“Wait.”
Riftan paused before the stairs.
Rosetta glided over to them. “I wish to speak with my sister before I leave.”
Maxi’s face grew still. What did they have to talk about? Rosetta approached at her usual languid pace, but it felt as threatening as though she were charging at Maxi with a dagger.
Sensing Maxi’s uneasiness, Riftan blocked Rosetta’s path. “And what exactly do you have to discuss with her?”
“It’s just a sisterly chat.” Rosetta raised her chin tauntingly. “Are you worried that I might harm her? You don’t need to be. I wish to leave this castle unscathed.”
Heat rose in Maxi’s cheeks at Rosetta’s mocking tone. The embarrassment of hiding behind Riftan out of fear of her younger sister pricked at her. She tugged on his sleeve to dissuade him and took a tentative step forward.
“I-I…wish to speak with her, too,” she managed to say.
Riftan’s lips thinned in discontent.
Maxi hastily added, “D-Don’t worry. Rosetta…”
No words came to mind as she went to reassure him. Maxi looked at her sister as though she were seeing her for the first time. Aside from Rosetta’s conceited way of talking, what else did she know about her sister?
At Maxi’s hesitation, Rosetta said primly, “Won’t you show me your garden? I find it rather stifling in here.” Her eyes scanned the hallway.
Though Maxi felt offended, she forced a smile on her lips and nodded. Riftan opened his mouth to say something, but he stopped himself and reluctantly let go of her hand.
“Don’t stay out too long. The wind is cold,” he mumbled gloomily.
The icy look he directed at Rosetta seemed to warn her of the consequences that awaited if she were to do anything foolish. Rosetta, however, remained unperturbed. Maxi gave Riftan a reassuring smile and descended the stairs with her sister.
Outside, the harsh autumn sunlight stung her eyes. Rosetta’s light brown hair shimmered faintly silver in Maxi’s blurred vision. Even in her modest attire, Rosetta was as beautiful as an angel. Maxi was unconsciously intimidated by her sister’s beauty.
Throwing a glance at the knights behind them, Rosetta whispered to Maxi, “I want to talk to you privately.”
Maxi regarded her sister warily before turning to address Sir Elliot. “S-Sir Elliot…I need a moment with my sister.”
The knight looked wary as he glanced at Rosetta. “We will wait for you up here, my lady,” he said, nodding. “Please call us if you need anything.”
When the knights backed away, the two women climbed down the steps to the garden, awash with golden hues. Rosetta remained quiet for a long time even as the knights grew distant. What was it about this mysterious topic that made her hold back? Maxi grew tense.
It was only as they reached a corner of the garden that Rosetta finally spoke. “The Croyso knights found our father immediately after you left,” she said. “He was treated before it was too late, and I’m told he will be just fine.”
Maxi’s whole body grew rigid as Rosetta’s lips curled into a wicked smile.
“But I think they may have set his broken jawbone incorrectly, as he has trouble articulating his words now,” she snickered. “The damage might be permanent.”
Seeing the evident pleasure on Rosetta’s face sent Maxi’s head reeling in confusion. Backing away, she regarded her sister as though she were a stranger.
“I-I…don’t know…what you’re getting at.”
Rosetta narrowed her eyes. “But of course. You’ve never really tried to get to know me, after all.”
Maxi recoiled at Rosetta’s biting tone.
All traces of a smile vanishing from her face, Rosetta said flatly, “Don’t take it the wrong way. I don’t resent you for never showing any interest in me. I didn’t ask for your time to whine about something so childish.”
Maxi stared at her. “Th-Then why…?”
Rosetta remained silent for a moment before saying calmly, “I think Father is secretly communicating with the other nobles. He undoubtedly has no intention of overlooking this matter.”
