Chapter 26. Bitter Brew, Sweet Reunion

In the dimly lit corridor, the unmistakable stench of despair lingered in the air, mingling with the dank and musty odor of damp stone. Within these formidable walls, Cassia, who was once adorned in luxurious garments, found herself imprisoned and reduced to a mere shadow of her former self.

After her desperate attempt to murder Amoria, the lover of his fiance the crown prince, she was thrown into the dungeon to pay for her sins. Today, she would be brought before the court, where the judge would determine her fate.

The coldness enveloped Cassia, intensifying her hunger and despair.

"I'm starving," she murmured, her voice barely audible. Sadness and loneliness overwhelmed her as she grappled with her helplessness within the dungeon's walls.

"Why is this happening to me? Why me?" Cassia questioned, her words echoing in the desolate corridor.

Suddenly, a voice called out her name.

"Cassia," the voice beckoned.

Cassia turned her gaze towards the sound, her eyes meeting the figure outside her cell. With a surge of hope, she rushed towards her brother.

"Brother! Brother, please... Help me get out of here. Brother..."

As Cassia spoke, she noticed her brother's expression-a look of disdain. Her heart sank, and tears streamed down her face like a river.

"Brother... I... I'm innocent. There's someone who is controlling me. You may not believe me, but..."

"Cassia, please stop this!" her brother interrupted, his voice raised.

Cassia was taken aback by her brother's sudden outburst. When she looked into his eyes, she saw the same look of contempt. Hopelessness consumed her once more. The familiar feeling of being unloved washed over her. No one cared for her. No one would mourn her if she died. No one wanted her to live.

"I'm... I'm sorry... I..." Cassia faltered, unable to find the right words. She couldn't bring herself to meet her brother's gaze again.

Faint murmurs filled the air, but Cassia paid them no attention.

With her spirit crushed and all hope drained, Cassia surrendered to the dark abyss, consumed by her negative thoughts.

❛ ━━･❪ 🌹 ❫ ･━━ ❜

Basa ang mukha at may mabigat na pakiramdam sa aking dibdib nang ako'y magising. Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko at hindi maiwasang maluhang muli.

So, that's what you felt during that scene. It was never mentioned in the novel, but I'm sorry that you have to experience that kind of pain, Cassia.

I know that Cassia was built to be a villainess. Pero hindi ko maiwasang isipin kung bakit laging ang mga main characters lang ang nagkakaroon ng happy endings?

Maybe, kung tatanungin ko 'to sa ibang tao, sasabihin lang nila na it's just a story, na characters lang sila sa isang fictional novel.

But do they really deserve that kind of pain and tragic fate? Considering that they only became the villainous figures they are shown to be because of the environment they grew up in. How their life experiences shaped them into who they are.

I wiped my tears and rang the bell which was placed on my bedside table. Mabilis naman na pumasok sa kwarto ko si Mira kasama si Rosette. The two of them walk towards my bed and helped me get ready for the day.

"My lady, did you have a nightmare?" Rosette asked gently, her hands scrubbing my shoulders.

Curious, I inquired, "Why do you think that?"

She paused, her eyes filled with concern. "Well, because your eyes are puffy and red. It seemed as if you had a nightmare and shed tears."

Silent for a moment, I closed my eyes and replied softly, "Yes, I had a sad nightmare that brought tears to my eyes."

Seeking to comfort me, Mira reassured, "Don't worry, my lady. I will prepare a scented candle to help you sleep peacefully, banishing those haunting dreams from your mind."

Moved by their thoughtfulness, ngumiti lang ako sa kanila and thanked the two of them for their care.

Once finished, Mira accompanied me to the Dining Hall where Father awaited, marking another change in my daily routine since I first inhabited Cassia Clorance's body.

As I entered the hall, my eyes immediately sought out Father, who sat at the head of the table,

A warm smile spread across my lips, illuminating my face as I approached him.

"Good morning, Father. Did I keep you waiting?" my voice held a tinge of playfulness, accompanied by a respectful curtsy.

He shook his head, his eyes crinkling with affection. "No, my dear, I arrived just moments ago. Please, take a seat," he graciously offered, extending his hand towards the chair beside him.

As I sat on the chair, the servants, like silent specters, swiftly moved around the room, fulfilling their duties with practiced precision.

