Chapter 4

The moment they returned to the palace, Lycus sank lazily onto a soft lounger. When he mentioned he was hungry, Callisto eagerly hurried to the hearth, excited to prepare some food for him.

She had never been good at cooking, but now she was carefully reading through old scrolls for healthy, nourishing recipes, terrified of causing Lycus any discomfort.

Father presented him with a beautifully crafted golden lyre, calling it a welcome-home gift to celebrate his escape from death.

Mother had already thoroughly cleaned Lycus's chambers and filled them with rare herbs, saying that the fresh scent would hasten his recovery.

Lycus simply lounged on the cushions and plucked at his lyre. Yet, that was enough to move the entire family.

Meanwhile, my soul trailed quietly behind them. This palace, once so familiar, now felt ice-cold.

Suddenly, the heavy cedar doors creaked open. Standing there was someone I knew all too well—my betrothed, Chloe.

She stepped inside and immediately fussed over Lycus's condition. "Lord Father, Lady Mother, I heard Lycus was discharged from the temple today. I brought some rare elixirs for him."

Lycus instantly set the lyre aside, putting on a shy smile. "Chloe, you didn't have to. I'm already feeling much better."

Chloe flashed him a sweet smile. Usually cold and aloof with me, she was now gentle and caring with Lycus.

I watched her, an unfamiliar numbness rising in my chest.

Suddenly, she asked, "Where is Aeolus?"

If she hadn't brought me up, I doubt anyone in this room would have even remembered I existed.

At the mention of my name, Mother’s face darkened. "Why do you speak of that ungrateful wretch? After I scolded him the other day, he didn't even bother to return home.

"It is just as well. Since he loves staying away so much, he can remain cast out forever. The palace feels peaceful without him causing trouble every day."

Chloe quickly nodded. "It is better if he doesn't return. We don't want him disturbing Lycus's rest."

Callisto walked out of the kitchen area holding a platter of honey cakes and said playfully, "So, have you decided when to break your betrothal to Aeolus? If you don't move fast, another maiden might snatch Lycus away."

Chloe lowered her head shyly. "I was actually planning to talk to Lycus about that very thing today."

A stinging sensation welled up in my throat. I let out a hollow laugh and turned my head, not wanting to watch any longer.

I had long grown used to the feeling of being unloved, anyway.

After the evening meal, Mother grew irritable for some reason. She returned to her private chambers alone and began channeling her power into her transmission rune, calling me again and again. But of course, there was no answer.

Eventually, she slammed the rune down in frustration. "You won't even answer my summons now? Do you truly believe anyone actually cares enough to seek you out?"

I wanted to tell her, "I am dead. There is no way for me to answer you."

But then, she used the rune to contact the handmaiden from the temple. "Did Aeolus tell you what kind of stunt he is trying to pull? Tell him to stop being so shameless and come back to beg his brother's forgiveness. Only then will I consider letting him step foot in this palace again."

There was a long, heavy silence on the other end before the trembling reply came.

"Lady Althea... Aeolus passed away a week ago. His heart was burned to ash by curse, but you had summoned every available healer to Lycus's room, so there was no one left to save him..."