Imperial Control

As they made their way back up the stairs, Sirene had lots of time to think. It was obvious in hindsight that she was under the control of Enrapture and the final orders were the most insidious of all. To forget the spell was ever cast on her, and refuse to tell anyone its secrets. Was Tanya really that afraid of what Sirene would do to her if she found out? Sirene was quite sure she never actually loved Tanya now, at least. But had Tanya loved her?

"You're still thinking about her. I wouldn't." Rebecca said, snapping Sirene out of her thoughts.

"How did you-"

"Because I would be doing the same thing. Have some advice, from one woman to another. Don't dwell on past mistakes. Find somebody more deserving of the Hero. Someone more deserving of Sirene the woman."

"Poignant advice from a so-called Villain." Sirene said with a small smile. "But perhaps you're right."

"The Duchess is always right, Sirene." Sergei said quietly, though if Sirene heard she didn't reply.

The rest of the climb was in complete silence, until they neared the top and Rebecca spoke up again.

"You're very hard on yourself, Sirene. Such is the burden of the Hero, is it not?" Rebecca asked as they passed the threshold and re-entered the Court proper.

"I didn't ask to be who I am." Sirene said quietly.

"Do you think I did?" Rebecca asked in return. "I'd rather live on a farm and get plowed every night, frankly."

Sirene couldn't help but laugh at Rebecca's sudden straightforwardness, and even Rebecca cracked a smile.

"So why didn't you?" Sirene asked, as they made their way back over to the main spiral staircase.

"I ran away from home and my father the Duke had agents looking for me everywhere. But I could have disappeared. Dyed my hair, cut it. Loaded up on mana. I did for a time. I loved it. But my past has a nasty habit of coming to bite me in the ass if I'm not prepared. I let my guard down and nearly died for it."

"Duchess-"

"Drop it." Rebecca said, and she would say no more on the subject.