Annette

There was nothing special in that letter. It was just the usual news about what was happening in the mansion.

Still , Annette liked to read everything related to the duchy. She missed the duchy and her family but she had to stay here too.

She frowned and put the letter back when her eyes wandered to a door in the distance.

It was the room that had been closed after her mother died.

Her mother used to play the piano there and this room was the place where the Valentin siblings had learned to dance.

Even though it was still cleaned and managed by the servants but the family had not stepped foot there for a long time.

She had a sudden urge to go inside and see the room. She got up and went towards the door.

It was open so she went inside. It was strange that the room felt so warm yet so Cold at the same time.

Maybe it was because the person who used to be the owner of this room was no longer here.

She sat at a chair and started to play the piano before her.

The music felt like a way to communicate with her mother. She closed her eyes and imagined if her mother was standing before her right now. Smiling....and feeling proud of her daughter and whispering what she always used to say.

"Anne....I love you"

Annette opened her eyes in surprise. Was it her imagination? Did she just hear her mother's voice?

"No....it can't be possible.....I must be imagining it."

She got up in a hurry and left the room but not before turning around and glancing at the piano one more time.

Aiden

He was confused with what he was feeling but it was not the time to be confused.

"If this letter is true then we don't have to visit every place on our list."

"But your highness.....how will we catch all these nobles?"

"That's easy... let's visit the place we're supposed to check on the list. It's viscount Green right?"

"Yes your highness."

"The viscount or anyone in his family are not mentioned in this letter and we already know that they have nothing to do in this matter because of their faction."

"If I may...your highness....are you planning to arrest everyone at the viscount's place?"

"Exactly Blake. Everyone, get ready for the battle of your lives , I've already contacted the viscount and he's agreed with me. The nobles which are involved in this disgusting scheme will be invited to a party for me. And there....they will be arrested."

"That's a good plan but.....how do we prove their crimes?"

"Don't you know the power of the holy dragon?"

Aiden held up a necklace in his hands.

"They'll be forced to tell the truth or else they'll die. Isn't that right?"

Everyone agreed and when the people in the room left.....the silence became overbearing.

Why was it that only now he was constantly being reminded of her?

He was trying so hard to stay away but the more he did .., the more he yearned for her.

Is this what true love feels like? Was it just his stupid obsession?

"Your highness may I come in?"

"Yes Jacob."

"There's a person who wants to meet you. He says he wants to discuss the contents of the letter he sent."

"Send him in."

.............

Aiden buried his head in his hands.

How could that person make such a ridiculous comment?

"What I wrote is true your royal highness. You can check it too. But.....I want something in return too."

"What do you want?"

"I want your permission to go after miss Annette Valentin."

The man smirked. His blue-ish hair shined in the dim light. It was almost a faint blue colour....almost like the person they saw at the market back then but this was lighter.

Aiden clenched his fists under the table and maintained a calm demeanor.

"Why would you need my permission?"

"Well.....it looks like you still want her. I wouldn't want to come in between your love."

Why would he say such a thing?

"Well......I don't know what you've heard but we aren't together anymore and I have no problem with whoever she wants to see."

"Well then I must thank you for your consideration."

"May I ask your identity? You don't seem to be a noble of our empire."

"Indeed I don't live here. I'm just here for some time."

The smirk and the weird expression in his eyes sent a message that he was here for something else too.

"Well , I guess I must take my leave now your highness. I hope we meet again."

"Same here Mr?"

"Call me Luke."

"Let's meet again sir Luke."

"Same here your highness. And.....please don't mind what I said , I am a bit fond of joking."

That didn't seem like just a joke though.

Aiden saw the man leave the room and sighed. He hoped she wouldn't choose this man over him.

Only then did it occur to him that maybe he had something to do with Annette and that she was the main reason he came to the empire. Was it his scheme due to which they were separated? He hoped not.

"Your highness.....what happened? You have been like this since that man left. Are you really okay?"

"I...am fine. Just a little headache."

"Please take some medicine."

"I don't need it."

Blake didn't insist anymore and left the room.

"Please call me if you have any problem."

Annette

'Annette.'

She woke up in cold sweat. Why would that person come in her dream?

"It's obvious you still like him."

"You should really stop your habit of suddenly appearing out of nowhere."

"I'm just a wandering spirit. Think about what I said. Bye now."

"I don't like him. That's right , we don't have any relation. We won't see each other anymore.....we won't....see each other....any...mo-huh?"

She looked down at her fists which were clenching the bed sheets tightly.

There was a single droplet on her left fist. She touched her face. Feeling something wet, she rushed towards the mirror and saw her reflection......., Her crying face.

"Why are you crying? Don't be pathetic....you don't deserve to be happy....how can you just think about forgiving him? You don't deserve it! Why are you crying?! Stop crying!!!"

She buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

"You're pathetic....so pathetic....you don't deserve the kindness bestowed upon you....how can you just throw it all away and go back to him......why do you think about him....stop thinking about him ......"

She felt suffocated and ran outside in the garden.

It was almost midnight and the air was much more colder.

She was wearing a thin night dress and shivered but still didn't go back .

She just crouched down and looked at the garden.

"Hey there.."

She turned around in a second at the familiar voice.

"Jack..."

"Miss me?"

"Jack!!"

She got up and ran to him.

He caught her just in time as she hugged him.

"It's been a while huh?"

"You....how could you be so mysterious? I was so confused if it was you."

"Sorry....but it was the only way I could help you."

"Are you back for good?"

"I'm back for good."

(TBC)