The mouthwatering smell of a carefully prepared breakfast filled air, making me even more excited for the delicious meal ahead. Each dish was beautifully presented and served, offering a delightful mix of flavors that danced on my tongue. Grabe! The best talaga ang Clorance Head Chef sa pagluluto ng masasarap na pagkain.

As we both enjoyed the last bites of our tasty breakfast, huminga ako ng malalim, gathering my courage. The soft morning light streamed through the window, casting gentle shadows on my face as I turned to face father. Hindi ko mapigilan na makaramdam ng kaba.

"Father," I called out. Although I used to call him Count, somehow nasanay na ako na tawagin siya ng ganun. It still holds a certain level of respect, but it's not quite as affectionate.

He took a sip from his cup of coffee, his eyes meeting mine with a quiet curiosity.

"Hm, what is it, my dear?" His voice resonated with a soothing timbre.

I lightly jolted, still not accustomed to him using endearments and speaking with such warmth. His affectionate behavior was unfamiliar to me, stirring a sense of unfamiliarity.

"Well, I was wondering... if I might have your permission to go out later afternoon. I have prior engagements," I revealed.

A brief pause filled the air as her father contemplated her words. His expression softened, a subtle smile playing upon his lips.

"Of course, my dear, but do ensure you are accompanied by knights for your safety. Where are you headed? A tea party? A parlor, perhaps?" His genuine curiosity reflected in his eyes, an unspoken support underlying his words.

Marahan naman akong umiling. "No, I am actually meeting someone for afternoon tea," I confessed.

"Very well," he granted with a warm nod. "Just remember to return before the sky darkens." His words carried a fatherly concern, mingling with a touch of fond amusement.

"Thank you, Father," I expressed, my voice brimming with genuine gratitude and joy that he gave me permission.

After the incident with the carriage a few days back, he became strict when it comes to my safety on going out of the castle walls. So it's really a good thing that he gave me his permission.

❛ ━━･❪ 🌹 ❫ ･━━ ❜

I slowly closed the book that Camille had recommended to me a few days ago. It had been purely by chance that I overheard Camille and Linette discussing a novel plot that caught my interest. But little did I not know that the book contains rated scenes that I wasn't expecting to be read in a book that has light pink pastel cover!

I was definitely culture shocked. Anteh naman kasi! The cover of the book looks so innocent at alam mo yung teen fiction vibe? Ganon siya! Pero di ko inakala na may bed scenes pala na mala-Knight Velasques ang datingan. Not that I am complaining though. Hehe.

It's nice naman to have something new to read since Mira keeps giving me history books about the Lucrenze Empire. She even makes me read books about the entire Greze Continent.

It's good to gain new knowledge about this world that wasn't included in the novel I've read, pero sabi nga nila, too much can be bad for you. Pero dahil mapilit si Mira and I'm also gaining benefit from reading educational texts, I just let her be and read the books she hands me.

As the clock struck the designated hour, I took a deep breath, allowing a sense of calm determination to envelop me. I had timed it perfectly, having completed my preparations - from donning a modest dress to applying light make-up and wearing simple accessories.

With each step I took towards the awaiting carriage, I embraced the unknown with an open heart, prepared to meet the older brother of the villainess for the very first time.

❛ ━━･❪ 🌹 ❫ ･━━ ❜

I was in the midst of writing in my notes when I heard a clicking sound from my room's door. I didn't even bother to look up to see who it could be. There was only one person who would behave in such a manner towards the son and heir of the Count of Clorance.

"What do you want this time, your highness?" I voiced as I heard his footsteps approaching me.

"Cassius, listen to me. I've been having this strange dream, but every time I wake up, I can't remember the details. It's peculiar and has been bothering me for the past few days," his voice was filled with frustration.

When I finally looked up at his face, I noticed faint dark circles beneath his eyes.

I simply sighed at him and continued with what I was doing. "Perhaps you've done something in your past life that is haunting you," I teased.

But deep down, I felt like those were words I needed to say to myself as well, as I had been having dreams - or rather, nightmares. Vivid scenes that felt all too real in my mind. They were all about Cassia, my younger sister.

Come to think of it, I hope she liked the gift I sent her a few days ago. I have no idea what kind of gifts girls her age prefer.

The prince continued mumbling words, but I didn't pay any attention. I was lost in thoughts about Cassia and the dream I had. Suddenly, I snapped back to reality as I remembered that we were supposed to meet today. I pulled out my pocket watch, quickly stood up from my chair, and went to grab my coat.

"Hey, are you even listening to me? Wait... Are you going somewhere?" the prince asked, puzzled.

