The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 34

“Do I really look that unwell?”

Tericia murmured to herself as she stared into the mirror.
Lately, everyone she met had been telling her she looked pale.

Even Sarah’s mother, Lady Lays, had insisted she see a physician.

“You don’t look well. You look awful, actually.”

Mandy, who had been brushing her hair, gave her a look that said, Are you seriously asking that?

“I’ve always had fair skin.”

“Fair is different from looking completely washed out, my lady.”

Seeing Mandy look like she might tear up, Tericia gave a faint smile.

“That’s why I called for Carlson.”

“You should’ve called him earlier in the day! Not at this hour…”

The sun had long since set. Dressed in a light, informal gown, Tericia was waiting for the doctor when she should’ve already been in bed.

“My lady, Dr. Carlson is here.”

No sooner were the words spoken than the long-awaited physician entered the room.

“Would you mind giving me your hand, my lady?”

With her permission, Dr. Carlson began his examination—checking her complexion, her pulse, and various signs of fatigue.

“There’s nothing seriously wrong,” he concluded after some time.

“However, it’s clear your health has weakened since the poisoning incident.”

“Nothing specific to worry about?”

“Not from what I can tell. But your energy is noticeably low. I’ll prescribe you a tonic to help restore your strength.”

“All right.”

Once Dr. Carlson had left, Tericia turned to Mandy with a playful side glance.

“See? I told you. He said I’m fine.”

“But still…”

“I’ll take it easy, I promise.”

That clear, gentle smile she wore—meant to ease worries—only made it more obvious that no amount of reasoning would change her mind.

“Please don’t push yourself, my lady.”

Mandy eventually relented after making her promise multiple times. She helped prepare the room for rest and quietly left.

But Tericia knew Mandy wouldn’t let the night end like this.
Without a doubt, she was on her way to Rashid—to tell him that the doctor had been summoned and what he had said.

Is he going to come running in a panic now?

Tericia realized she was waiting for him—and laughed softly at the absurdity of it.

What kind of face am I hoping to see?

Habit was a terrifying thing.

She curled up on the sofa, hugging her knees to her chest.

She wanted him to come.
To call her “sister” and show that familiar concern.

Without even noticing, Tericia dozed off on the couch.

＊＊＊

“Just go in and check on her,” Adler said, giving him a push when Rashid couldn’t focus on anything else after hearing Mandy’s report.

When Rashid entered the room, the first thing he saw was Tericia, fast asleep—curled up awkwardly on the couch.

Moonlight spilled across her hair, golden and soft, draping over her back like silk.
Rashid stepped closer, gently took a strand of her hair between his fingers, and lightly pressed a kiss to its end.

“Tericia…”

He had been standing there quietly for a while, just watching her, before he finally whispered her name.

But she didn’t stir—deep in sleep.

Letting out a quiet sigh, Rashid slipped his arm beneath her knees and wrapped the other behind her back.

Her small, light body settled easily into his arms.
As if drawn to his warmth, Tericia instinctively leaned into his chest.

Rashid froze for a moment—but then tightened his hold slightly, afraid she might slip away.

Careful not to wake her, he walked over and gently laid her down on the bed. As he reached to pull the blanket over her and give her a light pat—

“…Rashid?”

Her eyes fluttered open.
Still half-asleep, she looked up at him with a hazy, dreamlike gaze.

“Yes, sister,” he replied softly.

Then she smiled at him—sweetly, dreamily, like she didn’t have a care in the world.

“What took you so long?”

Rashid’s eyes widened for a moment. Without hesitation, he sat beside her on the edge of the bed, as if that had been his plan all along.

When he held out his hand, she leaned her cheek gently against it.

It was something she’d never do when awake. Never.

She must still be dreaming.

Rashid gave a faint, bitter smile.

She looked peaceful now. Her blinking slowed. Her breathing deepened.

“Tericia…”

“…….”

She didn’t respond.

Rashid waited, hoping for more. But her closed eyes remained still, her breaths steady and peaceful—proof she was already back asleep.

“Hah…”

Suddenly, the whole situation struck him as absurd.

He stared down at her for a while, then ran a hand roughly through his hair.

“Is she doing this on purpose?”

A helpless laugh escaped his lips.
He knew she was asleep, and yet—she still managed to get under his skin like this.

He had thought his intentions were clear. He’d made them obvious. And yet, she came to him so easily. She leaned on him, trusted him, stared up at him with those violet eyes and let herself relax in his presence.

It wasn’t just carelessness.

It was dangerous—because the warmth of her cheek against his palm had left a heat behind, sinking in like poison.

“You know I’m weak when it comes to you, don’t you?”

Rashid murmured with a faint, almost defeated smile.

Maybe, he thought, he would never be able to win against this woman.

