Petals and Blade

Chapter 1 She's Different

The first time Jessica Yates saw Priscilla Mcbride, the woman who will soon steal her everything, was when Priscilla attempted to assassinate her fiancé, Waldo Francis.

Priscilla failed and was captured. But rather than punishing her, Waldo found Priscilla to be unlike any other girl he had encountered.

"So, you're the daughter of Pat Mcbride?" Waldo narrowed his eyes and studied the ragged girl in front of him. "Look up, let me see your face."

Waldo was the War God of the Army—the Butcher of Novigrad—feared and obeyed by every soldier in his command.

But Priscilla, despite facing his anger, remained defiant and unafraid. "Kill me or torture me, it's up to you. If I, Priscilla, even flinch, then I'm not worthy to be the daughter of Pat!"

She was tough and full of pride, and her bold attitude made a deep impression on Waldo.

Waldo grabbed her chin, lifting her filthy face. "You dare act so insolently in front of me? You really have no fear of death!"

"Let go of me!" Priscilla struggled, but she couldn't break free. She glared at him, her eyes full of fury. "Bastard, if you have the guts, just kill me!"

He should've been enraged. Instead, his lips curled with interest. "The first woman to curse me to my face... Hah. How interesting."

At that moment, A strange feeling tightened in Jessica's chest. The exchange between the two made her feel like she was nothing more than a bystander in their drama.

Later, Waldo's actions made her realize just how true that feeling was. She had truly become a part of their dangerous dance of love and hate.

To force Priscilla to betray her father's remaining forces, Waldo had her imprisoned and interrogated—personally.

At the same time, he had crushed Pat Mcbride's rebellion and was reorganizing his army, preparing for a glorious return to Capitalia.

Jessica, his military strategist, found herself with little to do after the victory. Her days were now filled with books, embroidery... and waiting.

Their wedding was set for the first day of the next month—a marriage arranged by her late parents. Since childhood, she and Waldo had been the perfect match—admired, envied, inseparable.

She was eagerly looking forward to the ceremony, sewing her wedding gown by hand.

But lately, Waldo seemed unusually busy. At first, he would return every evening to share meals with her, but soon entire days would pass without her seeing him at all.

The servants said he was still focused on eliminating the remnants of Pat's faction, riding across the desert with Priscilla, pressuring her to reveal the hiding places of her family's allies.

It was said that Priscilla had a fierce temper, and at first, she was willing to die rather than betray them.

"Since she was willing to die, why did she eventually give up the location of her family's allies?" Jessica casually asked when her maid Monica Garza started gossiping.

Monica replied, "It's said that His Highness finally persuaded her, making her realize that those people who had harmed the border city's civilians were no better than criminals. That's why she chose to betray her family for the greater good."

"So, Priscilla did something worthy of praise?" Jessica slowed her stitching for a moment, but then continued her work.

Monica snorted, "Her father was a major criminal. Even if she did something good, it doesn't erase her past. But His Highness, being a great hero, probably won't hold it against a little girl. Since she handed over the traitors, he probably won't punish her."

Jessica said nothing. But unease crept in.

Monica, unable to stay quiet, went on, "But that Priscilla is impossible! She even tore up His Highness's most beloved military manual!"

"Oh?" Jessica raised an eyebrow. "Did His Highness get angry?"

"At first, he was furious and locked her up. But later, for some reason, he let her go. After she was released, guess what? That Priscilla became even more outrageous and wounded the soldiers who had been sent to take down her father."

Jessica's expression darkened, her face growing serious. "How did His Highness deal with her?"

She thought, 'A little girl causing trouble can be overlooked, but injuring soldiers is a grave offense! If she wasn't punished, how could the army accept it?'

Monica fumed, "His Highness said that after what she'd been through—losing her entire family—it was understandable that she was upset. He only gave her a few light lashes and sent her back to rest."

A chill ran through Jessica.

If even harming the soldiers could be so easily dismissed, what else might Priscilla dare to do next? Especially considering that the one who had led the charge against Pat McBride was Jessica's own brother—Garbisch Yates.

Before she could say anything, there was a sudden, urgent knock on the door. "Ms. Yates, something's wrong! General Garbisch is in trouble!"

Chapter 2 Just A Little Girl

Garbisch had been stabbed by Priscilla, and the wound was dangerously close to his lower abdomen.

