Chapter 596
The next day, Viola dressed carefully, pinning a peony blossom in her hair before setting out with Poppy. She had a specific destination in mind; finding him there would confirm that Thomas still held her in his heart.
At the base of Richspire Peak was a stream that flowed down a steep slope about halfway up, forming a small waterfall. Whenever Thomas felt upset, confused, or indecisive, he would come here to practice his swordsmanship. He had brought her here once before.
As they climbed, Poppy supported her, but grew increasingly uneasy as they ventured further from civilization. “Madam Viola,” she said, “where are we going? It’s still so hot. Do you think you can manage?”
“We’re almost there,” Viola replied.
Viola felt exhausted; she couldn't ride a carriage up this mountain. It had been years since she had walked such a rugged path. She paused to catch her breath, casting a cold glance at Poppy. “No matter whom we see today,” she said, “you mustn’t breathe a word to anyone. Understand?”
Poppy nodded nervously. Though lacking in proper manners, she sensed their mountain trip was inappropriate, especially with so few people around. What if they encountered danger? Who was Viola even going to meet? The secrecy weighed heavily on Poppy’s mind, and she recalled Jane’s words from the previous night.
By the time they reached the halfway point, the sound of the waterfall reached Viola’s ears, quickening her pulse. Would he really be here? Suddenly, the ground felt impossibly heavy beneath her feet. What if he wasn’t? She had spent all night thinking about him. If he were absent, wouldn't her actions have been ridiculous?
After a few deep breaths, Viola continued along the narrow mountain path. Years had passed since her last visit; now, small trails indicated others had discovered this scenic spot. Back then, when they came, he would hold her hand as they leaped over waist-high grass. That exhilarating sensation of being airborne had been thrilling and refreshing.
Rounding a bend, the view opened before her. There he was, practicing his sword dance by the waterfall. The sight ignited her blood—he was here. Thomas was really here.
Viola touched the peony blossom in her hair, then took a deep breath and instructed Poppy, “Stay here and don’t come any closer.”
Seeing Viola approach a man alone, Poppy turned pale with fear. “Madam Viola, y-you can’t do this! If the general finds out…”
“He’s no longer a general,” Viola said, shooting her a cold glance. “If you don’t say anything, no one will know. Just stay here and keep watch.”
As the sound of voices reached him, Thomas sheathed his sword. Even amidst the roar of the waterfall, he heard clearly—a skill honed during his time as a spy. Turning toward the sound, he saw Viola approaching.
He blinked in surprise. Was it really her?
As they locked eyes, Viola moved closer, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She didn’t wipe them away; she let them flow freely.
Thomas, drenched, revealed his lean and tall figure. He retreated a few steps. “Why are you here?” he asked.
Viola took another step forward, her voice breaking. “I wanted to see you! I was so happy when I found out you were back. Thomas, you’re alive! You have no idea how happy I am.”
Seeing her tears twisted his heart. Since their wedding day, he had sworn to protect her. But even amid his pain, he knew the boundaries they had to respect.
“Thank you for your concern, but we’re no longer husband and wife. You’ve married someone else. We need to keep our distance.”
“Keep our distance?” Viola laughed, a bittersweet sound through her tears. “Have you really become this cold-hearted?”
“I…” Thomas stood in the water, watching her approach despite her wet shoes and socks. “Don’t come down. I’ll come up.”
He climbed onto the bank but instinctively stepped a few paces to the left, maintaining the distance between them. “You shouldn’t have come. We shouldn’t meet like this. If word gets out, it could harm your reputation.”