It was their third and final night in Vialand. After spending the whole day exploring the small yet beautiful and wealthy kingdom, a feast was prepared for one last time. Starting from dawn, the guests will depart for their respective kingdoms.
It had been a while since the feast was concluded and Arin and Iria were in their chamber, chatting with Emor Tripas who finally managed to find a way to talk to them. With many eyes on him, he couldn't do it sooner.
"I think my uncle still has an eye on Jerivia," the Nardodian Crown Prince said to the couple. "He is working hard with King Declan these days."
"What about Nathania?" Arin Helev promptly asked.
"As you know, the Princess of Nathania married the Jerivian King. The two kingdoms are now bound with marriage. So, I doubt King Henrik Valen will choose my uncle over his son-in-law. That's why my uncle is determined to have Jerivia back on his side but... King Zaro Aventine won't give him any chance."
"At least he still has some conscience," Iria muttered, shifting the attention of the two men to her. Arin understood what she said but Emor seemed to be quite confused.
"His late sister, I mean the real Princess Iria was poisoned to death by Aryan Tripas," she explained to the Crown Prince. "If Zaro Aventine still create ties with him even after that, he won't even be a human."
Iria was reminded of the promise Zaro made when he realized the mastermind behind his sister's death. Did he still hold on to that promise?
Emor Tripas recalled the time when Iria asked him if he was the one behind Princess Iria's death. He truly had no idea at that time, but... it was his uncle again?
The crime of his uncle suffocated the young Crown Prince.
When will all this stop?!
"You have nothing to do with your uncle's crime," Iria Helev said when she understood what Emor Tripas was thinking. "It's not like you help him in that. Don't blame yourself."
"I think I will soon run out of time," the Crown Prince muttered. "He is getting worse as time pass."
"Do you have a plan in mind?" Arin Helev quickly asked him.
Emor Tripas shook his head. "He is not easy to deal with. He is a very cautious and suspicious man. It's hard to know what he's thinking."
Aryan Tripas was still determined to take down Qalagon and he was busy making friends and strengthening his forces. If things go wrong, they could enter a long term war that might last for years and the two men were adamant to prevent that. The people already suffered enough, especially under Aryan Tripas's rule!
"I won't give up though," Emor Tripas continued. "I will continue working from my place and let's keep in touch."
"Alright. Let's do that."
Suddenly, they heard the sound of knocking on the door and Arin went to get the door. Then he turned to Iria. "Antony want to talk to me. I'll be back soon."
Iria nodded and he walked out of the chamber.
"I thought that even if there is a representative from your kingdom, it will be Aryan Tripas," Iria pointed out. "I was quite alert because of that. The same goes for Andres."
"He told me to come here," Emor Tripas said. "I'm not that excited but it's not like I can defy him."
His response reminded Iria of the story he told her that night. His past and current complicated life. "Do you still live that way?" she asked him in a low voice.
He was much more patient than she thought. It won't be easy to be under someone's thumb all the time!
"I have to," he replied. "This is the best choice I have right now." Forcing a little smile, he asked, "What about you? Are you happy with your life?"
At his question, she pressed her fingers together and narrowed her eyes. "You can call it that way."
Emor Tripas observed her and noticed that though she changed a lot, it wasn't in a positive way completely.
"Don't live your life with hatred, Your Majesty," he muttered. "I know what it feels like. It will only tire you out." He made a deliberate paused and asked, "Is it worth it?"
With the memories from a year ago that still lived in her mind, Iria Helev let out a breath. "I don't know but you're right. It's so tiring."
She had lost that carefree and easy-going nature and somehow, that pained Emor Tripas. He didn't know the incidents in detail and now, he became so curious.
Just what changed her to this extent?
Finally being with the one she loved, she should be living a happy life but... it didn't seem like it. Even her eyes had lost their brightness.
"Do you still get injured often?" she suddenly asked, making him slightly raised a brow. He noticed her observing him and his lips curved into a little smile.
Even he didn't know that it's been so long since he last flashed a genuine smile.
"No," he responded. "My illness won't get better, so the least I could do is being careful."
"You still let him do that to you?" Iria pointed out with a frown.
What's wrong with him? She shook her head and clicked her tongue.
She doubted that she will ever understand him.
"You don't have to make that face," the Crown Prince said with a chuckle. "I don't know what has gotten into my uncle these days. He is strangely more patient and less abusive."
Iria stared at him, hopeless.
She thought that if she was him, she would have already run away but... she realized what he said that night. He stayed, hoping that he might be of some help to the people. Though it was like impossible, he wanted to give a try and held back his tyrannical uncle.
When the chamber became very quiet, Arin returned and occupied his seat which was beside Iria. Looking at her, he said, "Antony said that everything is set for tomorrow. We will depart at dawn if that's okay with you."
"That's good," the Queen promptly said. "I look forward to leaving anyway."
Arin Helev slightly smiled at her response and looked at Emor. "What about you?"
"I'm not sure but I think it will be at dawn too. I still haven't talked with the soldiers.." He paused and said, "Anyway, I wish you a safe journey."
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