Content Warning (CW): Child sexual abuse
Chapter 55
I returned to the inn where I had taken lodging. Before departing the palace, I instructed Sir Lorcan to dispatch the Queen's pardon letter to me there. I could not endure that palace another moment. Its walls were steeped in poison. Because of those two women, Alethea was gone. There exists no forgiveness within me for them.
Days passed, yet no letter arrived. Should I heed Pel's counsel and depart by the safer road, then make my way to my father? Such delay would cost precious time. A month has already been squandered, and I tremble at the thought that if I tarry longer, Alethea's body may truly be lost.
I drank a vial of focus potion and seated myself upon the bed, resolved to devise a plan, when gentle knocks disturbed my thoughts. I hastened to the door, foolishly hoping for a courier from Her Majesty. Instead, I beheld the architect of my ruin.
At the sight of her, all that I had suppressed surged forth. I willed myself not to weep, yet my vision blurred despite my resolve.
"May I come in?" Nerissea asked. She stood with tears upon her cheeks.
I stepped aside and allowed her entry, then closed the door behind us.
"How did you find me?" I asked. "Ah, of course. To locate me must be effortless compared to the grand scheme you so masterfully arranged."
The sunset poured through the window and rested upon her delicate features. She resembled a painting reserved for the wealthiest collectors.
We regarded one another in prolonged silence.
"I did it," she said at last. "I contrived the means by which Their Late Majesties were removed. I required scapegoats, and your family was… perfect."
She clasped her hands lightly. "When I was fourteen, the late king forced himself upon me."
The words struck like lightning.
"He continued for three years. The late queen was aware, yet she never intervened." She lifted her gaze to mine. "I never told Yseldra. I could not bear to. She was ever radiant and resolute. I could not burden her with such darkness. I know her nature. She would have severed all ties with her family had she known."
It felt as though two stones pressed against my heart and crushed it between them. She endured such degradation in silence, all to preserve Her Majesty's happiness.
I hardened myself at once. She must be deceiving me. She had deceived an entire kingdom, after all.
"But then came the enchantment of my contract. During the first year… it was so painful," she said, her voice breaking as both hands pressed against her heart, tears coursing down her cheeks endlessly. "I loathed Their Majesties so profoundly that I chose to sacrifice Yseldra's happiness…"
She took my right hand within both of hers. Her touch was light as a feather, careful as though I were something sacred.
Slowly she lowered herself to her knees before me. She raised my hand to her lips and placed upon it the softest kiss. "At first I required only scapegoats," she said, her trembling eyes fixed upon mine. "But as my affection for you deepened, remorse followed. I longed to confess all I had done, yet fear restrained me. I feared Yseldra's wrath. I feared your hatred."
She gently rested her forehead against the back of my hand. "I am so sorry," she breathed, then suddenly coughed.
My heart lurched at the sight of blood staining her lips.
I fell to my knees and caught her before she struck the floor. "Nerissea," I called, true alarm breaking through my restraint.
"I will leave," she whispered faintly. "So I beg you… please show me some mercy."
Her eyes began to close, and I shook her at once, gently patting her cheek. "Nerissea?"
The door burst open. Queen Yseldra entered with a face drained of all color, Sir Lorcan close behind. A sheet of paper fell from her hand as she dropped beside us, her palms patting Nerissea's cheeks in frantically.
"No, no, no. Nerissea," she pleaded. "My dear, do not close your eyes. Look at me. Look at me."
But Nerissea did not heed her. Her lashes lowered slowly, as though the final flame within her had been extinguished.
"Pardon me," Sir Lorcan said, lifting her into his arms. "We must hasten. She yet breathes."
He hurried from the room with her. Her Majesty turned toward me, her eyes glazed with unshed tears. She seemed poised to speak, yet no words came. Instead she followed after him in haste.
I stood, my gaze falling upon the paper that had slipped from Her Majesty's hand. I knew the script at once. It was Nerissea's.
I seized the letter, my heart pounding.
What was unfolding before me? Why had Nerissea coughed blood? Where did she intend to go? Her Majesty had rushed to her, which could only mean she had followed her here. And why did this paper bear Nerissea's hand? No one was ever meant to know that she could read or write at all. A dreadful chill crept through my veins as my eyes fixed upon the page.
"To Yseldra Valebrinth,
I killed your family."
My hands trembled.
"Direct your hatred toward me. I set the pieces in motion from the shadows. I steered minds and circumstances until your father arrived at the conclusion I desired, that the Ashcroft family was the most fitting alliance. I ensured the poison found its way into their cups, and I arranged every fragment of evidence to fall upon Viscount and Viscountess Ashcroft.
From the beginning I discerned your plan for Naevia and for me. I complied, yet I fell into your snare, for she was unfailingly sweet. I thank you for granting me the chance to love.
I am sorry for wounding both her and you.
By the time this letter reaches you, I shall have departed from this world. I wish you a long life. Perform noble deeds and let your name be remembered through generations.
Farewell, Yseldra.
Nerissea."
The letter slipped from my grasp and I sank to the floor.
Nerissea…she…she intended to end her own life.