Year 1863
"Are you all right, Miss?"
A man looked at her worriedly. Thea shook her head.
"No. I am fine. Thank you." Thea welcomed the man's helping hand politely.
"Do you want me to take you somewhere? Somehow you look lost."
Thea was silent. Her brain still trying to digest what she heard earlier.
Is it possible the talk earlier...all about her?
"You are very beautiful, Miss."
Thea was stunned.
"Erm, I'm sorry if I'm being rude. You seem unwell, but I really want to say it, " the man bowed slightly, feeling guilty.
Thea smiled awkwardly.
"Thank you."
Aware of the discomfort of the woman in front of him, he let go of her grip, bowed and bid farewell.
Thea tried to shake her thought. She walked without paying attention to her front when a man appeared around the corner, making herself startled.
"Oh! I'm sorry, young lady..."
Thea suddenly got her nervous attack. Maybe this person was the one she saw. Maybe not. She didn't know. He smiled kindly to her while apologizing.
The man who had helped her earlier change his direction and was heading towards them. He stopped and stood beside her.
"You startled him, Hawk."
"I know, X. You don't see I'm apologize?"
The young man smiled. He turned to Thea.
"Looks like I really have to escort you, young lady. I don't think it's ethical for the host to let his guest get surprised at every corner."
Hawk chuckled. "What kind of flirting is that?" He looked at Thea. "Don't be deceived, Miss. Otherwise, you will get hurt. "
The man chuckled. "Go on, Hawk! Dad is up there! " The man chased her away. Hawk, still chuckling, bowed to Thea.
"Be careful, Miss!" He gave her warning with a wink.
The man showed her the way, as soon as Hawk left them.
"Did you come for my mother's afternoon tea?"
Thea turned stiff. Her feelings were still restless.
"Oh, I guess I haven't introduced myself." He stopped and held out his hand. "My name is Alexander."
Thea stared at him without blinking. It took Thea a few seconds to process what this young man said.
"Alexander Lutz. You can call me Xander or X."
His eagle-like eyes bent beautifully. He looked friendly but Thea could clearly see the coldness in there. Thea recognized someone similar to her. The cold-blooded type with kindness as a mask.
And his face didn't change much from her distant memory. At first, Thea didn't recognize this person because she was distracted by the previous people. But now, when she got her composure, Thea lost it in flash.
Finally, the forgotten thing hit her in one try.
Impossible!
Everything happened in an instant. In just a few minutes, this coincidence forced the memory of those years burst out.
No.
Impossible.
This man is a stanger!
This was the first time Thea meet him. She tried to calm down.
Only his first name is the same, Thea!
But her feelings said otherwise. Thea did knew him. And she should have also met the person called Mr Lutz. She should know not many people have the last name Lutz.
"Nice to meet you, Miss ..."
"Thea!"
Thea didn't notice how Kay suddenly was behind her. "Are you okay?" Kay looked at her, worried.
Xander stared at Thea. He seemed to remember something.
"Oh, I didn't know you came with someone, Miss Thea." Xander turned to Kay. "I found her on my way, a little unwell I guess - maybe, Sir ..."
Kay held out his hand. "Kyle Wilkess."
"Alexander Lutz."
"So you were the one organizing the afternoon tea? The event was very memorable, really. But I'm sorry, looks like I need to take her home right now. " Kay took Thea's arm.
"I think that's the right decision. I will tell my mother and father if you say goodbye." He looked at Thea deeply. "I'm sorry if my question a bit impolite, Lady Thea. Is this what I thought - you and I, I mean, Saint O'Nell? "
"You know Mr. Lutz, Thea?"
Thea grabbed Kay's arm and tried to calm herself down.
"Nice to see you again, Xander," Thea forced a smile. If not in this situation, perhaps Thea could have greeted him more amiably. Kay saw Alexander's smile widened.
"It is really you?! I do not believe it! We meet again, Thea– " said Xander. He almost kissed Thea's cheek if he didn't see the frown on her face.
"I didn't know you guys knew each other. But the reunion should be postponed first. I have to drive her home, I'm sorry. Mr. Lutz. " Kay cut off the conversation.
