I found Mira folding linens in my room, just as she used to. She had always been more than just a maid—more like a quiet older sister who never spoke unless spoken to, but watched everything. And in my final moments before death, it was her trembling hand I held.
She had not run. Not even when the knights raised their blades.
"Mira," I said softly.
She looked up and curtsied, but her eyes were warm. "You're still pale, my lady. You should rest—"
"I remember you didn't leave me."
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Her eyes widened slightly, brows knitting together. "What do you mean?"
"I mean... you're always by my side. You always protect me," I covered quickly, gently taking her hand. "And I want you to stay close to me, no matter what happens. Will you?"
She looked startled for a heartbeat, then smiled with quiet sadness. "Even if the world turns upside down, I'll be at your side, Lady Jia."
I squeezed her hand.
That was enough. For now.
---
Later that morning, I walked toward Father's study, finding him surrounded by paperwork and maps.
"Father," I said sweetly, "I'd like to visit the market today—with Dia and Siaca. We've been indoors too long."
He looked up from his desk, gaze softening. "Of course, my little sunshine. But take a guard. The roads outside town aren't always kind."
"I will." I bowed lightly and turned to leave, the gears already spinning in my head.
---
Back in my room, Mira helped me into a pale lavender dress embroidered with silver ivy. It flowed softly at the sleeves, regal yet light enough for a casual stroll.
Dia joined me in her usual confident grace, dressed in deep blue with her golden pin from Ardeval Academy.
Siaca bounced excitedly as Mira adjusted his cloak, chattering about sweets and toy daggers.
We strolled through the cobbled streets of Valen Market, sunlight dancing on the polished stones.
Dia stopped by a boutique and held up a rose-colored ribbon to my hair, smiling.
"You used to beg for ribbons when you were five," she laughed. "Now look at you—taller than me and choosing silk over lace."
I smiled, holding her hand. Siaca ran ahead, darting between stalls with sparkling eyes.
We passed jewelry vendors, letting the light catch on gemstone brooches and silver earrings. I tried on a pair of earrings just to see Dia's reaction—she called them too grown-up, and I laughed for the first time in this life without guilt.
Then, we went to our favorite bakery—"Sweetcrumbs."
The scent of honeyed bread and lemon tarts wrapped around us like a hug. Mira bought warm vanilla buns, and we walked with them in hand, sticky and sweet.
We sat by the Fountain of Miracles, its waters trickling softly as the midday sun warmed the stone beneath us.
Siaca was on the edge, kicking his legs and making sound effects as he swung his wooden knight in battle. Mira watched him fondly, sitting nearby with a careful eye.
Dia leaned back, her hair catching the light, and asked me, "Jia… what do you want to become?"
I glanced at her, startled. "Become?"
She nodded. "In the future. Everyone expects me to marry into another noble house, and Siaca is too young to be chained by expectations yet. But you… you've always been quiet, graceful, obedient. I sometimes wonder—if no one expected anything from you, what would you really want to do?"
I looked down at my lap, at the ribbon she tied around my wrist earlier.
"I had a dream last night," I said softly. "It felt more real than anything."
Her expression turned serious, attentive.
"In the dream… you all died," I whispered, voice shaking. "They dragged us away. Siaca screamed. You tried to protect me. Father… Mother—"
My breath hitched.
Tears slipped down before I could stop them.
"I—I was so helpless. And you were all gone. And I—"
Dia didn't let me say more.
She pulled me into her arms without a word, letting me sob against her shoulder. She held me tightly, stroking my hair like Mother used to do when I had nightmares as a child.
"It was just a dream," she whispered gently.
"We're right here, Jia. I'm here."
I gripped her sleeve like it was the only thing anchoring me to this world.
"But it felt real," I choked. "So real. I don't want to lose you."
"You won't," she said, her voice firm yet soft. "You never have to carry anything alone. Even if that dream was a warning… you're not alone this time."
I nodded slowly, breath shaky, and she kissed the top of my head.
> In that moment, with Dia's arms around me and Siaca's laughter nearby, I made a silent vow.
Whatever it takes… I will protect this. I will protect them.
I turned to the knight and the coachman standing nearby.
"Take Siaca and Dia back to the mansion."
Dia's brows furrowed immediately. "What? Why? Jia, where are you going?"
She was three years older than me, always acting like she had the right to worry.
"I want to buy some gifts for everyone," I said, giving her a calm smile. "Just go ahead. I'll be with Mira."
Dia hesitated, lips pressed together, as if sensing something off. But Siaca tugged at her hand, waving his new toy, and eventually, she gave in with a sigh.
"Don't take too long," she said, squeezing my arm gently.
I nodded.
Once the carriage rolled away, I turned down a quieter street with Mira by my side. The sun was already sliding toward the west, casting long shadows between the buildings.
We stopped before an old, narrow building tucked between two grander storefronts.
The wooden sign above was carved with delicate gold-lettered script: "Aurum Relics."
Inside, the shop smelled of aged paper, sandalwood, and time itself. Dust danced in the light filtering through stained glass. Glass shelves held intricate antiques: porcelain boxes with dragon motifs, glass globes with swirling mist inside, brooches shaped like birds, stars, and strange symbols I didn't recognize.
The man behind the counter didn't look like he belonged here.
He was young—maybe in his late twenties—with sharp cheekbones and inky black hair swept back. One of his eyes was covered with a sleek, glassy lens—almost like a monocle fused into his skin. His remaining eye gleamed with interest as we walked in.
"Can I help you, young lady?" he asked, voice smooth as lacquer.
"I'm looking for the blue jewel brooches," I said, stepping closer, "the ones that don't shine at night."
He raised a brow—then smirked.
"That's a… very specific request. Custom-made."
He glanced around the empty shop and added in a lower voice,
"You should use the back door."
Before I could ask, he turned and unlocked a door behind the counter, motioning subtly with his chin.
I turned to Mira.
"Take a rest here. Have some cookies and tea. I'll be back soon."
She opened her mouth, clearly worried, but saw the determination in my eyes and gave a small nod.