Atlas's Pov...Life had always a to slap us hard on the face when we try to find the least happiness for ourselves. It had been this way all the time. For me, for the people around me. No matter how far we go, no matter what height we reach, we can't just escape from the brutality of this Goddamned world.The rain was not harsh but it was biting — biting every corner of my heart it could reach. Caroline's life was so tough already. Why must she go through this again?Rushing towards the lake, I tried to scan each and every nook of the side. But I didn't see any boat or anything. Who the hell did this? What did he want? I was quite sure he was still here. And if this murder was committed here, it was obvious that someone from Xanthan had done this. But I was unable to feel it and indeed, it was weird.I looked around and that was when I excavated a trace. The man must've run so fast with the sword since the black liquid had its sprinkles to somewhere distant, probably in the more centr
Atlas's Pov... “H-How did this happen?” My focus was abruptly diverted from Caroline as a voice crescendoed from behind. The voice was immediately recognizable to me. Ryder was the one. He shall remain unforgettable, that much is certain. His speed was remarkable. His arrival was swift, taking little time to reach this place. However, my focus remained solely on Caroline, and I paid no mind to him or any other distractions. She had been inducing illness upon herself through excessive weeping. Ryder rushed to the lifeless form and dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face in silence. "I was unable to protect you, Your Majesty," lamented the speaker. "Please forgive me," he pleaded with a heavy heart. The downpour had ceased, yet the heavens remained shrouded in a somber veil, as though the impending detonation had yet to transpire. A multitude of individuals had already congregated at this location. The collective astonishment was palpable among them. I was privy to thei
Atlas's Pov...After coming back to the castle, the first person I encountered was my mother. She was standing in front of the door with a proud smile on her face. I had never seen such a smile on her face before. I tilted my head to the lady around her fifties who was standing across my mother. My eyes slightly widened. “You are still alive?” With a low courtesy, she nodded. “I apologize if it disappointed you.” It was Ms. Monica. As far as I remembered, she was the court lady from the era of my father.In this Castle, we barely met and that was why every time an encounter occurs, it becomes too hard for me to recall her name. I couldn't actually even remember when we last met. Probably, it had been months. I didn't argue with her, knowing she had a sharp tongue. Rolling my gaze, I looked at my mother and confusion washed me all over again.She was still smiling and clearly had something to tell me. There was no way in hell that she will be proud of me because I did nothing great.
Author's Note: starting from this chapter the next 15 chapters will have the back story of their past-life which was about hundreds of years ago. It's going to clarify why they had been mated. You can jump to the present time (their current life) if you want. Thanks. 18th century... On October 19, 1701, Lilith Park and her unidentified husband had a baby girl. The baby girl wasn't informed about his father after emerging in this world. All she knew was the title which was "Brown" since her name was announced as Catherine Brown, and her mother's title was "Park" — the royal title. As the members of the noble Park Richard, her mother's family was related to the royal family of Winderfell. Although the little girl Catherine was an orphan by the age of 12, she was chosen to go on to become the first bride of the future King, Park Kai, the elder son of Park Charles. Park Kai actually served as a figurehead for his father and regent, the Charles. It was Charles who chose the orphan as th
18th century… When Catherine took her steps out of the palace, she inhaled a deep breath that filled her lungs. When the wind ran its icy fingers through her hair, she grinned through chapped lips. She was where she wanted to be. She felt alive after so many years, it was just her, the wind, and the heavy breaths. She got herself back as her Yeji called her from behind. “Your majesty. Everything is ready.” Catherine rolled her eyes around. Everything was ready. Horses were lined up in a row, on them the horsemen, the warrior and a new face, his eyes held downward. She started to take steps towards them, everyone bowed to her. They couldn't take their eyes down from her except the unknown one. As Catherine shifted her eyes uneasily, they averted their obvious gazes. Catherine's personal maids were following her from behind. She stole a glance at the horses, scanning her horse, "My personal secretary Yeji will go with us in the horse cart. Alex, my current warrior teacher will go wi
18th century… The horses were running very fast, creating beats on the empty streets. The heavy breeze was making Catherine's hair messy. Atlas rolled his eyes and stole a glance at her. But he quickly turned his face as his breath started becoming heavier, "You should be more careful. Why did you tie your hair like this? You should have just covered your hair with something." "I know. You'll not know this feeling. It's kinda fun." Catherine smiled. Atlas furrowed his forehead, "What?" They were talking loudly. Alex looked back at Atlas as he heard his loud voice. He is crazy, right? Catherine tilted her head in confusion. What's wrong with this man? Why is he this cold? "Maybe, I will catch a cold soon. Why are you being so cold to me? You are not even using honorifics. Why?" She asked. Atlas heaved a deep sigh. "I'm not using honorifics but I am not being disrespectful, right? I am always the same. I am not using honorifics because I am older than you. I know, I should honor t
18th century… "Atlas?" A skinny girl shouted as if she was very shocked. Catherine took a glance at the girl first who was standing not so far away from them. Then she looked at Atlas who was getting off from his horse. They left Yeongnam in the morning and arrived at their next destination "village Yeongdong." Atlas was announcing that to everyone. It was already crowded with villagers. Catherine asked Atlas when she saw that girl was glancing at him for a long time, "Atlas, do you know her?" Atlas looked at Catherine and then he started looking around searching, "Who?" Catherine pointed out that girl with her finger. Atlas's gaze followed her finger. As he saw the girl, he said with widened eyes, "Suzy." Alex looked at Suzy and ran to her, "Yea. Suzy." Suzy smiled, "Hi handsome." Atlas blinked his eyes and murmured, "Why is this girl here?" Catherine looked at Atlas with curiosity, "You know her!" As Suzy grinned, Atlas came to the girl. Catherine followed him. Seeing the futur
18th century… "Yah. What's wrong? Why are you sweating? You don't look good." Atlas opened his eyes when he heard a familiar voice. It was Catherine. He quickly got up and looked at Catherine who was standing beside his bed. Before he could react, Catherine again asked worriedly, "Are you okay?" He was sweating and struggling in sleep. Catherine was passing by his room. When she heard some noise, she came into his room and saw him sleeping. Atlas realized his past was just bothering him in his dream. He sighed and teased, "Why do you care? I thought you are too busy to care about anyone." Catherine's expression darkened, she smiled weakly, "Ah. That's right. I was just passing by. I heard some noise. So I came in. And your door was open." Atlas nodded and sighed, "Can I ask you a question?" Catherine nodded, "Ask." Atlas looked deep into her eyes and asked, "You really didn't miss me? You aren't happy to see me?" Catherine gulped, her eyes welled up as she looked deep into his eyes