Cold water drenched him on the spot he lay. He gasped, jerking up from sleep with a shiver.
"Sleeping around like an old hag, do you not have duties to perform? Today is the Prince's wedding. You should be clearing the dirt around the palace!" The harshness of the man's tone made Dante shiver.
"I am sorry I overslept, sir. I did pick all the dirt around yesterday. I only need to sweep the floors", Dante managed to reply, between scampering off the floor, and squeezing the water off his wet clothes.
"Move, boy! We do not have time", the head cleaner, Guirello said impatiently, shoving him out of the room.
Dante quickened his steps to avoid being manhandled. The years had gone by with increasing hardship. Imagine struggling to feed in a palace filled with food. Hell, even the dogs fed better than him. He worked as a slave, possibly lower if there was something like that. He received no wages as it was believed keeping him alive was enough payment for his services.
Dante didn't complain even once. He was appreciative of having a roof over his head. Picking a broom, he resumed his duties for the day. He couldn't stop glancing at the wedding venue. A smile crossed his face, watching the maids run around with flowers, the soldiers fixing up the decorations, and others wiping the seats.
Xander was getting married!
It felt like it was only yesterday he was running around, covered in mud and panicking about losing his sight. Dante smiled fondly. Xander was so little and innocent then. Today, he was getting married to his childhood friend, Kimorra.
"Hurry up with that before the guests start arriving. You are not playing scarecrow today", Guirello's voice startled him.
"Huh?" Dante blurted, confused and alarmed.
"Why do you look so surprised? The king's specifically instructed that you must not be seen anywhere around the palace until the marriage rites are completed". He reliably informed.
Dante simply nodded. He wasn't expecting an invitation anyway. He would stay in the barn and enjoy the music. As much as he would have loved to witness his brother's marriage, he was afraid of ruining it.
"Okay sir", he mumbled.
"Be good and you may share the leftovers with the dogs", Guirello said, walking away.
Dante's face lit up on hearing that. Sharing with the dogs meant good food. His stomach grumbled loudly in approval. He couldn't hide his excitement as he hurriedly swept the floors. Most of the meals he was offered were so stale that he couldn't eat them. It ended with him going hungry for days.
A few times, stealing from the kitchen and the dogs saved him, other times, it ended with a severe beating.
Sweeping the dust hurriedly away as a gentle breeze blew across the palace. Dante wanted nothing to ruin his work. He couldn't afford to let anything ruin his chances of a good meal. The opportunity rarely came.
He concluded his work and reported to Guirello. The man shooed him away in annoyance, snapping that he wasn't needed anymore. Dante returned to his home. The old barn.
It was an empty place with nothing but a sack of old clothes. A few of which he spread on the floor to curb the harshness of the tarred floor. He had to stuff others in broken patches of the roof. During heavy rainfall, he had to sleep while standing because the worn-out clothes were not enough to stop the leakages. He ended with a flooded room most nights than none. Last night was one of them.
Sighing, he grabbed an old bucket from the corner and a cloth. His knees barely responded as he dropped to the coarse floor. The pain had become a part of him so it barely fazed# him anymore. Those knees had seen worse.
He pushed his oversized sleeve backward to reveal his hairy hand. He whistled absentmindedly, dapping the floor with the cloth.
The guests were seated, smiles plastered on their faces as the couple took their vows. To the right, the royal family was seated beside their inlaws, watching their children with pride.
Prince Xander was clad in a blue tailored suit, designed by the best tailors in the city. His hair was perfectly styled to the back to bring out his prominent features. His turquoise eyes shone with adoration for the woman before him.
Kimora was living her dream. Getting married to the boy she adored as a child was the most fulfilling thing she'd ever done. Happiness bubbled in her chest as she stared into his lovely eyes. It still felt like a dream that this man, who had all the girls in the city fawning over him, was hers. Nobody thought it impossible especially since she was the daughter of the king's adviser.
"Is there anyone with a valid reason to hinder the union of this couple? Speak now or forever remain silent", the Priest asked.