"Okay. You better hurry. Looks like she's about to pass out," Xander let go of the two reluctantly. His gaze was fixed on Thea. Mixed feelings swirled in his eyes. There is longing, worry, and anger. But his longing conquered it all.
Thea didn't say a word while on the carriage back. Kay, who sat opposite her, being ignored. Only her hands gripped his tightly.
Everything came about by surprise.
The conversation of the people earlier, the reunion with the person she wanted to forget and her feelings that had died for a long time.
Something that had been extinguished for a long time now began to flare up little by little.
***
"Are you okay?" Kay asked her, still worried.
No answer. Kay observed her condition. He didn't know where the woman mind was wandering Thea seemed not aware of his existence. Her hands continued to grip his own arms. Her legs were seen shaking under the dress and she didn't stop biting her lower lip.
Thea shivered.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked you out. I didn't know you'd be this bad," said Kay. Regret always came late.
"No. It's not your fault, Kay, " Thea was heard mumbling over and over.
"Thea?"
"Not your fault…"
"Te? Are you okay?"
"No. I-"
Kay moved his sitting position. He sat beside Thea. "Here, come here." Kay held out his hand and embraced Thea's body slowly.
He was stunned when his hand slowly managed to feel the pulse on Thea's neck.
Very fast and irregular.
Thea's body shook a bit in his arms. Kay tightened his hug, this was the only thing he could do now.
"I'm sorry…"
Thea had no idea how much regret Kay was experiencing right now, and Kay didn't know how much Thea's gratitude when he found her and took her back today.
After they arrived at the mansion, Kay immediately carried her without further ado to Thea's room. Elisa who followed behind looked at her master worriedly.
"Young Master, What happen to my lady?"
"Elis, get a glass of water." Kay ordered her which she hastily complied. Elisa was back in a minute with warm water and an order from Blake for him.
"Uncle is looking for you, Kay. Go," Thea said and laid down before pulled the blanket over her body. She returned the glass that was thrust at her after sipping half of its contents.
"Father can wait. I wanted to check on you first if you don't mind," Kay insisted. He ran to get his medical equipment after laid Thea on the bed.
"Forget it. I'm fine, Kay!"
"You shivered all the way home, Young Lady, if you forgot!" his stern tone was clear.
"Are you really not going to leave before checking on me?"
"Absolutely!"
"Shivered? My lady, are you sick?" Elisa sounded almost crying. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were sick before leaving."
"I'm fine, Elis. Can you leave me for a bit? Just with a little rest I'll be fine."
"But, Miss-"
"Elis," Thea's firm voice made Elis couldn't help but back away.
"Okay. Call me if you need anything. I'll be right up front."
After Elisa, Thea now only needs Kay to get out. She wondered what Kay's expression was like. She just wanted to be alone in the dark and Kay would not let her be.
She sighed irritably.
Thea stood up and pulled up the curtains on the window, letting the moonlight into her room. She returned to the bed and patted her right side.
"Sit here. You can watch me all night whether I'm okay, but don't ever bring those things closer to me!" Thea warned him about a needle and its friend before threw her body and pulled back the blanket up to her chin.
Kay smiled. He put down his bag. "Alright. Seeing your attitude, it looks like you are fine, Miss," Kay climbed onto the bed and took off his coat, "But I will still watch you all night to make it sure."
Thea snorted when she heard Kay laugh.
"I'm only here until you sleep. So, go to sleep right away."
Thea turned her back on him. For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of each other's breath.
