"What were you doing? Were you discussing your wicked plans to kill me?" The man in an olive coat asked tepidly.
“W-what are you talking about? I just met that guy and… and I don’t even know you.” I defended myself.
His forehead puckered. I saw how his hands gripped firmly to the tawny dowel of the balcony, then he raised his head and chortled in the air. I wonder what was funny with what I have said. He stopped laughing and returned his gaze at me, “Stop acting naively, it doesn’t fit you.” He said sarcastically.
What????
My lips became numb for a moment. I was trying to process the words he just said. I already knew what it meant but I’m thinking of another meaning for it just to not make it sound rude in my head. Shouldn’t this be the first time they have seen me? Or these people are just normally ill-natured, that's why I’m receiving this kind of treatment.
A strong blow of frigid air awakened me from my deep thoughts. Before I could even notice, he was already descending on the stairs.
“Wait!” I squealed. My throat was already painful due to the freezing temperature. Gladly he heard me. He turned back to me but his eyes were disdainful. He’s already giving me an apathetic look but he’s the only one who can help me right now. My foot was still painful and there’s no way I can move while this train is running swiftly. He raised one of his brow like he’s asking what I called him for.
“Please help me get down, I’m scared.” I begged.
“Then use your magic.” He recommended it. I frowned at that idea. What does he think about me? A witch?
And he does. “You’re a witch right? Save yourself. Don’t make yourself look stupidly pitiful there. He was able to jump off so I guess you can fly too. I’m not gonna buy that kind of bluff.” He added. He was about to take a step over but I called him again.
“Please! I don’t understand what you are talking about and why you’re telling me to stop acting but I really can’t do anything here. Please.” I asked humbly. I knew he was being cold towards me but this isn’t the time to entertain my pride. I really needed help. The old man didn’t even give me a summary of what I must do or atleast a map to where I should go. Why did I even deal with him? What was I thinking back there?
He ducked his head for a while before he turned and took steps towards me. I felt giddy and weak. I guess the temperature of my body was already dropping. He took my arm to help me stand but I fell as soon I felt my wounded foot. He noticed the blood so he bent down to take a closer look. My body twitched when his hands reached to grab me from behind, then he effortlessly lifted me up with his sinewy arms.
“Thank you.” I whispered.
He continued walking towards the balcony and we ascended to a luxurious expanse of the train. The outer feature was just a deception for the hidden grandeur. There were chandeliers glistening on the wall and its reflections were scattered dazzling with the prehistoric furniture I haven’t seen yet in my entire 19 years of existence. My eyes wandered to the stunning view of the place. It was like a small palace. There were a few men wearing red robes of russet, like that of the medieval time. They bowed as we walked on the golden clothed aisle.
Someone who was wearing a black cloak and had a sword on his belt greeted us. “Your highness.”
He looked dazzling when some threads of his tousled black hair fell into his face as he bowed slightly. When he raised his head, my eyes met his winter gray eyes.
“Your eyes are beautiful.” I commented unconsciously. He bowed swiftly to avoid my eyes. Was he shy? But I was surprised when I noticed that the man who was carrying me was already glaring at me. “What’s with you?” He murmured. “I’m just commending his eyes, what’s wrong with that?” I grumbled. He only shook his head and turned to the man who greeted us.
“Vivar, prepare the room.” He commanded and the man in black cloak went ahead as we followed.
So that guy’s name was Vivar. How unique.
“What is this place?” I asked, but I didn’t receive a response. I started to notice his face was small and his jawline was perfectly molded. He has deep hazel brown eyes which match his curtained hair shaded in medium champagne. My eyes traveled down and I swallowed as I caught the prominence of his adam's apple. I didn’t notice I was already running my fingers to my dried lips while gazing at him.
What is wrong with me? I shook my head to contain myself. He noticed me staring at him so he stopped. He sighed before he looked at my goggling eyes. “Stop it. You’re being weird” He sounded irritated.
“Sorry, I was just checking you.” I blurted. I covered my mouth in embarrassment. Why is this mouth so careless! “I mean I was just uhm.. Wondering who you are.. Yeah! I was just checking who you are.” I tried to dupe him.
His brows furrowed and he swallowed dryly before he spoke, “I’m your fiance.” Then he started walking towards an open room with lux draping curtains. It took moments before his words sunken into my dumb head.He’s my…. what???!
