Chapter Five

What now?

Right!

I need a toilet and fast. I don’t think I could last longer than it already has. 

“Hey! Ricky, where’s the CR?” I hollered while half of my body was outside the door.

“LOOK AROUND YOUR ROOM!” He yelled back from somewhere in the apartment.

I did what he said. And there it was, my salvation and the demise of the monsters residing on my now empty stomach. I scrambled to my feet almost tripping in the process.

A few minutes later. I am already humming a tune feeling relieved and contented. Like I had been lifted to the air and just float there. I looked at myself in the mirror. 

Na-ah-ah. Your wrong people. 

I looked perfect thanks to the very light makeup I applied last night. At least I am pretty while in the presence of the high and mighty devil. 

“Hah! Take that as*h*ole!” I whispered-yelled in front of the mirror. 

Did I say it right? I heard Lena screamed that line once but I cannot be sure what does it mean. Then I remember the diner and my job. What am I going to do?

And Lena. Sh*t!

I forgot about her. Did she come home safe? Is she looking for me? Worrying for my poor self? What am I suppose to do?

Maybe I could convince Alaric into getting my few belongings at the apartment and maybe ask him to leave a letter for my friend informing her that I am safe and alive.

The deal was clear and simple. I'm not allowed to go outside, no phone calls or anything that includes computer and laptop or internet connections. 

Aargh!

Should I trust him into going to my apartment without harming Lena in the process? What should I tell her? 

I splashed my face with the ice-cold water from the faucet washing down the dirt and frustration that painted on my face. 

What should I do now?

Well, better face the inevitable than waste time thinking about all the what if’s. It would not be solved on its own.  Better face the music now and dance with it. The outcome may never be satisfying but at least I tried. 

“It’s not like it was a big favor. Besides I need to change my clothes sometime in the very near future.” I mumbled looking at my reflection in the mirror. 

It was a small reassurance to myself that everything would go smoothly. Or I am just fooling myself?

I cringed.

I exited the room cautiously.

“There’s no landmines on the floor or traps for that matter.” A deliciously deep cold voice remarked behind me making me jump a foot in the air. I put a hand on my chest feeling the wild beating of my spooked heart.

“Ha-ha. I never thought you’ve possessed an ounce of sense of humor to save you slowly dying boring soul.” I faced him, basking in his panty-dropping presence.

Staring at his slightly parted lips. It looked so soft and inviting despite the cold, lifeless exterior of this man.

My hand unconsciously wipes the drool that slowly making its way out of my parted lips. 

“I assumed you're looking for me.” He said coldly. 

I cleared the lump that momentarily stuck on my throat.

“I…Uhm…y-yeah.” I stammered, nodding my head.

Pull yourself together Victoria this isn’t you. You were raised as a princess and taught to be calm and collected at all costs. A small voice boomed inside my head.

But this isn’t home and they don’t know about that. And, and this me, the real me. I am Sarah now, not Victoria Lyn de Cordova of The Kingdom of Terra. Not the princess that does not exist and keep hidden from the eye and knowledge of the kingdom’s enemies. 

I was the weak part of the kingdom’s strong foundation. Caleb, my brother had always said that one of these days I would bring my own kingdom’s downfall and my people’s death and misery. 

Right at this moment, I did not exist. How could they find a girl that unknown to everyone? This is my life now and I'm going to grab this chance to create my future. 

‘But there would never be a future for you inside this apartment.’ The same small voice said. I vanished the negative thoughts that slowly consuming me.

At the same time. I was pulled from my conflicting thoughts when I heard the end of Alaric’s dialogue. Never mind the others, the last word, that’s the most important thing right now aside from my clothes and the letter.

Food.

“Where?” I craned my neck past the alcove, looking for the food he's talking.

“Come.” Then he stalked past me, leading the way.

“Hey. Uhm. Can I asked a very, very small favor?” I grimaced. Bracing myself for the worst outcome.

“What?”

“Well, if I were to stay here then I need my belongings here.” I added.

“No.” He answered immediately.

“There’s just a few. I promise.” I said, speed walked to match his long gait. 

“And?” 

“Huh?” My brows furrowed in confusion. I shook my head unable to comprehend him. It was like he wants me to understand in codes. 

“I know there is more to your very, very small  favor.” I grimaced again when he hit the pot. So that's what he was asking. The real reason why I need him to go to my old apartment. 

How can he know that?

“Just…Uhm…”

He stopped abruptly making me stumbled on his broad, warm back.

“Oomph!” I stepped back immediately facing away to hide my flaming face that resembled an overripe tomato. 

“Can you spell it out already?” He snapped, sounding annoyed. Is he not happy that he have a servant? Or annoyed at the fact that his servant dared to ask him a favor because of his not-so-stupid rules.

“So you're doing it?” He grunted. 

My mouth twitched upward. 

On the corner of my eye, I saw him sending daggers in my direction.

“I want you to leave a letter for Lena. She's my roommate and I'm sure she's looking for me right now.” The daggers suddenly became sharper and deadlier. 

I flinched.

“No. No. It's not what you think it is. I just want to tell her I am okay and to not worry about me.” I feel defensive. Who wouldn't be Alaric is a dangerous man, he could harm me or Lena if I did something wrong. 

“You could read and approve the note,” I added. “I promise no funny business.” I looked at him giving my puppy dog eyes which always work with Lena.

I can see the raging battle inside his eyes and the way his face twitched every other second. 

Finally, after a minute that seems like forever he gave me a very stiff nod. 

“ Now come. You have a lot to do after you eat.”

Great, just great.