By the time Jessica arrived, Garbisch lay on the bed, barely clinging to life. The doctor had already bandaged him, but his trousers were drenched in blood.

The doctor, trembling with fear, whispered, "General...I fear...he may never recover... He might lose the ability...to be with a woman."

The words struck Jessica like a thunderclap.

The Yates family had always been known for its unwavering loyalty. The old Duke had three sons, all of whom died on the battlefield.

Her father, Caesar Yates, was the eldest son, and he had only two children—her and her older brother—before he died in battle.

Her second and third uncles also perished young. One had just married before going to war; the other died before he could even wed.

Now, Garbisch was the only male left in the family.

And in their land, it was only sons could carry on the family name, inherit titles, and pass the legacy from one generation to the next. If Garbisch got infertile, their blood line would end—not in glory, but in silence.

And Priscilla's blade had ensured exactly that. Garbisch—so upright, so honest—his future destroyed in an instant.

Without thinking, Jessica grabbed the short blade from the floor and rushed out.

"My lady! My lady, don't act rashly!" Monica chased after her, her eyes red from worry.

Jessica didn't need to search for Priscilla—she was already being dragged into the courtyard by Waldo.

"Let go of me!" Priscilla struggled, full of defiance. Unable to break free from Waldo's grip, she kicked him in the calf. "You dog! Let go of me!"

Waldo didn't flinch. But when he saw the blade in Jessica's hand, his face changed instantly. "Jessica..."

Without a word, Jessica raised the knife and walked toward them. She reached them in a few quick steps and, without hesitation, swung the blade toward Priscilla.

"Jessica, what are you doing?" Waldo let go of Priscilla with one hand to seize Jessica's wrist."Stop! Let's talk this through!"

"She ruined my brother. I have nothing to say to her! She stabbed my brother, and now I'm returning the favor!" Jessica struggled fiercely to break free.

"It was a misunderstanding!" Waldo pleaded. "I'll bring her here to apologize to General Yates."

"Apologize?" Jessica almost laughed, but her voice cracked with pain. "She destroyed my brother's life. Do you think a mere apology will fix that?"

"Ha! Apologize?" Priscilla scoffed, her tone full of contempt. "So what if I stabbed him? Your brother led troops to slaughter my family. That stab was me going easy on him."

"Your family were traitors," Jessica snapped. "They started a rebellion and killed innocent civilians. They got what they deserved."

Waldo still had a firm grip on her wrist.

Jessica met his gaze, her eyes bloodshot, her voice hoarse and ice-cold. "My brother brought peace to this land. He's a hero. And this woman, the daughter of traitors, tried to kill him. Are you really going to protect her?"

"She's just a child, Jessica. She doesn't know better…"

"Oh? She doesn't know better, yet she knew exactly how to end our family line?" For the first time in all the years she had known Waldo, Jessica looked at him without warmth. Only cold fury remained.

Jessica had always been mild-tempered, never once arguing with him. Waldo had often wondered if she even had a temper. Now, for the first time in his life, he saw her wrath in full force.

"The Yates family does not suffer injustice quietly."

Jessica stared at him with frozen eyes. His grip on her wrist tightened—but suddenly, she let go of the blade.

The short knife dropped from her right hand—and with swift, practiced ease, she caught it in her left. Her wrist twisted.

"Ah..." Priscilla screamed as she collapsed to the ground, trembling violently.

Everything happened so quickly that even Waldo couldn't react in time.

"You little devil!" he cried, face drained of color. He shoved Jessica aside and scooped Priscilla into his arms.

Blood gushed from her chest. The blade had torn right through her—a savage cut that ruined the very body she prided herself on.

Brutal. Precise. Unforgiving.

"Someone! Fetch the doctor! Now!" Waldo shouted.

Then he looked down at Jessica. A dark glint flickered in his eyes—one even he hadn't noticed in himself before. "She's just a girl, Jessica! How could you be so vicious? You've gone too far!"

Chapter 3 You Think I Won't?

That look in Waldo's eyes pierced Jessica's heart, leaving it bleeding and mangled in an instant.

"As his most trusted military strategist, she knew him all too well. It was exactly the same as his expression every time he wanted to kill someone.

They had known each other for years, with their wedding set for next month. Yet now, for a girl he'd met barely a fortnight ago, he was ready to kill her."

