Chapter 2

My soul drifted uncontrollably towards the bath.

Caspian was already in the water, leaning against the edge of the tub, enveloped in the rising steam.

His body was a map of jagged, crisscrossing old scars. Elara's eyes darted away in fear when she saw them.

She was scared.

I found it laughable; she hadn't hesitated for a moment when she killed me.

I floated to Caspian's side, waving my hand before his eyes.

Though I had always been somewhat afraid of him, now I hoped he could sense me, or somehow realize Elara wasn't me.

My body was still buried in the Sterling family's garden, being devoured by ants and worms.

If he would avenge me, out of respect for our three years together, I would be grateful.

If he wouldn't, then digging up my body and burning it would also be a kindness.

I preferred warm places; I didn't want to lie in darkness forever.

Alas, he had no awareness of me.

He simply rested with his eyes closed.

Elara composed herself, lightly bit her crimson lips, and prepared to enter the bath.

Caspian suddenly opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Is there something wrong, My Lord?" Elara asked.

Caspian said, "I heard that while I was away, you returned to the Sterling family home?"

Elara immediately knelt. "Yes, My Lord, my mother was ill, so I went back for a few days. Please forgive me."

At the mention of my mother, a pang of pain still struck my heart.

She had once threatened her own life to save me, yet when Elara wanted to be with Caspian, she tricked me into returning home, allowing Elara to poison me.

I wanted to ask her why.

Why she loved me, yet killed me.

After hearing Elara's explanation, Caspian said, "Since your mother was ill, returning home is understandable."

I froze.

Caspian had never spoken such words to me before.

On our wedding night, he had said that since my parents had sent me to him, I was his property, and from then on, I could have no self.

My life was his, and my death was his.

To endure his hardships, to bear his anger.

That night, he had gripped my face and coldly said, "Though you are indeed born to inspire pity, do not expect an ounce of it from me."

He said it, and he lived by it.

In the three years of our marriage, beyond our intimate moments, he spoke little to me, let alone allowed me to return home.

"Thank you for your mercy, My Lord." Elara said softly, then rose and went to Caspian's side, picking up a towel to wipe his body.

Suddenly, Caspian's aide's voice came from outside: "My Lord, the King summons you urgently."

"I understand." Caspian rose and left.

Elara stomped her foot, watching Caspian's retreating back, vexed that the King's summons had come at such an inconvenient time.