4

Marcus came over to me, but he wasn't talking to me, he was talking to Samuel. "What was she doing here, Sam? What was you thinking, bringing Elisa here? No, no answer will explain this nonsense. Now take her back to her room or you'll be in trouble too."

"Marcus, I'm doing my lady's bidding."

"Have you lost your mind? Do you think her wishes matter in this state? The lord is dead. The Baron and Baroness have the castle in their hands. If they find out that Elisa is here and in this state, they won't sit back and do nothing. Look, she looks sick as if something is going to happen to her at any moment!"

"I know... but you know I can't ignore my lady's request."

He pressed his lips together nervously, his mouth remaining a thin line.

"It's not too late. Go back now."

Samuel looked at me and Marcus.

"No," I interjected, worried that Samuel might be persuaded by Marcus's speech. "I asked to come here and I will not return until my work is done."

"Now is not a suitable time for your spoils, my lady. At least for your own health you should realise that you need to go back to your room and rest."

"Thank you Marcus, but I would prefer to take care of what I came for first. I don't have the power to undo the losses that will be incurred in the time I spend resting, but I still have a chance to obstruct them.

"Obstruct?" Marcus' question was repeated in a whisper.

Prisoners and guards shared the same curiosity.

I ordered Samuel to approach Rohan's cell so that Marcus and I were side by side. I could feel Marcus's piercing gaze touching the side of my head, making it difficult to concentrate on what I had to say. "Dear Icecube, wait your turn, I'll deal with you later," I had to bite my tongue not to say something like that.

When we came face to face with Rohan, he bowed and gave the knightly salute. "I salute the Duchess," he announced.

I heard gasps and felt the dungeon suddenly cool a few degrees.

All the guards came to at the same time, as if they had been slapped across the face, and fell to their knees, bowing their heads. The sound of their feet hitting the stone floor echoed off the cave walls. "We salute the Duchess," they shouted in unison.

Yes, that's what I was.

That was what I had become, a Duchess.

Rohan had done this before I had even uttered my new title. It made me realise once again how right my decision had been. I needed Rohan. I had to save him. He was definitely one of the people I needed by my side to survive.

He would be a shield, a sword.

He would guide me with his spirit.

I accepted each of their greetings as I raised and lowered my chin slightly. I spoke as I watched Rohan and the others with haughty eyes.

"Sir Rohan... It makes me blush to have overheard your dialogue, but first let me say that I understand your feelings... I have forgotten my memories of the accident, but unless you are gifted with superhuman powers, you cannot stop a runaway carriage or save its occupants. I can see in your eyes your loyalty to your master, my father, and so I expect you to honour your oath to him by continuing to serve the Duchy of Averia... "I glanced briefly at the faces of the other guards, each with sparkling eyes. "You and your guards are sons of the north. If you must die, you must die with your swords in your hands to protect it, as a knight should. You must protect me," I looked hesitantly at Marcus, "... You must protect my family."

Marcus' confusion appeared and disappeared for a brief moment.

"Therefore, I, Elisa Averia, Blood of the Lord of the North, your new Duchess, hereby revoke your death sentence."

"My lady? But..."

I raised my hand.

"I also believe that the accident must be investigated, sir. We cannot ignore the efforts of Baron Kairos... but I feel I can trust you in this matter. It would be wise to find out what went wrong with the Duke of Averia's personal carriage that caused the accident before more time passes and the evidence is erased, would it not, Sir Rohan?"

I emphasised the word so that he understood what I meant.

Rohan was silent for a moment. He breathed loudly, his eyebrows furrowed, his large hands clenched into fists. I was a twelve-year-old girl, and my words were enough to make Rohan suspicious of Baron Kairos. I enjoyed watching the seeds of doubt being planted in his mind. Wake up, great man, I said. Open your eyes and see the big picture I'm showing you.

"Yes," he said, nodding. "Yes, you are right, my lady."

One of the guards was insolently involved in our conversation.

"But Baron Kairos' orders-"

I stopped myself from rolling my eyes as I interrupted him.

"... Baron Kairos is merely my father's brother and a vassal of our duchy. He has no legal authority over our lands. If he objects to my decisions, that is a matter between me and him. Just do what you're told. They are free."

The guard was already searching for the right keys, picking up the key ring with hundreds of keys on it. I could see the panic on his face, the only sound being the clang of metal on metal.

At that moment, I felt a chill over me. I was cold despite the layers of clothes I was wearing, but there were only beads of sweat on my forehead. An uneasiness began to grow inside me, but I ignored it and looked back at Rohan and the guards.

"You have endured much hardship. Now retire to your chambers, eat well and rest." I clasped my hands together, cold and trembling, and had to grit my teeth a little more to keep the unwavering expression on my face.

"I need you to be stronger in my father's absence."

I struggled to hold my head upright as the pain returned and writhed in Samuel's embrace. The painkiller had worn off and the pain I had been avoiding was building up and crashing down on me. I noticed a warm liquid dripping from my nose onto my white fur.

It was blood.

Elisa, why do you have such a weak body? Can't you make it easier for me? Huh?!

I muttered in a barely audible voice, covering my nose with my hand. " I-I think I should listen to my brother's words and retire to rest now..."

Borrowing Samuel's shoulder, I leaned my head back and closed my eyes. I was so sleepy that everything else had lost its meaning.

Someone called out to me. I wanted to tell them to be quiet, to leave me alone so I could get some rest. Oh, how I need rest...

Elisa, they said.

My lady.

Duchess... They shook me and touched my face.

Ela, I thought. My name is Ela!

I'm scared. Mummy... Daddy... I'm your strong daughter, I'm Ela.

I was Ela.

I'm scared because I'm getting used to not being Ela.