Year 1853Thea's breathing echoed in the silent room.The two of them fell silent when Xander, who returned from taking the first aid kit, stared at the bloodstained stone that Thea had thrown."I didn't do it! I swear!" she said with wide eyes. She really didn't do that. Who would have thought that her foot touched something liked evidence of Jane's attack.Xander looked at the stone on the floor. He sighed and then told Thea to come closer."Sit here. I will treat your wound first."Thea obediently sat beside Xander, who immediately did his job."Is the wound really worse? I mean, Jane?" she asked, hesitantly.Xander muttered. He was sure Thea didn't do the evil deed even though he didn't know how to explain it. It happened so fast. Someone sneaked into the orphanage and Jane happens to run into the culprit. Thea, who was in her room couldn't possibly know what had happened.The other kids only took their ange
Year 1863Thea peeked out from under her blanket."Kay?""What?"Thea turned around, her head slightly raised. She observed the man who so-called cousin who sit beside her."Let's talk until I fall asleep," she pleaded. She choose to keep talking to distract herself from unnecessary things."Do you want me to sing a lullabies?" Kay asked.They used to tell stories before bed or chat about everything. He also sang her lullabies. Sadly, that had not happened since he was busy at the hospital. They didn't know how much they have lost their life stories about each other.Thea muttered. "No. How about you tell me about your long list date?"Kay stared at her in surprise."Why do you suddenly ask me that?""I'm just curious. Your friend –that white shirt man– said you are quite popular among women."Thea had never been to a party and heard about it in person, but as soon as the party w
Year 1853Some kid tried to cheat her when doing their chores. They always make Thea finished anything for them.Now when she sleeps, Thea locked her bedroom door tightly. Either she had privileges or the other children kept her away, she occupied the room alone.Jane asked the Sister to move her to another room. Even though her condition improved, Thea couldn't get any worse. The kids who bullied her always came back when Xander wasn't around.But Xander couldn't stop them all the time, like now."Oh, Witch! Do you have anything to burn today?" Ben came in while Thea was on duty in the kitchen.The other children stood guard at the door, monitoring the situation if Sisters or Miss Yerez came."Just go!" Thea returned to mopping without giving him any attention.Ben kicked the bucket and spilled its contents, startled her."Get lost, Ben!""Ha! How dare you say my name. So what? Are you going to curse me
Year 1863Thea pretended to sleep. She was still awake when Kay left her room. She couldn't sleep at all. The conversation between the two man before was still looming in her head.Something had happened, and she didn't know what it was. Without thinking, she took her coat and sneak out. London in the middle of the night is a good time to make a move. Thea rushed towards Mister Mild's residence. Maybe she could find something there.Mr. Mild's house was getting dusty after being left by its owner. Thea picked up the candle on the table. She had to light a candle because she didn't know what to look for. She returned to the study room, where Thea had last seen the old man.Thea started checking all over the place.On the desk, in the jar, behind the painting, in the drawer, one by one. Thea did it slowly and to no avail. Nothing important. Thea shifted to the desk drawer. Her hands fumbled in every part of the drawer. Just found a pile of u
Year 1853In this small world. Thea felt alone.She woke up, ate the hard bread, worked like a slave and went back to sleep. There's nothing better than this lousy routine.Maybe she should be grateful to be able to live with all this suck. But this suck-thing seemed to be a shackle that would not be broken in a long time.Perhaps, no one knew what it was like to be a noble who fell from her position.No one serves her anymore.Instead, it was her who served and carried out the others works as a form of isolation from the people around her.Her brain was trying to accept all of this. But her little heart rebelled.She wanted to burn them all, as they had accused her of. Thea wasn't a little angel who didn't hold a grudge for their treatment.They avoided her openly like the plague.Only Xander didn't care about it all.Thea thought of him as an angel that God sent to comfort her. The boy did nothin
Year 1863Xander's smile continued to widen. "Have you ever met any other kids besides me?" he asked, purely without any ill intention.But Thea's expression seemed to be misinterpreted by Xander. He then shut his mouth. Xander knew he had brought up the wrong topic. He cleared his throat."Uhm-""Would you like to take a walk outside?"Thea cut him off and offered walking at the backyard. After a while, Thea finally answered Xander's question."No, I never met the other kids," Thea hoped never to see them again. They walked side by side without a word.Meanwhile, Xander's eyes slowly stared at Thea's nape. She, who was sensitive, immediately realized that."Would you like to see it?" Thea asked.Xander shook his head, “Oh no. I'm sorry. It became habit, you knew it.”The two of them then fell silent, both busy with their own thoughts. “Did the Wilkess family treat you well?” Xande
