Princess Thief [✔]

48. The Last Treasure

That memory had been permanently ingrained in my mind. I was so grateful Xenon survived and for years we had no one but each other. He was my supporter during my darkest time before Night and Cindra came. The affection that I had for him surged deeper than anyone.

Perhaps once I did like Xenon. Mayhap it was platonic, or it could be romantic. I had no idea. I forgot any semblance of love after Mother died. All I knew was that Xenon was my sole companion in this miserable life.

Nevertheless, we both needed to get out. We could not simply rely on each other and succumb to Father's hands. We needed to be free from the shackles of death but at this point, he was sinking deeper as long as he had no choice but to obey Father.

Or maybe he was a willing servant. There was a time I was confident we knew each other like nobody else but I was not sure now.

Every single night when someone would replace him on my doorstep, he was bound for another errand. It was not hard to guess that he was sent to exterminate upon Father's orders. The scent of death had clung to him and it was not that my sense was overly sensitive but the pungency of blood was so distinguishable.

With his talent in swordplay, he could execute countless people but I could not connect him to the man who showed no compassion. I always admired how he matched his power to the weak and did not overwhelm other knights when they were fighting. He was a strict mentor but the knights venerated him.

If it was proven that Xenon was the Anon who was notorious for his cruelty... It was another betrayal. One that was so hard to accept.

I let go of the deep sigh I was holding on to. I, now, understood Night's reluctance to tell me everything in the beginning since as of the moment, I was regretting knowing all of these. Because when every secret was uncloaked, it was my trust for these people that were constantly impaired.

The door burst open and ended my daydream.

"Hey, I've been calling you in the portier for a while now. I have to show you something."

Reichen was grinning foolishly and excitement exuded in his body as he dragged me outside without further ado.

***

The forest that bordered the cottage had always been shades of green and random colors that popped here and there but when we arrived at my favorite spot where I always loved to read, the grass field had become a garden.

In that instant, all my worries vanished. If Xenon was my reminder, Reichen always made me forget.

"It's so beautiful! How did this happen?"

I hadn't been here the past few days as I had been busy and so was Reichen. I was sure he did not have the time to arrange all of this.

"Sullien helped me," he replied.

"Oh, is he well already?"

"Yes. He'll probably be back by this week to lead the other team again," informed Reichen.

"That's good to hear. I have to treat him next time as thanks for all of this."

"Thanking me is enough. You don't have to bother him."

"Well, thank you, but Sullien had obviously done all the menial tasks of transporting the flowers rather than you."

"But it's my idea!"

I chuckled at his indignant retort. The smile remained on my lips as I gazed at the colorful scene. "Thank you, Reichen. So what do you want in exchange?"

"That's what I'm waiting to hear. How about you finally answer my feelings?" he proposed.

Reichen never hurried me after he confessed. There was not a clear conversation about it as he did not bring it up again until now. In all honesty, I had no idea what to do. I was not even sure if I had the capability to love someone wholeheartedly and give them my full trust.