“I-I don't know the details either...”
The maid trailed off with a flustered expression before awkwardly continuing.
“I heard that because of the conflict, His Grace has to remain stationed along the Valto border for the time being.”
“For the time being... How long is that supposed to be...?”
Talia faltered, then bit her lip.
She had been the one who said she never wanted to see his face again. What right did she have to ask such a question?
She stared blankly at the flowers resting beside the bed, while the maid, cautiously watching her expression, hesitantly answered the unfinished question.
“I wasn't given an exact date... but I heard he doesn't intend to stay away from the castle for very long. As soon as circumstances allow, he'll be traveling back and forth between the castle and the encampment...”
Talia unconsciously let out a sigh of relief.
The moment she realized what she had done, a hollow laugh escaped her lips.
She was disgusted with herself.
Staring at the flower buds heavy with rainwater, she let out dry, empty chuckles before covering her burning eyes with the back of her hand.
The inside of her eyes stung as though they were being scorched.
She knew instinctively.
He had left because of her.
Instead of casting her aside, he had chosen to leave himself.
'Why...'
Only one question kept circling endlessly through her mind.
Why are you going this far?
Even if he accepted the Emperor's proposal and divorced her, no one would blame him.
Their marriage had been forced from the very beginning.
She knew that as well.
Varkas had absolutely no reason to bear her resentment.
The fact that she had been left lame... the fact that they had lost the child...
All of it had been her own responsibility.
She knew she should have told him.
You did nothing wrong.
Everything terrible that has happened to me is because of myself.
So please... don't carry any guilt or responsibility.
Just abandon someone like me.
Everyone else does.
Even the people who brought me into this world did.
Then why are you...
Her chest ached as though it were burning away.
She couldn't shake the feeling that she was making some terrible mistake.
Yet she had no idea how to set it right.
She wasn't even sure she wanted to.
“Your Highness... are you all right?”
Seeing her vacant expression, the maid asked worriedly.
Holding her throbbing head, Talia weakly shook it.
“I'm fine. It's just...”
She looked at the maid through misty eyes before turning toward the rain-streaked window.
Only hours ago the rain had been falling softly.
Now it pounded mercilessly against the glass.
He's walking through that rain right now.
Perhaps...
Perhaps he hadn't gone very far yet.
Without even knowing what she wanted to do, Talia climbed out of bed.
The maid hurried toward her in alarm.
“W-What are you doing?”