Chapter 87: Sweet date (2) (2/2)

It was unjust for her to be known as the bad guy even though she was the one who deserved the most thanks.

From a political standpoint, he could understand why none of the previous rulers gave the truth. Firstly they weren't close to Medea, and what's more, the truth would only weaken the royal prestige.

Jupiter was basically worshipped as a god and if the truth was known, people would either be in disbelief or be greatly disappointed.

Still, Sol did not care. He wouldn't rush it, but, once he became king, he would slowly wash clean her name and give back her rightful place in history.

Medea, hearing those words, fell in a short daze.

Truth be told, she would be lying if she said she wasn't saddened by her bad name.

But at the same time, she understood enough about the situation and never resented anyone from Jupiter's line.

Still, hearing those words from Sol, seemed to break a dam in her heart as her eyes began to moisten a little.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply before taking away his arms from around her and turned to face him.

”You know, I already told you this, but I always hated myself.”

Sol wanted to speak, but chose to keep quiet and simply listen to her.

”I was an orphan who had to eat the trash in the streets to not die. Even after I became a witch, I always felt somewhat inferior to Freya and the other.

”So, when Jupiter showed that he needed me, I felt so happy. For the first time, I thought I was really needed. For the first time, I thought I was really appreciated.”

She gave a hollow laugh as if mocking her own naivety and stupidity.

”I hate myself because of how naive I was. I hate myself because even though I sort of understood he didn't really love me, I continued to trick myself into thinking that it was because of the stress he was feeling. I hate myself for all the grief I made Ambrosia and my sisters feel. I hate myself for not hating him even after he betrayed me.”

Tears began to spill from her eyes, but she did nothing to wipe them. Looking straight at Sol's eyes, she continued, ”Truly, I am a foolish woman. Don't you think so?”

Sol did not answer, for this was not really a question.

”For years, I asked myself. What did I do wrong? Did he not like my childish body? Was he so scared of the curse? Did he love someone else all this time? Was I too much a bother?

”I thought and thought again. So much I nearly became crazy. So much I thought I would die. But, no matter how much I reviewed our moments together, I could not really understand, or rather I refused to understand. After all, the truth was too much for me.

”He had never really loved me. He only used me and discarded me once he thought that I was useless. And I hated myself because I thought that I wouldn't have minded if he wanted to continue to use me as long as he kept me by his side.”

She laughed, a laugh devoid of any happiness, a laugh-filled with sadness and self-hatred.

”I thought I was in love. I thought I really loved him. But, now, I understand.

”I have never loved him. I was just in love with the notion of love. I was just dependent on him because I wished to be appreciated and needed. From the very beginning, our relationship was doomed to fail.”

Her tears stopped falling and a slight smile bloomed on her face. This time it wasn't a derisive smile, but rather a smile filled with joy and happiness.

”They say that everyone has a different definition of love. For me, love was being useful and giving everything to the one you loved. But, I understand now. This isn't love. Love isn't supposed to be a one-way street. It's supposed to be a mutual feeling linking people.”

”When I am with you, I feel happy as if I was walking on a cloud. Every day, I would wait eagerly for our lessons. Passing time with you made everything more bearable and more beautiful.”

She blushed as she continued.

”Sol, you know, right here right now, I can easily confirm. I really love you. From the bottom of my heart, I love you. I love you so much it hurts.”

She declared in a soft and firm voice. Taking his hand into her, she continued,

”Sol, I am an awfully needy and spoiled woman.”

”This isn't a problem.”

”I am someone prone to depression and self-doubt.”

”I know.”

”Despite my appearances, I am an old woman who lived for many generations before you.”

”Age is just a number.”

”Even though you are extremely resistant to my curse, it will still affect you even if slightly.”

”I was ready for that from the beginning.”

”Then, I am in your care.”

This time, Sol's answer was a gentle and light kiss.

This was the second time Medea was kissed in her life. All she could remember was how sweet it tasted.