Chapter 111: The Enemy’s True Identity
As she read those words, Givia’s mind went blank. A wave of dizziness washed over her, her vision blurring, her legs giving way.
Memories flooded her consciousness, a veil of deception ripped away, a chilling realization accompanied by a throbbing headache, sending a jolt of pain through her spine. She bit her lip, a muffled groan escaping her lips.
Haina, overwhelmed by the surge of information, collapsed to the floor, clutching her head, gasping for breath.
The truth about Kevin finally surfaced in Givia’s mind.
Kevin was her older brother, who had died from a congenital heart defect when she was very young. He was buried on a beautiful hill overlooking the western coast of Ossi. She vaguely remembered visiting his grave a few times. Her parents often spoke of him, praising his intelligence and courage, his potential as a ruler, cut short by his untimely death at the age of six. He had died before the Church’s healers could arrive.
“Kevin… Kevin… Kevin died twenty years ago… Then my enemy…” Givia said, her headache subsiding, her voice filled with disbelief. “My enemy is a ghost? No! My enemy is a Shadowling! I’ve been fighting a phantom all along! Kevin is a Shadowling! The Lord of Nightmares tampered with my memories, creating a false persona for Kevin in everyone’s minds!”
Haina, sitting on the floor, stared at her, her voice filled with shock. “Prince Kevin isn’t human? He’s a puppet of an Outer God?”
“Haina, this information must be kept secret!” Givia said, rubbing her temples, the pain lingering. “If the Restoration Army learns that our enemy is a god, our morale will crumble!”
“I understand! I’ll keep this secret safe!” Haina said, rising to her feet, her voice firm, despite the pain.
“The Lord of Nightmares, using Kevin’s identity, infiltrated the palace, forced our father to abdicate, and seized control of the Ossi Kingdom!” Givia exclaimed, pacing back and forth, her voice filled with anger. “So that’s it! We’ve been fooled! Prince Kevin never existed! He’s just a tool for the Lord of Nightmares to spread fear in our kingdom! Shadowlings are powerful, but their power is finite. They can’t reach the level of a god—which means our most dangerous enemy might be that eunuch, Apos? He might possess divine power!”
Haina was speechless. She had always believed their kingdom had been usurped by a cruel and heartless prince. She had never imagined he was a puppet of an Outer God!
“Where’s your mother? How did she learn about this? Does she have a way to see through the Lord of Nightmares’ deception?” Givia asked, her voice urgent. “Take me to her, Haina! This is important!”
“But my mother doesn’t want you to see her… She says she’s too disfigured, that she shouldn’t taint your eyes…”
“This is no time for such concerns!” Givia exclaimed, her brow furrowed. “I need to see your mother! Take me to her, Haina! This is crucial!”
Givia’s tone was commanding. Haina hesitated, but she couldn’t disobey her princess.
…
They rushed to the inn where Cassandra was staying, escorted by several guards. The innkeeper, who had been standing outside, saw Givia approaching, his eyes widening in alarm. He rushed towards them, dropping to his knees.
“Rise! Take me to Haina’s mother’s room!” Givia commanded.
The innkeeper, recognizing Haina, instantly understood. He led them to Cassandra’s room, his movements quick and deferential.
Givia, trying to calm her nerves, knocked gently on the door.
“Come in,” Cassandra’s voice replied.
Givia opened the door and entered. Cassandra, her body completely covered, only one eye and one hand visible, sat on a chair.
Cassandra, startled by Givia’s arrival, immediately knelt, her posture a perfect display of subservience. “Your Highness! I apologize for my lack of preparation! Please forgive my transgression!”
“Please rise, Mrs. Cassandra. You’re Haina’s mother, right? I…”
Givia paused, her voice trailing off. The old woman’s voice sounded familiar, but she couldn’t place it.
“You… I believe I’ve met you before…” Givia said, helping Cassandra to her feet, then ordered the guards and the innkeeper to leave, ensuring their privacy. “How did you become so… disfigured? And I wanted to ask you how you saw through Prince Kevin’s disguise…”
“Your Highness, I didn’t use any special methods. One day, I simply realized something was wrong with Prince Kevin. I remembered some details and visited his grave, discovering that he had died long ago. I made a rubbing of his tombstone and asked my daughter to deliver it to you, hoping to alert you to his true nature,” Cassandra explained.
“Is that so? You didn’t use any special methods?” Givia asked, her voice laced with disappointment. She then noticed a detail in Cassandra’s words. “You said you visited Prince Kevin’s grave based on your memories? There were no civilians present at his funeral. Did you work in the palace?”
“Well… Yes, I did,” Cassandra replied, a hint of unease in her voice.
“No wonder you seem familiar. Could you please remove your scarf? I’d like to see your face,” Givia said, her gaze fixed on Cassandra.
Cassandra hesitated. “Your Highness, I suffered severe injuries. My appearance is quite… disturbing. You might be startled…”
“You’re a loyal subject, Haina’s mother, and you’ve brought me valuable information. I wouldn’t judge you based on your appearance,” Givia said, her voice firm. “I’m not that shallow.”
“If you insist, Your Highness…” Cassandra said, slowly unwrapping her scarf.
Givia’s expression remained neutral as she saw the disfigured side of Cassandra’s face.
But as Cassandra revealed her uninjured side, Givia suddenly trembled, blood erupting from her mouth, collapsing into Haina’s arms.
“Keep this secret… Call… Flora…,” she whispered, her voice fading as she lost consciousness.
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