Robinson's head was severed… and blood flowed, spreading across the floor.
Screams of terror rose, and one of the maids shrieked as she covered her eyes with her hands.
"This is the fate of anyone who lays a hand on Karina, speaks ill of her, harms my mother, or mentions my deceased wife."
The scene was horrifying. Then Theobald exhaled, his anger slightly eased after carrying out the act, and said:
"Take this woman to the Southern prison, for life. And do not worry about your children—I am not against children, nor will I be harsh with them. They will live until they can stand on their own."
Elena tried to evade, to justify herself… but strong hands grabbed her and dragged her away, while the echo of the harsh lesson reverberated in the minds of all who witnessed that day.
…
Knock… knock… knock.
Light but insistent knocks echoed on Theobald's room door. He was inside, wearing pajamas, holding folders, papers, and letters, flipping through them with his fingers. A gentle smile shone in his eyes and rested on his lips, as if a great weight had been lifted from his chest. Upon hearing the knocks, he immediately knew who it was.
"Come in."
Karina opened the door and entered, closing it softly behind her. She paused for a moment, looking at her father. She saw calm wash over his face, a relief she hadn't witnessed in a long time, as if he had finally rid the palace of a bomb that threatened its entire existence.
She lowered her head, looking at the ground, clasping her hands in front of her with clear shyness. Then she began in a low, regretful voice:
"Father… I'm sorry. I truly am. I caused you so much trouble, went out without telling you… and made you worry about me for so long because of my recklessness and foolishness."
Her words were pained, expressing a genuine guilt that pierced her heart. Tears glimmered in her bloodshot eyes, defying her eyelids not to fall.
As for Theobald… he set aside what he was holding slowly, as if placing something precious down. Then he rose from his seat, approached her, and knelt to her level. He embraced her in a wide, warm hug.
Then he said in a low voice, filled with boundless paternal affection:
"Karina… I will punish you if you ever say these words again. You did not cause trouble, nor did you tire me. You are… intensely targeted. Know that you are the heir, and many covet your place. You were never a burden to me, nor a source of annoyance. You were, and will always be, my light and my most precious treasure."
Karina leaned into her father's embrace, holding him tightly, as if afraid he would disappear. That hug began to melt the ice that had formed around her heart, and her worries slowly started to dissipate.
"Thank you, Father…"
---
Karina sat on the edge of the bed next to her father, refusing to move even slightly. Then she noticed the scattered papers and folders beside him, faded in color with clear inks, telling of their age.
"What are these papers, Father?"
Theobald laughed softly, his smile spreading across his eyes as he replied:
"These… are my memories with your mother."
Karina smiled, her heart swelling with pride that her father still held every memory of her mother alive in his heart. She raised her gaze to the large picture hanging on the wall, meeting the eyes of her parents on their wedding day. Her gaze lingered on her mother's portrait.
Rivilina. Blonde hair like sunlight, green eyes like spring leaves. She did not resemble Karina much in features, but everyone had always told her how much she resembled her in behavior—in her extreme sensitivity at times, her adventurous recklessness, and her endless curiosity.
A wave of curiosity flowed through her, and she turned to her father, asking eagerly:
"Father… tell me more about Mother. I want to know."
It was a predictable question. But unlike what some might think, Theobald was not saddened. Instead, his eyes lit up with a beautiful longing. Talking about Rivilina always filled his heart with a strange mix of nostalgia and joy.
"Rivilina de Corless… or her current name: Rivilina Vershi. She was from the lower nobility, or as they say: fallen nobles. Her father was a local lord, but he fell into a sea of scandals. Her mother had to hide Rivilina's true identity. She spent her childhood in the Baron's palace… her stepfather."
Karina listened intently, not wanting to miss a single word.
"The Baron had five wives. One was the Baroness, who bore him a son. Another, Rivilina's mother… Avelina… so, as you see, Elena and your mother were not sisters, but half-sisters—daughters of different fathers. Avelina was the Baron's daughter."