"I do", a cold silky voice filtered through the silence. Gasps filled the air, heads turning to pick out the owner of the voice. They didn't need to look for long because she came walking through the petal gates. Her dark aura subdued the place, exerting power and dominance. She walked with an elegance that left everyone thrilled.
The white gown was laced with diamonds. Each piece of it clinging to her body like a second skin. Her lustrous dark hair rested freely on her butt, bouncing gently as she moved. Her seafoam eyes had depths of mystery in them, effortlessly dazing everyone who stole a glance at them. The dress was split up to her mid-thighs, exposing the straight milky skin that promised deliciousness. Her beauty left hearts pounding as she moved.
She stopped in front of the groom. Xander could only gape at her, eyes wide and lustful. Her plump rosy lips pressed in a thin line as she gazed at him.
"The nerve of you to get married while you have my heart". Her tone was cold, yet there was a sexiness to it that had him melting. Her finger met his lip with teasing innocence, skidding down his chest.
"I don't care if you're getting married or not. I only want my property", Almira stated.
"Who are you? What do you want? Xander, say something. Who is she? Get your hands off him!" Kimora bawled, slapping her hands off. "What do you want?".
"Are you retarded? I clearly said he has my heart. He's not permitted to love anyone with it", Almira retorted.
Kimorra was beyond pissed. How could a strange woman pop out of nowhere and claim her man? Determined to save her wedding from crashing, she stepped in between them and faced Prince Xander. "Xander, who is this woman? You know what, it doesn't matter who she is. Let us just focus on our wedding, then we can sort this out later, please?" Her voice was small and desperate. The lust swimming in his eyes warned her of the heartbreak she was about to handle.Xander stared helplessly at her, then at the goddess that effortlessly stole his breath. He couldn't think of anything apart from her slender body entangled in his."I… I… Give us a moment, please," He said to Kimorra. He took Almira's hand, but she pulled away. "I'm not stupid, I can follow you without holding on to your hand," Almira said. Xander smiled to hide his embarrassment and walked ahead. They stopped a few steps away from Kim. "So …. Do you want to be with me? Don't you think crashing my wedding was a bit extreme
"I can't believe you! Do you really want to cancel our wedding for a woman you just met? Why would you do something like that? We've known each other since we were kids. I spent eighteen years of my life, loving you. Why would you do this to me?", Kimorra angrily asked. Xander felt guilty as the angry tears streamed down her cheeks."Don't make this more difficult than it is already. You are causing a scene. I think you need some rest, we can talk about tomorrow", was his feeble attempt to control the situation.Kimorra glared at him, her fists clenching harder by her sides at every surge of emotion."I'm causing a scene? You already sent everyone away, so who's watching, huh? Even if everyone's watching, who cares? Today was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. I stayed up for days, wondering what this day would be like. I imagined laughter, fulfillment, happiness, and tears. Only that they were supposed to be tears of joy! How did you manage to turn something so beautiful int
Dante swallowed thickly and lowered his head. Kitanna glanced in the direction he was running from. "Were you being chased?” Kitanna asked. Dante shook his head. "So you're just desperate for skin contact, then”, Almira concluded sharply. While Kitanna stared at the princess with shock, Dante stepped back slowly, feeling ashamed.He wasn't seeking skin contact. Guirello had sent him on an errand, and he needed to finish it quickly to get his meal. His stomach growled, as testimony. Dante didn't say that out, though. He has gotten accustomed to letting people have their way. Even if he denied it, she would still stick to what she believed. "Princess Mira '', they heard Xander's voice from a distance. Dante's eyes widened in panic. In a heartbeat, he fled, afraid to be seen by the prince.Kitanna glanced in the direction he ran. A part of her felt sorry for him. They treated him so badly that he was afraid of being seen. Back in the sea, besides the royal family, everyone else was
