7.

16th Century 

Alvar

“Come on, love. How long are you going to stay mad? I’ve spilled blood for you. I destroyed all those who tried to stop me from having you. Come with me, Valentina, and I will make you my queen.” He proposed and Valentina smiled bitterly. Cutting the distance between them, she stood gracefully in front of him. Her spine straight and head held high. King Henry grinned, thinking he has her now. No one can resist the proposition of becoming the queen of 5 nations. But he was mistaken. The moment he chose to raise from his position, Princess Valentina screamed and reached for the fire torch that was hanging on the wall beside them. Holding it tight, she swung the burning flames right on his magnificent face. A face he was proud of.

The gut-wrenching bellow of mighty king rang in the grieving silence. The blisters of fire attacked his rosy flesh and swallowed the skin as if some molten lava. He cried out for help to save him from this excruciating torment as his eyes burned. A sizzling sound was earned when the coal in fire torch started their magic on his scalp. His crown failed to fight the monstrous phenomenon. Valentina spat on his suffering form and rushed past him to escape the burning fortress, but before she could have crossed the same hallway, a dart was shot right in her spine. It was one of the scary guards holding the vengeance in his veins. The loyal hound wanted nothing but crush her beneath his feet.

Her breaths hitched and knees shook. Her body started to give up as her hands trembled hard.

The dart he blew was laced with a poisonous solution. An ingredient that will soon paralyze her body.

But it wasn’t the day to give up. She screamed, refusing to drop her weapons. The adrenaline pumping in her veins roared to life and pushed the force in the right nerves. With a jolt, she stands up and ran with whatever energy was left. Her ears perked high, rejoicing after hearing the painful screams of the victor, the winner who staked his claim on her land.

As one guard kneeled beside the hurting king, another leaped behind the princess. He won’t let her escape, not after she has dared to strike his king. He was going to strangle her tiny neck within the hold of his biceps. His giant footsteps thundered into the hallways swallowing the light patter of the staggering princess. Oh, she was fast but not fast enough to escape the clutches of Baden’s army. The beasts were everywhere looting the once mighty nation of its essence. They were sucking the soul of Alvar by burning the citizens and households. The bastards didn’t even refrain from leaving the blooming nature alone and lighted the poor forests that had bathed into the heavenly essence after a decade.

Valentina panted as she ran barefoot, losing her sandals in the middle of a deadly adventure.

Every turn she took came face to face with more soldiers. They’ve surrounded the fort and covered all the exits.

To point her as a frightened mouse would be a crime. She has already reached a point where she felt nothing. No emotion, not even fear crossed her heart when she swung that fire torch on that demented king’s face. She prayed to God to lift that cruel ruler soon. But in her heart, she knew. She was aware that her puny act was too small to take his life. Even the most dangerous poisons can’t kill him. He was made of stone and would search for her to avenge what she has just given him. She has clawed out his face with the fire of her nation. She has burned his eyes for gazing with disrespect. She has burned his tongue for calling the women of her country names. She has done all that in one blow, and courage grips her muscles hard.

Just a few more minutes and she will escape the falling fort.

“Get the bloody princess. She has attacked the King.”

A bellow rang in the confines of strong walls that rattled her structure. She shuddered as the foul mouth addressed her. Her faltering steps jogged harder as she took another turn and landed into the throne room. Her bloodshot eyes that resembled the broken gemstones racked the area for any intruders. The throne room was still left untouched, and this gave her some hope. She descended the stairs and ran towards the pillar that held the lever to open a secret passage, the same way her father used a few days ago for Baden. Hopefully, she will make out of the fallen ruins of Alvar before they reach her.

But as she pulled the lever, dark spots started dancing in her vision. The poison was showing its effect finally. Her surroundings blurred and her head spun, losing the hold of gravity. She fell on the ground with a thud, a few inches away from the wall that now started to rise, opening the path for her escape. Tears blurred her vision as her breaths started to falter. Her limbs lost the feeling in them for a moment and this scared her. She has to fight back to save herself because if they caught her, she will be killed a thousand times alive. Punching the marble floor in anger, she flattens her palms on the ground and with the help of her knees stands once again, only to stagger like a toddler who has taken her first step. Resting her back against the same pillar, she glanced at the darkened tunnel with blurry eyes. Taking a deep breath, she limped forward and the moment she stepped inside, the door fell behind her back.

The footsteps and hollers of hungry soldiers echoed from behind the wall and it was enough to set dread in her mind. She started to race again. This time the aim was clear and simple- to cross the tunnel and rest at the open end. But only if that was so simple for the tired princess. Her hand reached behind her back and she pulled out the dart that was stuck in her spine. Blood covered her fingers and she throws the dart at some corner. Her hair whirled in all directions and whispered their ache to the humid air. Her soft feet scraped against the rough and hard ground, hurting the soles, but she ran, slowly gaining the speed. Her head would turn to look back once in a while to note the entry of Baden’s wolves but there were none.