Karina nodded, unsurprised. She had grown up knowing the complexities of noble families, their conflicts, multiple wives and mistresses, and illegitimate children.
"Rivilina didn't tell me much about her relationship with Elena during that period. But she spoke to me about the rest of the family. The Baron hated her because she wasn't of his blood. Even her mother… sometimes viewed her as living proof of her previous connection to that man with a bad reputation. Unfortunately, Rivilina's childhood environment… was very harsh."
Karina was not too surprised; she had heard stories of her mother's struggles and sacrifices before.
"But Rivilina was not the only victim in that palace. There was… her younger sister."
Karina paused, her eyes widening slightly.
"Her sister?"
"Yes. In fact, Rivilina and Elena did not share the same father. She was their mother's daughter by another man… the child's father was unknown."
This time, Karina was genuinely astonished. It was the first time she had heard about having an aunt.
"And… was she kind?" she asked with fiery curiosity.
Theobald closed his eyes for a moment, as if recalling past images he had heard from his beloved wife. Then he said:
"Rivilina described her as the only creature in that palace whom she loved more than herself. She loved that little girl deeply. They were like twins, even though she was younger. She said her sister was not brave, but delicate and weak… so Rivilina was her shield, enduring hardships on her behalf."
Karina became excited. "Mother was a true hero! Honestly, if I were in her place, I don't think I would have endured all that for someone… I'm somewhat selfish."
She said this candidly, then laughed at her own admission. Theobald laughed along with her.
"At least you are honest and admit it!"
Then the question that had been lingering in Karina's mind resurfaced:
"Father… where is she now? That aunt?"
Theobald's smile softened slightly, a shadow of mild sadness covering his face.
"I don't know exactly, my dear. But… from what I understand, I believe she is no longer among us. I think she has passed away."
Karina frowned, and a brief silence filled the room. Then she let out a long, sorrowful sigh.
…
Theobald continued recounting memories, his words taking on a dreamy tone: "According to Rivilina's description… she was blonde, with violet eyes. And I think… I think she had a child. Once, I heard Rivilina mention it in her talk with herself… or maybe in a dream."
Karina suddenly exclaimed with excitement: "That's it! Father! Where is that person!! I want a friend!"
She stood up, gesturing with a swift motion, as if demanding something that could not be postponed.
Theobald laughed at her spontaneity, then gently pulled her back to sit beside him. "Calm down, calm down. You already have Victoria, Ron, and the second prince… and your desire still expands?"
Karina paused for a moment, then let out a light laugh of admission. She returned to her attentive silence, tilting her head slightly, ready to hear more.
Theobald sighed, shaking his head gently. "Unfortunately, this is all the information I have. Your mother… was very secretive about this matter in particular. As if protecting that memory… or fearing something for it."
Karina looked into her father's thoughtful eyes, which still roamed distant memories, then asked with a soft smile on her lips: "And what about my grandfather?… How was your relationship with him?"
Theobald noticed the heaviness of her eyelids, gently drew her closer, allowing her to rest her head on his broad shoulder. Once settled, his hand moved in soothing strokes through her turquoise hair, in a repetitive calming motion.
"Father…" Theobald began in a quiet voice, carrying a shade of nostalgia mixed with awe, "he was a… terrifying man. Honestly, I was calm and obedient all my life, listened carefully to those older than me… yet I lived hearing his shouting and temper almost daily. If I had a hint of stubbornness or defiance… I truly think he would have killed me." He joked, then…
He chuckled quietly, recalling his father's absolute authority, that man whose tone was command, whose anger was a storm, leaving no room for mercy or gentle dialogue.
As for Karina, she struggled to stay awake, her father's words reaching her as if from afar. Then she whispered drowsily, almost dream-like: "I think… my grandmother was the complete opposite…"
Theobald nodded, smiling genuinely this time. "My mother… yes, she scolds, and dislikes many things, but her heart softens quickly. She is quick to be tender as well. And honestly…" he added with a hint of humor, "she doesn't scold Yuri much… she pampers him… as if he is still her little child."
