Chapter 20: Give Me a Hug

Cecilia’s sudden change startled Rita. Her body moved before her mind, stepping forward with open arms to shield the girl who’d fallen like a frightened kitten.

“Don’t come closer!”

Cecilia’s pupils shrank further. She flailed on the floor like a stranded swan, scrambling back from Rita with hands and feet.

Her palms groped the ground, searching for a weapon, but found only smooth marble.

Rita’s attempt to approach froze at Cecilia’s shout. Her fingertips trembled, but she dared not move further.

Despite the oddity, they remained locked in this standoff.

Even with Rita’s slow reactions, she sensed something was off.

This was the first time Cecilia had lost composure in front of her, showing raw emotion—unlike the restrained tears of that night.

It had to be tied to the mark on Cecilia’s chest.

Perhaps it triggered a bad memory?

But that didn’t add up. If Cecilia knew Rita would see the mark, why let her assist with bathing for so long?

As Rita pondered, her gaze drifted to Cecilia’s chest.

“Eek.”

Cecilia let out a short squeal, her body trembling.

Just as expected!

The issue wasn’t just the mark.

Everything was normal until Rita mentioned it, then Cecilia’s demeanor flipped. Plus, her question—“What are you?”—not “Who are you?”

The problem was seeing the mark.

Realizing this, Rita slowly raised her hands, as if to avoid startling Cecilia, and stepped back, creating a safer distance.

‘I’m not doing anything’—that was the message Rita conveyed.

A flicker of surprise crossed Cecilia’s eyes. Her flat chest heaved with deep breaths, as if calming herself.

After a few breaths, her trembling fingers steadied. She tried to stand, but whether the floor was too slick or fear had drained her, her small feet slipped, failing to rise.

Rita wasn’t clueless. Between watching and risking Cecilia’s displeasure, she chose a middle ground.

“Cecilia, do you need help?”

At Rita’s voice, Cecilia’s fingers twitched. She lowered her head, golden hair curtaining her expression.

But she extended a hand forward.

Maybe it’s better not to see her face right now?

Rita approached, crouched, and gently lifted Cecilia’s arm with one hand, supporting her shoulder with the other, clumsily helping her up.

When she touched Cecilia, Rita felt her tremble sharply again.

Though full of questions, now wasn’t the time to ask.

All she could do was guide the small Princess to a stone bench and wait quietly.

After a long, awkward silence, Cecilia broke the frozen air.

“Rita.” She softly called the name of this intruder in her world. “Why do you stay by my side?”

Rita considered, answering honestly. “Because I can’t exactly leave, can I?”

Cecilia pursed her lips, seemingly dissatisfied, but instead of pressing, she asked something unexpected.

“Tell me, what did you see?”

“Uh… the pool, steam, golden hair, your back?” Rita’s brain stalled, unsure what Cecilia meant. “Very pretty.”

“That’s not what I mean.” Cecilia sighed helplessly, then took a deep breath, as if steeling herself, and turned to face Rita.

Also… a tiny treasure chest…

No, she must mean the mark that set her off.

Rita realized, hesitating to answer directly, fearing another reaction.

“Answer me.” Cecilia’s voice regained its usual authority. In the time it took to stand and sit, she’d buried her anger and fear, donning her commanding mask again.

“It’s… some strange patterns, like…” Rita paused, swallowing an inappropriate word. “A tattoo? I can’t describe it.”

“Did you see it clearly?”

“Yes.”

“I’m called the Cursed Princess.” Cecilia exhaled, as if releasing that held breath, placing a hand on her chest. “This is why.”

But you’re touching the wrong spot!

The mark was between her collarbones, near her heart—not there!

Could it be… Cecilia can’t see her own cursed mark?

Rita swallowed her questions, nodding to show she’d heard.

“Do you still want to stay by my side?” Cecilia lowered her hand.

Why ask this now?

Rita didn’t understand. Maybe the curse brought misfortune, making others avoid Cecilia?

But given Cecilia’s reaction, refusing now might end badly.

After weighing her options, Rita left herself an out.

“Rest assured, I won’t treat you differently because of the curse. If you want me by your side now, I’ll be here.”

Cecilia’s gaze turned complex—not satisfied or disappointed, but confused.

It didn’t last. With her next blink, as she lowered her head, it vanished.

“This is my secret. As for yours—I won’t ask a single question.”

Cecilia opened her arms toward Rita.

“Now, give me a hug.”