The familiar prophecy made Vivia freeze where she stood. First Drisennia and now Melissa had uttered the exact same prophecy.
Sierra asked, "When did you hear this prophecy?"
Melissa dabbed her handkerchief gently against her face, wiping the small beads of sweat. "The first time was more than six months ago," she cast an acute stare at Vivia, "and once again when the Princess was attacked in the forest."
Six months ago and now…? Wait. Vivia held her breath.
Six months ago, I had died on stage - and then around the time Clairette died? Is the timing a coincidence?
The drumbeats of her heart grew louder and heavier, as though an invisible, foreboding weight was pressing upon it. Melissa's unreadable gaze further unsettled her, as if she could see right through her.
Sierra whispered, an edge of tension laced in her otherwise calm voice, "Why did your prophecy mention a veil-born? You mustn't speak of this in front of anyone or else…you're aware of the consequences."
Especially coming from her family…
Judith arched her brow. "What consequences, dear Sierra? To reach Melissa, your palace's mighty knights would have to go through me first~ They'd rather put their blades down than raise those beauties against me. Right, Princess? You have firsthand experience, after all~"
"Y-Yes…" Vivia could barely keep up with the conversation.
How is this prophecy related to me?
Melissa met her friend's worried gaze. "I understand the consequences, however I don't fear them. It's my duty to let God's words be heard. A prophecy is supposed to warn us about our imminent future and…"
Her attention returned to Vivia, making her stiffen slightly.
"To keep us from repeating the mistakes of history."
—
Melissa leaned against the carriage's window and closed her eyes. Though the tea party had been brief, the fatigue surmounting upon her shoulders felt mountainous, enough to make her seriously consider a nap - only if Judith would allow it.
"Don't fall asleep yet! I've questions to ask," She said, pressing her weight against her delicate frame.
"Lady Judith, you're invading my space," she said sternly.
"I'm already invading your carriage so why not your space too?"
She cast a mildly displeased look through her veil.
"You only look cute when you do that, not fierce, Melissa," Judith chuckled.
Her expression sobered a moment later. "You never told us about this prophecy. Why only…when Princess Clairette was there?"
Melissa exhaled a long breath. "She has changed. Princess has changed."
Judith's thoughts drifted back to Claudia's tea party. "Yes…she has changed indeed."
"I keep seeing…the world's end," Melissa's voice carried a faint tremor.
"End?"
"Yes."
Her eyes narrowed. "When you said the Princess was at the center of the storm…you had left it unfinished. Did you mean just like Lady Autumn?"
Judith's suspicions only intensified with her silence.
"There're rumors of the Princess meeting a demon in the Realm of Harmony. Then she stayed in the Demon Realm for quite some time. When you say not repeating the past mistakes, do you mean-"
"I hope not, Lady Judith. History cannot repeat itself. Lady Autumn died. Her daughter…nobody knows what became of her, but I doubt she would've lived to see a happy future. The prophecy hints at a veil-born responsible for the near-end. Which is why, this world cannot afford another one being born. It would bring nothing but pain and suffering."
Melissa's gaze drifted back to the window, watching the sky painted with orange strokes.
That ring on her finger…Is Princess aware the opal is housing a soul within it?
—
Walking back towards the palace, Sierra stopped Vivia abruptly. Vivia, lost in her own thoughts, stirred.
"Clairette…" her brows drew together with an anxious crease.
"Yes, sister-in-law."
She pressed her lips once. "May I humbly ask you not to mention that prophecy to anyone here. The…" her gaze darted left, then right, "mention of a veil-born would cause havoc. You know Elvin and His Majesty's thoughts. They could retaliate further against her family."
Vivia smiled. "What prophecy, sister-in-law? Did she say one?"
Sierra cast her a surprised look, then realized how she was feigning ignorance. Her lips curved into a relieved smile.
"Thank you."
As they strolled, Sierra asked, "About Count Martin. Is it important to know why he wanted to meet you?"
"I simply wanted to know what he wished to talk about with me. I was just curious."
"I see. In that case, I can help arrange for you to meet the people he worked with. As a Count, he oversaw administrative affairs. Perhaps, someone from his workplace might know something useful."
Vivia's eyes lit up. "That's a wonderful idea! Thank you, sister-in-law!"
That's it. I'll meet Count Martin's colleagues. But before that I've something more important to do.
Watching the close-knit friendship between Sierra, Judith and Melissa, a sudden urge to meet Audreya overwhelmed her.
It should be safe enough to meet her now. Yes! Time to meet Audreya and put Raffert exactly where he belongs!
—
"Long Live, Your Highness," Law Minister Vernon bowed before Elvin.
Elvin shrugged off his heavy coat and dropped onto the couch, one arm stretched along the headrest. A flicker of annoyance settled over his features.
"Make sure the dead knights' families don't come knocking at the palace gates. Throw them enough compensation to keep them quiet. Curb any untoward complaints against me. This Realm of Harmony is already being enough of a pain. I don't want families causing any useless menace!"
"As you command, Your Highness."
He smiled. "It's reassuring to have Sir Vernon look out for me."
"I'm always here to serve Your Highness."
"My naive brother believes that laws are meant to serve the common people."
Vernon returned the smile. "That has always been the ruse now, hasn't it?"
Elvin cocked a brow. "Good answer. Tell General Ivor to gather another troop for the Realm of Harmony. The search for freshwater must not stop."
"Certainly, Your Highness. There's another matter that needs your attention…"
"What?"
"The reports of disappearances are piling up. It isn't so visible yet, but the pressure is building up step by step. People are complaining about the lack of action from local officers."
Elvin stared. "And what do a few runaways have to do with me?"
Vernon stiffened, an invisible but distinct pressure being thrusted upon his shoulders.
"Indeed, Your Highness."
"Quash those useless reports and don't bother me with such subjects again."
"Certainly, Your Highness."
Soon after Vernon left, Welles, Minister of Trade, requested permission to enter.
"Long live, Your Highness," he bowed.
Elvin said, "The reports of disappearances are piling up, and I'm not liking it."
He froze, but forced himself to calm down. "I'm doing everything I can-"
"You are not," he gritted his teeth. "Else, this wouldn't have reached my ears in the first place. If you allow this matter to blow out of proportion and more importantly - if my name comes anywhere near it, the first head to roll will be yours."
Welles drew in a sharp, shaky breath.
"Malphas's death has already put me in a tight position. Any more hurdles and I won't blink twice before slicing someone's head off. My patience is very limited, Sir Welles."
"Understood, Your Highness. You won't hear of such reports anymore."
A cold smile curved his lips. "Perfect. It wouldn't be too difficult to manage, now would it?"