Dante leaned against the door and peeped into the kitchen. When he noticed no one was present, he stealthily entered the kitchen. He rushed to the bin containing leftovers and pulled out the plastic bag he had hidden underneath his clothes.His heart raced wildly as he packed as much as he needed. After breaking the plates and soiling the princess, Guirello denied him food. Dante stuffed his mouth as he packed the food. In case he got caught, he would at least have a full stomach. The food was a little stale, but it was better than the ones the servants threw at him once in a while. Besides, they were going to dump it because the king forbade them from feeding the dogs with stale leftovers. Dante chuckled at the thought. His father didn't mind his son eating stale food but would punish the maids severely if his dogs were given day-old leftovers "What do you think you're doing?", Dante froze on hearing the voice. He quickly pushed the bag under his shirt, gulping hard as the int
"Do you like it?” Kitanna asked. "You're not the one who made it, so why are you eager for a review?” Almira asked. Kitanna pouted. "It was just a question. You don't have to be mean about it”. "I don't like it. I prefer them fresh,” Almira answered. Kitanna opened her mouth to complain, but Almira threw her a look that made her shudder. Kitanna watched the Princess clear the plate and looked away as soon as Almira looked up. "More?” "You said you don't it,” Kitanna reminded her. "I don't like it, but I am hungry. Can I get some more?”. "You will have to come with me then. They have lots of frozen fish, so I can fry as many as you want. You can fry too if you want “, Kitanna said. “Smart mouth! You are the servant here, not me. I don't have to help with the cooking,” Almira stated, and Kitanna's excitement vanished. She picked up the plate, muttering incoherent words. Almira ignored her grumbling and stared ahead. "You're not coming?” Kitanna asked. "You're not going to st
Dante couldn't move from the spot. His whole body hurt, and his chest tightened with each breath. It was a struggle to even open his eyes. "You were lucky, today. Get your pathetic self out of here”, A soldier hissed, kicking him over. Dante let out a weak groan. Almira stopped in front of Kitanna. “Happy now, or do you want me to carry him too?”. “Thank you”, Kitanna smiled. Almira rolled her eyes and walked away. The maid quickly rushed to Dante when she noticed the soldiers ganging up to kick him around. "Enough!” She ordered. They moved away in shock, surprised that the two gorgeous women were going out of their way to save him. “You will harm him no further! Pick him up and follow me”. The soldiers exchanged glances. Her beautiful emerald eyes burned like a flame, challenging them to defy her. They cowered, pulling Dante by his hands off the floor. Kitanna wasn't sure where to take him. Bringing him to Almira's chambers would enrage the princess. She had to find a safe
Everyone was surprised to see Dante ok his feet. They expected he would at least take a week or two to recover. Even Dante couldn't explain the speedy recovery. Though his wounds were still fresh, they didn't hurt nearly as much as they should have. Most people consider speedy recovery a good thing until Dante was involved, then it became sorcery. He kept his eyes on the ground, walking briskly to the kitchen. "Ahhh! Here you are! I was almost sure you wouldn't survive yesterday's torture. Don't you get tired of proving us wrong?" Guirello asked with a sweet smile like his words were innocent.Dante lowered his gaze, willing the ache in his heart to disappear. He had existed in this misery for twenty-one years. One would think he would have gotten used to hurtful words. "Is there anything you want me to do today, sir?" He politely asked. Guirello took a look around the kitchen. "Mmm.. nothing for now. How about you help yourself with some leftovers?".Dante looked up,
Almira watched him intensely. Dante felt uncomfortable under her scrutiny and shifted in his seat several times. Kitanna noticed his movements and turned to Almira, who didn't even blink. "Are you sure you're full, princess? You've barely eaten anything, though you were scolding me for being twenty minutes late", Kitanna attempted to steal her attention away from Dante. "You talk too much", Almira replied without looking away from Dante. "Is my gaze making you uncomfortable?"Dante choked at the question. Kitanna quickly poured him a glass of water. Dante finished it in one gulp and dropped the glass. "So…. What exactly made you choke?" Almira smirked. He almost choked the second time. Deciding he couldn't handle further embarrassment, he opted to leave the table. "T-Thank Y-You for the meal. M-May… I leave now?" He asked, bowing his head. "No, you may not. Finish your breakfast, I'm leaving anyways". Almira stood and walked out of the kitchen after that. Da