12: Shared Pain

Facing the Emperor, Aella couldn’t imagine a more uncomfortable situation. Although she had known the Crown Prince since childhood and felt no distance between them, as the daughter of the man who had driven the Duke of Hormons to his death, Aella could no longer bring herself to treat the Emperor as she once had.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen your face. Duchess, have you been well?”

“Thanks to Your Majesty’s grace, I have been well.”

“Good. How is married life treating you?”

“It is manageable.”

“Hmm.”

Aella kept her head bowed, while Kael’s expression remained unreadable. The Emperor, noticing the subtle change in their dynamic, let out a brief sigh.

“Duke.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Are you feeling any better?”

“I am simply grateful for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fine. I will soon resume my position as Commander of the Imperial Guard. I deeply apologize for having been absent for so long.”

“Oh dear, oh dear. You’re always so dutiful.”

Aella clenched her hands tightly on her lap. If Kael were to return to the Imperial Guard, it was certain that Rensi, who was desperate to torment her, and the other hostile servants would seize every opportunity to make her life miserable.

‘It’s not just me. Kina will suffer too. At least Charlotte…’

[To think the Duchess is treated worse than a cat.]

The voice echoing in her mind made Aella squeeze her eyes shut. Even if she didn’t care about herself, she couldn’t bear the thought of Kina being treated worse than Charlotte. At that moment, one person came to mind.

He was the son of the butler and the head maid, now serving as the captain of the knights of the Hormons household—a man who clearly had feelings for Kina.

‘If it’s him, I can trust Kina to him. Even if I don’t ask, he’ll help her if she’s in danger…’

Aella felt slightly relieved at the thought.

“Duchess.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“May I ask a favor of you?”

The sudden request made Aella’s heart swell with emotion. The fact that the Emperor was asking her for something suggested that he still trusted her. She placed her hand over her chest and bowed her head.

“Please command me, Your Majesty.”

“I would like you to visit the palace more often and keep Princess Roden company.”

“!”

Surprised by the Emperor’s words, Aella quickly glanced at Kael, who was sitting next to her. For a brief moment, his expression clearly showed his discomfort.

“Was my request inappropriate?”

“N-no, Your Majesty. I’m not sure if I’m worthy of being a companion to Princess Roden.”

“The princess is only a year older than you. I believe you’ll get along well. Will you accept this request?”

“I am honored, Your Majesty. I will serve the princess with utmost sincerity.”

“Thank you.”

After a brief silence, the Emperor spoke again.

“I need to have a longer conversation with the Duke, so could you spend some time with the princess?”

“Yes.”

As Aella stood up, Kael called out to her.

“Duchess.”

Their eyes met.

“I’ll see you later.”

“Yes.”

Aella knew that the smile Kael showed her in public was insincere, but she still appreciated even that pretense. She returned a faint smile and left the audience chamber, following the chancellor who would escort her to Princess Roden’s quarters.

‘The princess came to this palace as the Crown Prince’s fiancée, but since the engagement…’

Aella had heard rumors about how the princess was treated in the imperial palace. She let out a small sigh, feeling that the princess’s situation was strangely similar to her own.

Knock, knock.

“Your Highness, the Duchess of Hormons is here to see you.”

“Let her in.”

When the chancellor opened the door and gestured for her to enter, Aella bowed lightly and stepped inside.

“Welcome, Duchess.”

“Greetings to Your Highness.”

After exchanging formal greetings, Aella and Princess Roden stood awkwardly facing each other. The princess, Elena, felt just as uncomfortable. Though the Emperor had encouraged her to meet the Duchess, they had no reason to interact otherwise.

Elena knew why she was subtly ignored by nobles, servants, and maids alike in the Albazar Empire. It was because the Crown Prince openly showed his affection for the Duchess of Hormons.

Of course, Elena understood that Aella wasn’t at fault. But the constant whispers around her and the Crown Prince’s obvious love for the Duchess made it impossible for her not to feel some resentment.

“Azet, bring us some tea.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

After dismissing her maid, Elena gestured for Aella to sit. Aella bowed slightly and waited for the princess to sit before taking her seat.

‘Ah, this is so awkward. Why would His Majesty…’

As Aella glanced at her nervously, Elena studied her in return. At first glance, Aella appeared elegant, but there was an unnatural stiffness about her. More than anything, her gaunt face gave Elena the impression that she was looking at herself.

‘Now that I think about it, the Duchess’s father, Count Blueanz, was responsible for…’

There was no definitive proof, but everyone in the empire knew that Count Blueanz, once a close friend of the late Duke of Hormons, had been behind his death. Even children whispered about how the Duchess was the daughter of the man who had killed her husband’s father.

Elena, having overheard noblewomen gossiping about the Duchess’s plight, could roughly imagine what her life was like.