Year 1853“Oh, I almost kissed you and gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Thank goodness you're awake,” Xander sighed. His hands cleaned the remnants of dirt stuck to her hair.Thea was still panting heavily.She played in the water and almost drowned in the bath, but what she felt this time was a hundred times more painful. She felt her nose sore and her head hurt. Her chest tightened a little and her stomach constricted.Thea grabbed Xander's shirt and coughed."Can you get me out of here, Xander?" She asked.Xander's eyes widened.A second later he smiled bitterly."If you get out of here, where will you go?""I don't know. Anywhere is fine. As long as it's not here. I'm afraid I'll lose control and avenge them."After a few times she had experienced this, her fearful ethereal soul had disappeared. All she could do now was endure it. But how long will she last? Which one will come fir
Year 1863How long had Thea not felt someone touch her lips?A year?Two years?No. It had been ten years since Xander had last kissed her.Thea was too shocked to realize what was happening to her. But a moment later, her sharp ears caught the sound of footsteps moving away. It made her respond to the thing in front of her immediately.She pushed Xander in flash as hard as she could."What are you doing?!" Thea almost shouted."Uh, I'm sorry, I…"“Please go home, Xander! Go back! Let's just pretend we never see each other again," Thea turned her back and left the backyard.Xander chased after her. "Thea! Sorry, I didn't mean to do that but my body did it subconsciously.” Xander himself was confused about what he had done.Thea ignored him."I bet I'm too excited to meet you," Xander tried to grab her but Thea move faster."Ridiculous.""Thea, wait! Let's tal
Year 1863His eyes, which had been fixed on her, slowly returned to focus. That man continued to stare at her and unwillingly moved all the way back. His body had almost disappeared behind the corridor, but his head was still looking back to her.If his assistant hadn't come after him, Kay could have talked to Thea longer. He warned her to go back home and not stop anywhere else. They still have a lot to talk about.Thea pulled up her hood again and absentmindedly headed home.Her cheek temperature returned to normal, becoming even colder after reading the message in her hand.She quietly left the mansion and headed somewhere.“Ah, you really came?” Xander fiddled with the cigar in his hand and nodded curtly at the woman who entered through the window of his office. He had to applaud and admit that this woman was indeed the best of her kind.Thea lowered her feet from the window frame quietly and sat across from Xander. "Please refrain from doing unnecessary things and don't send no
Year 1853The gazes of the two different people met again.When Blake stared at the little girl, an uneasy feeling rose abruptly.He bet he'd seen this little girl before, but found nothing in his memory. It wasn't that his brain was at low capacity, but rather that there were other important matters dominating his head right now.Like the baron in front of him.He snorted.This stupid guy always gave him a headache.If only he could make him disappear...Blake shook his head and instructed his subordinates to take care of this matter quietly. He pulled the reins of his horse and swerved away from the scene.His eyes and Thea's met before he turned around.and the discomfort returned.Thea looked at the man who sat on the horse without blinking. She was certain that the person had a higher position than that baron based on his clothes and demeanor.The chaos was taken care of according to procedures. But no matter how long Thea waited, none of them called out to her.She sat in the co
Year 1863There is always the first time for everything.This was Thea's first visit to Kay's hospital during the day.The autumn vibes is so vivid.Leaves separated from the branches and scattered throughout the garden. A breezy wind played with the ends of her hair which sticking out of the hood.Even so, the air was still warm and the weather still friendly.She wondered, why did the same place look so different just because the times had changed?Is it possible that humans can also change if their situations are different?Thea talked about her who always being in the dark.If her parents were still alive at this time, she might also be able to wear pretty clothes and have a cherished hobby or profession.Like Lady Florence.Maybe she could also stand beside Kay with more pride.A lot of silly thoughts started to mess her mind since last night. She knew this wasn't the time for this. She
