I never knew I would catch a sickness with the same cause and cure.

Althea.

The woman who tiptoed into my life.

Tiptoed. That's what I would say. She never did anything remotely close to catch my attention. Still, it seemed she was flying all around me like the dove she was.

I gripped the bed's edge to heave a sigh. The dream I saw wouldn't let me sleep again.

To shiver in ice-cold condition for an entire night wasn't something I had ever dreamt before.

The Sun was turning orange with the swiftly approaching evening. The nights were especially cold, even in this desert kingdom.

It had been four days since I was away from my palace.

Stretching my arms to get rid of the nap fatigue, I walked out of my room and down to the courtyard where a man was waiting with a wooden box. My grandmother and Thalia were eagerly looking into it, asking him about the pieces of jewellery without a stop.

I had dropped mother two days ago on the ship to Greece and stopped in my grandmother's house that was situated near the harbour. She wouldn't let me go, not before I'd spend a week with her.

"Greetings, your Honour," The man bowed, slight relief emerging on his face for finally getting rid of the ladies' constant questions.

"Hm, so you found the stone I had asked?" I scratched my jaw, looking into the box to see the intricate pieces of jewellery. He nodded with a huge smile and unlatched a separate section to take out the necklace I had ordered.

"Yes, your Honour. And I've woven them with pearls as you'd asked," he placed it carefully in my hand.

I traced the golden string meshed with one another to give an entwined look. My thumb stroked the sky blue gemstone that held the hanging pearls in the centre of the necklace.

"You found the exact stone I wanted. Excellent job," I smiled, "I'll pay you twice the amount."

His happiness knew no bounds. Still, he just bowed in respect, "It's an honour to hear that you liked it."

"I never knew you were buying jewellery for your wife!" Grandmother shrieked, quickly coming beside to take the necklace in her frail hand, her eyes wide.

I shook my head. That's how she loved to tease my unmarried self, always shoving my imaginary wife in conversations.

After the trader was gone, I settled in the iron swing built at the corner of the courtyard. The Sun was still warm as I closed my eyes, resting my head back to swing lightly.

C- Can my timings be changed from n- night to... sometime in the day?

I exhaled. I had scared her yet again.

The short walls of the courtyard made the sea visible, where low waves rose and fell, drifting ahead in the warm breezes. She would've loved to write about this harbour.

I didn't know what came on me that day. Aristotle was true when he said men dwelling on emotions led to disasters. And I had done that.

Now when I'd spent a day figuring what happened that night, I felt pathetic. Instead of hearing her out like a king, I ended up sounding like a damned heartbroken lover that I wasn't.

Dang it Julian, you really are a mess when you are emotional, I scoffed.

Unfolding my arms, I gripped the handrails. Second mistake was to turn my back on her. That was a coward move, and I wish I could undo it.

I should've given her space and asked softly, like I always did when she was anxious. Maybe at least I should've put an ear on her room's door to make sure she wasn't crying.

She was just supposed to be my court writer. Why am I thinking so much about her?

I released the breath I didn't know I was holding and buried my face in my hands. I told her I have a stone heart that doesn't mind much and what a hypocrite I've turned out to be.

"Look! I told you, Thalia, he's thinking about his wife!" I opened my eyes in my still buried hands and sighed aloud. Where was the problem if I had a wife?

"Have I held him here too long? Maybe he's... missing her," she chuckled. Thalia giggled along.

"Yes, grandma," I raised my head to pass her a knowing smile, "And she would love to meet you, but you'll have to visit my palace for that," I grinned.

Her little eyes narrowed, not dwelling on my lie, "No God no," she shook her head, her playful temperament replaced by mild fear, "I told you, I'll never step into that palace. No no no," she chanted making me laugh.

During the palace's inauguration, in the awe of its beauty, she'd wandered so deep that she'd lost her way, ending up in a secret chamber.

It took half of the day to find her.

"That's not a palace, that's a maze to Hades," she frowned, waving a dismissive hand, "The more you walk in, the darker it gets."

I got up to hug her fragile frame and kissed her forehead like she used to do when I was small.