＊＊＊

The Emperor’s invitation came in the form of a formal letter—an invitation to the royal Summer Hunt.

A white envelope sealed with a golden crest was delivered directly to Tericia.

“…”

She picked up the envelope from the tray and opened it. Inside was a beautifully written letter with her name elegantly inscribed.

“My lady, is that what I think it is?”

Mandy asked eagerly, her eyes shining with excitement.

“Yes, it’s an invitation to the royal hunt.”

“Oh my!”

Mandy gasped, barely able to contain her delight.

The Latran Empire’s royal family hosted a summer hunting festival each year.
Nobles and lords from all over the empire received invitations to attend and hunt in the royal forest.

While families received general invitations, personal invitations were rare—usually reserved as a sign of imperial favor or reward.

Two invitations had been sent to the House of Hespelt: one for the family and one personally addressed to Tericia.

“We’ll have to get you a custom outfit for the hunt!”

Mandy sparkled with excitement.

“I already have clothes, Mandy.”

“This is from His Majesty! You need to show everyone you’re the best!”

Tericia responded calmly, but Mandy practically jumped at her words like she had just said something scandalous.

“All the other ladies will be dressed to impress. You can’t just show up looking plain!”

This was one of the few opportunities for Tericia—who rarely attended social events—to make an appearance.

Mandy wasn’t about to let it slip away.

“At the very least, you must let me handle this one. I won’t back down.”

The small handmaid clenched her fists, burning with resolve.

“She’s right.”

A voice agreed from the doorway. Rashid stepped in.

“Rashid!”

Surprise and joy lit up Tericia’s face. Her voice came out before she could stop it—bright and full of delight.

Realizing how openly she had reacted, she quickly shut her mouth.

Rashid, watching her reaction, smiled softly.

“Tericia.”

His voice was just as gentle as his expression—kind, warm, and familiar.
Yet somehow, something about him felt… different.

Flustered, Tericia couldn’t keep her eyes in one place. Her gaze wandered—then accidentally landed on his lips.

Ah…

His lips, the very ones that had spoken her name, looked especially red today.
Suddenly, she remembered what they felt like.

Her face flushed bright red.

“…”

Perhaps he noticed the change in her expression.
He walked over, gently took her hand—and placed a lingering kiss on her knuckles.

The kiss lasted longer than usual.

And when he finally let go, his fingertips brushed the inside of her wrist—warm, almost burning.

Is it just in my head?

Her cheeks were burning.

“I assumed you wouldn’t prepare anything yourself, so I took care of it.”

No sooner had he spoken than the doors opened—and staff began walking in with armfuls of dresses.

“What is all this…?”

Startled by the sudden flurry of people, Tericia looked at Rashid in confusion.

“Buy anything you want. As much as you like.”

Rashid smiled, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“This one—the ribbon is lovely. Order it.”

“…”

“And that color would suit you beautifully. Get that one too.”

“…”

“And this lace would go perfectly with your skin tone.”

“…Rashid.”

Unable to stay silent any longer, Tericia finally called his name, watching him casually flip through design books and direct the boutique staff beside him.

She’d only tried on a few outfits, and Rashid had already ordered over ten.

His eyes lifted at the sound of her voice, and he smiled as he looked at her.

“That one looks good on you too. Let’s get it.”

“That’s enough.”

“It’s not. If you have more dresses, you’ll go out more often, won’t you?”

“…”

Oddly enough, Rashid was more enthusiastic about this than she was.

After a few more failed attempts to stop him, Tericia eventually gave up and let him do as he pleased.

Even while she changed into each dress, Rashid remained in the salon—flipping through catalogues with a serious expression.
The boutique staff kept stealing glances at him, likely impressed by how involved he was.

“Aren’t you busy?” she asked at last.

“I’m free.”

Tericia thought back to Adler, who had rushed in and out just an hour earlier.

“Even if you’re not here, I’ll still buy the dresses…”

“Don’t mind me. This is my break.”

“…”

He accepted the next design book from a tailor and gave her a bright smile.

That break has lasted for hours…

Tericia sighed softly. He had definitely realized her plan to send him away and cancel most of the orders afterward.

“Let’s just keep what’s been ordered so far.”

“As you wish.”

Surprisingly, Rashid agreed without a fuss.
Afraid he might change his mind, Tericia quickly nodded in agreement—completely missing the quick smile that flickered across his lips.

After finalizing the order, the designer confidently declared he would make Tericia the new jewel of high society—and left.

Exhausting…

All she wanted now was to rest.
Trying on so many dresses had completely drained her energy.

But Rashid still hadn’t left.

“Do you still have something to do?”

At her question, he tilted his head slightly and smiled.

“Yes.”

“…?”

“It’s time to choose your jewelry, sister.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the doors opened again—and attendants entered, arms full of jewelry boxes.

Tericia’s face went pale.

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