Elena rested her head against the bathtub’s edge, luxuriating in the warmth that enveloped her body. The sensation of being submerged up to her shoulders made her limbs feel heavy and lethargic. With Cura’s gentle ministrations—wrapping her head and offering a soothing massage—Elena found herself slipping into a state of involuntary relaxation, her eyelids growing heavier with each passing moment.
Struggling to keep her drooping eyelids open, Elena directed her gaze toward the ceiling of the bathroom. Water droplets gathered on the surface, resembling a transient painting before cascading down like gentle rain.
“Cura,” Elena’s voice broke the peaceful ambiance, soft yet resolute as she called out to her.
“Yes?” Cura responded, her movements fluid as she applied perfume to Elena’s hair, infusing the air with a delicate fragrance.
Elena lifted her head slightly, meeting Cura’s concerned gaze with a sense of hesitance.
“Why are you like this? Are you uncomfortable somewhere? Did the perfume get into your eyes?” Cura inquired, her brow furrowing with worry.
“No, it’s not that…” Elena paused, her fingers brushing lightly against Cura’s cheek as she deliberated over her next words. Despite Cura’s kindness, she remained loyal to Kennard and Serin, complicating the delicate balance of trust between them.
“I have a favor to ask,” Elena finally spoke, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
“A favor?” Cura’s expression shifted to one of surprise, her freckled cheeks twitching slightly as she regarded Elena with concern.
“Yeah. Will you go and visit Lady Hazel for me?”
As beads of sweat formed on Cura’s forehead, she wiped them away with the back of her hand, her gaze never leaving Elena’s face.
“What?” Cura’s frown deepened, her curiosity evident in her probing gaze.
“When Lady Hazel came to my room yesterday, do you remember?” Elena’s voice was steady, her gaze unwavering as she sought Cura’s understanding.
“Yes, of course, I remember. The more I think about it, the angrier I become. You told me to keep quiet about it to the Duke, but I don’t understand why she keeps picking fights with you,” Cura responded, her words resonating with a mixture of frustration and concern.
When Elena expressed her wish for discretion, the knights let out sighs of relief. It was understandable; if Kennard were to learn of Hazel and Carmen’s unauthorized presence and their failure to be detected, they might face severe consequences if word were to spread.
“But why to Lady Hazel?” Cura questioned, her brows knitting together in concern.
“I need you to convey a message to Lady Hazel for me,” Elena replied calmly, her tone resolute despite the apprehension lurking beneath the surface.
“What?” Cura’s expression tightened, a mixture of disbelief and concern evident in her features.
Furrowing her nose and pursing her lips, Cura hesitated before voicing her reservations. “If that’s the case, I can’t comply. I know Lady Hazel dislikes you. How can you even consider asking for her help after the way she’s treated you? Just yesterday, she slapped you…”
“I’m fine,” Elena interjected, forcing a smile despite the lingering pain throbbing in her cheek.
“Are you really okay?” Cura pressed, her worry palpable. “Your cheek is still swollen, and your skin looks so pale and fragile…”
Elena’s smile faltered, her fingers tracing the dampness along the edge of the bathtub as she avoided Cura’s concerned gaze. Despite her outward reassurance, the memory of Hazel’s slap lingered, leaving her heart feeling heavy and brittle.
Cura’s murmurs of concern washed over Elena as she contemplated the implications of her request. Conveying Hazel’s message would grant her a degree of freedom within the castle, perhaps even an opportunity to escape Kennard’s grasp while he was preoccupied.
Elena had long since resolved to leave Kennard’s side. The prospect of encountering members of the White Fox Tribe or others outside the castle walls filled her with trepidation, but remaining indefinitely within Kennard’s shadow was not an option she could accept.
Days passed in relative comfort, yet the nagging fear of her uncertain identity and the specter of her forgotten memories loomed over her. The castle, with its familiar comforts and looming dangers, offered no solace.
Moreover, Hazel’s presence, as Kennard’s betrothed and a constant reminder of Elena’s unwanted status, only served to reinforce her determination to escape as soon as possible.
“No, why bother yourself with it?” Cura’s grumble echoed softly in the bathroom.
Elena turned her body away, still avoiding eye contact with Cura, and leaned against the edge of the bathtub.
“Please, don’t let the Duke know about this. Otherwise, he’ll find out about yesterday’s incident too,” Elena pleaded softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
With her head resting against the cool porcelain and her eyes closed, Elena felt Cura’s sigh wafting above her.
“Seems like Lady Elena is quite stubborn after all,” Cura remarked.
Elena couldn’t afford to let Cura become aware of her true intentions. Even the slightest hint of her plans could jeopardize everything, potentially alerting Kennard to her clandestine activities.
“Yeah,” Elena replied, forcing a casual tone and a light laugh, as if nothing were amiss.
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