Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 305: Stepping Up

Chapter 305: Stepping Up

"You don’t have to, Iris... You can’t... Not now, but maybe a little later, in a couple of weeks? Unless you want to face them again.." Arthur spoke softly and showed her the security footage of the castle gate. There were reporters crowded like ants around an abandoned toffee, around the gate. Even the entrance of the Northern Star HQ was covered with reporters expecting some scoop, making those who work there uncomfortable.

Am I troubling them? Talia felt bad. They all treated her very fondly when she visited them the previous day.

They are my people too, right? I can’t let them suffer. But what can I do?

"It’s chaotic outside. It’s better if you lay low for now." he added. Talia nodded and stood up.

She received a message from Raphael, which was the statement they were going to issue regarding about Lord Lockhart’s announcement. Talia read that concise statement of her expressing her happiness having found Cyrus’ true killers and her gratitude to those who supported her during her tough times and believed in her.

Talia felt a little prick in her heart. She knew she’d be raised to sainthood by some after this. Although she had a sense that if not forced, she wouldn’t have killed Cyrus, she knew that she still is a killer with blood in her hands.

She dialled Raphael and he picked up immediately. "Add this - I didn’t do anything Cyrus wouldn’t have done for me."

She knew people will think she meant taking the blame for killing Cyrus, but she meant killing him, and she believed it.

That dream she had... It gave her a new perspective. If the roles were reversed, and she was asked to kill herself, she knew she’d preferred Cyrus do it for her. But would Cyrus have killed her? Probably! She did the unthinkable! He might have too. He too was a human with emotions just like her.

Both of them were pawns in a bigger game played by Jared Cooper. And she is the one who should be blamed less than Cooper. And with everything out, maybe she should blame herself less too. After all, Cyrus did it to save his child and Thomas is growing up amazingly. Isn’t that the point of it all?

Maybe I should end this all today... If I still hold on to Cyrus’ death, would he be able to rest in peace?

As she was thinking, she felt a warm hand enveloping from her back and she leaned on the sturdy shoulders. Like he promised, he’s been her greatest support through this.

"And Raphael, rather than a written statement, I want it to be a video statement. Get permission from His Majesty and arrange everything within an hour. I’m not going to run away like a coward this time." she said with determination.

"You’re going to talk to the press?" Raphael asked, his voice laced with surprise.

"No, just a video statement released in all major networks and papers. Finish the statement and send a copy to Lord Christopher and Cyril Lockhart. And... I’ll be addressing as The Royal Princess of Rosandale, from the Oakley Castle. Make note of that." She still wasn’t comfortable with facing the reporters. With this they should stop bothering everyone for a while.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness. I will!" Raphael ended the call.

"Reminding everyone you are from Esteria, huh?" Arthur kissed her cheek.

"A Brunton and also a Princess," Talia turned and looked at him. She wanted to send a strong message to the Council that they have nothing over her now. With no looming murder charges and her title as a Princess, they cannot dream of having the Northern Star, even if they were still dreaming after the great shock Arthur gave them with the documentary.

"I’ll have people to set the lighting in the main study. That room would be perfect for this with all the Portraits of your Ancestors in the background." Arthur got really excited. He was surprised by how her mood changed this much, but he welcomed this change.

"NO, wait... I cannot use the main Study. Set it up in the garden with the Castle in the background. Tell them to make it quick. I want to use the natural light and the breeze. Move along...," Talia pushed Arthur who suddenly became frozen.

"Iris... Even if the Oakley Castle is not your official residence, this still is your home. Every room here, belongs to you. You know that right?" he asked, holding her by the shoulders.

He thought she feels like an outsider in her own home because officially the castle belongs to her grandfather and he is the next in line, and not her. She shouldn’t be feeling that way!

"You dummy! What are you thinking?" Talia chuckled. "Of course I know that. But that study has an air of dominance and I don’t want to present myself like that. The bright greenery and the colourful flowers with the majestic castle in the background will give a soft, pleasant and elegant presentation. It would suit me. And... this castle although isn’t my official residence, it will be; after I marry you. Or...are you planning on welcoming me as a guest for the rest of my life?" she pinched his cheek.

Not minding his screams, she continued, "I don’t care what my grandpa thinks, but... I was supposed to be the Duchess of Oakley after my grandfather. Unfortunately, I became a Princess. But I’m not going to give up on that title. So, Don’t even think differently..."

"YES, yes, a thousand times yes, I understand, My Queen" Arthur held Talia’s hands holding his cheeks like crab claws. he then pulled her hands and she ended up getting smashed on his firm chest.

Talia not expecting this sudden attack, was a little disoriented as her nose got squished. Before she could compose herself, she felt his hand by the back of her head, making her look at him.

Ah... She’s returned to her confident self.

"My vain little flower, I can’t describe how much I love you," he said with his voice deep and his tone gentle. he bent and kissed her; a kiss so mind-numbing she forgot who she is for a moment.

Arthur really was too happy. When he came back from the conference, she was broken hearted and she was jumping from one thought to another. But now she has cleared her mind and is talking about their future once more. She is claiming what she wants. Just now he saw the girl he knew in high school.

"What are you doing?" Talia asked gasping for breath, with her entire face red.

"Helping you apply lipstick," he winked. Her lips were red with his kisses ad she looked so alluring.

With a smile, Talia walked to the closet.

Cyril acknowledged he read her statement and said nothing else and Talia considered it as silent approval. She just wanted to inform the Lockhart family out of courtesy.

The video was made and Talia sent it for editing while Arthur negotiated with the media to call off their reporters in exchange for a video statement. The news agencies weren’t pleased they aren’t going to get an exclusive interview with Talia, but they had to backoff since they had to work together in the future too.

The video was just three minutes long, with no new information, but the video trended and spread like wildfire. Everyone and their mother talked about it in social media.

Many apologised, some jumped in joy as they always believed her, and there were some unbelievers too. But majority were sharing words of comfort and support for her.

"I don’t see her locking herself up out of guilt," Lord Lockhart’s mocking tone didn’t wipe the smile off Jerome Brunton’s face.

"Yes, she made a public statement showing everyone that they couldn’t beat her." Jerome smiled.

"Did she gain the foxiness from you, Jerome?" Lord Lockhart chuckled.

"Maybe... Isn’t this what you wanted?"

"Yes, I anticipate the announcement from His Majesty. I broke his order to throw her under the bus. He should be fuming.."

"Well, it is what it is!"

Jerome ended the call and he could see the pride in the face of the Dowager too. She was watching the video for the fifth time in the past half-an-hour.

Why wouldn’t she? his granddaughter looked adorable in that blue silk shirt. With red roses dancing in the breeze at the distance and the resplendent castle behind her, she looked like graceful and adorable. Her smooth voice, her twinkling eyes, her slightly blushed face and more importantly, her angelic smile... Surely those who have been calling her a ’monster’ these past years, would be ashamed of themselves for doing so - if they have a conscience left.

"Take this Trembley! My Talia need not scheme for people’s approval!" the Dowager whispered.

Yeah, she doesn’t. She has a lovable attitude!

---

"You are really not mad I gave you sleeping pills last night without-"

"No, you made the right decision after consulting my doctor... I should thank you, Fred. Ever since you returned in my life, my attacks have reduced considerably...almost to zero. Whether tying my hands that day or this... you are trying to help me. So I’m good. In fact I don’t need you to just agree to everything I want.... Sometimes, I need this, and I’m glad you are strong enough to go against me."

In the breeze, amidst the flowers, both of them walked hand in hand.