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“T-this is enough for me,” he said, his eyes tearing up.
“No. I gave my word. You will be rewarded in not just one way.”
“Why would you do this, Your Majesty?”
“I do not want you to look at your arm and think of me in fear and anger. I want you to look at your arm and think of what has to come to pass and feel regret.”
I had felt regret too many times in my life. I knew it was one of the greatest punishments.
Cesar and I parted ways. He had promised to investigate the kitchen helper further for me. I needed to see Metheus right away.
Back in his study, I saw him beaming with pride at his sister. Lucia embraced Rowali and kissed her on the temple. It seemed that the girl had just completed a successful training. I was still worried about her participating in the war. Seeing the dead witches littering the Prozeus grounds, I felt the seriousness of what I had done – bringing her here. Metheus would not forgive me if something happened to his sister.
“It looks like I need to congratulate someone here,” I said, a smile on my face.
“Yes, Luella! I did so well!” Rowali announced. Then, she freed herself from Lucia’s hug and went to embrace me. I hugged her tightly back.
“I have no doubt that you did,” I murmured.
Metheus was watching us thoughtfully. I met his gaze and gestured with my head towards the door. He understood. I let go of Rowali, who returned to Lucia to discuss her newfound skills. Metheus followed me outside the study to the hall.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Ari knew about the dart,” I said.
His face looked like it was caught between amusement and anger. Then, he scowled. I knew then that while he did not consider the duke his closest friend, he also could not believe him doing anything wrong. At least, not when the betrayal was too deep. His frown deepened when I told him about Cesar and what he told me about the kitchen plot.
“There is more, Metheus.”
“Is there?” he asked, incredulous and angry.
“I burned him – Ari. I burned his face, b-but my mother cured him. Healed the wound, and it left only a tiny scar.”
“Why did you do that? Did he do anything to you?” he growled, his hands on my arms.
“H-he tried to force himself on me,” I admitted, my eyes focused on Metheus’ face. It was getting redder and redder by the minute, and his hands on my flesh did not help the situation.
He bellowed in frustration. Rowali rushed outside to find out what was happening. Lucia was right behind her.
“I will kill him,” Metheus promised. “My father has been generous to him all his life, and this is how he repays it? By killing him? By trying to touch you?”
Then, to assure me that he was not angry at me, he took me in his arms. He placed my head right on his chest. I could hear the rage there, in the pounding of his heart. I wished I could also hear it say that Metheus loved me – but maybe words were nothing compared to what he had been showing me. I could dare believe that he loved me.
Rowali wrapped her arms around both of us, at least as much as her slender arms could.
