"Are you all right?"
Recognizing the voice, my eyes went up at once like a reflex. The man's dark eyes reflected the shock in my expression. His hand was at the back of my waist, the other was on my elbow, holding me in place.
The loud pounding in my chest gave me difficulty in breathing. I was never been this close to any man. I was a royal entertainer, but my job was only to offer dance, to entice audience with my moves, not to lure men.
See? He's a nice man, Raja's voice echoed in my head, reminding me how awkward our position was. I quickly stepped away from him as if I'd be burned if I didn't.
"Why? What's wrong?" The man's forehead creased, confused of my action. Why would he need to understand anyway?
"Nothing, sir... I just want to say thank you for saving me. I'm going now—"
"You don't seem to know Solterra. Are you from another kingdom, perhaps?" He advanced once step. My grip on the cloak tightened. My obvious anxiety made him stop from going further.
"I'm sorry. Do I scare you?"
I shook my head. It's true. I'm not scared of him. I'm actually scared that he might recognized me as that entertainer. I don't want anyone to recognize me as that girl. Most importantly, I don't want to be thrown back to Eravia. There's no way I'd go back to that life again.
"No," I replied. "I'm just not comfortable around men. I apologize if that offended you."
"Oh. Apologies if I made you uncomfortable. It wasn't my intent to touch you without consent, but it was necessary to do it."
I nodded once.
Asking for help wouldn't hurt you, would it? Raja again with his suggestion.
Does keeping your mouth shut hurts, Raja? It's my decision to make.
But it would be beneficial for the both of us. I'm just concerned for you, my lady.
"Do you need any help? I'm Demitri by the way."
Now you don't have to ask. He offered the help himself. Don't tell me you'd say no, Raja and his very helpful mouth.
His clothing suggests simplicity but I could smell gold from his pockets. I think this man is capable enough to provide for your needs.
Should I say thank you for that information? I replied sarcastically.
You're welcome.
"How nice of you to ask that. Thank you." I smiled to the man to at least return the favor.
His eyes drifted to my bare feet. I was suddenly embarrassed. I looked hideous for sure. I don't need a mirror to confirm that.
"Were you in such a hurry that you forgot your footwears?" Demitri was quiet an observant. It's not only that. The way words rolled out of his tongue seemed like he already has his own answers to his question. I can see that he's a smart man. The exact reason why I should avoid him.
Avoid? Raja echoed.
"If you don't mind, I'll go ahead. I have to... meet someone," I lied. "Um, thank you again, Demitri."
His part his lips, but before he could utter a word, I was already walking away.
He was about to ask your name. You're very impatient, Raja told me.
I thought you can't read other people's minds?
I didn't read his mind. I knew it based on his expression. Now where are you planning to go? You could have saved yourself from hunger and being homeless if you had only accepted Demitri's help—
Which is not a good idea, I interjected.
How would you know if you won't try it?
It's just, I feel like there's something about Demitri that would bring more complications to my life. Plus the fact that he already had seen me before. More reasons why I should not associate myself with him in any way.
You could have at least asked him to buy you a pair of footwear so you wouldn't look too weird walking around people barefooted like a girl from neolithic era.
Will you please give me a moment of silence, Raja? I have to think.
Of course, my lady.
I continued walking. Raja gave me a moment of silence as I wished. I was glancing side by side as I went on and on. Until I stopped in front of an adequate looking tavern.
It would be nice to sit and drink inside comfortably, wouldn't it? I sighed when I heard a rumbling noise and realized it was my hungry stomach.
You've wasted opportunity. Now, how can I help with that mundane needs of yours?
I scorned. Don't worry. You don't have to do anything about it. You just have to seal your mouth tight.
How thoughtful of you, my lady.
It's ironic how he can be sarcastic and stay polite at the same time. I don't know if I should be offended or be honored.
"Uhm, hello?"
I jumped a bit when I heard a voice from behind. I turned and saw a woman, probably just a decade older than me, looking at me with round, curious brown eyes. She has a pleasant face, her dress was tidy as well as her hair. She looked fine, decent.
"Perhaps, are you lost, young lady?"
Just say you are a traveler who encountered bandits along the way, Raja suggested.
"Uh... sort of," I replied shyly.
Her foreahead creased, empathy was evident in her eyes.
"What kingdom are you from, then?"
Ledoss.
"L-Ledoss," I echoed Raja's answer. "I'm actually a traveler, madam. I was heading north, but I encountered a group of bandits along the way. They stole everything I have..." my voice broke at the last word like a line delivered by a skilled actor. I felt sorry for lying but this is a chance to ask for help. I can't just stay overnight walking without point of direction.
"Oh goodness heavens! What tragedy you've went through!" Sympathy and horror reflected on her face.