"Alright, my dear grandma," I smiled down at her, "whenever you wish to."

She gave a thought, "Well... if you celebrate the birth of my great-grandchild in the palace, then..." she flashed a smile, "I'll definitely come!"

That could only make me think of the time, when a certain sheepish blue-eyed woman was holding my niece.

Damn Julian, you really took your thoughts that far.

"No no no," I mimicked her, "I'm still your little Julian, grandma. He hasn't grown big enough to become a father yet."

Dramatically she pushed me away with a pout and held Thalia's arm, "If you don't, then my dear girl would," she jutted out her chin, then turned to talk to her.

"I've asked Hestia about him, dear. He is her grandson, and don't worry he is a wonderful boy," she wiggled her cheek, making her blush, "You and Cicero will make a beautiful couple!"

This nineteen-year-old girl had found love before I could. How fortunate.

Mother always needed Thalia's help in the smallest of things that we bought her along. I couldn't believe that it was my mother who'd asked to bring Althea too, but the events of that night ruined my opportunity to ask her.

Even grandma would've loved to meet a unique woman like her.

The entire evening took on explaining to her why I couldn't stay for a week. Not only were there loads of empire work pending, but I had this strange gut feeling that she was... hurting.

Travelling through the night, I reached Romanos early in the morning. The people had woken up and everything was going like a usual day.

The first thing I did upon entering my room was to check her book. Flipping through the pages, I sucked on my upper lip in confusion. There was no entry written after the day I'd left. Did she not write anything in the four days? That was rather strange.

"Danro," I walked up to my guardsman, going through the pages again, "Did she come to fetch her book?"

"No, my Lord," he bowed.

"For any other purpose then?"

"Not that too, my Lord," he replied.

I pressed a fist to my mouth. Had I upset her so much? As far as I knew, there barely was a day when she wouldn't write. Also, I had informed the guardsmen to let her have her book if she asks for it, but she didn't.

Keeping it back, I walked up to her room. Given her sensitive nature, she must've been thinking too much about this matter, perhaps taking the blame on herself, when she didn't have to. If she couldn't, I would take the initiative to make things better.

I scrunched my brows at the door chain hanging in place. Unlocking it, I opened her room to be welcomed by a damp whiff. The one that stated, this room was closed for some days.

Now it was disturbing. Did she leave already?

A sense of betrayal struck me. I raked a hand through my head. No, she couldn't be a spy to leave like that. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath to stabilise my head. What was I even thinking? If she was a spy, she would've taken her book along.

Immediately, I ordered the guards to check every spot of the palace that she usually visited, but to no avail.

"Where are the concubines?" I inquired, keeping my anger at bay. These guards were of no good.

"They are visiting the marketplace, my Lord."

"She went with them?" I narrowed my eyes, "Given the last time, I did tell you all not to allow her out without my permission," They hastily shook their heads.

"No, my Lord, sh- she didn't go with them," They uttered, only fuelling my rage.

"Then where is she?!" I demanded, "An important member of the palace is missing and you have no clue!"

"M- My Lord, I- I saw her last with mistress C- Caspara, in the gardens..." One guard stuttered.

Althea with Caspara? That was unusual, "Inform your companions to assemble in the training ground. I want to have a talk, and make sure, no one steps out of the palace," My voice was low, but it was enough for them to stumble out of my sight.

When I turned around, I spotted Caspara at the far end of the corridor. Her face lit up upon noticing me and she quickened her steps.

"Greetings your honour. We never knew you were arriving early," she bowed, "Apologies for not being prepared for your arrival."

"That's not an issue," I waved a hand, "Have you see Alth-"

"My Lord! If we couldn't prepare for your arrival, I have an alternative!" The excited gleam on her face made it clear she was lost in her own thoughts.

Stealthy she wrapped her hands around my arm, "You hadn't liked the previous wine, but this time I've made it like mistress Armonia does. I'm sure you'll love it," she intonated in that sweet voice of hers.

I swallowed a breath to calm myself. I hated to let my anger out on women.

"Caspara dear... I've asked you something."

