Memories to cherish for eternity

The next hours were the most peaceful ones. I didn’t have to worry about my heart bursting in any second nor did I have to worry about how to calm down. Ah, what a great way to ride a horse and see the scenery.

Dalton told me lots of stories about young Luca and Teiran during their swordsmanship training. About the people in the duchy. He told me that Teiran’s parents died five years ago and that that was the reason why their uncle was currently the head of the family and not at the duchy, since he was on a political endeavor in another kingdom. When I asked him why Teiran, the heir to the Vermonde dukedom didn’t ascend until now he simply said, that young boy isn’t ready. I didn’t dig further into it, although I did wonder why the most respected person in this empire didn’t take his rightful place.

Dalton also told me about his genius wife Carina who is supposedly an alchemist and healer and also the shy but kind young lady of Vermonde. Teiran’s younger sister Mirabelle. He was sure that I would get along with them quite well. Just as I started to get curious I also felt a big lump in my throat. Would I the so-called Killer of the Chronom Duchy even be able to meet them? After all, when we arrive in the capital, all eyes will be on me. They might even imprison me since I am the prime subject. Should I have run away instead? No, that probably wouldn’t have changed anything. I mean I could have lived in hiding for sure, but knowing that someone is after my life, that someone is far more dangerous than I anticipated, I would have probably died sooner or later anyway. They could have found me in an instant and killed me.

So there was no choice after all. In the capital at least, it wouldn’t be that easy to kill me. However that would also mean that the time to separate from the Vermonde Knights would soon be here. Since the last few days a lot of cruel things happened, starting with the massacre back at Chronum, to the ambush in Karkava. So many things happened and yet I also found people I, for the first time in my life, ever since the passing of my grandmother could genuinely talk to. Luca, a kind young boy, who has the energy of a puppy and felt like a younger brother I never had. Dalton, who had wisdom and humor, a perfect sweet uncle figure. I thought of all the knights who helped and laughed with me and showered me with praises which I wasn’t used to at all. For the past few days my life changed so much. I think I will miss these moments. Well I still had Rusha with me, who slept like a log on my shoulder right now.

I think I will miss all of them a lot, especially Teiran. The first person who trusted and believed in me. But what could I do? For your sake especially I dare not to be selfish. For the one who trusted me despite the facts speaking against me, I would never endanger you.

As I look far in front I see his hair flutter in the wind. The golden strands shining brightly in the morning sun. Engrave that moment in your heart Sherya!

After we arrive in the capital, it will be a farewell. I will never see him again. At that thought a sharp pain pierced through my heart. I held onto it with my hands.

“Lady Sherya, are you alright?”

Dalton, who noticed my tense posture, looked rather worried.

“Im alright, I just thought how beautiful the sun shining down on us is.”

I try to give a slight smile to ease his worries.

“That’s true, it’s even brighter than usual!”

“Dalton, do you know how long it will take us till we arrive in the capital?”

“If I had to assume, with the current speed we will probably make it in an hour.”

“In an hour, I see.” It’s too soon. I wish time would pass by slower. I wish this moment where we are just having fun and enjoying the journey would never end. But I am not allowed to be greedy. I know that but still. Why does it hurt so much? I tried to swallow my tears that started building up. I swallowed and swallowed. I tried to calm myself. I didn’t want them to see me cry. When we part ways I want to thank them and smile brightly.

“Dalton?”

“Hm.”

“I think today will be a great day. Since the weather is so nice and the birds are singing I think I am able to capture this moment for eternity!”

“Me too, Lady Sherya. Me too.”

As we started to smile at each other I felt a gaze. When I looked up in front again just as I expected, Teiran’s eyes met mine. He looked for a short time before he turned them back to the front. Did he also want to take one last look at me before I would be imprisoned? I don’t know why but it made me happy that he at least also seemed to care a little bit about me.

At least I will believe that he will find the killer and get me justice even if I die now. I think for the first time in my life, I could die without regrets. I know for sure that they would avenge me and find the one who framed me.

And just like that time passed by. I talked with Dalton, heard the heroine praises of the other knights who still were keeping it going. I heard them chanting how well I fought and how cool I was. Which is still embarrassing to me but even these praises warmed my heart. Just knowing that I could be remembered not just as the cruel notorious villainess, the bloody demon, the rat, the trash duke’s useless daughter but as a heroine to someone made me feel glad that I met them. So yeah you cruel fate of mine come at me! I am ready to bear your consequences with open arms.

With a new resolve and a heavy heart we arrived in the capital.

Welcome to Shuen. Welcome you dear villainess.