Episode 2:
Runaway (2)
It wasn’t hard to remember the first moment of her life.
That’s because most of Temia’s short life had been spent lying in bed, sick and weak.
So, of course, her first memories were from when she was burning with fever.
Her small body would tremble in pain, her head would feel hot and heavy, her vision blurry, and her limbs felt so heavy like a thick blanket was covering her.
She had dozens of chronic illnesses, but no doctor or healer could explain why. Even priests couldn’t help.
In the end, she was told she had an unknown, incurable disease and was sent to a quiet countryside villa for fresh air and rest.
Far away from the noisy city, only a nanny, a few maids, and some servants stayed with her. Everyone kept quiet to let her rest.
But Temia hated the silence. So much so that she often ran around just to break it.
Though her family sent her letters and gifts, they rarely visited.
Her father, the Duke, was always at the King’s side. Her mother had to attend social parties. Her older siblings were either in the Academy or serving in the Knight Order, unable to leave the capital.
So Temia lived alone in the remote villa, feeling abandoned and often crying herself to sleep.
The only light in her lonely life was Kailie, the daughter of a neighboring noble family.
Because their families’ lands were nearby, Temia and Kailie met often and became best friends. They played together under the summer sun and shared secrets and dreams.
Sometimes, when Temia felt better, they’d explore the villa hand-in-hand. Slowly, Temia came to rely on Kailie completely.
She felt like a normal girl when Kailie came. It was the only time she could smile and laugh freely.
One day, while lying under a tree in the garden, Kailie whispered a secret to Temia.
“Temia, I have a crush on someone…”
Temia sat up, shocked.
“What? You like someone?! Why didn’t you tell me earlier— cough, cough!”
Kailie laughed and helped her go inside before she caught a cold.
Kailie later whispered that the boy she liked was a servant in her house. She was worried because he was a commoner. Temia found it so amusing and cute that she remembered every word, even while coughing.
But that conversation left her feeling worse again, and she ended up bedridden.
Her health kept getting worse, and she couldn’t even see Kailie, who stopped visiting.
Months passed.
Then, one day, a letter arrived.
> Dear Temia,
I’m sorry for not writing sooner. I wanted to visit, but I couldn’t.
I’m… getting engaged.
Do you remember when I told you I liked someone?
I wish I could marry him, but instead, I’m being forced into a political marriage.
His name is Lowell van Trearn. Have you heard of him? He’s the son of Count Trearn.
My father says he’s a talented magician, but I’ve never even seen his face!
I’m scared, Temia. I wish you were here.
Will you come to my engagement party? Please stand by my side.
I miss you so much.
—Your one and only friend, Kailie
The letter had the date and location of the engagement party.
Temia wanted to go, but her condition was too bad on that day. Instead, she picked a beautiful bracelet her mother gave her and sent it to Kailie as a gift.
It was a magical bracelet with a shining gem. Her mother had given her a pair of them, saying to gift it to someone special one day.
Temia decided to give one to Kailie with all her love. She wore the other herself, hoping their hearts would stay connected, even if they were apart.
She wrote a long heartfelt letter and sent it along with the gift, imagining Kailie would laugh and say, “Only you would send something like this!”
But no reply came.
One month passed—maybe Kailie was just busy.
Two months—maybe the gift got lost.
Three months—Temia started to worry.
She asked every day if any letters had come. But nothing.
Her family’s letters also became less frequent and more formal. They no longer shared small stories—only general greetings and concern for her health.
It felt like something was wrong, but Temia was too naive to see it. She just thought everyone was busy.
That villa in the countryside was her small, quiet world.
A year later, the bracelet she gave to Kailie was returned without any explanation.
Temia cried so much that she fainted.
—
Then suddenly, something strange happened.
One night, she was shaken awake.
“Miss Temia! Wake up!” her nanny cried.
“Wha… what’s going on? It’s still dark…”
“You have to get up! It’s dangerous. We need to run!”
The nanny quickly wrapped her in a thick blanket. Temia, still half-asleep, could tell something was wrong just by the fear in the nanny’s eyes.
Outside the room, servants were running around in panic. Even though it was night, there was fire spreading across the garden.
Temia’s mouth went dry from fear.
The nanny tightly held her hand and led her to the study.
Once inside, the nanny turned to her and said:
“Listen carefully, Miss. Magicians will attack this place soon. They’re after you.”
“Me?! Why me?”
“I didn’t want to worry you, so I hid it. But a rebellion started in the capital. The rebels are using magic… and if they came here, it means they want to take you hostage. This place doesn’t have strong guards like the main house. If they catch you, they can easily pressure your father, the Duke…”
Temia couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
Then came one final, shocking line:
“Do you know why that bracelet you gave Lady Kailie was returned to us?”
