The Duke's Passion

762  Please banish me Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on ɴoᴠel ꜰɪre.nᴇt

[ PRESENT TIME ]

"Why… did you send me to the Heart's Empire, brother? Why did you send me to another land while you… and everyone in Karo, died? I cannot understand."

Florence clutched the quilt that was covering her lap. Her eyes heat up, grinding her teeth, waiting for Heliot's answer. Deep in her heart, she knew Heliot wouldn't know the answer, but lest he already made this ridiculous deal who would betray him and Karo, she was taking the risk. That night of the regression was one of the most traumatizing things Florence had experienced in all her heart. Her heartache in her marriage paled in comparison. The sheer thought of blood right now could turn her stomach.

"You… remember?" Heliot narrowed his eyes as he sized up the princess sitting on the bed. Based on that series of questions, it was obvious Florence seemed to remember her memories before the regression. After all, she did mention 'Heart's Empire' instead of 'kingdom.' "How?" he asked under his breath, intrigued by how his sister suddenly retrieved her memories. Just days ago, there was nothing wrong with Florence, and was acting like usual. How did she change the second she woke up after her abduction? It somehow reminded Heliot of how Lilou also changed overnight.

"Does it matter?" Florence let out a short, ridiculing laugh. "It seemed you still hadn't made the deal… or are you lying?"

"I am someone who is not in need to lie to anyone, Princess. However, I have to remind you to watch your tone."

Hearing his remarks, Florence laughed in mockery. Her reaction brought a deep frown on his face, watching her laugh and laugh as if there was something wrong in her head. "You worry about my tone…" she ran her fingers through her hair, raising her gaze up at him. "... why are you always like this, brother?" Tears shone in her eyes as the veins in the sclera turned red. "You are always like this, your highness. You act aloof and emotionless. Although I admired your wise governance and achievements, I had always thought you do not have the heart to sympathize with anyone. That is why…" her voice broke, shaking her eyes in disbelief.

"That is why I couldn't understand. Why me, Your Highness?" she continued with utter confusion in her voice. "Why did you send me to that place? And why did you tell me not to return to Karo at all costs? I am… completely baffled."

There was a moment of silence after her remarks. She hung her head low and her tears landed on the back of her fist. Florence remembered losing her consciousness when Fabian fed her with his blood which had poison. But when she woke up, the memories before the regression surged in her head without a pause. At first, she was confused. But after some time, she was able to put the pieces together. But that wasn't the only problem. Before this regression, there were many questions and unresolved things in Florence's head. One of them was what happened when she lost consciousness back then. Did Fabian kill her just like how he killed Silvia?

Her hand trembled at the thought of dying in Fabian's hands. She shook her head, thinking there were other things that could've happened. Yet, she didn't know Fabian that well. If that man could kill Silvia, he could do it to her. "I had always doubted their claim regarding the regression, but it seemed what they had said were true." Heliot's voice pierced the air after a moment. "Don't worry about it now. They were already fixing it."

A shallow breath slipped past Heliot's lips, studying Florence's demeanor. He heard the future Heliot had sent his sister to marry Rufus and be his empress. Right now, Heliot couldn't understand why he did that since he had made a promise to Florence's mother that he would protect Florence. Sending Florence to the Heart's Empire sounded impossible, knowing that was akin to sending her to her prison. "Apologies for not carrying the answer you seek. But I won't send you again to another place," he added solemnly. "You may rest assured. Rest for now."

With that being said, Heliot turned on his heel to leave. However, just as he did, he stopped when she spoke. "I want to leave Karo." Heliot frowned, turning around to face her, only to see a determined glint across her eyes. "Send me to the Heart's Empire, Your Highness. Or better yet, banish me."

"Princess, if my actions before the regression upset you, I would find a satisfactory answer."

Florence shook her head. "This is not about your action… or perhaps, it was. After all, before I died, which I assumed was my end before returning in time, Your Highness specifically ordered me not to return to Karo at all cost. You might not remember it now, but I remember."

"What happened and what will happen had left a deep wound in my heart. However, I might've abhorred you for it, but I cannot deny Your Highness is a wise man and must've had a reason." She raised her chin, determined to follow her gut feeling. "You could've told me to send reinforcement, but instead, told me to even stop His Majesty Rufus if he wants to rescue Karo from the hands of your enemies."

"Please… banish me if sending me to the Heart's Kingdom will put you in a difficult position," she added adamantly. "If you truly feel sorry for me, then let me do what I want, Your Highness." "No." Heliot's eyelids drooped. "You are not going anywhere, sister. Whatever the reason was, I can protect Karo and my people."

Florence's jaw tightened, holding his cold gaze. "If that is already clear, use this time to rest. You do not have to worry about this matter. If what you said was all true, then I promise you it won't happen again." Heliot remarked as a dangerous glint flickered across his eyes. "No one… will touch my land. Not under my watch."