Princess Thief [✔]

52. Selfishness

Willow and Lian hadn't let go as they cried while others kept on asking about my health and singing me praises for my abilities.

Yves and Night stayed on the side trying to comfort the two women as I did. I scanned around the room but Reichen was not there. I assumed he was one of the people crowding me earlier but he was out of sight.

"It's my fault... I'm so sorry," Willow mumbled in in the middle of sobs. "I should not have left Cindra there. I and Yves were the ones who found the whereabouts of King Enmir. We had suspected he was hiding something and we learned it was Queen Janessa. I had not heard from him for days before my party and I asked Cindra for help since she knew the palace. We were ambushed and she let me escape by myself."

She explained the whole story. The regret was embedded in her eyes. It was evident how distraught she was.

However, she shouldn't be apologizing to me since I was to be blamed, too. None of this would happen if they did not get involved with me. I should be the one begging for forgiveness, especially towards Cindra's family. Her husband, Duke Pheles, had been good to me whenever I came to visit. Sullien continuously came to my aid but all I did to recompense them was Cindra's death.

"It's time," one of the ladies announced, her eyes were rimmed with red and her bags were puffy. An obvious result of all night crying.

That was just when it dawned on me how the people here did not even have a mask. I roamed my eyes and they fixed on the huge silver basin that replaced the center table in the living area.

I glanced at Night. "Is it fine not to wear masks?" I asked since even he was not wearing one.

"They are Amicas who are born in the streets and picked up by Cindra during her time as the leader. They are the most loyal and the top members of the organization," he explained immediately.

The lady with short brown hair awakened and the people gathered around her.

The clear water had rippled as she dipped her hand. Her fingers brushed the water, stroking it like an experienced painter. The water was tinted with hues and gradually formed an image. A moving image, to be exact.

It revealed men and women who were all wearing black. The color of mourning.

People lined up as they offered their flowers as Duke Pheles and Sullien stood grimly beside the coffin. We were simply watching but I could sense the heavy air since it was completely the same solemn atmosphere in this room as well.

I turned to Night. "How long was I asleep?"

"Three days."

It had been a custom for most of the nobles of the Great West kingdoms, including Helia, to mourn the dead in three days after death. A noble's death had always been a large-scale event as seen from the people gathering on the scene, however, it was an event of prejudice that commoners were prevented not to attend as it was an insult to a noble.

Now, I apprehended why many of them were assembling here and watching the burial ceremony since Night did mention they were commoners.

My eyes never drifted away from the basin as I watched every single thing until Cindra's casket was completely buried underground.

Memories rapidly flashed in my mind. The first time I saw her and when she welcomed me. How she made me at ease and taught me whatever I need to know. She was my mentor and had become a mother figure for someone like me who had become broken.

Tears flowed relentlessly in my eyes as I felt the air clogging my throat, leaving me to face the harsh reality that I would never see her again.

I would never have Cindra waiting in the garden for me anymore. I would never have someone chastise me for how unladylike I was. I would never have someone teaching me tricks. I would never have someone tell me fascinating stories. I would never...