I glanced at him, giving a small smile. "I have prior engagements to attend to. So, I'll be taking my leave now, your highness," I replied before closing the door, leaving him alone in my room.

I entered the carriage and instructed the coachman to take me to the café. It didn't take long to reach my destination. Stepping out of the carriage, I waited for Cassia outside the building. It would be nice if we entered together.

It had been a while since I last saw her. I wondered how much she had grown in such a short time. Is she still the mischievous child she used to be?

I stood there in anticipation for what felt like an eternity, until finally, a familiar carriage adorned with the emblem of a rose came to a graceful halt before me. Its presence could only mean one thing-it was our family's carriage, a symbol of our noble lineage.

As the carriage doors swung open, a young lady emerged, clad in a modest beige dress. She was accompanied by the Clorance Knights, serving as her escorts. My eyes beheld a sight that left me momentarily stunned.

Wait... Modest attire? The Cassia Clorance who was known for her extravagant outfits adorned with embedded crystals, was now dressed modestly? I couldn't help but marvel the unexpected modesty of her attire. And yet, in this understated ensemble, her ethereal beauty shone even brighter, radiating a mesmerizing aura.

A faint trace of familiarity lingered in me, reminding our mother. And just like that, the vivid memories from my recurring dream flooded my mind, their meaning eluding my grasp.

What secrets do these enigmatic dreams hold, relentlessly returning to haunt my thoughts?

But there was no time for contemplation. So, with swift resolve, I closed the distance, my heart pounding within my chest, as I approached Cassia. And as our eyes met, I sensed something different about her - a feeling I couldn't quite place.

❛ ━━･❪ 🌹 ❫ ･━━ ❜

I found myself sitting before this young and incredibly handsome man, observing as he delicately sipped from his teacup.

"Is something amiss on my face?" he inquired, setting down the cup with a gentle clink.

I shook my head, my voice barely a whisper. "No, not at all."

"Then why do you keep watching me, Cassia?" he queried, his voice filled with gentle curiosity.

His use of my name triggering a faint recollection of the dream I had earlier that morning. The tones were different, yet I couldn't recall any memories involving Cassius and Cassia. Could this truly be their first encounter?

Compelled by a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, I mustered the courage to voice the question that had plagued my thoughts since his message reached me.

"So, what is the purpose of our meeting today?" I pressed, my words cut straight to the point. This question had consumed my every waking moment, igniting a restless longing within me, eager to find an answer.

"And why did you use the initials 'YB'? They bear no resemblance to the initials of your name," I added.

He had used 'YB', an abbreviation for your brother, in the letter he sent me. Luckily, I caught on quickly, and my suspicions were proven correct.

"Must I offer a tangible reason to meet my younger sister?" he replied, answering my query and leaving me dumbfounded.

What had he just said?

"I mean, it has been quite some time since we last saw each other, and... I simply wanted to talk. I wanted to know how you have been," he continued, his voice carrying a tinge of sadness, though his smile remained gentle.

I let out a sigh. "Could not such inquiries have been posed within the confines of a letter? Was a face-to-face meeting truly necessary?" I interjected, my voice laced with a hint of confusion and apprehension.

"And do you perchance despise the notion of meeting your own brother?" he queried, his tone infused with a sorrowful timbre. Although a soft smile graced his lips, I detected a flicker of melancholy within his eyes.

A sigh escaped me, laden with a mixture of resignation and introspection. "It is not a matter of disdain, brother. I find myself perplexed by the strangeness of this encounter. Were you not avoiding me all this time?" I asked, as a memory of a past encounter with Cassius flood my consciousness.

"Whenever our paths crossed, I would extend warm greetings, only to be met with an icy silence, as if my words were nothing but whispers carried away by the wind. It was as if I didn't exist in your eyes. It... somehow hurt my feelings," I confessed, feeling a pang in my heart.

The silence between us grew thick, charged with unexpressed emotions. When he finally spoke, his words carried a profound significance, filled with both regret and a deep longing.

"I never intended to cause you pain, Cassia," he murmured, his voice trembling with sincerity. He scratched the back of his head, a gesture of vulnerability. "I was simply at a loss, unsure of how to approach you. Consumed by my relentless pursuit of honing my swordsmanship, I found myself scolded by our father for nearly courting trouble. It was never my intention to avoid you."