All those years of shared affection, of deep trust and loyalty, suddenly seemed laughable in the face of that fleeting yet murderous glare.

She let out a bitter laugh. "So, Your Highness wishes to avenge her?"

"You think I won't?" Waldo's voice came through gritted teeth, cold and venomous.

Monica, panicked, rushed over. "Your Highness, this has nothing to do with my lady! It was Priscilla who—"

"Out of my sight!" Waldo snarled and kicked her without hesitation.

Monica crashed to the ground, coughing up a mouthful of blood.

"Monica!" Jessica snapped back to reality, rushing to her side and helping her up.

Monica tried to speak but instead coughed up more blood, struggling for breath. Her eyes rolled back, and she fainted.

"Monica!" Jessica cried out desperately, shaking her. "Please, wake up!"

Monica had been with her since childhood. Though a maid, they were like sisters, and Jessica considered her family.

As he saw Jessica's frantic and helpless expression, Waldo's fury began to fade.

He rarely saw Jessica so overwhelmed, and the sight stirred something in him, making him want to comfort her.

But in his arms, Priscilla weakly muttered, "You... you bastard... it hurts..." Then her head lolled to the side, and she lost consciousness.

Waldo looked down at her ashen face, the blood still seeping from her chest. His heart, which had begun to soften toward Jessica, chilled again.

"You've already returned her strike. From this moment on, no one is to speak of it again. If anyone does—I'll make them regret it. You... see to Monica's injuries."

With that, he hurried off, clutching the unconscious Priscilla to his chest.

The urgency of his stride, the tension in his back—Jessica could tell just how much he cared for the girl in his arms.

But at that moment, she didn't have the energy to think about it.

After settling Monica and making sure she was being cared for, Jessica remained at Garbisch's side.

Garbisch woke up in the evening, but his expression was blank, and he didn't say a word.

Jessica said nothing either. She helped him drink some water, then urged him to rest.

He closed his eyes, still silent. It wasn't until midnight that Garbisch opened his eyes again, his demeanor much calmer this time.

"Jessica, she's become His Highness's favorite. But..." He sighed deeply, then continued, "He only sees her as a little girl, nothing more. Don't overthink it. I can tell—his heart still belongs to you."

Jessica's chest tightened. Even in his state, her brother was still trying to comfort her.

In a hoarse voice, Garbisch continued, "Your wedding's on the first of next month. You've known him for so long. Don't let a misunderstanding destroy everything."

"Garbisch, I'm fine. You don't need to comfort me," Jessica said, gently squeezing his hand. Only then did she realize how cold it was. Just like the coldness she felt in her own heart.

"Get better soon," she whispered gently. "There's still hope. We'll find a way."

"Alright." He closed his eyes again, this time turning his face to the side so that she wouldn't see the tear that slipped down his cheek.

But Jessica saw it. Still, for the sake of his pride, she pretended not to.

For the next three days, Jessica didn't see Waldo. It wasn't until the third night that he finally returned, his footsteps heavy as he entered the courtyard.

"Jessica, I don't know what's happening to me lately! Jessica, help me, I think... I'm losing myself," Waldo said.

Chapter 4 I've Fallen For Her

He was still the same Waldo, but at the same time, he seemed like a completely different person.

The Waldo of the past had been full of confidence, unstoppable, but tonight, sitting in front of Jessica, was a man with a troubled frown, weighed down by heartache. He seemed almost disheartened.

Jessica was quietly pouring him another glass of wine.

As always, when he had something on his mind, he would come to her—whether happy or unhappy, he would always seek her out. Tonight, it was clearly the latter.

After several strong drinks, Waldo finally looked at her and softly asked, "Has General Garbisch's injury healed?"

"It's fine," Jessica replied flatly, her face cold and expressionless.

Waldo knew well that such an injury would never fully heal.

He gently took her hand in his. "Jessica, don't be angry with me. I was wrong that day. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that."

In truth, he had always treated her well over the years.

Not only had he never scolded her, but even if his tone had been a little harsh, he would immediately apologize, except that once, three days ago.

Jessica lowered her gaze, instinctively trying to pull her hand away.

But Waldo held her hand tighter. "Jessica, please... don't be angry with me. I don't even know why I've become like this."

"Become like what?" Jessica asked, her eyes searching his face.

He was in pain, lost, with no idea what to do next.

