Episode 10: Jealous

“Where is she?”                      

“Who?”

                 Diego just shrugged when I opened the door. Revealing him in his suit earlier, army green tunic and a black trouser. And I couldn’t deny that he’s much more daunting and… ok, charismatic.

“That lady who seems to be enjoying your company,” I answered in a sarcastic way.

“Oh that, she’s just someone I used to know.”

                  My head automatically tilted, “Used to know? Really? I’m not dumb to believe such a lowkey reason.” With the gown I’m in, my movements were restricted. And I began to hate it.

“Believe it or not, just be it. I had fun with her anyway.”

                  My ears were the ones that blows this time as I strode in his direction, “You had what?” Both of my hands were now clinging to his neck as I let my eyes glow in crimson red.

“I had fun with her. Nice, very amusing time with Shina,” he replied with his smile extending to his ears!

“Oh, amusing time. Right, Shina is amusing. Why are you here then? Shouldn’t you be at her side, appreciating how mountainous her buns are!”

“Ha? But she had enough. I love it.”

                  To his reply, I annoyedly step back away from him and directed him towards the dressing room. “Then go, why are you still here?”

“To see how jealous my Darling is.”

“I’m not jealous!”

“Oh? Did I say you are my darling?”

“Did I say you’re the one I’m talking to?”

“Look who’s muttering. Come out, Adira. I know you’re jealous.”

                   I tightly closed my eyes and threw the last piece of fabric off my body. I hurriedly wore the satin dress hanged on the side before I spring up. “What jealous? Between the two of us, you’re the one who does.”

“Oh yeah?”

                   In a flash, I felt his whole body standing only a point away from me. “If I am, do you know what I do when I’m jealous?”

“How should I?” I responded which he quickly lay a smirk on.

“I take back what is mine. Sharing is not on my vocabulary.” His nose tinkled on mine as he scrunched like it was the most awful thing he had sniffed. But seems like I was wrong when he complained, “I don’t like it when other man’s scent was all over you. I don’t mind killing this territory’s royals.”

“No, I wouldn’t let you do it.”

                    With that, his eyes went dark and his masculine body overlaid mine which makes my heart start to beat faster than usual. And here goes again the strange feeling rising from within me, my every move was then restricted, and seems like he’s the one taking over. Diego’s existence drives me insane!

“What could be the reason?” he muttered huskily, so close to my ears.

“B-Because I need him, I need this kingdom.”

“Need what? His body? This kingdom? Is this what you want? You roam around and flirt with whom your lust would desire?” Diego uttered in disgust that I forcibly pushed him away from me. A part of me twinges, I did expect something from him. But not this… Not this way. No matter what affection and how infatuated I am to him, it hurts knowing he thinks of me this way.

“Is this how you see me? How dare you speak words without even knowing what lies behind my back. You do not know even a chapter of my history.”

“Then tell me, I’ll listen to your every page.” His hands gently raised my head, the moment he strode close to me. I don’t know what to feel this time, I don’t know how to respond to this attentiveness from him. The next thing I’ve noticed was the sudden moist on my cheeks. Tears were constantly rolling down from my eyes as my hands kept still. I felt how his hands encircled around me, comforting the throbbing pain that flashes in my mind.

“The kingdom was the only thing they had left me. I couldn’t bear to lose it, it’s the only thing I have. That is the only reason I am here, I have to save my kingdom at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing the freedom I have. I am afraid of being left alone, Diego. I don’t want to rewind the past, I don’t want to see myself in a dark pit again.”

“You are a lady that the years had carved you to be. You will never be alone. Even if the whole world turns its back away from you, even if all doors shut, even if everything crumbles to dust, I will always be at your side. I will always be your shadow, Adira.”

*****

“Is everything fixed?” I asked Mayari when she appeared by my side as I walk through the castle’s hallway.

“Yes, General. The troop will be ready to go in no minute. The servants had prepared Gobbayas berries and Masaplora more than enough, and it’s a benefit for us.”

“And the Prince? Where is he now?”

“At the Throne Room, General.”

                    I simply nodded and clipped in the armor on my arm. “Any strange actions last night?”

“There were none, General. But the presence of the Abberant warriors was spotted. Just by the oak tree on the window, I saw Cedric, the Alpha’s Beta. Also, prince Vander’s guard which I have known to be his name was Raiden, he was there too. It’s funny that we three are eyeing at each other’s possible movements.”

                     Like Mayari, I also chuckled at such attentiveness. But one thing is what I’m concerned about now, “Does that mean Vander already knows about the Abberant pack?”

“I did tail Raiden earlier and found out that he had told the Prince about the sudden visit of a werewolf alpha. The prince has eyes around you, and as I can regard, he wanted something from you. And this kingdom’s intelligence sector was unexpectedly fast. And to this moment, it will not be surprising if the prince had already known all about it. But not exceeding to the existing connection between the two of you.”

                      My eyes widened a bit when he cited the thing about that. “What’s the connection between us?”

                      Mayari turned to me and smiled. “That you both were mates.”

                      What should I expect with the way her brain runs. Like Felipe, Mayari got this versatile thinking, being able to easily adapt and calculate the situation in a matter of seconds. “Keep this a confidential matter, Mayari. Don’t worry, I will fix this. The feuds between us will never be over under his deceptive play.”

“Whatever the matter is, the fourth platoon’s loyalty will be under the General Gaia,” Mayari confessed as she fastened her left arm on her chest and took her leave. A stiff smile was brushed on my lips. Whatever actions or decisions I may have or do in the near future, I hope they’re still on my side. And I may not fear being left alone.

“How was your night, general Gaia?”

                     Vander’s voice echoed all over the hall as my existence thundered the area. I held my head up and paced towards the throne ahead. The hall was rendered with crimson red mantle and so as the walls with the emblem of the sun printed on it. Stained glass on the windows and the lighted candelabras embedded on every corner.

“It was fine. Thank you for the accommodation.”

“Just a simple gift for important guests like you.”

                     His tone seems to not change from yesterday and last night. But he may possibly infer Diego’s coming over. He’s not naïve to not know that, every move nor happenings here were under his sight. Too careless that I even let Diego stay. I would’ve pierced his neck the moment I caught him beside me. But luckily, he was nowhere to be found this morning. After the drama we’ve just played last night, he left without any traces. Tch, trenchant.

“Thank you,” I plainly answered and bowed ahead of him. The throne room was filled with just the three of us; Dustin, Lireign, and me, at the other side was Vander sitting on the vermillion throne with his two guards behind him.

             Both of them were armed with a long serrated rapier on their sides and daggers just below their leg. While we only got this single poniard hidden behind our back. And if ever they’ll attack us, it will be like a mouse and griffin scenario. We entered their castle with fewer weapons to defend ourselves. Why didn’t I consider this possibility earlier?

“Pinansey-angan territory will be at your back. For the alliance between the two kingdoms, I liked your proposition. The marriage will be at the furthermost duration. I wish you a safe journey back.”

                        My head automatically hitched and met his dallying stares. A simpered smile formed on my lips as I receive the sun emblem pendant as the token for departure. “And I wish you a prosperous reign, Prince Vander. Sinandaya’s gratitude and affinity will be yours truly.”