Chronicles of the Forbidden Jewels

I gulped down the entire glass of water as if I hadn't had a drink in days. Despite my efforts to push it out of my mind, the image of Azriel being pulled into the water by a mysterious creature made me think that it was the end.

Ruford and I frantically swam, searching for him until nightfall, and thankfully, his body surfaced after two agonizing hours. It was a horrifying experience, and when we finally retrieved him from the water, tears welled up in my eyes. However, I restrained myself from embracing him even if I had the urge to do so.

I can’t believe it.

I can’t believe that I was scared of losing him until I realized that he was the one who killed my father. Though I don't have enough proof, I'm sure of it. Azriel isn’t the kind who’ll lie – as far as I know, and perhaps if I’ll approach him properly, he’ll tell me the truth.

It's for me to find out. Taverns are a good place to gather information because everyone will tell you the truth, since the only lie a drunk person will say is, ‘I’m not drunk.’ Other than that, I might get useful information.

I brought my bag, some money, and pieces of jewelry as I went out of the house in case someone would ask for a payment in exchange for information. This way, I’ll be sure that I’ll get a handful of information not just about who killed my father, but the uncommon things about the empire.

As I descended to the ground of the treehouse, Hermine called out to me, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Is that ... a hand chain?" she inquired, drawing my attention to the accessory on my wrist.

"Um, yes, it is," I replied, feeling a sense of unease. Hermine responded with a forced smile, but her eyes betrayed a mix of disbelief and sadness as tears welled up.

Suddenly, she raised her hand, and to my astonishment, I found myself ensnared in a prison of razor-sharp thorns conjured by Hermine. The thorns seemed to emerge from the ground, but her hand's gesture made it clear that she was the source of this perilous entrapment.

So, this is a Ruby Izavene’s power. The mixture of thorn and vines to attack or trap people in.

“First, he saved you. Second, he gave us funds to make sure that you’re eating properly and make your stay here as comfortable as possible. Third, I was told to watch over you to tell him what you’re doing. Fourth, the dresses he sent you and the pieces of jewelry for one event. Now, he gave you that Ruivenfiere hand chain?" her hands were balled into fists beside her, shaking. It is a hint that if I'll try to move, she'll kill me.

"How can you be engaged to him? You don't deserve him!" Hermine's voice echoed with anger as she yelled at me. I was taken aback by her outburst, struggling to understand where her hostility was coming from.

Was she referring to Hervouet? It seemed that she had mistakenly assumed that the hand chain was a gift from him, which couldn't be further from the truth. However, her words made me realize that the hand chain held a deeper meaning than just a symbol of alliance.

In my culture, it represented an engagement between two Izavenes, akin to a ring in other cultures. I hadn't fully agreed to the engagement, yet Azriel had taken the initiative.

Azriel had mentioned that the hand chain granted me the power of fire, but I hadn't yet tested its capabilities.

However, attempting to burn the thorns surrounding me seemed risky, as I might end up harming myself in the process. Using lightning as a means of escape was also not an option either, and I remained uncertain about the full extent of powers possessed by a red diamond Izavene.

The situation grew more dire as I could feel the thorns piercing my skin, causing bleeding and pain. Hermine's jealousy towards my supposed relationship with Hervouet was evident, even though such a relationship didn't exist.

Hervouet was nothing more than a manipulative individual attempting to win me over to his side. I needed to find a way out of this predicament before Hermine used the thorns to crush me.

The root of these thorns is Hermine’s unrequited love. Jealousy.

In a sudden turn of events, a vibrant blue fire enveloped me, sweeping through the thorns that had ensnared me. The fire danced with a controlled intensity, skillfully burning away the thorny restraints without harming a single strand of my hair.

It was as if the fire itself recognized me as its master, obeying my will and protecting me from harm. The sight was both mesmerizing and empowering, offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of danger.

“Does this situation happen often? You should’ve told me sooner,” Azriel shifted his eyes from me to Hermine, throwing her a daggered look. “I’ve seen enough. She’s coming with me now. As for you, it’s better for you not to remember everything about Thyra’s existence in your life.” a flash of light surrounded Hermine, and knocked her consciousness out. What … just happened?

He grabbed my wrist forcefully, and he knitted his eyebrows as he shot me with a fiery glare, waiting for a reasonable excuse.

I winced as I tried to set myself free from his grip, but he wouldn’t let me go.

"Does this happen often? How could you not tell me?" Azriel's voice was filled with frustration as he gritted his teeth. His expression softened, however, as he released his grip on my wrist. "I'm sorry. I was consumed by anger, and for a moment, I entertained violent thoughts of revenge. I imagined severing her limbs and allowing my dogs to feast upon her lifeless body."

How can I make him calm down? This is far from the Azriel I know. How can he be this desperate?

"Then … I trust you. But give me some time to gather my belongings. I need my weapons and jewelry to –"

"I can provide you with far better things than those! You won't need anything else; I'll give you everything you desire. So, let's go," he retorted, his words laced with determination. As he spoke, a chill ran down my spine, leaving me feeling completely threatened by his intensity. It seemed that he was oblivious to the weight of his words and the impact they had on me.

Everything I’ll ask for?

“I’m coming with you, but please, I’ll beg if I have to. There are some things that I have to take before leaving.”

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

“This is your room now,” Azriel declared as he let go of my hand. It’s interesting how he can transport from one place to another in a matter of seconds. It was like earlier we were surrounded by trees in the forest where Hermine lives, and now we're in … is this, a room in the palace? It's too glamorous to be considered an inn.

The room boasted ornate furniture and a striking red and gold four-poster bed. As we stood, I could feel the soft carpet beneath my feet. A vase on the bedside table displayed a stunning bouquet of flowers in full bloom, their exact type eluding me.

