Episode 22

"**The Wicked Lady of Rumor (2)**" is the twenty-second released episode of *Your Throne* by SAM. After Helio confiscates the necklace from Psyche, she learns the horrifying truth about Nana's whereabouts. As Eros continues to search for the alleged savior, Medea experiences recurring dreams of reuniting with Nana.

## Synopsis

In a flashback to the night of the imperial banquet, Medea asked whether Psyche's divinity had the ability to revive the dead. Perplexed by the question, Psyche explained that she was unable to accomplish such a feat. That night, she was only able to heal Medea of the poison because the sacred relic coincidentally empowered her divinity. Normally, her powers would not be able to heal fatal wounds, let alone resurrect the dead. With an unreadable expression on her face, Medea conceded that such a feat was indeed impossible.

In the present, the sun is beginning to set as Helio and Psyche face each other on the training grounds of the duke's estate. Helio holds the opal necklace firmly in his hand and informs Psyche that he is planning to keep it in his possession. In a dark voice, he remarks that Psyche is incredibly fortunate to inhabit Medea's body. Because he treasures Medea, he is unable to harm Psyche regardless of how much she offends him. He swiftly wheels around and announces that he is leaving. Thoroughly confused, Psyche desperately begs him to return the necklace, explaining that the other inhabitants of the Duke's manor will begin to suspect her if it is missing. Helio turns around and silences her with a glare, fury etched on every line in his face. Psyche's voice falters as she realizes how angry he is. With his jaw tightly clenched, Helio leaves the duchy without another word.

That night, Psyche mulls over the conversation with Helio. Though she cannot fathom over why he reacted so strongly to the necklace, she recognized the silent anguish in his expression; she has seen it many times before on Medea's face. Before she can ponder on the incident any further, Medea's maid enters the chambers. As she assists Psyche into the bath, the maid reports that Duke Solon wishes to speak with Psyche about an important matter the next day. Psyche gives an incomprehensible response, still focused on what transgressed between herself and Helio. As Psyche removes her clothing, the maid notices that she is no longer wearing the opal necklace. When the maid carefully asks about the necklace, Psyche lies, claiming that she returned it back to where it belongs. The maid excuses herself in advance for speaking in such a straightforward manner and points out that Psyche, who she believes is Medea, has never touched the necklace, afraid that a single touch would bring back memories of its owner. With tears in her eyes, the maid expresses joy that Psyche is now able to wear the necklace. The maid has watched as Medea suffered in pain every night because of Nana's horrifying death.

Listening to the maid's words, Psyche feels a sense of dread as she realizes the necklace belonged to Nana, whom she nearly forgot. As she skimmed through her memories for the past few weeks, Psyche realizes that she has yet to encounter Nana in the duke's manor. Not noticing Psyche's shocked expression, the maid continues to reassure Psyche that overcoming her grief will allow Nana to be happier in death. Psyche grabs the maid's shoulders and cries out in agony. The maid is only able to say such words because she is unaware of the body-switch between Psyche and Medea. Tears begin to pour down Psyche's face as she realizes the horrible mistake she made wearing Nana's necklace in front of Helio and vows to apologize to him at the earliest opportunity.

The next day, an imperial knight approaches Eros at the count's manor. The knight informs the crown prince that the continued search for Medea's alleged savior on the night of the banquet has produced no results, despite her description of the savior's appearance. As Eros listens intently, the knight explains that Medea may have mistook the savior's true height because of her supposed fearful state of mind that night, or the position she was in when the savior arrived. Eros adds that a second possibility is that a skilled swordsman created false injuries on the corpses to manipulate the evidence and deceive the investigators. Though the knight agrees, he expresses his disbelief that such a swordsman exists in the empire. Regardless of how skilled the alleged savior is, it is unlikely that he or she will be able to remain in hiding while the entire imperial order is scouring the empire for him. With the report concluded, Eros excuses the knight and enters Psyche's chambers. Sunlight streams through the windows, casting a warm glow on Medea's face as she sleeps soundly in Psyche's bed. A maid informs Eros that Psyche has been experiencing frequent nosebleeds as her condition deteriorates. Eros fiddles with a golden ring around his thumb, deep in thought. He suddenly draws closer to Medea, leaning his forehead against hers as she continues to sleep. With an ominous smile on his face, he wonders quietly if she is broken.

In a dream, Medea is enveloped in darkness, unable to find her way. Suddenly, a butterfly flutters by, emitting a faint glow. She follows the butterfly down a dark path and suddenly finds herself facing Nana. Medea cries out in relief, thankful that unlike the other times when Nana has shown up in dreams, she is properly dressed this time. Nana stands silently before her as Medea confesses that she may have found a way to return to her original body. She recalls the night of the banquet, where she met and conversed with the guardian deity of Vasilios even though it was not the day of the Yearly Prayer. Medea explains that Psyche's fragile body is unable to properly sustain itself, so it is only a matter of time before other people discover that she does not possess divinity. The best course of action is to return to her original body and carry out her vengeance. Despite knowing this, Medea cannot bring herself to take the initiative to search for a way to switch back; instead, she finds herself hesitating. Medea throws herself into Nana's arms, begging for advice on how to proceed. Nana embraces Medea and leans in close to her ear. In a whisper, Nana warns Medea to run.

Meanwhile at the duke’s manor, Psyche freezes in the middle of her meal. Wondering if she misheard, she requests the duke to repeat his words. Duke Solon smiles and explains that the monarch of Hennel Kingdom wishes to propose to her.

## Characters

*Characters are listed in order of appearance. Character first appearances are **bolded**.*

* Medea Solon
* Psyche Callista
* Helio Niccolo
* Medea's Maid
* Nana (flashback, mentioned)
* Eros Orna Vasilios
* Duke Solon
* King Hennel

## Gallery

Medea gave up hope in reviving Nana with Psyche's divinity.Helio gives Psyche a warning glance as he holds back his temper.The maid tells Psyche about Nana's necklace.Psyche realizes that Nana is dead.Eros examines Medea and wonders if she is broken.In a dream, Nana warns Medea to run.