Three more days passed and Luana didn't come out of her room. She had locked herself there day and night, not wanting to see or speak to anyone, and sometimes she even refused to receive her meals.

Her condition greatly worried her father who decided to gather his friends in the great hall to talk about it. He was leaning back in the chair at the end of the table, a very tired expression on his face.

he whispered to himself, massaging his throbbing temples.

Alastair replied.

Edgar added.

Angus said, a sympathetic expression on his face.

replied the emperor with rage.

Lucas whispered.

Sofia whispered regretfully.

Alastair reassured, patting her shoulder.

Angus retorted.

Edgar added.

the emperor affirmed.

Lucas suggested.

Arthur whispered.

Sofia remarked worriedly.

explained the doctor.

After a long, heavy sigh, Arthur finally nodded reluctantly.

he said, completely changing the subject.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

Once night fell, the maid came and knocked on the door of the young princess's room to bring her dinner. She did so several times without receiving any answer which worried her a little bit.

she called out.

After waiting a few seconds with no response, she decided to enter the room anyway, pushing the little cart that contained the meal.

she said hesitantly.

She saw the young girl lying on her bed with a blanket over her with her back turned to her servant.

she replied dryly.

Agnes stated worriedly.

the girl whispered.

she replied, raising her voice slightly in a very cold tone.

The maid stayed silent for a moment before letting out a long sigh. She walked over to the girl's bed and sat down on it.

she whispered in a small voice.

she exclaimed in concern.

This time, she got no response from the girl.

she begged.

Hearing the knight's name, Luana turned around to her maid, a very surprised expression on her face.

she asked in a bored tone.

she replied, smiling fondly.

The young girl fell silent and continued to stare into space, her cheeks slightly rosy.

the maid begged again.

Luana let out a long sigh before displaying a small smile.

The maid's eyes brightened with joy. She flashed a huge excited smile on her face.

she exclaimed with joy as she got to work.

she replied with a chuckle.

Agnes carefully prepared the table with a pretty tablecloth and well-decorated cutlery before inviting the young princess to sit down. The latter found a small letter placed next to her plate.

she asked, very confused.

she replied.

The young girl felt her heart beating so fast in her chest as she looked at the letter that was in the small white envelope with hesitation, which made the maid giggle slightly.

the young princess said gratefully.

the maid replied before leaving the room.

After a long moment of hesitation, Luana decided to open the envelope and read the content of the letter.

┌─────── ∘◦❁◦∘ ───────┐

Good evening,

Your Highness,

I hope you enjoy this dinner and this little dessert. I do think that I have improved a little bit in the kitchen compared to the last time. But I would like to know your opinion because it matters a lot to me.

I know very well that what you have learned recently is not something easy to digest and that it must have really shocked you. But I want you to know one thing. You're in no way guilty or responsible for what happened. It's not because of you that Her Majesty died. Whoever caused it will pay dearly for it soon. I promise you that.

I want you to know that you're not alone and if you need someone to talk to, I will always be there for you.

Your faithful servitor,

Lucas Koraxos.

└─────── ∘◦❁◦∘ ───────┘

While reading these words, the young girl felt a comforting warmth invade her, making her forget all her pain and sorrow.

she whispered, a small smile on her lips.

After that, she enjoyed her delicious meal without worrying about her negative thoughts.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

The next morning, Captain Koraxos and his allies gathered in the courtyard of the palace to prepare their horses for departure.

Lucas gave orders to the Imperial Knights while Eric bade farewell to his family and his beloved.

Angus said, patting him on the shoulder.

he replied avoiding his gaze, his cheeks slightly rosy.

he chuckled reassuringly.

With these words, Eric nodded before advancing towards his lover, showing her an affectionate smile which made her blush.

she declared sadly.

she said, looking him straight in the eyes.

she began hesitantly.

he asked with anguish in his stomach.

she declared with flushed cheeks.

The young knight's heart began to beat very hard as his face flushed completely red. He thought he was in a very beautiful dream and didn't want to be woken up.

he asked, not believing his ears.

she declared.

Without giving her time to react, he took her hand and kissed its back tenderly, which left the young girl speechless.

he whispered, looking into her eyes with a smile that made Mina chuckle.

While the other knights were saying goodbye to their families and friends, Luana came out into the courtyard which took her father by surprise.

he greeted with an affectionate smile.

The young girl walked towards him before hugging him very tightly in her arms.

she said regretfully.

With these words, Luana nodded before advancing slowly towards the young captain who had his back turned to her, busy hanging small panniers of provisions on the back of his horse.

she called out softly.

The young man turned around abruptly, surprised to hear her voice and see her face. He bowed to her.

he greeted, smiling slightly to her.

he asked with concern.

he answered, reassured.

A brief moment of silence settled between them. Some knights began to mount their horses to get ready to leave.

he declared.

She took out of her pocket a nicely decorated little package which she gave to the young knight.

she said, smiling affectionately at him.

Lucas has never been so happy in his entire life. He squeezed the small package gently in his hand before putting it in the pocket that hung around his waist.

she demanded.

He nodded affirmatively before raising his hands to remove the necklace that bore his family's emblem and give it to the young girl who looked at him with a very surprised expression on her face.

he said, smiling softly at her which made the young princess nod her head.

On those words, Lucas mounted his horse before advancing towards the exit, followed by his allies to take the path leading to the city of Yrane.