The massive gates of the main palace creaked open as the carriages rolled in one by one. When they reached the inner courtyard, the carriage doors swung open, and the passengers stepped out in turn.
TJ glanced around, taking in the grandeur of the place. So this is what a palace looks like in real life?
The Head Butler stepped forward to greet them. "Welcome back, young Lords," he said with a bow. His gaze then landed on Arthur. "His Majesty is waiting in his office."
"We'll head there immediately. Thank you," Arthur replied politely.
With another bow, the Head Butler turned and led them toward Matias' office.
Jinny clutched the fabric of her skirt tightly. She was about to face Matias. How was she going to explain… her child? That she had a miscarriage? The thought made her stomach twist. Will he punish me?
She took a deep breath.
Ran gently patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. Call me if anything happens."
"Thank you..." Jinny replied with a forced, bitter smile.
They proceeded down the corridor, heading straight to where Matias awaited. Jinny's nerves grew heavier with each step. After a few minutes, they reached the ornate doors of his office.
Arthur knocked firmly. "Your Majesty, we've arrived."
"Come in…" came the voice from inside.
Arthur turned the doorknob and stepped in, the others following behind. Matias was seated at his grand desk, his eyes locked on them the moment they entered. The brothers immediately knelt.
"Greetings to the Sun of the Empire!" they chorused.
Matias nodded slowly, his gaze sharp and unreadable. "It's been a long time…" he said, eyes lingering on each of his brothers. "Why did you leave without saying a word?"
Still kneeling, heads bowed, the brothers remained silent until Hajee finally spoke.
"Your Majesty, we all know we don't belong to this world. Staying here is dangerous for us. This war is yours, not ours. That's why we chose to leave. We didn't mean to disrespect you."
"I see…" Matias said quietly. "But I was informed you left with the forbidden book."
"That book belonged to my father," Hajee replied. "It contains the answers we need to return to our world. That's why we took it."
Matias' eyes narrowed. "That book also holds the cure to my curse. So tell me—did you plan to abandon me completely?"
His tone grew cold, and the air in the room felt heavier. Everyone tensed. His anger was now unmistakable—just like his father's.
"We didn't mean to abandon you!" Hajee pleaded. "We thought we could leave the book behind or send it to you once the portal was open. Please… forgive us."
Hajee glanced at his brothers and gave a small signal. Together, they lowered their foreheads to the floor.
"Please forgive us!" they said in unison.
"We are your brothers by blood. For the sake of our mother, we beg for your forgiveness," Hajee added earnestly.
Matias clenched his fists at the mention of their mother. It's been so long… Unlike him, his brothers had grown up with their mother by their side. He had nearly forgotten what it felt like to be loved and cared for by her.
A bitter smirk crossed his face. "So now you use our mother to beg for mercy?"
Hajee gritted his teeth, guilt and frustration clashing in his expression.
Then TJ raised his head, locking eyes with Matias without flinching. "We're not using our mother," he said firmly. "We only stated the truth—we are your brothers. Yes, they were foolish to leave and abandon the Empire. If I had come earlier, maybe none of this would have happened. As their eldest brother in our world, I take full responsibility. I'll discipline them myself. Just… give us one more chance. Let us stand by your side in the fight against your enemies."
Matias stared at TJ, quietly impressed. Very few ever dared meet his gaze so directly. Even his brothers from the other world looked away. But TJ was different—there was something commanding in him. Something regal.
"Very well," Matias finally said. "Just hand over the book."
Without hesitation, Hajee retrieved the book and presented it to him. Matias opened it, flipping through its pages in silence as the brothers remained kneeling.
Harusheen glanced at his siblings, wanting to speak, but they subtly shook their heads—not now.
After a few moments, Matias closed the book, stood, and walked to the window. He stared out at the clear sky, silent for a moment.
"You may return to your chambers," he said at last.
The brothers sighed in relief, their tension melting away.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" they said gratefully, bowing once more before rising to their feet and filing out of the room.
"Jinny will stay," Matias said.
The brothers halted in their tracks and turned to look at her.
"G-Go ahead…" Jinny said softly.
They exchanged glances, then continued walking out. Ran hesitated, but when Jinny gave him a small nod, he finally followed the others outside.
Once they were alone, Jinny knelt down again before Matias.
"F-Forgive me for leaving the Empire, Your Majesty…" she said.
Matias stared at her for a moment, then asked, "How did you meet them?"
Jinny swallowed hard. There was no point in lying now—more lies would only bring more trouble.
"I… I'm the adopted daughter of your mother," she confessed.
Though surprise flickered in Matias' eyes, he quickly masked it and looked at her calmly.
"Really?"
Jinny nodded. "When I saw them at the palace, I asked them to take me with them. We shared the same reason for leaving the Empire. Please, forgive me…" She lowered her head to the floor, her heart racing. Her fingers trembled, but she tried her best to conceal her fear.
"I see…" Matias said quietly. "You should have told me sooner."
He stepped toward her and gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"Don't you know how much I missed you… and our child?"
Jinny quickly averted her eyes. She couldn't bear to look into his. She had done something unforgivable.
"Stand," Matias ordered.
She stood, her head still bowed. Matias studied her for a moment, sensing the fear in her posture. Then he embraced her.
"Don't be afraid. I'm not angry," he whispered.
"F-Forgive me… P-Please forgive me, Your Majesty…" she said in a trembling voice.
"Why are you asking for forgiveness?" Matias asked gently.
Tears slid down her cheeks. "T-The child…" she stammered.
Matias stiffened, his brows knitting with concern. "What about our baby?"
Jinny shook her head as tears streamed down. "P-Please forgive me…"
"I don't understand," Matias said, his voice tight.
"Y-Your Majesty…" Her voice cracked. "T-The child…"
He waited, holding his breath.
"I-It's gone…" she finally said. "I had a miscarriage. I fell from a cliff and…" Her voice broke completely as she collapsed into sobs.
Matias' expression darkened.
"P-Please forgive me…" she begged, dropping to her knees once more.
He stood there, silently watching her cry, his face unreadable and cold.
That child… He had cherished it—it was his first. But now… it was gone.
"F-Forgive me, Your Majesty!" she cried again.
Matias said nothing. Without a word, he turned and walked past her, leaving the room.
Jinny was left alone, sobbing on the cold floor.
Since he hadn't said a single word to her, she decided to wait. Hours passed. He still hadn't returned.
He's angry, she thought. And he has every right to be. It was his child…
But would he punish her?
He left her in silence, and that silence hurt more than any words could.
Jinny remained there, unmoving, until finally the door opened and Nelly entered.
"Oh, poor child…" Nelly said softly, rushing to her side. "Please, stand up. You've been kneeling for hours."
She gently helped Jinny to her feet.
"His Majesty ordered me to bring you to your chamber. The physician is already waiting for you," Nelly said with care.
Jinny looked at her with a sorrowful expression, then gave a small nod. At least… he still cares, even just a little.
Nelly guided her back to her room, where the imperial physician was waiting. Quietly, the examination began.