The street is empty, all I can hear is the sound of my shoes sinking into the snow, slow and steady. My mind races with the thoughts of his resemblance to Evelyn.
There was a time when she was my entire world. Evelyn Montgerret, the noblest woman in the Empire–even the Empress acknowledged her.
The most prestigious woman, the one I longed for. I still remember her face: the soft features, the elegance vibe she carried. I first spoke to her at the gathering of high ranking people. My first impression? She was undeniably, beautiful. Graceful. Not even roses, the prettiest flowers, could compete with the presence she brought into every room she stepped in. Her judgements and verdicts were that of a prodigy–making her a very agreeable person in the time.
It was around that time I finally understood the meaning behind the way my heart whispered her name. The same yearly celebration–christmas. She too, favored the fireworks.
"Its colors are vibrant, I like them." She said.
That was the last moment I had with her as Evelyn Montgerret–before I was sent to war. The commander sacrificed himself for the greater good. The people cheered for us. When I returned, I didn't see her immediately. There were many paperwork. I needed to get them done before I meet her, so I can enjoy our time without interruption.
The King held an imperial ball, one for the nobles to celebrate our victory. But the ball was nothing for the said celebration. Turned out there were rumors spreaded around, about Evelyn and I. About how they pitied me, how I should have come back sooner. The atmosphere around me was weird, I was completely surrounded by their whispers.
My eyes were wandering around the room, searching for even a glimpse of her. Until finally, I saw her and followed. It was the quiet balcony she was going for.
"Evelyn?" I called out her name.
Her black hair swayed in the cold breeze as she turned. Her eyes as green as verdant of the nature met mine.
"Christian! I heard about your victory, congratulations." She said with the smile I was desperate for.
But I wasn't there for greetings, not when I heard something that had broke my heart into pieces like a glasses of wine that was thrown to the floor.
"Is it true?" I asked.
"You married him?"
My heart was pounding insanely fast, waiting for its moment to crash and broke down.
I pressed my lips together, a sharp breath pulled in–but the tears slipped past anyway.
"Why?" My voice cracked.
"I'm sorry Christian, I'm really sorry." She muttered, reaching for my body. Desperately, I leaned in to her. I hugged her tightly, knowing very well it would be the last time.
Time passed, Evelyn lived happily with her family. She had a son–the heir.
As Commander of the Military Corps, I had the right to know the King's plan. He had been low in the mood lately–his beloved wife died, without leaving him a single echo of her. He's slowly losing his sanity, soon he starved his people.
The Guttensbergs opposed to his tyranny, causing the King to raged. The massacre of the once-honored family, was done after a short bried of time. I knew what he was about to do, but I didn't dare to make a move against him. No one dare. The family was left alone by the scaredy companions.
When I heard the news that not one of them survived, the cracks in my heart shattered completely. I broke down, holding the wet documents ruined with my tears. Knowing Evelyn didn't survived had completely damaged me, something inside me awakened–a deep, unrelenting grudge against the King. The so called King who was supposed to be the noblest of all, commited an unforgivable sin and the people grudged against him for god knows how long it was.
The breeze now is colder than before. I'm still standing amidst the snowfalls. My breath clouds in the air as I exhale. Remembering something that has been long forgotten hurts more than any battle wounds.
As I start to walk around again, I catches a sight of a dim light not too far away to my right.
I entered the inn.
"I'd like a room for two people, please."
Later, a question comes up in mind.
The reason why I want to help Laine.. is it because of this past of mine?
No matter what the reason is, I'll help him. His revenge is Evelyn's avenge. And, even if it's not her–I'll be with him until my last breath.