We were already inside a room surrounded by rippled velvet curtains. There was a big disk-shaped cushion embroidered with black roses and sheer white fabrics draped from the wall to the sides of the bed. “Did you just say I’m your fiance?” I tried to confirm. He laid me down at the edge of the couch. I was still waiting for his response but he kept himself busy looking for something in the drawer of the bedside table.“Aren’t you going to answer me? You’re just bluffing right?” I smiled scornfully. He remained silent as he closed the drawer and paced towards me with a small chest on his hands. He dropped one of his knees and was about to open the chest. What is he doing… is he going to propose now?“Wait! How can you ask someone you
“You..” My mother gasped. She looked astounded as she stared at me. The veins on her wrinkled hands were already protruding due to her inexplicable rage. “W-when did you start using magic? Have you been hiding that for a long time?” She interrogated me. I didn’t understand the magic she was talking about. I thought she stopped that pot herself from hitting me, but it seemed it wasn’t her doing. How did it turn into dust? Is someone trying to protect me?I was so deep in my thoughts when my witch mother suddenly created fire in her hands. I was flabbergasted as I watched her throw the fire at me. Was she really trying to kill me? Due to the overwhelming event, I forgot to breathe as I gaped at the approaching ball of fire.My heart freaked out as the flame got closer, but when it was only a few inches away from me, it suddenly turned into a smoke. I couldn’t explain how it happened but I’m thankful I was not burned. I sighed in relief knowing that the universe is st
My mother has already left the room. I’m still bothered about how I am going to help this girl and her mother to be unleashed from that wicked witch. How powerful is she? I heard Namir yawning beside me and I ended up imitating it. I’m feeling tired for no reason, but I’m actually hungry as well. I tried to get up to have a bite on what my mother had brought for me to eat. My foot still stings but it wasn’t as painful as earlier, maybe it’s starting to heal.I took a loaf of bread and tasted it. My taste buds were disappointed as I chewed disfavorably. It’s not even sweet. I grumbled to myself. But I didn’t have a choice, it was the only food I had. I wasn’t able to finish the small slice so I put it back on the tray. I started to miss my mom’s pastries. I won’t last a day without sugar, I want to eat something sweet! I felt depressed thinking about the foods I wanted but I haven’t so I threw myself on the tattered bed. Heavy dust puffed out from the sheets m
I could see our flashing shadows on the ground as we ran under the brimming moon of the dead night. The air was cold but my heart was filled with drive as we dashed through the shades of the giant trees. I’m not sure where we are heading but I can feel Namir’s confidence. It has been living in this place so it probably knows where we must go. The thrill of riding its back was overwhelming and the minty smell of the bushes were helping me alter my mood.I was amazed when we crossed the lake and Namir just ran above the surface of the water. I lowered my body on the other side to reach the water and I glided my hands through it. Some drizzles splashed through my face and my body flinched as I felt the icy sensation. Namir slowed down when we reached the shore. There were so many fireflies beaming all over the trees. I rode off with my bare feet on the fine sands. I paced slowly to feel my wounded foot and gladly I could move it better.I explored the foreshore and picked som
Amaris idly chewed a breech leaf as he waited for his prey to come up. The crooked branch where he was hiding was a perfect spot for him to see a wide angle of the ground, and the twig spaces were just enough for the moonlight to pass through. He has been waiting for hours already and he thought of hunting for humans instead if he won’t catch any boar tonight. He decided to extend his patience for a few more minutes. Finally he heard rustling of the shrubs below. He squinted his eyes to see where the sound came from. A large pig head peeked out from the thick bushes just behind the tree where he was. He licked his upper lip and gulped as he imagined a mouthful roasted meat that he’ll be having tonight. After calculating its movements, he jumped off and landed on its broad back. “Gotcha!” He gripped his legs around it while it tried to buck him off. It ran around but he let it be since he enjoyed having the short ride. Just a few moments later, the boar’s pac