Year 1853“Stop!”"Everyone stop it!""The Earl is here!"All the people involved in fistfights and wrestling were pulled one by one until they stopped moving.Thea's small body was lifted by someone.She struggled and swung her arms and legs wildly, as hard as she could, trying to free herself.The man holding her snorted, threw her aside and pointed the tip of his rifle. Thea who had only seen red slowly regained her composure. She looked up and saw someone wearing a knight uniform.The screams and curses that had been throwing at each other dwindled until they finally fell silent. It was because of the pressure exerted by the person sitting on the horse. Even Odgez who was used to finding a gap in the narrowness this time did not act out.They raise their awareness, at what they considered the enemy."Someone explain what's going on here?" a deep voice rang through the noise and spread in e
Year 1863She was blind.She always pretended to not see.Thea caressed Kay's cheek carefully.After a walk in the garden, the sleepiness didn't come so they headed to the library. Kay picked up some books on medicine and read them. He said there was a case at the hospital that needed immediate solving.Thea left Kay who sitting alone and lost in his world. She searched something for herself and ended up with several books on the topography of the kingdom.She had no idea how much time had passed. When she returned to the centre, Kay, who had been sitting, reclining reading, was now lying down with his eyes closed. The book in his hand rested on his chest.Thea looked at Kay who had fallen asleep. She rarely came across a situation where Kay was so exhausted that he fell asleep unconsciously. She always saw him awake wherever and whenever she was nearby.She sat beside him, took the book slowly, and put it on the table
Year 1853Thea's bluish lips opened slowly."Water…""Here."As soon as Xander heard Thea's voice, he rushed to fetch water from the kettle and gave it to her. Every movement of his body screamed excruciating pain. Even though Lubez had treated him, this wound would not heal for a day or two."How do you feel?"“I feel like I just came back from hell.”“Glad to be back…” Xander held her hand and smiled. “…together.”Xander told Thea how long she was unconsious and how Lubez made Odger to solve his problem with Baron Norman. “It was a mess.” He concluded the story. “Odger barely hanging out there. Lubez take him out forcefully. Now they are on edge everyday."It was a story a week ago.Thea woke up everyday but that was only for a fleeting moment. They didn't hired any doctor and let her be thinking that she was exhaustion beyond me
Year 1863 “Young lady, Master looking for you,” Sloan greeted Thea at the door and quickly delivered Blake's words. "Uncle looking for me?" "Yes, he's waiting in the office." "Okay, thank you, Sloan." Sloan bowed and instructed the maid to prepare tea and carry it to Blake's office. Thea went straight to Blake without changing her clothes first. She knocked on the door and Blake's voice came from inside telling her to come in. Her decision was not wrong. Because as soon as Thea came in, Blake immediately dropped his instructions and Thea came back out. Sloan and the maid carrying the tea passed her in the hallway. "Young lady, the tea?" "Ah, I'm sorry, but I'll be out again." "Can't you just sit back and enjoy it for a moment? You just got home," Sloan coaxed her. "Sorry, Sloan. Next time. I have to get going so I can come back before Kay,” Thea waved and soon disappeared around th
Year 1853Lubez spurred the horse as fast as he could.Today, Thea's meeting was supposed to take place at the front of the hall before entering the town market.But he saw no one at the promised point.He got off from the horse, tied its reins and looked for that kid. He ran here and there looking around.“Son of XX!” Lubez didn't stop cursing Odger in his mind. His small body infiltrated the crowd smoothly. No one tried to rebuke or care about the rifle slung behind his back.The appearance looks natural because Lubez put his flashy soldier badge on his chest.Lubez had indeed left his unit, but he did not return his badge. More precisely, this badge, he stole it again after return it the country. As to how he could commit this dishonorable theft, he blamed it entirely on Odger.“….where are you kid?” Lubez kept looking.And his body stopped moving abruptly.The people aro
Year 1863Kay's heart seemed to have stopped beating.He couldn't remember how to make his way through the hospital halls as fast as he could, leaving Sarah, Kate and Florence far behind.Rupert followed a step behind him.Arriving at the emergency room, he ran his eyes across the room and scanned everyone.'Where?!'Among the sea of patients lying and groaning in pain, he didn't see a single red-haired woman lying in there.His fear reached a climax as his gaze fell on the cloth-covered wheeled bed leading out to the morgue.“Brother! Where's Thea?" Kate who came to him was also looking for her.Sarah pointed to a young woman at the end of the room. "Th-there."Kate and Kay's eyes immediately followed the direction of her index finger.…what?Kay leaned himself against the nearest pillar."That's not Miss Thea!" Rupert's voice rang out.The fou