Mr. Dimitri's Toy
S2 - Longest Winter

...Sheadore Castle, Kingdom of Sheadore...

A few months earlier…

“Until when does this winter take place? It should have been a month ago we've been in spring! Our emergency food is running low. People are already screaming, Princess.”

“Delivery from neighboring countries will arrive soon. Make sure people do not go hungry. Take food from the royal granary and share it with them. If anyone is caught corruption, the punishment is beheading.” Kiara's voice sounded firm.

Kiara is meeting with local officials and Sheadore Kingdom officials to discuss the crisis that is plaguing her kingdom.

“Which body part decapitation, Princess?”

Kiara raised her eyebrows upwards. “No mercy on officials who dare to take advantage of the suffering of the people. Especially in times of crisis like this. Punishment for corruption is beheading.”

Everybody gasp. Usually the punishment is only given to the killer. But according to Kiara, the act of taking the rights of others let alone to harm others in order to benefit themselves is equivalent to an act of murder.

The meeting was over and no one dared to protest the policies taken by their Princess.

Behind the firmness of Kiara's expression, there was a bit of bitterness she could not show. Kiara looked around her kingdom which was enveloped by heavy snow. Winter was supposed to end a month ago.

What the hell's going on? It is the longest winter in the Sheadore Kingdom. Many believe they are cursed.

“How is Cyrus doing?” kiara asked after opening the door of a room in the southern part of the castle. The fireplace was lit for 24 hours, so the room was kept warm.

A 9-year-old boy, lying on a large soft bed.

The servant guarding the boy shook his head. “Mr Cyrus's situation is still the same, Princess. Not improved. It must be because the winter is not over. The physician has told us that Mr. Cyrus' disease can be cured by the spring sun.”

Kiara approached and sat down at the end of the bed. His heart throbbed at the sight of his nephew helpless.

Since both of his parents died, Cyrus who was 6 years old at that time was crowned Crown Prince of Sheadore Kingdom. She was so small, that Kiara took over Cyrus' duties until she was old enough and wise enough to lead this kingdom.

But a year ago Cyrus suddenly fell ill. Kiara had brought in all the healers from all over the country and spent a lot of money. Results futile. Cyrus can't recover from her mysterious illness.

Kiara lifted Cyrus's sleeves up. The red rash that adorned Cyrus' entire body did not disappear. It even seems to be getting worse.

“But he is not as hot as last night,” Kiara said after sticking her palm on Cyrus' forehead.

This disease does not spread from skin to skin. However who could enter the room and guard Cyrus were only a few people that Kiara believed in.

“Yes, Princess. Mr. Cyrus' fever wasn't as bad as last night. Her appetite is also good.”

Cyrus opened her eyes. Waking up from his deep sleep. “Kiara?”

“Good morning, Cyrus. How are you feeling?”

“Badanku achy because on the mattress continues. I want out, Kiara. I'm bored in this room all the time. I want to ride and hunt with you.”

There was a big rock that stuck in Kiara's esophagus. Every time he heard Cyrus' whining, his heart could not bear it. He wants Cyrus to get well soon. If he could, he would have Cyrus' disease.

“Proposy in a moment, Cy. You are not strong enough.”

“Does the spring sun have risen?” Cyrus always asked that.

Kiara could only shake her head.

“Please, don't say that Cyrus. You must be enthusiastic so that you recover quickly.”

Cyrus forced a smile. “I know, Kiara..”.

“I love you.” Kiara landed a kiss on Cyrus' forehead. They chatted for a while until the royal assistant called Kiara that there had been a commotion while distributing foodstuffs to the people.

Kiara rushed towards the kingdom's wide open front gate so that the people could queue up to take their allotments.

It turned out that the commotion occurred because the people were crowded and fighting over the queue for fear they did not get food.

“Everything, please calm down. There are still plenty of supplies. Please don't nudge each other and endanger yourself. This, please take.” Kiara helped hand out packages containing bread, cheese and milk.

“Thank you, thank you very much, Mr. Princess.”

Kiara continued to hand out the packages until the moment a slightly bent, black-robed woman stood before her.

“This, please.” Kiara said kindly. But the robed woman did not take it directly from Kiara's hand.

“I can heal Crown Prince.”

“What?”

“I can heal the Crown Prince who is currently ill, Princess Kiara.”

“You continue your work,” Kiara said to her officers and then she had the robed woman follow her.

They stopped in a quiet place.

“I've seen all the healers across the country. But you... I've never seen you before.”

“I'm sorry. Introduce my name Hecate.”

“Hecate. Is it true that you can heal the Crown Prince?”

“I guarantee I can cure Crown Prince.”

“Then, what to look forward to again? Come—“

“But you have to meet my request.”

Kiara desperately wants Cyrus to recover. He'll do anything for Cyrus.

“I as Princess of Sheadore Kingdom, can definitely respond to your request. What do you want?”

“You have to save a woman named Gwendolyn.”

...----------------...

This chapter is a flashback about Kiara.

Visual Kiara & Ansel can check on Instagram.

@misscapri._