He was the Butcher of Novigrad. He had fought countless battles, faced all kinds of adversity—what was there that could bring him to his knees? But now, here he was, completely at a loss.

"Jessica, I only have you in my heart," Waldo suddenly said, his voice soft and sincere. "It's always been you—past, present, and future. Our marriage won't change. Next month, we'll be married, and from then on, I will love only you."

Had Jessica heard these words in the past, her heart would have been filled with gratitude.

But after everything that had happened—after seeing the murderous intent in his eyes—she couldn't help but feel that his words, no matter how sincere, had lost their meaning.

"Jessica, aren't you happy?" Waldo's tone became heavier, sensing her coldness.

Jessica raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion in her gaze. "Why should I be happy? Isn't this exactly what you promised me before? Why say it again now?"

She thought, 'Is he speaking to reassure me, or is he reminding himself?'

This time, Waldo averted his eyes. After releasing her hand, he picked up his drink and slowly took a sip.

Jessica, however, had run out of patience. She still needed to return to care for Monica and Garbisch.

Waldo noticed her impatience, and his frustration deepened. She would never have been so indifferent to him before.

"Jessica, can I still share my troubles with you? Are we still the same as before?" He had loved Jessica for so many years because, no matter what happened, she had always stood by his side.

When he had offended the King and was punished, everyone else had turned to please his fourth brother Prince Leon, but Jessica had always been there for him.

She was his safe harbor, his refuge. No matter how fierce the storms, as long as he returned to her side, he felt at ease. This time, he hoped he could find that same comfort with her again.

"I think... I think I've fallen for that damn girl."

Chapter 5 I'll Love You Again

"So, Your Highness is here to discuss breaking off the engagement?" Jessica's expression remained calm, composed as always.

But her fingers, hidden in her sleeves, slowly tightened, her nails digging into her palms. The sharp pain in her hand barely registered, drowned out by the deeper ache in her heart.

Waldo, sitting before her with a troubled look on his face, was telling her that he had fallen for another woman, and still expected her to comfort him as she always had.

She thought, 'How ironic.' The world was full of surprises, but this one was bitterly absurd.

The words "break off the engagement" hit Waldo's heart like a heavy blow, deep and painful.

"Impossible! How could I ever break off our engagement? I will never leave you, not in this lifetime!"

He was agitated now, gripping her hand more tightly than ever before, his fingers digging in with a force that felt almost painful.

Jessica's nails, already pressed into her palm, sank deeper under his grip. The pain in her hand was sharp, but somehow, it felt distant compared to the crushing pain in her chest.

She met his gaze, her voice calm. "So, Your Highness, what exactly are you trying to say tonight?"

"Jessica, don't look at me like that. After all these years, don't you think we can get through this little obstacle together?" he said, still holding her hand. He grabbed a bottle of wine and poured himself a large drink.

After downing half the bottle, he slammed it onto the table and pressed his fingers to his forehead, closing his eyes in agony.

He said, "I don't even know what's happening to me. She's so ugly, small and thin, not even a fraction as wonderful as you, but every night, when I close my eyes, it's her face that fills my mind.

"Her big, defiant eyes, so full of arrogance, and she dares to be so bold in front of me. She's a fool, completely unafraid of death."

His words were sharp, but the corners of his lips—those attractive, thin lips—curved into a small smile without him even realizing it.

Yet, despite the smile, his expression remained one of torment. "Maybe she's different from the other women I've known. She doesn't try to flatter me or please me, doesn't always obey. In fact, her rebellious nature drives me so crazy, I sometimes want to kill her!"

"Maybe that's why I can't stop thinking about her." Waldo squeezed his eyes shut, trying to snap himself back to reality.

When he opened his eyes and looked at Jessica again, his voice softened. "Jessica, give me some time. I'll forget her. I promised you I'd love only you, and I will keep that promise. Jessica, trust me."

"Sure." Jessica's tone remained steady as she pulled her hand away from his. She looked at Waldo, the man she had loved for so many years.

When she was just eight years old, he had saved her from a raging fire. From that day on, she swore she would marry no one but him.

Back then, he was just twelve—already a young hero, brave and strong, full of vitality.

Jessica truly loved him. To keep up with him, she had pushed herself, learning everything she could. From arts to battlefield skills, she mastered whatever might be useful to him.