"My Lord, you're not taking care of your health at all," she pouted, "Please take some rest and we can... talk then," Her fingers moved up and down my arm. Squeezing my hand, she began walking.

I gripped her hand to stop, "Where is Althea?"

"She must be in her room, my Lord-"

There was only so much patience in me before I grabbed her arms to shove her against the wall, "You know my tolerance for lies very well... Caspara," Her eyes widened with the fear flashing in them.

"I'll ask one more time," My gaze burned down on her, "Where is Althea?"

"Sh- She... I saw her with... m- mistress Ionna..."

So that incredible lady was in here, "When?" I implored. If only these women were less dramatic, I would've been in peace.

"Th- The day you... left," The moment she uttered the truth, I left her, appalled.

Four days...

She was missing for four days, and everyone behaved as if it was fucking normal.

"Gather the concubines in the meeting hall," I instructed and left for the mistress' room. Good thing she knew better than to whine about the reason.

Mistress Ionna was one bizarre woman with nothing but praises for me. I wouldn't bother with all the little activities she did with the women, but now it got me thinking. What does she have to do with Althea? She was new here, and barely an attention seeker.

As I entered her room, she leapt out from the throne made especially for her and started her ritualistic singing of my praises. I looked on flatly.

"... and the world would always remember you, my dear boy! Julian Romanows-"

"Thank you so much, mistress Ionna, but may I ask something now?" I gave her a smile.

"Of course please do!" She smiled widely.

"Where is my court writer?" Her jolly expression flipped all over.

She started pacing the room as if in deep thought, "Yes. That was a serious issue I wanted to discuss with you, Julian."

"You are doing very wrong by placing her in a man's job-"

"I've asked where is she, mistress. You should hear my question clearly," I tried hard not to grit my teeth.

Her eyes blazed at me, not expecting the rudeness, "You don't know how a woman's life works Julian, but I do!" she fumed,

"I've sent her to be married to my son, Naël. A woman so old shouldn't be unmarried- Ah!"

Before she could finish, my sword was resting on her neck, my hold firm on the hilt, "Tell me where is she, right this moment," I asked calmly, but my breath had turned harsh.

The nerve of this woman to decide something like that for her.

"J- Julian," she sneered behind her trembling voice, "Th- That's how you treat your... elders?!"

I remembered the woman who had come begging to me, weeping about mistress Ionna to be a sadist.

And now the fierce, almost deranged look on this lady's face made the statement I'd taken lightly, believable. It scared me to the core at what she could've done with Althea.

"Speak up, or your head will be rolling in this room, dear mistress," The sharpened edge of my sword pressed against her neck, just enough to not let her bleed.

I hated what I said. I wasn't raised that way to speak to someone I had high regards for.

But right now, my priority was Althea. And if it would take a gruesome threat to have her speaking, I would.

What she revealed had my body shaking in insanity. Slowly, I retreated the sword to put it back in the sheath.

Four days away from the warmth of the palace, that too when she was...

My hands balled into fists, heart hammering against the chest in both fury and fear, "She will not step out of her room till I return," I ordered the guards and surged out of the palace as mistress Ionna bawled out curses.

The morning wind was chilled as I dashed through the trees to reach the border of the forest, where those huts were located. I couldn't be more furious with myself for assuming those shacks to be a storage for weapons when they were being used for reasons beyond my knowledge and permission.

I ripped open the doors, hands shaking out of control for not being able to find her. When I threw open the fourth one did I find her.

My throat was pricking with cold dryness as I stopped finally. But I couldn't breathe normally anymore. The sight shattered me.

She was huddled at one corner, not even flinching or looking up when I opened the door. Her lifeless eyes stared at nothing, but it was her face that brought tears to my eyes.

It was as if she didn't have the strength left to bring any emotion. Her eyes were dimmed, dried, hopeless. A shawl of coarse material was wrapped around her, but the poor fabric did nothing to protect her from the cold. Her hairs were wet, as if she was made to take a bath with freezing water in this morning.

The slight trembling of her body was the only sign which showed she was alive.

Sucking up a threatening sob, I stepped in cautiously, the dried twigs crunching below my boots. Her eyes moved up to look at me.

