The Flower of Separation

Now that she thought about it for a while something has bothered her, although it could be just a coincidence.

"Father\'s mission, you didn\'t give me many details."

The first night he returned he focused on the state of her health. Lillian expected him to report while he took care of her but that is not what happened.

Lucas sighed. "It was troublesome."

"You always say that. You should know by now that I prefer details."

At those words Lucas shook his head. "This time around there is nothing worse saying.."

Lillian frowned at those words. Why is he acting so defensive about this? It is unlike him. Despite how calmly he said it Lillian sensed that there was something wrong. Before she could inquire anything she hears the chime of the shop door indicating somebody entered.

The woman who just came in drew her attention immediately. She scanned the room and her eyes brightened like a jewel upon seeing her.

"Lili!"

This cheerful woman calling her a nickname most people would not dare to do so is Jorah. She is the wife of the Empress relative and it seems like she is related to Orion too. The reason she called her out today is to find out more about this.

Jorah rushed over but the girl\'s cheeks coloured. "I--I can come back another time!"

Lillian blinked surprised at her reaction. It took her a few minutes to understand why her face was so red. She stepped on Lucas\' foot and he immediately drew away from her with a yelp.

"Damn woman, why are you so violent?"

Lillian didn\'t say a word and coughed awkwardly. "You can take a seat Jorah."

She doesn\'t want to respond to this embarrassing situation.

A serious expression appeared on Jorah\'s face. "It\'s about my brother."

"I knew you would ask me." Lillian trailed off when she saw the expression on her friend\'s face. "Are you uncomfortable sharing?"

Jorah shook her head. "I figured I would have to tell you. Lili you\'re searching for capable people in this Empire who are not corrupted. My brother will most-likely be a candidate."

Oh, she truly is clever despite her carefree attitude. Lillian listened to her speak about her version of what happened that day.

"I see, I think I understand. Did that young couple knew who your brother was?"

"It seems they weren\'t sure, they knew he was a noble based on how he spoke."

"Yet they kept you? Don\'t most commoners find it troublesome to get involved with something noble related? They were a young couple too."

"It seemed like they had just lost their child recently. So they accepted me quite quickly."

Hmmm, it doesn\'t seem weird. But, \'I should still look into that old couple.\'

"You were young then and lived with those people for long. How did you remember your brother? Normally children do not have strong memory, they tend to forget things if they haven\'t been around the person for long." Lillian wondered.

"They frequently told me. They reminded me at every opportunity. At the start I cried a lot after my brother left, one day I fell down a hill and got injured. That was when I forgot him. So they had to personally remind me. Bit by bit, it slowly returned to me."

"I see."

\'An accident? I doubt it was an accident.\' Somebody most-likely knew Jorah had survived and was living with that couple..

It seems she will have to ask Sir Orion more on the details.

\'I should increase the security around Jorah too.\' She still couldn\'t figure out father\'s intentions for inviting her friend to the hunt. What was he hoping for?

It seemed there was some trouble in the audience that day. But, Lillian scanned her friend up and down. It doesn\'t appear like Jorah got dragged into it.

"So you want to see your brother again? That\'s why you came out today correct?"

Jorah\'s cheeks flushed red as she quickly defended herself. "I was also worried about you!\'

"If it\'s your brother he is going to work with me from now on, you will have more opportunities to meet."

Though knowing that man, he wouldn\'t want Jorah involved.

"Do you think he would want to see me?"

"It seems you understand the situation. So I will not beat around the bush. Sir Orion most-likwly doesn\'t want to see you."

"I see." Jorah looked down. "Lili, you\'re very blunt aren\'t you?"

"There is no need to sugar my words."

"That is true."

"Jorah." Lillian said seriously. "I think you understand already, but I am gathering capable people because there is something I want to do. That something will change the very balance of the Empire. If your brother is joining me he will get dragged into my mess. If things end up badly, he will end up executed alongside me."

\'But even if that scenario happens, the one who will kill me will be Lucas. I will not give them the satisfaction of seeing my head roll on the ground.\'

"Do you truly have to do this?" Jorah trailed off. "Lili you-"

"Even before I met you I decided." Lillian said firmly.

It looked like the girl was on the verge of tears, but with strength in her eyes she said determined.

"I won\'t let you. I\'ll do anything to stop you from getting hurt."

"If you stop me you will get hurt."

No matter how much she tolerates Jorah\'s actions if she overdoes it then she will- her thoughts broke off when Lucas flicked her forehead.

"Stop trying to frighten your only friend away. Cant you see how worried she is for you?"

A deep sigh passes her lips when she heard Lucas say those words. It is not as though she doesn\'t understand. Jorah is only saying this because she cares. But if she were to verbally accept that, then it would be a sign of weakness.

\'I cannot allow people to find out my weakness now. I have to stay strong even if it means pushing people away.\'

Moreover she still hasn\'t known Jorah for long enough. It is still too risky. No matter how honest her eyes look. This person can still hurt her.

No, that\'s not what bothers her right now. There is something else-

\'Until I gain the confidence to interact with other people. I cannot allow her to get close to me.\'

Jorah means well, that much she could understand. But she has to push her away, otherwise she will fall victim like all the others who tried in the past.

*Unedited*