Episode 12: A Heart Frozen by the Smell of Blood
Rine led Bertina back inside the castle. Chaos filled the halls—servants surrounded them, asking what happened and if they were safe. But Rine said nothing, pushing past them and taking Bertina straight to her room.
Inside, Iris and Lotos, the twin maids, who had returned earlier to prepare tea, greeted her in shock.
“Lady Bertina! What is all this noise?”
“What happened to Hanna!?”
Their voices rushed at her, but Bertina couldn’t answer. She wanted to say Hanna fell into darkness, but her mind was in too much confusion. Rine spoke for her, telling the twins that Hanna had indeed fallen, and firmly dismissed them from the room.
Then Rine turned to Bertina, speaking gently.
“Please calm down and listen. When a normal human falls into darkness, they first lose their reason. Some regain it. Some never do. Milan is facing her now, trying to cool her down and bring her back.”
“…And if she doesn’t regain her reason?” Bertina asked.
Rine only shook her head at first, but Bertina pressed her sharply, eyes flashing.
“Answer me—what happens to her!?”
Rine closed her eyes, her expression pained.
“…If she is not accepted by this world, then we… must lay her to rest.”
The words struck like ice. Lay her to rest—kill her.
Bertina’s body shook, her fingers turned cold, and she nearly collapsed. Rine caught her and guided her to the sofa.
“All we can do now is pray that doesn’t happen. Trust in her heart… and trust in Milan. Please.”
Rine sat beside her, gently rubbing her back. Normally, Bertina hated being touched. But in that moment, she allowed it, and her trembling heart eased just slightly.
Time blurred. When she finally looked at the clock, the hands showed two in the morning.
“I’m fine now,” Bertina whispered.
Rine withdrew her hand immediately.
Still, Bertina thought her hands were beautiful, even the way she moved was graceful. Why does she wear men’s clothes? Bertina wondered. Rine noticed the look and glanced back uncomfortably.
“You still look pale…”
“After what I saw, and what you told me, of course I do.”
The image of Hanna’s suffering burned in her mind. Just before transforming, Hanna had cried Help me. And before that, she had said she was glad to follow Bertina here—that serving her was happiness.
Now Bertina feared that very happiness had triggered the curse. She pressed her hand to her eyes.
And someday, it will be me. If I fall, and cannot return to reason, they’ll… kill me too.
The thought made her chest heavy.
“Don’t lose hope,” Rine said softly. “Milan is clumsy and poor with words, but he’s strong. He takes his duties seriously, and he’s kind. He’ll help her. And Hanna surely cares for you deeply. That bond will bring her back.”
Bertina only nodded faintly.
But being alone with Rine felt strangely awkward. They had only met once before, and now suddenly sat side by side. The closeness felt unnatural.
What bothered her more, though, was Rine’s connection to Milan. They had arrived together earlier. They spoke informally, almost familiarly.
“Rine… what exactly is your relationship with Prince Milan?” Bertina asked.
Rine tilted her head, answering plainly.
“We’ve been childhood friends since birth. Formally, I’m his attendant.”
Attendant—a role like a maid, but for men. Bertina frowned. Why say “attendant” instead of maid? Perhaps because of her clothing. Rine wore men’s trousers, not dresses. Perhaps she had reasons, or perhaps, though female in body, her heart leaned toward being male.
The thought unsettled Bertina further. If Rine was both his attendant and his lover, their closeness made too much sense. A pang stirred in Bertina’s chest.
“…I see. You two simply seemed very close.”
“My mother works here, in the kitchens. So yes, Milan and I grew up together. We’ve been stuck with each other since we were children.”
She gave a light laugh, adding that she was actually a little younger than Milan.
At that moment, a knock sounded on the door.
Bertina rose to answer, but Rine stepped ahead.
“I’ll get it.”
She opened the door—then froze. A heavy stench of blood poured into the room.
And there stood Milan. His black clothes were soaked with blood, his face and hands smeared red.
Bertina’s eyes went wide, her hand flying to her mouth.
“Milan… that blood—don’t tell me…”
Rine’s voice trembled. Hanna wasn’t there. Fear clawed at Bertina.
But Milan only tilted his head calmly.
“…It’s mine. Don’t worry.”
He stepped inside.
“The maid you brought, Bertina—she’s been carried to the servants’ quarters. Iris, Lotos, and the others are watching her. She’ll wake up soon enough.”
Relief crashed over Bertina. Hanna was alive. Her knees nearly buckled, and Milan quickly caught her.
“Don’t overdo it. Rest, Bertina.”
His voice was gentle.
But Rine cut in coldly. “Milan, your wounds are serious. And you’ll stain Lady Bertina with blood. Step back.”
Milan immediately let go.
“It’s nothing. I didn’t want to fight her in my true form, since she was once human. I just let her bite me a lot. That’s all.”
He grimaced slightly, as if the memory stung.
“…Anyway, I’ll return to my room. The twins will keep watching her. Bertina, rest. Do you want me to call them back to you?”
“No… I’ll bathe first. The water is already prepared. But Milan, your wounds—”
Bertina stumbled to a cabinet, pulling out disinfectant and medicine. She hurried back, holding them out.
“…What’s that?” Milan asked.
“Disinfectant and salve. Let me treat you.”
He narrowed his eyes at her hands.
“No. I hate the sting. This is nothing. If it needs treating, Rine can do it. Not you.”
His words hit harder than any wound.
So… I’m not trusted at all. I’m not wanted. The one he truly relies on is Rine.
And hadn’t Rine also told Milan to move away from her earlier? Not just because of blood—perhaps out of jealousy.
“…Fine. Let Rine do it, then.”
Bertina handed the medicine to Rine with perfect composure. The two of them walked away down the corridor to Milan’s room.
Now it’s clear. He and Rine are lovers.
Bertina sighed, her chest tight. Of course he’d want someone he loved to tend his wounds. That was natural. But the sharp way he had rejected her still stung deeply.
She slumped onto the sofa, staring at the empty passage.
Why did I come here?
Her marriage was supposed to fulfill duty. Later, she had told herself it was also for revenge. But secretly, she had hoped… hoped she might not be hated here. Hoped she might not be alone.
But Milan wanted nothing to do with her. He had made that clear.
That’s why I was shaken. That’s why… I felt hurt.
Her ice-blue eyes shimmered with tears.
What was I expecting? How foolish of me…
She leaned back against the sofa, closing her heavy eyes.