My heart clenched to see the emptiness on her face. I had assumed her to cry, complain about mistress Ionna, ask where was I all this time, but she didn't.

One look and she went back to staring at nothing.

I faltered in my steps. Recollecting myself, I walked closer. Just when I crouched to her level, she scrambled away, alarmed.

"Don't come near me," It was a whisper, a threatening hiss almost. And what shocked me that her face hadn't softened at all. As if the four days had made her hard, determined to accept her situation.

"Why?" I asked simply.

"Don't you see I'm impure," Her voice shook, angered with my presence. The way she spoke it adamantly proved that they had ingrained it every day in her head that she was impure.

Stop pushing me back, Althea...

Unfazed by her words, I moved ahead, but I hadn't expected her to scream.

"Why are you coming closer?!" She shrieked, her body still trembling, "Don't you see I'm reeking of blood!"

This time, her emotions came crashing back on her. She pressed the back of her hand to her mouth, refusing to cry. Her gaze piercing into mine, daring me to move any closer.

"What do you think we reek of on the battlefield?" I reasoned out. She was talking as if I never knew what blood is.

"B- But, I'm impure..." she hiccuped and shifted her head, not able to hold my gaze, "I'm impure," she repeated as if it was drilled in her head.

I was raised by a mother, a woman, and I knew the truth of what they had to go through, which most men didn't. Sadly, these men were raised by their equally delusional fathers and discarded the woman who brought them into this world as a plague if she bled.

Althea's situation had opened my eyes to a perceptive I needed to change. At least, in my empire where I had the power.

"I don't get how you're impure, Althea," I started, gaze trained on her face, "A woman bleeds to bring a life, and we men bleed to end a life."

"Tell me, who's impure now? The woman who is shamed for bleeding that's completely out of her control, or the men who are praised for bleeding in a war they could've avoided."

"Tell me, Althea," I asked softly.

A single tear fell from her eyes, "Y- You don't know... how a w- woman's life... works," she took in a ragged breath, her hands tightening around her arms, "Men and women h- have a different world..."

How is it possible? When you are making my world with every passing day...

I clipped off my cloak and in one swift motion, wrapped it around her, bringing her closer.

Below my cloak, her body was frozen stiff. Reluctantly, she struggled in my arms, refusing to look up in my eyes, "Y- You'll become impure... because of me," she whispered, ceasing her movements at last when I didn't remove my arms.

I took her face in my palms to stare into her sky-blue eyes. I had missed seeing them so much in these four days.

Unknowingly, she sunk into my touch, letting the warmth of my palms dissipate into her cold face, eyes staring at my neck, not able to look up.

My thumb moved along her cheeks. Her usually soft skin had parched, dead skin smudged her cheekbones due to the exposure to cold. The lips had lost their colour like her face, leaving it chapped.

What I was going to do now had always been in my head. I used to think that when it would happen, she'd be smiling, laughing with me in a beautiful place with beautiful weather.

But things don't go, never go as expected. Today, I learnt that comfort was not only given on the best days when everything was bright and happy.

It was given on the worst days to make them the best ones.

I lowered my face to her level and stared into her eyes. She eventually looked peaceful in my arms, silently waiting for what I had for her.

And just like that, delicately holding her face, I pressed my lips on hers.

They were cold, rough, but nothing I didn't like. I wanted to soothe her, comfort her. The cloak could shield her from the outer cold, but I wanted to warm her heart that was made to freeze by the cruel people.

She whimpered against me, shaky hands trying to get a hold on my shoulders, but couldn't when her eyes were closed. Smiling inwardly, I held her wandering hands over my heart, without breaking the kiss. Gently, I moved my hand to the back of her neck to bring her closer, deepening our kiss.

Her cold lips warmed under mine as I continued to move my lips against hers, making sure she wasn't getting breathless, just so we could go on longer. Even in this state, I couldn't get enough of her.

She tasted like a piece of heaven in Hades.

Her lips had softened again, and though she could barely keep up, I ensured to angle her face in a way that she had to put in less effort.