Taking a sudden turn, she was hit by a gust of cold air and her body tightened. Not a few feet away was the exit. Gulping the saliva, she tried to moisten her dried throat and rushed past the open mouth of the tunnel.

The utter darkness of a luxuriant forest greeted her. Her heart thudded against her ribs and lungs burned in tiredness. Feeling lightheaded, she leans her back against a tree and scans the foreign surrounding.

The trees look fuller here and bloomed with violet and white flowers. The silver of the moon is scattered to expose the vastness of the area. It was the borders, the small part of forgotten land between Alvar and Baden. No king rules here except the local tribe.

Wiping the sweat off her forehead using the sleeve of her blood-red gown, Valentina moved forward at a lazy pace. As the adrenaline was consumed fully, her body started to weaken. The frightening thickness of the forest was the least of her worries as the thoughts of backstabbers revolved around her mind. She wasn’t aware of how far the civilization was to tend to her needs. She wasn’t sure if they will help her without seeking anything back in return. A bitter laugh left her lips. She has lost everything and had nothing to offer except herself.

Valentina fell on the ground, in the pile of dust. The dried leaves crushed under her weight and glued to her figure. Her cherry blonde hair spread around her in a puddle as she breathed hard, losing the sensations in her body. Finally, she was submitting to the poison. The respiration slows along with the pumping blood. The body lay lax under the brilliant glow of the moon and she smiles, feeling the world closing on her.

An orphan, loser, beaten body lies with no care in the world. The fear of predators of the scary forest didn’t bother her anymore. They were less terrifying than those who took pleasure in burning the pulsing flesh.

The air here was fresh and smooth, caressing her features and pulling her to seductive sleep, but in her drowsy state, she heard a distant breaking of twigs. A dull noise caused her to open her heavy eyelids and look ahead.

Her breath hitched noting a giant figure shadowing her lax body and blocking whatever light moon was serving her. Her shallow breathes kissed the boots of this new presence that oozed nothing but a dangerous aura. He was standing that close. His face was fully covered, only showing the piercing blue eyes that reminded her of Thales. Then a screech echoed in the silent forest and in no time a giant bird, an eagle settled on the shoulder of the disguised man and looked down at her curiously. Concentrating hard, she noticed how different he looked from the soldiers of Baden. He had a muscular and broad figure clad in dark clothes to camouflage him with the surrounding. Her eyes didn’t miss the shining sword tucked in his belt.

A sob vibrated in the lost princess’s chest and she uttered a word that rang as a mere whisper.

“Please.”                  

Her torn clothes and disheveled appearance must have given away the fight she has survived. The figure bent lower on his knees and with gloved hands, removed the hairs off her face exposing the weary look. She tried to scurry away from the warm touch, but he cupped her face and stared in her barely open eyes.

The last thing she recalled was being hauled in a warm embrace, and then the darkness swallowed her.

***

                21st Century

                New York

He woke up with a gasp.

His chest heaves up and down breathlessly. The tremors of fear downsize his spine. A layer of cold sweat dribbled from his forehead and collected at the edge of thick dark eyebrows. His lips shivered, mumbling unfamiliar words that had nothing to do with his well-being.

“Save her.”

The throat stretches painfully to relive wretchedness.

'Save who?'

His conscious mind screams at the pleading subconscious in uncertainty. His hands shook as they held the warm covers in a tight grip up to his chin. Adam's apple bobs up and down, unsure of the recent nightmare.

The Nightmares

No one knows when they started, not even his father. In their earliest memory, they remember a little boy waking up screaming and crying over a dream he could not explain. Because the moment he wakes up, he forgets everything. The reason that scares him always remains behind a thick wall of shadows. In his nightmares, he never sees anything clear other than hearing cries and feels pain, as if someone has squeezed his heart and stabbed him in the back. He would always wake up after struggling in the dark, mumbling unrecognizable words.

 Even the long hours spent in the bright offices of renowned psychologists lost to help his state of mind. Their soothing words failed to relieve the burning despondency that wakes him every time. After some major episodes, he succumbed to his faith in the treatment and decided to carry them along with other items of the baggage of life. They have become a part of his world now. He was thankful he could only hear and not see the source of all this pain. Otherwise, the events beyond mist must have thrown him in shock.

Deciding to start his day, he climbed out of the warm covers and slid his feet into slippers. Reaching for the thick nerdy glasses, framed in dark metal, he puts them on his piercing blue orbs and slithers to the bathroom. His 6.3” ft frame, when stretched to relieve the tensed muscles, raises the thin white PJs exposing his thin body and ribs. In high school, he was often considered a malnourished child for being this skinny and bony. His personality was a major drawback.

Entering the bathroom, he holds the toothbrush and gently squeezes a little paste. Exposing his braced teeth, he starts brushing them. He had those braces since 9th grade, and the doctor hasn't allowed him to remove them ever since. Due to the monstrous metal cupping his perfectly shining teeth, he is always shy around people and smiles less to hide one more imperfection of his body.