This room was far from ordinary. It was evident that meticulous care had been taken to prepare and maintain it over a significant period of time.

"I assume you're curious where we are. This is one of the rooms on the 5th floor of the crown prince’s palace. This is the safest place I can think of for you to stay in, so I hope you wouldn’t mind. All my servants here can be trusted so, you don’t have to worry if you want to look around. However, I won’t recommend you to visit the 4th floor and below, since there are some areas connected to the main palace. I shouldn’t let anyone know that you’re here. Not yet, at least. I’ll assign some guards to keep watch of the stairs so don’t be anxious about it," He explained, and that information made me feel more anxious than comfortable. I can't even find the right words on how to react. It's tempting to ask if he prepared all these things because he got plans of keeping me here the moment we declared ourselves as allies, but I think that would be a bold question to ask.

“I, uh … thank you. I appreciate your generosity. Although, I do need to visit the town from time to time. I need to gather information and meet Hervouet since I can't meet him here. How can I step out of this place if I can't visit the 4th floor and below?”

“Have you forgotten that you have that hand chain, and I shared my power with you? You can teleport from here to the area of the town you want to visit. This place is highly secured, because the entire palace is surrounded by a moat, and it has four bridges – those are the only ways to come in and come out. The crown prince’s palace is in the western area, so the western bridge is the most accessible. The moat would make it difficult for the attackers to wade across. That aside, I’ve been meaning to ask you this,” he crossed his arms as he observed my reactions, making me self-conscious. I have a lot to say, but I don’t know where to start.

If they’re protective of their residence, why make a palace instead of a castle? It would be safer to make a castle than a palace to show off. It’s not like the palace is visible to the public. I’m not in the position to complain, but if they’re after their safety, they’d create a castle than a palace.

Either that or this place didn't have a moat before they lived here. Anyway, I should be grateful that I'm here than elsewhere. For now, what matters is for me to visit the town for occasional research and spy on Hervouet.

“What plans do you have in mind regarding Hervouet?” he asked, and the question is far from hard.

“I mentioned that I'm not sure how strong or how many allies Hervouet has. The reason why I'll meet him is to dig for information. If I'll know what he's up to, I can find ways to break his defenses so when he attacks you, his team would be weaker. Still, I promise that I’m on your side. So don’t get the wrong idea if I’ll meet Hervouet. I want to make him think that I'm supporting him because I'm afraid of him having me executed. I'll act like I'm scared of him if I have to. That way, he wouldn't know that I'm at the advantage. He’s not aware that we’re allies because he never saw us talking, for we used to meet in the library in secret. When we met Jarvis, we didn’t travel together either. Unless he sent a spy to watch us, he wouldn’t know. Sooner, Hervouet will find out that Hermine doesn’t have a memory of me, and he’s likely to suspect you about that. I’m going to twist some stories to convince him so leave it to me.” Azriel heaved a sigh and placed one of his hands on his face, and disappointment is written on it.

Did I say something that upset him?

“That can work, I have nothing against it. But you’re too independent,” he commented, and I’m not sure what he’s talking about. “We’re allies, right? But your plans hardly included me. Thyra, I want you to trust me and depend on me. All the things you said sounded like you’re the only one who can do it. Can’t I be a part of it?”

“But I can’t bring you with me if I’ll meet Hervouet. He’ll suspect us. He can't know that I'm under your protection. So, for that one, only I can do it. You can spy over Hervouet if you wish so that we can dig for information faster. Like knowing his whereabouts,” I looked away, guilty of his words. I still think that things would be better if everything will be done by me. I can protect myself always. I’m sure of it.

“Alright. That’s it for now. I can call servants to assist you if you want to take a bath. Just tell me whatever you need. My room is just next door, you see.” He pointed the door at the corner of the room. Wait, this door connects to his room? Gee, he really prepared all these. He outsmarted me on that one. No wonder why there are three doors in this room – the main door to the hall, the bathroom, and this door connecting to his room. Fine. It’s not like I can do anything about it now.

I nodded in agreement as he left me alone, using the door that connected to his room. Instead of settling on the bed, I lazily took a seat on the couch. From there, I had a view of the magnificent ceiling adorned with intricate rosette and ornament designs. The chandelier hanging above complemented the ceiling's design flawlessly. Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to reflect on everything that had transpired over the past two months – from my daring escape from Eurhyia to finally arriving at the grand Ruivenfiere palace.

My plans are happening fast. It felt like luck is on my side as if to make me feel better knowing how terrible my reputation was in Eurhyia, thanks to Corianne. She deserves all the credit for that, and I hope that one day she’ll fall in the grave she dug herself with that attitude of hers.

A soft knock from the main door reached my ears, making me back on guard. Who could it be? Azriel just left. It can’t be him.

I discreetly concealed a dagger behind my back, taking a moment to compose myself before opening the door. As I did, a woman with an elegant updo of red hair, long earrings, and a stunning ruby rouge gown stood before me. Her posture and graceful hand gestures immediately gave away her identity.

The red diamond ring on her bare hand only meant one thing – with her ungloved hand, she can lacerate my skin by holding me alone.

"I see His Highness has a guest," she began, and in my momentary lapse of awareness, I instinctively curtsied, forgetting that I was not wearing a dress. The realization of my mistake washed over me, and I could feel my cheeks growing warm with embarrassment. It was a truly shameful oversight on my part.

“Good evening, Your Imperial Majesty. All glory to the Ruivenfiere Empire,” I tried not to make unnecessary facial expressions as I avoid her eyes.

“Mhm, it’s good that you recognized me easily.” She grinned. “Welcome to the palace, the shining star of the south, princess of Eurhyia.”

Her eyes, cold and piercing, seemed to contradict the warmth of her smile. It was as if she could effortlessly see through the depths of my soul with just a single glance.