‘How hard it must be. Not that I’m in any position to pity others.’

With a bitter smile, Elena began to feel a twinge of sympathy for the Duchess, who was in a situation so similar to her own.

“Duchess.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“His Majesty said I could confide in you.”

“…”

“You seem to have the trust of both the Crown Prince and the Emperor.”

“I’m merely…”

“That’s why I want to trust you as well.”

Aella, startled by Elena’s words, bowed deeply. Elena smiled and waited until Aella looked up again.

“There’s no one else here. I hope you’ll feel free to share your thoughts with me as well.”

“How could I dare speak so freely to Your Highness…”

“Let’s set aside titles and treat each other as equals.”

“…”

“I don’t see why not. Besides, I need you, Duchess.”

Elena needed someone to confide in, someone other than Azet, to help her endure life in the palace.

Even if that person happened to be the Crown Prince’s first love, Elena couldn’t help but feel a strange kinship with Aella.

‘But if it’s her…’

Feeling a sense of solidarity with Aella, who was in the same situation as her, Elena extended her hand first.

“I need a friend I can open up to. Will you be my companion?”

“I am honored, Your Highness.”

“Good.”

As Elena smiled and extended her hand, Aella hesitated but eventually grasped it.

‘Her hand is so cold. And…’

Only then did Aella realize how thin and frail the princess was.

‘She’s so emaciated…’

Aella couldn’t bring herself to smile. Seeing Elena pretending to be fine reminded her of her own struggles.

Knock, knock.

“Come in.”

After Azet brought tea and snacks, Elena dismissed her again. She placed a cup of herbal tea in front of Aella and stirred it with a teaspoon.

“The aroma is lovely, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is.”

“This herbal tea is calming just from its scent. It’s said to help with mental and emotional stability.”

“I see.”

“If you like it, I’d love to give you some as a gift. What do you think?”

Aella felt grateful but slightly burdened by the princess’s kindness.

“I’ll have some prepared for you before you leave.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

After finishing their conversation, the two quietly sipped their tea.

‘It’s amazing. Just a few sips, and I already feel calmer.’

As she admired the tea, Aella looked back at Elena, who was watching her. Though Elena’s gaze made her uncomfortable, Aella did her best to maintain her smile.

“May I share my grievances first?”

“Of course.”

“I was born as the princess of Roden and lived a happy life. Then I saw my fiancé, Crown Prince Julius Albazar, in a portrait. Even in the painting, I could tell how noble he was.”

Aella nodded, keeping her eyes on Elena. The princess openly shared her feelings about the Crown Prince, and Aella couldn’t help but notice how much she cared for him.

Elena’s feelings for the Crown Prince were clear, and Aella silently listened as the princess revealed her heart.

“I know it’s a futile hope. But sometimes, I wonder if the Crown Prince will ever notice me. It’s a foolish dream, isn’t it?”

“…”

“I even think about how wonderful it would be if he came to care for me.”

Though Elena looked beautiful as she spoke, her words were heartbreaking. Aella felt her chest tighten as she realized how much Elena’s situation mirrored her own.

Aella, too, longed to return to the way things were with Kael. Even though she knew it was selfish, she couldn’t help but hope that time would heal their relationship. But reality always brought her back to the truth.

‘As long as I’m his enemy’s daughter, Kael will never…’

With a bitter smile, Aella met Elena’s gaze.

“Since Your Highness has shared your heart with me, may I also confide in you?”

“Of course. I promise not to tell anyone.”

For some reason, Aella felt she could trust Elena, even though it was their first conversation.

‘Maybe it’s because I feel a connection with her.’

With a short laugh, Aella revealed secrets she couldn’t tell anyone else. Elena listened intently, her expression shifting from surprise to seriousness as Aella spoke about the *buse she endured in the Hormons household and her strained relationship with her husband.

After hearing everything, Elena sighed deeply.

“Duchess.”

“Yes.”

“You’ve been through so much. Unlike me, you and the Duke didn’t have a bad relationship at first. From what I can see, you…”

Elena stopped herself and shook her head.

“It’s just so unfortunate.”

Aella could see the genuine pity in Elena’s eyes and voice.

“When we’re alone, would it be alright if I called you by your name?”

“I would be honored.”

“Then please call me by my name as well.”

“!”

Aella’s eyes widened, and she quickly waved her hands.

“T-that’s not appropriate! How could I…”

“Aella, I want to be close to you. Please.”

“Ah…”

“Please be my friend. Help me endure life here.”

Aella couldn’t bring herself to refuse Elena’s heartfelt request.

“Alright, Elena.”

“That sounds wonderful. I feel like I’ve found a true friend.”

‘A true friend…’

Hearing those words, Aella felt a deep ache in her heart.