He chuckled a gentle, teasing laugh, so Rina lifted her head for a brief moment and looked at him with her heavy eyes, saying: "I expected that…"
That was the last sentence she held onto before her body succumbed fully to sleep, her head gently resting on her father's warm chest.
"Fainted or what?" he whispered, looking at her with a mix of affection and gratitude.
There was no answer. With expert care, Theobald carried his daughter through the quiet corridors of the palace to her room. He gently placed her on her large bed, pulling the soft cover over her up to her chin. He stood for a moment, watching her peaceful sleep, then leaned down and pressed a warm kiss to her forehead above the bandage.
"Good night…" he whispered barely audibly, filled with a feeling beyond words, "my little one."
He turned off the light and left the room, leaving the door slightly ajar, as she always liked…. …
In a vast, luxurious garden full of life, rare flowers bloomed in colors rivaling the rainbow, and satin-winged butterflies flew low, as if carrying secret messages. Bright birds perched on marble statues and roof edges, chirping sweet tunes, as if greeting all who dared to live a life full of challenges and ultimately reached this safe haven.
Amid this beauty, a small child, no more than two years old, wore a dark blue velvet robe embroidered with fine silver threads. His bright turquoise hair gleamed under the sunlight, and his wide gray eyes sparkled with curiosity and vitality. He ran lightly, taking unsteady steps, chasing a pale blue butterfly.
It was a magical sight, like a painting capturing hope, or a living memory of people who endured hardships and overcame dangers to reach the pinnacle of glory and peace. But…
His small foot tripped over a protruding stone, and his little body toppled forward, falling face-first onto the soft grass. A moment of silence, then the child burst into loud crying, holding his breath from shock. A red scratch appeared on his soft cheek, and light dirt smudges stained his fine clothes.
Rina suddenly felt as if she were being pulled into the scene. She didn't understand what was happening, or why she was there. But her awareness quickly realized she was no longer lying in her bed. There was a strange weight in her body, a completely different sensation. She looked at her hands. They were soft, but those of a grown woman, not a twelve-year-old girl. Then she looked at her clothing—a long, luxurious purple brocade dress, adorned with intricate golden embroidery, in a style she did not know from Southern fashion.
"What… is this?" she whispered to herself, confused.
When she picked up a lock of her hair falling onto her shoulder, she saw the familiar turquoise color, but longer and thicker. "I… but I'm grown up." She became even more flustered.
Rina lifted her eyes to meet the gaze of the crying child, now sitting on the grass. He looked directly at her, eyes brimming with tears, full of clear expectation, as if waiting for her reaction.
"Why is he looking at me like that… as if I've committed a crime?" she wondered anxiously. "Where's his mother?… his father?"
But the child, instead of calming down, stared at her for a long while and then… deliberately tripped again! He fell onto his side in an obvious act, raising his crying voice once more, while his gray eyes fixed on her without interruption, as if testing her response.
Rina was completely flustered. The unreal scene, her strange body, and the strange child acting so peculiarly.
"Why are you looking at me like that?!" she shouted at him, her voice higher and more mature than she remembered.
The child suddenly stopped crying, jolting upright, a true surprise on his face this time.
"Why won't you help me?" he said in a small voice charged with wounded feelings. "Do you hate me now?"
Those innocent and painful words pierced Rina's confusion. She approached him slowly, then knelt to his level. Forgetting the strangeness of the situation, she whispered:
"Who are you? What's your name, little one?"
The small child's expression completely changed. He looked around in all directions, as if searching for something, then returned his gaze to her. His gray eyes now swam in a confusion greater than hers. Then he said, in a low voice filled with both questioning and fear:
"I… I… am your only son… Crown Prince Ron de Chanelly."