"Come, come. Let's talk about it inside my tavern," she added and led the way inside.
I could not believe it. Marching down the long aisle, with hundreds or even thousands of witnesses, it felt so surreal. I still couldn't believe that I did really reached this point, that I am finally marrying the man I had ever loved and the same man I will love till I die, or even beyond death. I couldn't express how I feel. I am so happy to the point that I can't help my tears. Yeah, tears of joy. Why would someone so happy would cry in sadness in the middle of her wedding anyway? No one would. Especially not me. What I feel is nothing but pure happiness. My father, Orion, Lucia... my whole family was there. And the whole De'beuvor family was also present. King Arthur and Queen Romina had big, genuine smiles as they watched me walked towards their eldest son. Actually, Orion wanted to walk me to the altar but Father said that he should let me walk alone because he believes that I am a strong and independent woman who would shine better
Demitri, his brothers and Prince Evan joined us in our table with Father, Orion, Lucia and her parents, Aunt Amelia and Uncle Benedict. I then started explaining to my newly found family what I had went, how I met Demitri and how I became the crown princess of Solterra. They all were surprised, of course except Orion and Lucia because they had known it all along. Demitri also announced to everyone that we are getting married as soon as possible.Marriage has never been in my mind ever since. It felt like I am too young for it and I still have so many things to do, to discover, to explore, without a man beside me. Before, I always wanted to be independent. Someone who doesn't depend on others. But since the moment I realized how I feel for Demitri, I knew then that I have no chance to turn back the time and avoid meeting Demitri with all my might. I have no chance of unloving him because he is the man who gave me so much hope and love. He sheltered me. He showed me the kind of
I led Demitri to the palace garden where it was only the two of us who were around."What are you doing?" I asked, frowning at him.He gave me a serious and lethal look as though I have something like unpaid debt to him."Aren't I the one supposed to be asking you that? You just disappeared all of a sudden leaving nothing but a fucking farewell letter! Now answer me. What the hell are you doing, Ophelia?"I sighed. I was lost at words. Right. I know it was wrong to just leave like that after all we have went through. After all those moments we shared. But what could I do? It was the best thing to do at that moment! I can do nothing because I knew that if I would stay, he will die. I have no choice but to stand by that decision. Loving Demitri is a poison to me. I know that from the very start. I know that if I would love him, there is no way for me to get over him.He is the kind of man that once you start to love, you will just find yourself drown
With the help of Orion, I finally had broken the agreement between me and the magical healer. It was a relief that I was finally freed from that agreement that bound us at some way. I was relieved too that I had finally said to Lancelot what is the truth even if I knew it was very painful to him. I had no choice and I knew I had to do it or else he would just waste all his efforts and just be hurt at the end. I do not want him to go through such pain. It was already enough that he was frozen for decades and lost the chance to have a life with his beloved. I feel sorry for him but I know that the least thing I could do is to be honest to him, to say everything I know.Lancelot left Rousiana to meet his father. He was glad that I said the truth to him and was hoping to see us again. He also promised that he will try to live by the life he has now and try not to live on his past that he will not be able touch again."You look so beautiful, Ophelia! Before, I thought you w
I didn't thought that just one snap and my whole life would change. I never wanted to have great position nor power. When my mother was still alive, all I ever wanted was for us to be freed and live a simple life outside the palace. When I was left alone and realized that there was something I didn't know about myself, my goals changed and I then wanted to know the truth behind my identity and who my father was.But I never imagined that there is this kind of life waiting for me here. A life I never thought I had nor I ever dreamed of. I only wanted a simple life, away from complexity of the lives of those in the high society. Although I didn't want to be part of a royal family by marriage or by blood, I am happy that I had finally met my father and my brother. It wasn't a dream this time. It's very real and I couldn't ask for more but to be with them."I can't believe it, Ophelia! It must be the reason why I felt like we are connected in some way I can't name. I
"Ophelia!" Orion called my name in horror and immediately went to me.I lifted my head and told him, "I'm okay. Go to Lucia. She fought with Nerissa and probably got worse injuries."His eyes scanned the place at once. We both found Lucia down in the ground, her leg wounded and the way she looks gave me an idea how weak she is at the moment. She forced herself to summon her white snake, and I'm sure that took her so much spiritual power. It must have been hard especially that she is still so young."What happened?" I sighed in relief when I found Lancelot at my side. He is the sole reason why we are here, and thankfully nothing bad had happened to him or else all our efforts will be wasted."I don't know who you are, but please look over her for a moment," Orion said and looked at me once before he went to Lucia."He must be Orion?" Lancelot asked as he helped me sit down."Yes.""You look so weak, Ophelia. You vomited blood which mea