Episode 5

Elizabeth was ashen, having envisioned their reunion countless times, the man who had shattered her until she was left in mere fragments.

Him, that man, Sebastian stood before her, taking her hand to bestow a kiss upon it. But no, -I must stay collected and regain my composure, I need to recover- she commanded herself mentally when she withdrew her hand from Prince Sebastian, thwarting his attempt at a kiss.

"Oh, Your Highness! It is a pleasure to meet you," she said, grasping the sides of her dress to curtsy. Her action was more about avoiding contact with him than anything else. -I must keep him at a distance for now. Revenge is a dish best served cold and requires patience- she reflected, still bowed.

"There's no need for such formality, Lady Elizabeth, it's a delight to meet you, and I look forward to seeing you more often," Sebastian said with a sly smile.

The general had noticed Prince Sebastian's interest in his daughter, which displeased him greatly. He had little regard for the prince, who was amassing power to become the heir apparent, suspecting that his courtesy and friendliness were feigned. He likened him to a serpent that coils around its victims before delivering its venom, and his suspicions were disturbingly accurate. Hence, his aversion to the way Sebastian was looking at his beautiful daughter.

"Daughter, you must be weary. You have not fully recovered; go and rest," the general spoke, taking her hand.

"Yes, Father, I am indeed feeling unwell. I shall retire now. Excuse me, Father... and Your Highness, it has been a pleasure," she said and departed after another curtsy.

With trembling legs, Elizabeth withdrew, entering the mansion to head to her room. Once inside, she collapsed on her bed.

"Gods who granted me this second chance, please give me strength," she murmured to herself.

Facing Prince Sebastian so soon had been a jarring shock, but she would need to steel herself for more such encounters. Drifting to sleep, she was roused by knocks on the door, it was her father, beckoning her to dinner.

Throughout the meal, they were both quiet, savoring the food before them, until her father inquired if she wished to select a new maid since he had dismissed everyone relatively new and untrustworthy after the poisoning incident.

Elizabeth pondered for a moment before replying, "Yes, I think I should hire one, but I want to tackle that personally, Father. I already have someone in mind."

The general simply nodded, continuing his meal. He knew his daughter was far from foolish and could be trusted.

The following day, Elizabeth requested the carriage be readied, accompanied by several guards at her father's insistence. She set off toward the city's outskirts, a journey of several hours, praying that the person she sought would still be there.

Eventually, they arrived at a small village, and she entered a modest apothecary shop, greeting the proprietor. The middle-aged man, recognizing her as a lady of status, welcomed her graciously with a bow.

"How may I assist you, my lady?" the man inquired.

"I seek the black rose from Golden Mount, blessed by the shadow butterfly," she answered.

The man's eyes widened as if they might burst forth. That code was known only to a select few, used to contact another hiding in the shadows, the true proprietor of the shop. The man was merely a front, the ostensible owner.

With an exaggerated bow, the man replied, "May the shadow butterfly's blessing endure," and gestured for her to follow. Descending into the basement, they navigated through door after door. Elizabeth grimaced internally...

"Since when did you become so wary and cautious?" she mused, drawn from her thoughts as the man indicated what was to be the final door, revealing a young woman of similar age lounged in an ornate chair.

"I see you enjoy the luxuries. She was right; you have fine taste. I must say, I like it..." Elizabeth commented as she entered the room.

"Who in the devil's name are you? How did you find me?" the young woman demanded, scrutinizing the newcomer.

"Oh, you break my heart, dear black rose," Elizabeth quipped, taking a seat... "The only way to reach you is through the butterfly..." she observed, eyes dancing across butterfly paintings before resting on a butterfly ornament the girl was fiddling with.

"Elyana, where is she? What do you know of her?" the woman asked, visibly tense.

"Elyana is dead. Prince Sebastian fed what remained of her to the forest beasts," Elizabeth disclosed, locking eyes with the girl.

A solitary tear escaped the girl's beautiful eyes; Elyana had once saved her from bandits intent on her violation. She had vowed to serve her savior, and so she did. They supported one another, she even learned the art of poisons through Elyana's tutelage, as well as how to defend herself. Their souls were akin to sisters', until one day Elyana vanished, and though she searched, she never found her. And here was this stranger, proclaiming her cherished sister dead, burdening her with guilt for failing to protect.

Elizabeth, witnessing her anguish, couldn't contain her empathy, she softly offered, "I will avenge Elyana; I will bring ruin to Prince Sebastian. My presence here is to ask if you're willing to join me. I know you need clarifications and have many questions, seeing me as a stranger. And I promise answers, in due time. Trust in me."

The girl looked up, her gaze meeting Elizabeth's, and found something familiar, something that invoked the same assurance she felt with Elyana. She couldn't comprehend it, but it was undeniable... She made her choice and declared...

"I knew that man would betray her; I told her time and time again, but she was blinded by love," the girl stood, facing Elizabeth firmly, "If your aim is to destroy that vermin, I will assist you."

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