CHAPTER 5. Dead Rumours

　　His large hand held mine as we stared out at the distance, where the sun was setting and the sky was painted with hues or orange and purples. He did not speak for the longest time, only gazing out in the horizon as though he was deep in thought. I found his hand to be warm, so incredibly warm even when everything else about him was cold and distant.?

　　My father, the emperor of the Southern Kingdom, was often praised for his courage and sense of justice and yet it was hard for me to think of a time where he truly showed any interest with his own family other than for the times he needed us to prove ourselves worthy to him. Whether it be excelling in smarts, brawns or other talent and even then, all we got for an approval was a mere nod.

　　“You are strong, Cordelia.” His voice called out, sounding unfamiliar and foreign to me. “The fact that you climbed this hill with me despite your illness, only means that you have the heart of a warrior.”

　　A small smile appeared on his face but maybe I was imagining things. The older I got, the more foggy my memories of him became. Everything I knew about him felt like a passing dream, one that I would most definitely forget the moment I opened my eyes.?

　　“Princess?” A voice called out, snapping me away from my thoughts. I turned to the source of the voice, finding the aged face of my father’s trusted advisor, Gideon Reyes. His thick snow-white beard covered most of his face but his red and swollen eyes told me that he was truly affected by my father’s sudden death.?

　　“Gideon.” I called out his name for no apparent reason.?

　　“My sincere condolence over your loss, Your Highness.” he said, bowing his head deeply at me.?

　　I offered him a smile before my gaze went to the crowd roaming around inside the castle. Noblemen and official figures filled up the hall where the funeral service for my father was being held. I had snuck away when no one was looking, needing to catch my breath from the suffocating and tense atmosphere.?

　　“Thank you, Gideon.” I finally replied.?

　　“It was truly shocking news to find out.” he muttered to himself.?

　　“Even you weren’t aware of his illness?” I asked, surprised for a moment since Gideon and my father were childhood friends.?

　　Gideon shook his head. “I always knew that the emperor had many secrets that he never shared with others, even to his closest confidants. I thought that he was just a shy man, not wanting to burden others with his troubles because of all the years I’ve known him, he never truly spoke of his own worries to me. But…this is too much. How is it possible that even the royal doctor was not aware of his illness? Why was he hiding something like this?”

　　“Gideon,” I called out softly. I shared his sentiment entirely although I did not know what to say to comfort his agony.?

　　When we found out the cause of death for my father, everyone was baffled. No one, not even his wives knew he was ill. Even physically he looked healthy and strong.?

　　“I’m sorry princess. Forgive this old man for rambling. You must want some peace and quiet since you are standing here by yourself.”?

　　“I just needed some air.”

　　Gideon nodded in understanding. I thought he would leave since silence followed after that but he remained where he stood, eyes looking out at the horizon. I turned my gaze to look out as well, feeling the gentle evening breeze caress my skin.?

　　The view of the bright sky and the mountains from a distance made me remember that memory once more. The sentiment, the nostalgia, everything all at once was creeping up at me. I closed my eyes to stop myself from tearing up.?

　　“Your father…even though he may not be the type to openly display affection, I truly believe that he cared for you and your family. Very much.” Gideon suddenly told me

　　I paused for a moment and took in a deep breath to calm myself. “I do not doubt that.” I lied as I feigned a smile.

　　I always wanted to give my father the benefit of the doubt, thinking that his emperor duties were keeping him preoccupied, always making excuses for him whenever he never came to visit me on my sick bed when I was younger but how funny it was that the moment he found out I was an omega, he could barely look in my direction anymore.

　　“You are strong, Princess.” he echoed the words my father once told me a long time ago. “I’ve known you since you were a child and to see you grow up into such an elegant and beautiful young lady—”

　　“You don’t have to shower me with empty praises, Gideon.” I snapped. Somehow, I wished that people would just degrade me for my second gender instead of pitying me and giving me empty compliments.?

　　“I mean everything I say. Omega or not, you are still your father’s blood and I have taken an oath to serve this family until my last breath.” Gideon firmly announced.?

　　I opened my mouth to reply but there were no words for me to say. Gideon was like a second father to me even though he was hardly around.?

　　“You are too kind—” my words were drowned by footsteps approaching the balcony. Gideon and I turned to the source.?

　　“Did you hear the rumour?” a voice asked.?

　　The two figures stood near the open door of the balcony, their bodies and faces were hidden behind the thick curtains. They were clearly unaware that Gideon and I were outside, near enough to hear their voices clearly.?

　　“Rumour? About one of the princesses’ being an omega?” the other asked. My body stiffened.

　　“Well, that isn’t a rumour anymore. A royal announcement was sent out to the public, remember? I’m talking about the emperor’s death.”?

　　I frowned as I looked over to Gideon. The both of us exchange glances before focusing back to the conversation.?

　　“Oh? Was he not ill as the doctor said?”

　　“I heard from someone that he was assassinated.”

　　The other man gasped. “You should not go around claiming such a thing without evidence!”

　　“I’m not saying that it is true. But do you find it suspicious that the emperor had an illness that no one knew about? It sounds to me that someone wanted him gone and covered it up by saying he was sick.”

　　I unconsciously took a step forward, wanting to stop them from speaking anymore lies but Gideon held out his hand to stop me. He gestured for me to stay quiet and to listen.?

　　“A lot of healthy people end up getting sick all of a sudden, that’s just how nature works.”

　　“Yeah, yeah, I know but I’m just saying how strange this death is. But, I suppose his oldest heir, Frederick, will claim the throne now?”

　　“He is of age and seems to have strong followings from some of the noble families, I think he will be an excellent emperor to my fine kingdom.”?

　　The two then started talking about other things before promptly walking away. I rushed into the hall to see if I could spot who they were but I was too late as everyone seemed to blend into the crowd. I turned to Gideon, unable to hide my anger.?

　　“Why did you stop me? They were clearly spewing out lies about my father.” I fumed.?

　　“I was curious about the rumour myself.”

　　“What do you mean?”

　　“Hm, there is no time for us to dwell in conspiracies, Your Highness, but what they said about the emperor’s death being suspicious has some truth to it. It is certainly strange to say the least.”

　　I held my tongue since I shared his sentiment but I was afraid to voice it out in case people started to question my sanity. “And I’m guessing you are going to investigate his death after this?” I asked.

　　“I would need to discuss it with the other council members…but please forgive me, Your Highness. It was rude of me to allow them to speak of your father in such a manner. Especially since the wound of losing him is still fresh. How selfish of me.” he lowered his head to me in respect.?

　　“No…I should not have overreacted in the first place.” I cleared my throat. “But Gideon, would you please share any information you get about this with me?

　　“What if the truth is not something you would want to know?”

　　“It is better than living in a lie. Promise me that you will inform me.” I told him sternly.?

　　Gideon hesitated for a second before nodding his head in agreement. “Very well, Your Highness. I promise you.”