It was almost an hour when Amaris had left. The night became peaceful and the only sound heard was the calm waves crashing on the shore, and the salty smell of the sea was filling the air. Nemiah had already fallen asleep. She was unaware about the transformation of the tiger she was fond of. Namir turned into a beautiful young man as soon as she had fallen into a deep sleep. His shoulder length ginger hair fell on his face when he nudged his head to peek on Nemiah who was sleeping on his lap. He smiled and his golden eyes glistened under the moonlight. He gently tucked the strands behind her ear. Nemiah winced as his fingers brushed her skin. He remembered what Amaris did to her a while ago, and his face glowered. His closed fists were trembling in anger, annoyed that he wasn’t able to protect her princess from the beast. “If only I was in my human form, I could’ve smashed his face on the ground!” He grumbled to himself as he stared furiously at his closed fists, the
Drops of tears fell on the tactile painting of a beautiful princess smiling gracefully. The grievous queen stroked her fingers on the painting, reminiscing their good old days together. The wicket door creaked and Caius came in to greet her mother.“Was it today?” He asked fretfully, and wiped her tears with his gentle hand. The queen nodded and smiled bitterly. She tried to put back the painting on the wall but Caius took it from her and hung it perfectly.“Do you want to visit her grave tonight? I’ll give you a ride.” He offered. Queen Morrigan shook her head and answered, “Let’s do that after your marriage. I want Nemiah to come with us.” Caius frowned as soon as he heard Nemiah’s name. “Why would you want her to come with us? Her family killed Queen Tamara and her daughter. I don’t understand why you’re so fond of her. I get that you agreed to our marriage because of Dubheasa’s threat, but you seemed to like that little witch.” He prote
Vivar escorted Raven to leave the palace. Caius was still doubting Raven's actions towards them and thought that she had put on a quite convincing show. He presumed that the mother and daughter had a hidden agenda to persuade them and he must catch them red handed beforehand. “Are you still in doubt?” Morrigan barged in the middle of his suspicion. “Why? Did you fall for that facade?” “I’m a mother too. I know she was sincere.” She argued. She reached his son’s face with her gentle warm hand. “Please disregard your hate for witches at the moment. We need to find Nemiah first. And I’m also worried about that child. I don’t know why she ran away but she probably is going through a difficult time right now. So go, Caius. I want you to bring her to the palace first.” She requested earnestly. Caius was hesitant, but seeing her mother’s distinct agony, he finally gave in.“Fine. But we need to be careful. We never know what’s behind their scheme
The crescent moon shone brightly on the open window of my room. The night sky looked so peaceful and Caius was standing there, watching the spectacular view. But seeing Caius's dropped shoulders, I knew his thoughts were clouded tonight. "Can't you choose to stay?" He asked in a melancholic tone, still has his back on me.I bit my lower. I can't. Well I don't know how I'm gonna get back to my real world but once my mission here is done, I'll probably be gone in this place. And I don't really belong here. I have a family in my real world who are waiting and might be worrying about me by now."I'm sorry, Caius. I can't." I gasped, almost sounding like a whisper.He took a deep breath, loud enough for me to understand that he wasn't happy about my response. He slowly turned around, trying to make a smile. "Maybe the place you really belong to is so beautiful and peaceful that you don't want to stay here." He muttered."Well…" I paused for a moment to look at his sullen eyes. "It's not t
"You're dazzling, honey!" Queen Morrigan clasped her hands in awe as she looked at me from head to toe. The dress perfectly fit me like the sewist seemed to know the exact measurements of my body, though nobody came to take measures.I turned around as I stared blankly at the mirror. The queen helped me a lot with all the undergarments. Though it looked so lavish, the weight of the fabrics were a bit uncomfortable. She also fixed my curly hair with golden pins. The messy bun perfectly matched the shape of my face. It looked elegant in a simple way. I didn't know the queen had such a talent for this. I thought it's her maids that style her all the time. "Let me put some tint on your face. You're looking a little pale. Are you sure you're already feeling better?" She took my hand and guided me to the couch to let me sit. "Yes, your highness." I forced a smile to convince her.She stared at me for a moment before. Then she sighed giving me a simper. "Can you stop calling me like that?
