The Duke's Passion

762 Please banish me

[ PRESENT TIME ]

"Why... did you send me to the Heart's Empire, brother? Why did you send me to another land while you... and everyone in Karo, died? I cannot understand."

Florence clutched the quilt that was covering her lap. Her eyes heat up, grinding her teeth, waiting for Heliot's answer. Deep in her heart, she knew Heliot wouldn't know the answer, but lest he already made this ridiculous deal who would betray him and Karo, she was taking the risk. That night of the regression was one of the most traumatizing things Florence had experienced in all her heart. Her heartache in her marriage paled in comparison. The sheer thought of blood right now could turn her stomach.

"You... remember?" Heliot narrowed his eyes as he sized up the princess sitting on the bed. Based on that series of questions, it was obvious Florence seemed to remember her memories before the regression. After all, she did mention 'Heart's Empire' instead of 'kingdom.' "How?" he asked under his breath, intrigued by how his sister suddenly retrieved her memories. Just days ago, there was nothing wrong with Florence, and was acting like usual. How did she change the second she woke up after her abduction? It somehow reminded Heliot of how Lilou also changed overnight.

"Does it matter?" Florence let out a short, ridiculing laugh. "It seemed you still hadn't made the deal... or are you lying?"

"Princess, if my actions before the regression upset you, I would find a satisfactory answer."

Florence shook her head. "This is not about your action... or perhaps, it was. After all, before I died, which I assumed was my end before returning in time, Your Highness specifically ordered me not to return to Karo at all cost. You might not remember it now, but I remember."

"What happened and what will happen had left a deep wound in my heart. However, I might've abhorred you for it, but I cannot deny Your Highness is a wise man and must've had a reason." She raised her chin, determined to follow her gut feeling. "You could've told me to send reinforcement, but instead, told me to even stop His Majesty Rufus if he wants to rescue Karo from the hands of your enemies."

"Please... banish me if sending me to the Heart's Kingdom will put you in a difficult position," she added adamantly. "If you truly feel sorry for me, then let me do what I want, Your Highness." "No." Heliot's eyelids drooped. "You are not going anywhere, sister. Whatever the reason was, I can protect Karo and my people."

Florence's jaw tightened, holding his cold gaze. "If that is already clear, use this time to rest. You do not have to worry about this matter. If what you said was all true, then I promise you it won't happen again." Heliot remarked as a dangerous glint flickered across his eyes. "No one... will touch my land. Not under my watch."