Watch your language. It may seem that few people walk here, but in the imperial palace even the walls have ears.
Служанка скривила губы, но, видимо, испугавшись, нервно огляделась по сторонам.
Marisen grinned and continued chopping herbs.
She didn't care what kind of relationship would develop between the crown prince and the Siekang house. Although she kept her eyes open for her own safety, she generally had little interest in anything outside her immediate duties.
She placed the hard-earned rare herbs into a small cauldron and began to fan the fire.
Soon the mandrake juice began to boil, and the thick aroma of herbs spread throughout the kitchen.
When the broth had brewed, Marisen put the jar on the windowsill to cool.
And suddenly a rude voice was heard from outside:
- Is there anyone here?!
The maid, who was sweating by the fireplace and putting wood into the stove, raised her head in fear.
- Was someone supposed to come?
- They didn’t give me anything...
Marisen looked out the window to check the entrance to the small palace.
Figures in flowing robes were visible through the thick bushes. At first glance it was clear: they were not from the Empress’s palace.
Marisen frowned with concern and pushed the maid towards the back exit:
- I'll go out. And you immediately run to the Empress’s chambers. Bring the guards.
Now in the small palace there were only a few maids, the nanny of the second princess and the healer herself.
Due to the princess's painful isolation, there were not even normal guards here.
If those who come are planning something bad, there will simply be no one here to stop them.
The maid, well aware of this, quickly left the kitchen.
Marisen waited until she was a safe distance away, crossed the hall and opened the front door.
At the entrance stood two men in uniform and three women who looked like aristocrats.
Taking a wary look at them, Marisen cautiously asked:
—What business did you come for?
“We came to visit Talia Roem Girth,” said the woman standing behind the others, coming forward.
Seeing her face, Marisen involuntarily gasped.
Standing before her was a woman who had the highest status in the empire after the empress.
Marisen immediately bowed her head:
“Greetings, Your Highness, First Princess.”
- Enough of the ceremony. Take us to her.
Ayla Roem Girta insisted in a cold, tired voice:
“I said, take me to her.”
Marisen slowly raised her head and, after a pause, carefully but firmly refused:
“I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but the second princess has still not fully recovered her health.” If you could visit her another time...
“Do you think I’ll hurt my sister?” “The princess’s voice suddenly became cold, like an icy wind. “Loyalty is admirable, but you seem to forget who you’re talking to.” I'm not asking. I order.
-...
- If you understand, lead me.
Like a mouse in front of a snake, Marisen froze, but soon obediently turned around and led the guest to the bedroom.
The first princess didn't say a word the whole way to the room. Marisen kept casting anxious glances over her shoulder, and the closer the door to the bedroom got, the drier her mouth became. It had been several hours since she lit the incense, so Thalia was probably already awake. But will the weakened girl have the strength to meet such an intrusive and domineering guest?
- Wait here. I will enter alone,” when they reached the end of the corridor, Ayla abruptly stopped her retinue and looked imperiously at Marisen – a silent order to announce their arrival.
Marisen cringed and hesitantly knocked on the door:
- Your Highness, they have come to see you. Can I come in?
There was no sound coming from inside.
Maybe she's still sleeping?
Hesitating, Marisen carefully pulled the doorknob.
Inside there was a thick smell of herbs and a sticky sweetness, reminiscent of overripe fruit on the verge of rotting. Wrinkling her brow at the intoxicating aroma, she glanced at the bed and gasped.
Talia lay motionless, like a corpse.
Marisen hurriedly ran up and put her hand to her nose. Fortunately, breathing, although weak, was felt.
She exhaled with relief, but immediately noticed that the skirt was pulled up almost to her hips, and her wounded, bruised legs were revealed from under it. Apparently Thalia had taken off the bandages again and torn at the healing scars.
Marisen sighed heavily and placed her hand on her leg, casting a simple healing spell.
At that moment, a bony hand grabbed her wrist.
Marisen shuddered and turned around. Dull blue eyes, as if shrouded in fog, looked towards her. The pupils wandered in space, not focusing on anything, and the rich blue irises trembled like ripples on water.
These were eyes that could stir up consciousness, like the smoke that Thalia intoxicated herself with every day.
-...Who allowed you to come in without asking? “Talia whispered hoarsely, barely prying her dry lips apart.
Having come to her senses, Marisen hastily pulled up the blanket, covering her legs:
- Sorry, your highness. The guest insisted on meeting...
Rising, she nodded towards the door.
Thalia's eyes immediately darted there, and her entire exhausted body tensed. Raising herself up with difficulty, she stared at her half-sister with an intense gaze.
- What did you forget here? I got to such and such nooks and crannies.
- I wanted to talk.
The first princess, entering the room, calmly looked at her sick sister. Then she turned to Marisen:
- Leave us.
Under the weight of her gaze, Marisen hesitantly moved towards the exit.
Before closing the door behind her, she involuntarily glanced at two sisters born from different mothers.
Talia Roem Girtha seemed fragile, like porcelain, ready to crumble at a single touch, while Ayla Roem Girtha glowed with energy and life.
The contrast left a bitter taste in Marisen's mouth.
With a gloomy look in her eyes, she looked at Thalia once again and, sighing, closed the door behind her.