A week had passed since the sword fight, and this was the busiest I had ever seen Prince Rudra. I had seen many higher officials continuously visiting him. It seemed like his duty had increased. He even skipped his meals, or sometimes he had them in the meeting hall over discussions.

Sometimes, I felt happy knowing that he was focusing on his royal duties and what he was supposed to do. But sometimes, there was a gnawing feeling inside me that kept wondering—why doesn't he talk to me now?