I glanced up at him, noticing the expression on his face. It differed from what I had witnessed in the dream. He appeared crestfallen and genuinely apologetic.

"You may not recall this, but..." He let out a deep breath before continuing. "We were playing at the park when suddenly, you were abducted by slave traders. It was an unexpected event."

The information hit me like a thunderbolt. Nothing of this sort had been mentioned in the novel.

"I was with you, but I was too weak at the time to help. Fortunately, father swiftly assembled a search party, and we were able to retrieve you within the day."

"However, the ordeal left you traumatized, prompting Father to summon a magician to erase your memories and restore you to your former self. However, I remained fixated on my own powerlessness to save my own sister," he revealed, his eyes resembling those of our father.

"I deeply regretted my inability to save you, which spurred me to train diligently and become stronger. But, I had no idea that my actions were causing you pain and leaving you feeling isolated." He reached out, taking hold of my hand. "I am sorry... for making you feel that way."

As the weight of our shared past settled upon us, we found comfort in the understanding that we were both victims of circumstances, burdened by our own insecurities and misunderstandings.

"I... I didn't realize you were going through all of that, brother. I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice filled with regret.

"Hush now. There's no need to apologize, Cassia. It's understandable that you were unaware. What matters is that we've resolved this misunderstanding, and I am sincerely sorry," he reassured me, his voice filled with warmth and understanding.

"What do you have to apologize for this time?" I inquired, puzzled by his remorseful tone.

He averted his gaze, his eyes focused on the ground. "I just... I simply want to express my apologies. You know that I will always be by your side, no matter what. I understand that you have your reasons for everything you do." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "I just want you to know that I am here for you, always. As your brother, you are my one and only sister, and my unwavering support will never falter."

❛ ━━･❪ 🌹 ❫ ･━━ ❜

"Brother! Brother, please... Help me get out of here. Brother..."

I couldn't tear my gaze away from Cassia. My dear sister, imprisoned in this squalid and desolate cell. Why must the prince be so heartless, inflicting such cruelty upon her?

"Brother... I... I'm innocent. There's someone who is controlling me. You may not believe me, but..."

"Cassia, please stop this!" My voice unintentionally rose, cutting her off. I only wanted her to find comfort in my words, to find some semblance of calm amidst her distress. Witnessing her panic in front of me, tore my own heart.

Tears streamed down her face, and anxiety threatened to overwhelm her. It intensified my frustration, fueling a fiery anger towards the prince and his actions.

I placed my trust in him! I entrusted him with the care of my sister, believing he would treat her with kindness. Yet, this is the result of his betrayal.

"I'm... I'm sorry... I..." Cassia was muttering words that are inaudible.

"Cassia, you don't have to worry. I will do everything in my power to prove your innocence. Just hold on, okay? Your brother loves you dearly. Trust me... Trust in your brother. I'll free you from this place."

To be Continued...

‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵

Author's Note

Haluuur! Kumusta 🤸🏻‍♀️ naman 🤸🏻‍♀️ ang 🤸🏻‍♀️ mga 🤸🏻‍♀️ beshy 🤸🏻‍♀️ ko 🤸🏻‍♀️ ?

Anyways, as per a request that I've read, syempre as I've said way back, nagbabasa talaga ako ng comments and suggestions niyo. And ito na nga ante! Binalik ko na ang mga tagalog words hahaha!

Sorry na nga agad ante. Masyado lang akong na-invest sa english wordings dahil few weeks back, stress ang ante mo gurl. Eh pag ako'y emotional, matik puro english ang nasasabi ko. Yes po, opo, frfr, istg, no cap, englishera po ako kapag nasa ganong emotional state. (⁠｡⁠ŏ⁠﹏⁠ŏ⁠)

Pero dahil balik na nga po ako sa normal ibabalik ko na rin po ang tagalog words sa story ko na 'to at baka maubusan na kayo ng dugo niyan kaka-nosebleed, brainbleed, and who knows baka pati bleeding sa may maria hiwaga mo'y kasalanan din ng previous update ko? hahaha kimmy lang!

As well as the story's book cover nga rin pala. How is it? Okay lang ba? Tell me which one you prefer: the former one or the new one. I gladly want to read and know your suggestions.

Final note, we only have a few more chapters left and we're close to ending season one. Excited na ba kayo? (⁠๑⁠•⁠﹏⁠•⁠)

Bonus, here's a portrait picture of the Clorance Family to provide a visual reference and help y'all imagine the characters more vividly.