I still haven't talked to Aries since they figured out I'll be leaving this place soon. He walked out as soon as I confirmed to them that what the elders said was true. Caius was also speechless about it. He wanted to talk to me but I refused. I wanted to take a break first. I'm overwhelmed with this situation. And now, the elders held a ball to celebrate my arrival. I'm already flustered with agitation due to my mission. And I'm dead worried about Aries. How am I going to explain everything to him? Now I regret not telling him the truth right away.*Knock*KnockI was awakened from my misery when I heard soft knocks on the door. I was currently in an extravagant room prepared by the elders for me. The entire room was as big as our townhouse in my real world. Every piece of furniture has a touch of gold, making me feel suffocated with the luxury around me. This doesn't help elevating the pressure strangling me now."Do you need help, Nemiah?" Queen Morrigan called from the other side o
"What's wrong?" Dubheasa wondered why her soldiers came back to the shore looking frustrated."The houses are empty." One of the soldiers reported."What do you mean empty? Where will the people who live there go?" She snapped. "W-We searched each house but no one we're there. They left all their belongings but no one was found." The other shadow uttered in a trembling voice."What?! There's no way they've already escaped. How would they know?" The veins on her forehead showed how much she was enraged at the moment. Unconvinced, she sprinted to the village and checked some of the houses herself. She got more furious each time she wrecked the door and no one was inside. She tried to contemplate what could have happened. "Amaris. That ungrateful idiot!" She growled. She couldn't think of any other reason for the people to know about her conquest. Only Amaris knew she was going to attack the village tonight."Find them in every corner of this island and kill them! They have no other pla
The sky was dark and thunderstorms roared synchronizing with the heavy gushing of the rain. It was supposed to be a glorious day for Dubheasa but the weather doesn't seem to cooperate with her plans. She slouched on her throne while distressingly pressing her temples with her fingers. She was waiting for an alternate plan to destroy the village."My queen. The rain still hasn't stopped. Should we wait for it to cease before we proceed with the plan?" One of her soldiers came in to report. Dubheasa threw a sharp glance at him, making his body tremble in fear. He decided to bow his head to avoid the eye contact."Hasn't Jack come back yet?" She asked in a cold voice. Little did she know, the man she's waiting for has already turned into ashes."N-Not yet, your highness." The servant stuttered in fear."What could have happened to that old man? I just asked him to spy on Amaris and they both haven't returned yet." She straightened her back and took a deep breath. "I have a bad feeling ab
(While Nemiah and her allies were stuck in the mansion..)Druji was feeling dizzy, keeping her eyes on her mother as she walked back and forth near the entrance of the cave. The anxiousness was written all over the queen's face as she took glances at the entrance, hoping the people she's waiting to return would show up anytime now."Mother, you've been like that for an hour already. Please calm down. Maybe they couldn't return yet due to the incessant pouring of the rain." Druji stood from her seat and stopped her mother from wandering around."I just can't help it. It's almost dark and there's still no news from them." The queen fretted, her hands were trembling as she clasped and unclasped them."Your highness. Aries is with them so don't have to worry. They're probably on their way now. Let's just wait here." Gili sighed as he watched the pouring rain outside. He knew that Dubheasa and her armies might be on their way now to destroy the village. He's also wondering why they haven't
"Let's get inside, Nemiah. Everyone is waiting for you." Caius took my hand, about to lead me back to the portal."Hang on. How about the queen and the kids? I thought we're going to save the people too?" Aries pondered."The guy who welcomed us said that they're already inside. I haven't checked, though." I informed him. I began to wonder how they took the people and convinced them to come. I'm really curious about that place.Aries's forehead creased as soon as he heard me. He seemed faltered. I know he's also wondering how they're already inside. The rain almost stopped. Dubheasa probably has released her army to proceed with her evil plan. Just as I thought about it, the trees and nearby bushes rustled clamorously. "Let's get inside, Nemiah. I think Dubheasa's troops are already searching for us." Caius carefully looked around, tracing any shadows of the enemies."Aries. Come on!" I called him, who was also checking around."What did you just call him?" Caius's face dazed as he l
"What are you doing!" I was finally able to get my energy back. I pushed him as hard as I could. He started to faint and fell on his knees. He spewed some black pearls like that of what Druji has vomited when I touched her. It vanished in the air as soon as it touched the ground.I dashed to approach him and gently rubbed his back. "Are you feeling alright now?" I fretted.He raised his head and wiped his mouth with the back of his hands. Grinning at me, he said, "More than alright." Then his eyes lowered on my lips, making the blood rush throughout my body. I could feel my face burning so I quickly stepped away from him."Pervert," I grumbled to myself as I touched my lips with my shaking fingers. "Why did you do that? You could have just touched me." I complained. Amaris chuckled as he got up and dusted off his pants. "Because I want to remove the curse that way. It worked perfectly though.""I shouldn't have stepped out for you.""But you did. Why did you?" He teased me, gliding s
“What is this place?” I jumped off the horse to get a better look at the breathtaking view of the paradise we were currently in. I heard everyone gasp in awe as they entered the portal. We were on concrete pavement and it was leading to a stunning white palace ahead. It was three times bigger and extravagant than that of Queen Morrigan's palace. Looking from afar, everything was painted in white and the windows seemed to be made of dazzling gold. What kind of people are living here? Or are they even people? This place is terrifically marvelous. I badly wanted to ask the horses since they're the one who brought us here. But it won't make sense since I don't understand them. I wonder if Namir could do that for me. I wandered my eyes around. There are thousands of white roses along the path. It looks exactly like what we have in Kuu's cave. Did those roses come from here? I could also hear the calming sound of a gushing falls somewhere. I wonder how this kind of bewildering place exists