Alexander Miller was aware that he wasn’t a charmer. This fact has led him to self-pity many times. He could even hear the maids of the mansion conversing behind his back about his ugly appearance. Well, he could only feel sorry for certain heights and then gradually have to start the day.

After brushing his teeth, he jumped into the warm shower. Being the only child of a billionaire business tycoon has its perks. He is respected both in the household and society because of his father’s money. The limitless wealth is the only thing that has kept people shut from throwing insults at him. Jumping out of the shower, he enters the walk-in closet and selects another baggy shirt and jeans. Combing his hair like a schoolboy, he slid into a giant dark hoodie that might help him to camouflage in the background. His sense of humor would be the death of him someday. Somebody has to make him understand that the unusual style will surely make him stand out in place of hiding from the judging eyes.

Shrugging off the insecurities, he hauls the bag on his shoulder and exits the room to reach the dining area for breakfast. The maids were quick on their feet and prepared a plate full of a healthy meal for the young master. It is when he started devouring the food enjoying the delicious aroma. A few were left baffled, and a few passed amused smiles noting how much he ate. Still, his figure was stubborn to grow.

As he swallowed, his eyes fell on the empty chair beside him and suddenly, wears a crestfallen expression. Loneliness crawled in his chest. Feeling the eyes moisten, he clears his throat.

The only person who loved him unconditionally and accepted him with all flaws was missing once again. His father, Mr. Stefan Miller was out on another business trip, lacking any perfect schedule to explain his arrival. The ruthless tycoon is always traveling and consequently missed most of Alex's childhood, leading a hopeless Alex to crave his affection.

Brushing off the sadness, he nods at the maids expressing his gratitude for serving him and jogs to the garage.

A row of brand-new cars with advanced ignition was waiting to be used, but he skipped them all and hauled his long legs on the pedals of a bicycle. A gentle smile settled on his face as he moved forward, paddling his way out of the mansion. The cool air of morning hits his frame as his speed increases in a hurry to arrive at the destination on time. On the way, he revises all the answers for the upcoming quiz. Professor Martin was serious about this one and has explained how its score will be added to the finals. As he passed the clear street, he picked a bunch of red roses from the Old Mary’s Flower Shop. The silver-haired lady grins showing her two missing teeth and waved at the lovely boy. Alex chuckled heartily and inhaled the roses. The hypnotizing scent always reminds him of her.

The beats of his heart fasten as the college appears in view.

St. THOMAS WILFRED COLLEGE.   

A board read at the main entrance in bold black letters.

As Alex moved past it, he waved at the watchman.

“Good morning Mr. Wilson.”

“Morning, son.” The poor watchman wished back while holding his cap.

The campus was full of life as the students crowd the premises. The basketball court was occupied by the players who were fighting over a foul play. From the football ground, the energetic yells of the coach resonated as he guided the players to run faster. Alex stopped to watch the football practice for some time. He always wanted to be on the team, but being underweight, he failed the fitness test. His lips twitched in disagreement whenever a player played the wrong foot. The team could do better, he thought, and was about to move forward but stopped when the coach yelled at the star player of college.

“Go and get a pom-pom, Victor. Even the girls can run faster than you.” The coach’s rude remark made Alex snicker as Victor ceased running and scratched the back of his head while panting hard. Shaking his head, Alex finally parked his bicycle at a secluded area reserved under his father’s name and entered the corridors of a cheerful environment. Covering himself with the dark hoodie, he walks toward the lockers with his head lowered. The people were too busy to pay him any mind. Seems like the pressure of the test was dancing on their heads to comment and look over their favorite skinny lad. Alex surveyed his surroundings as he stopped in front of locker no. 1662. Making sure that no one was watching, he pressed the locker code fast and placed the small bouquet of roses inside it. His hands were shaking in nervousness the entire time, and his throat was dry. Once accomplishing the task, he backed away and closed it. Jumping in front of the next locker- 1663, he took a relieved breath and opened it lazily. Choosing the book he needed, he threw his bag inside and decided to stand in the corner.

Tossing a mint in the mouth, he chewed it slowly as his eyes skipped from one person to another. A scoff escaped his lips when he saw the horde of football players entering the premises, all sweaty and half dead. Their hairs were sticking in all directions and clothes either hung loosely or were stretched to stick on hard muscles. Their hollers and loud conversation caught everybody’s attention and girls who were earlier fussing about their makeup and books, swooned. The boys smirked at the shy smiles and whistled at the short skirts. A chorus of giggles and sighs filled the environment but Alex scrunched his nose in repulsion when the bad odor of players reached his nostrils.

“Sweaty pigs.”

He mumbled before cupping his nose because the stench wafted off freely.

He failed to realize that the words said in disgust were not punctuated in a whisper. They were loud enough to be heard by everyone.