But he had said he liked gentle women. So, despite her efforts, she had never shown off her abilities in front of him. In his eyes, she was always the quiet, refined girl—graceful, delicate, and fragile.

And now… now, he was telling her he had fallen for an outspoken, arrogant little girl…

Jessica stood up, looking down at Waldo, who was beginning to show signs of drunkenness. She said coldly, "Then I suggest, Your Highness, that when you return, you take some time to reconsider your feelings."

"I know you're still angry, Jessica, but I'll keep my promise. I will do what I said," Waldo said, standing up. He looked at her, his gaze filled with longing in the moonlight.

"Give me some time, and I will forget her. You'll come back into my heart. I will fall in love with you again!" he said.

Chapter 6 She's The Harbor

Jessica didn't say anything, just watching Waldo with a faint smile.

She didn't comfort him like she used to, and Waldo couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed. He had expected that at least she would say something to show understanding, to make him feel a little better.

After all, he had never hidden anything from her. He had always been sincere, openly sharing his thoughts with her.

There are many unfaithful men in the world, but he believed he had treated her better than any other man could. At least she wasn't angry anymore.

Waldo knew that her temper was always the calmest. No matter what he did, once she had time to think things through, she would ultimately forgive him.

"Cheer up, we'll be fine. Just wait for me," he said, forcing a smile as he left.

As his figure disappeared through the gate, the smile on Jessica's lips slowly faded. She turned and walked into Monica's room, where she found Monica sitting on the bed, wiping her tears.

"What's wrong? Does it still hurt?" Jessica's expression softened, and she quickly walked over.

Monica shook her head, eyes brimming with tears as she looked at her. "My lady, I just... I heard everything. His Highness... he's gone too far! How could he treat you like this?"

The truth was, when Monica had heard Priscilla boldly call Waldo a "bastard," and Waldo didn't seem the least bit surprised, she had already realized something was wrong between them.

Even Jessica had never been that disrespectful to the prince, which showed just how spoiled Priscilla was by him.

"My lady, do you really believe he'll change his mind?" Monica asked.

Unexpectedly, Jessica looked out the window, her gaze calm and undisturbed. "Whether he forgets Priscilla or not, it no longer matters to me."

Monica was stunned. "My lady…"

"No one wants to stay in one place, waiting for someone to occasionally glance back at them. Since he's already moved on, I can only move forward."

Nine years of love couldn't just be wiped away in a day. Once a mirror was cracked, no matter how much you tried to fix it, it could never return to its original, flawless state.

"Get better quickly. We're heading back to Capitalia soon," Jessica said, standing up and walking toward the door. "I'll go check on Garbisch."

Monica wanted to say something, but in the end, she just silently watched her walk away, saying nothing.

Everyone thought Jessica was fragile and could be easily molded, but only Monica knew that Jessica was stronger than anyone realized.

When the news came that the Marquis and his wife had died in battle, General Algernon had fallen ill, and the eldest son had fallen into a coma, it was the seemingly weakest Jessica who, on her own, handled everything related to the Marquis and his wife's funeral.

She might seem delicate, but she was the one everyone relied on. Otherwise, Waldo wouldn't have come to her for comfort every time he was upset—he just didn't realize it.

Since that day, Jessica stayed in the courtyard, personally caring for her injured Garbisch and Monica.

Seeing her so composed, not crying or throwing a tantrum, Waldo knew she had accepted his relationship with Priscilla and felt relieved.

Seven days passed without the two of them meeting. After that, the army was ready to return to Capitalia.

Garbisch, who had barely recovered, led the soldiers ahead, and now only Monica remained by Jessica's side.

When they arrived, Waldo had been with her, and they had seemed so happy together, a sight that made everyone envious. But as they were leaving, another girl was now at his side.

Monica couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness.

Yet Jessica remained composed, her expression unchanged, as though nothing had happened.

By midday, the army had been waiting for some time, but Waldo still hadn't arrived.

The soldiers waited for another half-hour, and finally, they saw his carriage approaching.

Even before the carriage reached them, the sound of an argument could already be heard in the distance.

"You're already betrothed to her! Why are you bringing me to Capitalia? Do you think I'm like her, willing to throw away my dignity for fame and power? Waldo, listen to me, I won't! I, Priscilla, will never share a man with another woman! If you can't promise me a lifetime together, then stop bothering me! Get lost!"