Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 207: One More Sacrifice

Chapter 207: One More Sacrifice

The moon hung high in the velvet sky, casting a ghostly glow over the silent streets of Geraldion. Princess Melania walked through the shadows, her heart pounding with a mixture of grief and disbelief. For the past three days, she refused to believe that everything that had happened was true, but as she opened her eyes yet again this evening, her mind was heavy.

As she finally reached her destination, the woman paused and leaned against the cold and rough surface of the apple tree that was so out of place among the scarce greenery around Hayim’s humble home.

His tiny art studio, once a haven of creativity and warmth, now lay in ruin, a stark testament to the cruelty of the court’s judgment. Hayim’s hands had been severed, his talent forever silenced by the merciless decree of the judge. Since that dreadful day, Melania hadn’t dared to seek the young man out, haunted by the guilt and shame that consumed her soul.

But tonight, she couldn’t resist the pull of her conscience any longer. With each step closer to the charred remains of Hayim’s sanctuary, her resolve solidified. She needed to face the consequences of her actions, no matter how painful they might be.

As Melania approached the black remnants of the studio, a sharp lump formed in her throat. The acrid scent of burnt wood and ash stung her nostrils, a bitter reminder of the destruction wrought by the heartless verdict. With trembling hands, she pushed aside a scorched beam, her heart racing as she stepped into the desolate space.

The sight that greeted her was devastating. Blackened walls loomed like silent sentinels, their once-vibrant colors reduced to smudged charcoal. The floor was littered with debris, fragments of Hayim’s shattered dreams scattered like broken promises.

And there, amidst the scattered mess, Melania’s gaze fell upon a piece of familiar wooden frame. Recognition sparked within her, sending a shiver down her spine. It was from the unfinished portrait that the artist had been painting for her—a painful reminder of the bond they had created, now shattered beyond repair.

Unable to contain her emotions any longer, the princess sank to her knees, her tears mingling with the dust and ashes beneath her. Guilt clawed at her heart, tearing away the fake walls of bravery she struggled to maintain. She had condemned Hayim to a fate worse than death, all in the name of proving to herself that she had the power to help someone while she could barely help herself.

’Why was I so desperate to help him? Because he, too, was from Lafad? Because I saw my own shattered soul in his and wanted to project my own hopes onto his life? Stupid... You should have known better, Melania. Of all people here, you should have known better.’

In the midst of her despair, Melania knew that she could never undo the damage she had caused. No amount of remorse could bring back what had been lost, nor could it ease the burden of guilt that weighed heavily upon her soul.

Pressing the broken piece of the wooden frame closer to her chest, the princess slowly walked out of the studio, her blackened feet dragging across the pathway, heavy with regret.

Her legs brought her back to the tall and sturdy apple tree whose branches were blooming, filling the air with a pleasant sweet aroma.

Her bleak brown eyes moved upwards, pausing at the strong branch above her head; it almost looked like a giant black arm that was about to pierce right through her body, splitting it in half.

’This is what they all wanted, right? Just a reason... A single reason to start a war. I will give it to them. As they saw no tragedy in sacrificing innocent lives, there will be no tragedy in losing their own. One more sacrifice won’t change a damn thing. My life is already ruined anyway.’

***

Aideen pulled down the fur-rimmed hood of her coat, casting her bright gaze skyward. Taru, now even larger in size, soared above her, his majestic wings gracefully navigating the cold currents of the dancing wind mingled with snow.

"His progress is truly remarkable," noted Leif, joining his niece’s side and smiling at the magnificent dragon. Aideen, however, responded with a hint of chill in her tone, "If you’re trying to claim credit for his improvement, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Taru’s talent speaks for itself, while I’m simply dedicated to his training."

Leif chuckled at her blunt retort, finding her confidence and honesty refreshing. Despite her outward display of hostility towards him, he sensed a steadily growing warmth in her heart.

"I never expected to witness something like this," Leif continued, piquing Aideen’s curiosity. "Something like what?" she inquired, eager for further explanation.

"Taru is still in his youth, but your bond with him, coupled with his ability to absorb your powers, allows him to heed your commands and even transform into his elder state. No other dragon has achieved such a feat," Leif explained with admiration.

The princess glanced back at Taru, silently concurring with Leif’s assessment.

’Even Ahspid acknowledges Taru’s exceptional nature. Each day, he grows stronger and more formidable. Though his physical form remains small, my powers seem to facilitate his transition into his mature form... It’s as if he’s eager to be useful right away, or perhaps to protect me with all his might.’

Drained of his energies, Taru reverted to his infant form and nestled into Aideen’s embrace, seeking comfort under her coat as she showered him with praise for his efforts.

As Aideen affectionately scratched the dragon beneath his chin, her attention was drawn to Tillian, who approached with an air of urgency, his pallid complexion betraying his concern.

"Tillian? What’s the matter?"

The duke handed her a white envelope adorned with the royal seal. "This arrived from the capital this morning. It’s from the Crown Prince," he informed her.

"Prince Yanad? Why would he send us a letter? Has something happened?" Aideen questioned, her fingers tracing the edges of the envelope. As she did, her husband continued, his voice heavy with solemnity, "Yes, it concerns Princess Melania. She... She took her own life."

"What?!" Lady Valentine’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Princess Melania is dead?"

Tillian nodded gravely. "Yes. The Crown Prince discovered her body himself. She... she hung herself from an apple tree."

"Your Grace, could you please repeat what you just said?"

Aideen and Duke Valentine turned simultaneously, their expressions darkening as they recognized the speaker who interrupted their conversation.

"King Yuraon?"